Ironman 70.3

Last week we headed to Galveston, Texas for a vacation disguised as a triathlon...or the other way around depending on who you ask.

I'll get to the "vacation part" later but let me brag a little here...

Sunday my hubby swam 1.2 miles, biked 56 miles and ran 13.1 miles for a total of 70.3 miles.
See that white stuff on his suit? It's salt, and not from the ocean.
This is a half-Ironman, people.
And he did it in 6 hours, 17 minutes...which is 33 minutes under his personal goal!

He placed 770 out of 1337 finishers and this was his first Ironman event.

Is he crazy?
yes
Are we proud?
you bet.

April Afternoons

We have spent every decent afternoon outdoors lately.
The kids can't get enough of it!
Jumping, riding, digging, running, climbing, blowing bubbles...

Hope you're enjoying Spring as much as we are.

This little piggy...

I was in a surly mood tonight,
cleaning up the mess that appears in Brinley's room on a daily basis.

Then I spotted this scene and I couldn't help but smile.

Where else would a pig be?

Wordless Wednesday

He's reaching new heights

Our kitchen table used to be the "safe zone" where Ben & Brinley
could play legos, play-doh, or with her new bucket of 500 beads...

not anymore, there's been an invasion!
It took Bo (who is half monkey like his brother) all of 2 days to master the chair and move on up with a swiftness he otherwise does not exhibit.

So now when you come to my house you will find all the chairs pulled out and turned over.
Don't be alarmed, just sit on the couch.

Easter

Easter morning at Nece & PawPaw's:

There may have been some sneaking...And a chocolate casualty...
But there was definitely a lot of cuteness!

And it's not that Brinley is my favorite
(because really, could I ask for more handsome men?)
but her outfit IS my favorite Easter dress to date! My pictures don't do it justice but I love, love it all the way down to the flower in her hair..which she lost before the hunt even began!

We have a great hunt in Texas every year and I love that, because I always had awesome egg hunts with my cousins and it makes for precious memories.

At least until they can appreciate the real joy in Easter Sunday.

Here kitty, kitty party...

So, Brinley loved her Jeep!
She drives all around the cul-de-sac, hopping curbs and skidding to a stop...hmm, she must get that from her dad ;-)

Brinley wanted a cat cake (pink of course!) so we settled on pink/purple calico and had a family party at the park on Saturday.

Four generations were in attendance!
She's just happy to play with her cousins though.
They call her "Princess"...but she's not spoiled or anything.

Happy Birthday My little April Fool!

Dear Brinley,

Daddy and I just finished assembling your Barbie Jeep! I can't wait until you discover it in the morning. It's your favorite colors: pink, purple & green :)

Wow, four already! And on your way to being such a strong young lady. You are a little girl that knows what she wants and aren't afraid to ask for it. Your gymnastics teacher told me just this morning that you were a natural leader. You will try anything, especially something the boys are doing!

You still crawl into mommy's bed most nights and sleep with your "heffys". I even caught you stroking his trunk the way you have since you were a baby (even though you denied it, Ha!)

You love to wear "pretty dresses" and swear your Pumas make you as fast as Amy the hedgehog.

You are a problem solver and can change a set of batteries on your own.

You never tire of puzzles...or puppies.

You are an encouraging little sister, a nurturing big sister and Daddy's "precious".

In a house full of boys, I'm happy to have you on my side.

You are the middle child, like me.
And remember, just like an oreo, the good stuff is in the middle.

Happy 4th Birthday Sweetie!

All my heart,
Mommy