Triathlon Training Begins Today!

So, three years ago right around this time Allen talked me into training for the Chicago Marathon. While that might not seem daunting for seasoned runners, at the time Allen and I couldn't even run HALF a mile! But, Allen made us a 9 month training plan and we hit the gym 6 days a week. At the end of that plan we ran our first race ever--the 2009 Chicago Marathon! So, with that said, I guess I have stalled and bandaided his pleas for another race with smaller races for long enough. While I wouldn't agree to another marathon, I did agree to a triathlon. (I'll let you know in 10 months which is worse.)

We have ordered our bikes, bought our diaper-like bike shorts, special biking shoes, and bike trainers (that let us ride in place in the living room), tried on and purchased the ultra-hideous swimsuits (jammers for Allen instead of a speedo, but honestly just as hilarious to see him wearing) and goggles and swim caps, and all other sorts of special equipment that in my opinion costs WAY too much. And, tonight we start our training plan from ground zero with swimming. Here is the plan that we made yesterday afternoon:

Oh, and did I mention we are tandem training for the Bentonville Half Marathon for the first 19 weeks? Allen seemed to think that would be "fun and challenging." And weeks 30-45 I am just pretending do not exist. But, with all that said, I am looking forward to having time back to spend with my hubby--just me and him. While I will moan and groan along the way, few things beat training for a seemingly impossible goal alongside my best friend.

Princess Luncheon

Every year Brookelyn's school holds and Art Auction to raise money for the teachers to spend on supplies for their classrooms (remember my post of the kids making the melted crayon art). As a part of that event, parents can also donate their "time." So, another mommy, Elizabeth, and I decided to donate a Princess Luncheon for the Kindergarten girls. The parents could sign up their little girls for $10 and then they could come to the luncheon instead of going to school lunch. Here are all our little princesses:

We made little sandwiches and finger foods for them, had Shirley Temples to drink, crafted tissue paper flowers, painted the princesses nails, and even had them make rice krispie treat wands that they dipped into a pink chocolate fountain! Thank goodness my mom and Elizabeth's sister, Sara came to help us! We needed all the help we could get!
But, it was SO much fun and they all had a blast!

Thanksgiving Fun with Kindergarten!

Today was Brookelyn's Thanksgiving celebration. I went up early to help the kids make edible Thanksgiving crafts, and was expecting at least three other mommies to be there to help. However, NO ONE else showed up! So, thank goodness Emily (David's girlfriend) and Sara (one of Brookelyn's friend's aunt) could come to the rescue! Here is Brookelyn holding her goodies (from the left: a pilgrim hat, a tepee, and a turkey):

Then, Gramma and Grampa showed up to surprise Brookelyn! We were so glad they could make it!

Next, the kiddos all got into their "Thanksgiving Best" and we headed down to the cafeteria for our feast!

Here is our little pilgrim!
Brookelyn ate all of her lunch, and we enjoyed chatting together. Here she is with Emily:It was a great morning! Can't wait to celebrate Thanksgiving next Thursday!

Go Hogs! Beat South Carolina & Tennessee!

We have had SO much fun tailgating this football season! Last weekend we cheered the Hogs on as they beat South Carolina. Honey made the kids hundreds of red razorback beads to hand out to the fans as they walked by. Brookelyn couldn't wait to start handing them out!

Here are the kids calling to the people walking by and then handing out their beads. Our set up was perfect because everyone walks right past the fence as they head up to the stadium. The kids were able to hand out the beads and we didn't have to worry about them wandering through crowds of people.
Here is the view from the other side of the fence!
Then, Honey got out her "stash of goodies," which included an interesting game where the kids put on these elephant masks and tried to hook rings on their trunks. However, the trunks looked awfully x-rated. We laughed and laughed. But, hey--it kept the kids entertained!
Here is the princess and her daddy waiting for the game to start!

And, here is B-Man and Honey trying to stay warm! It was SO windy!

Yesterday we cheered the Razorbacks as they gave Tennessee a "whoopin" (as Braedyn says)! Emily and David were back from their cruise (yes, we were all so jealous) and joined in the fun!
We picked up the little Razorback costume from Walmart, and it was a HIT! Braedyn loved running around in it. He even got to meet Marshawn Powell (from the basketball Hogs) and shook his little Razorback tail for him.
Right before kickoff it was sunny and a little warmer, but it got COLD and WINDY quickly!
It wasn't long before my little razorback pooped out! His big sister fell asleep too!

We are so sad the tailgating season is over! And, you can bet Allen is already planning his list of tailgating toys for Santa to bring him for next year!