Boise 70.3 Ironman

I had just about finished up the laundry from last weekend's little vacation when it was time to pack up and leave again.  This time we were off to Boise where Shawn competed in the 1/2 Ironman.  We were back and forth for a while on whether or not the kids were going with us, but in the end we decided to take them.  Peter enjoyed the perks of the luggage cart.

When we got there on Friday, the weather was pretty nice and things were looking pretty good for the race.  Unfortunately, it didn't stay that way.  Shawn wasn't deterred by the weather though.  He was still smiling on the shuttle ride up to Lucky Peaks Reservoir where the race started.

By the time we got up there at 10:15 or so, it was about 42 degrees, with cold, driving rain, and the wind was blowing about 25 mph.  So not ideal race conditions.  I can guarantee that the athletes absolutely dreaded pulling off their shirts to get marked.  It was way too cold.

Due to the fabulous conditions, Shawn decided to trade out his wheels and not race on his disc wheel.  

Everyone looked pretty miserable.  (I felt that way myself.  I was soaked through and freezing.)  I was shivering, as were most of the other people at the race - athletes and spectators.

Shawn gave me his garbage bag to wear once he was putting on his wetsuit.  

Singing of the national anthem at the start of the race.

Yep, I was a vision of beauty at this point and so desperate to go somewhere warm and dry.

After about 2 hours of standing around and freezing, they finally started the race.  But, due to the unsafe conditions out on the road, (ie, gusting winds of 40 mph and snow on the bike course), they decided to cut out most of the bike.  Instead of riding 56 miles, they only rode the 12 miles into town to the bike to run transition.  It was probably the right choice for safety, but was a little frustrating and disappointing for Shawn since he had this fancy new bike and had trained to do the ride.

Shawn's group in the water.  (The red caps.)  He was relieved to finally step into the 57 degree water because it was actually the warmest he'd been in 2 1/2 hours.  (He tried to ignore the fact that as he took in one last big breath and blew it out, he could see his breath.)

Swimming.  Shawn did a great job on his swim and finished within his goal time.   I think they ended up pulling about 50 athletes out of the water with hypothermia or who just couldn't finish after standing around freezing for 2 hours.  I was glad Shawn wasn't one of them.

Out of the water and on his way to his bike.

Headed down the mountain to his next transition.

Unfortunately, due to the change in the race, I was still stuck on the shuttle at the reservoir while Shawn came into the bike to run transition, so I missed it.  This transition was right outside the door of our hotel and the kids were excited to be able to see it.  But, of course, because I wasn't back, they didn't know to go watch. So no one was there to see Shawn.  I snapped a shot of his bike on my way to the finish line.

We did all manage to make it to the finish line to see Shawn come in.  (I was too busy holding kids and cheering to actually take a picture as he came across.)  He felt great on the run and met his goal there, too.  So other than the disappointment about the bike, he felt really good about the race.

Woohoo!  The whole fam at the finish.  Fortunately, the rain had stopped and the sun had come out so it was comfortable to hang out outside for a while.

And wouldn't you know that the next day was beautiful and sunny.  It would have been perfect for a race.  Oh well.  At least it was nice driving home weather.

And, We're Off!

 As usual, we wasted no time in starting into our summer fun.  Once school was out, we were packing up and heading out.  I left first with some friends from the neighborhood to Logan to ride The little Red Riding Hood century.

 The bikes all loaded up on the car...

... and tucked safely into bed in the hotel room for the night.

 We were up bright and early to eat breakfast, drive to Lewiston, unload the bikes and start riding!

Kim W. and I ready to roll.

Carol and Kristen

Kim and Carol at the start line.

Kristen and me at the start line.

 This ride is ridiculously well supported, with tons of food and drink at every stop.  Not to mention wipes, sunscreen, ibuprofen and anything else you can think of.

Kristen enjoying a peanut butter covered oreo at one of the stops.  Pretty much everything tastes good when you ride 100 miles.

Unfortunately, Kristen had a couple of mechanical issues with her bike seat during the ride, but like I said, it is extremely well supported, and you can find someone pretty quickly to fix whatever is wrong.

I hung out with the Big Bad Wolf for a little while at the finish until everyone else came in.

We posed for a few pictures with Little Red, as well.  (She left her Red Riding Hood at home this year.)

Everyone happy to have finished and be off the bikes.

At the finish line.

Meanwhile, on Friday, I had packed the kids suitcases as well, and Shawn took them all to bear Lake for a couple of days.  They spent time at the beach.  (I think Shawn was the only one to venture into the 50-somethig degree water this time.)

Lots of time at the playgorund.

Since I wasn't there, I don't know if the tears in these pictures are because the ride was stopping or because he wasn't enjoying it in the first place.  (Peter just looked at the pictures and informed me, "I don't like that Merry-go-Round."  So now I know.)

Ideal Beach is one of the rare places where you can still find one of these.  (Is that what it's called? A Merry-go-round?)

Everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

Apparently, they stayed out fairly late.  (Peter and Jonas on the swings.)

Of course, there was plenty of time spent sitting around and reading.

And traipsing around from place to place.

There was also tennis and swimming and shakes at La Beau's.  Apparently enough activity to wear some of them out...

A fun and busy weekend, and summer vacation has barely started. Can't wait to cram in a few more things before the month is out!

School's Out!!

It seemed like this day would never get here.  But we are all ready to celebrate now!

The school year can be completely exhausting.

Good thing there was this nice cool, green grass to collapse onto.

I'm sure they will recover pretty quickly once they remember it's summer vacation.  I can hear the popsicles calling already.

A couple of shots from the flag ceremony at the end of the school day.  They gather the entire student body to retire the flag for the summer.  It's pure mayhem once it's over.  (They are all very quiet and respectful during the flag ceremony though.)

A flattering shot of the girls' principal, Mr. Flanagan at the begining of the ceremony.  (Even with a digital camera, I can't get all great shots.)

Then of course, we had all of the good-byes.  Megan with her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Larson.

 

Amelia with her second grade spanish teacher, Ms. Ericson.

And with her other teacher, Mrs. Hinchman.

Samantha with her 5th grade spanish teacher, Sra. Booth.  (Samantha wanted me to be sure to point out that she is actually taller than Ms.  Booth, but Ms.  Booth was standing up on the curb so she would look taller.)

And Samantha with her other 5th grade teacher, Ms. Records.

Best friends, Amelia and Hallee.

My girls with friends, Hallee and Mary with their matching certificates and end of school prizes.

They were all very proud of their 99% attendance records.

Jonas actually decided to skip his last day of school because he had had his fill of watching movies that he didn't even get to see the end of.  I didn't blame him.  Since they cleaned out lockers, turned in books, got yearbooks and refunds last week, this entire week has been a waste of time.  (Plus he promised to mow the lawn.)  So he's already plunked himself down in one of his favorite summer spots with his ipod and a bag of chips.

And I say, "Let the wild rumpus start!"  I've been counting down the days to summer as much as the kids have been.  I'm ready to play.