TRI countdown!

My kids will participate in their first ever triathlon for Miracle Treat Day this Thursday.  I am so excited for them.  They are so excited and they are counting down the days.  It will be so much fun to watch.  They will swim at the Hyland Park pool.  Avery will do a 25 meter swim and the twins will either hop into the pool or splash in the splash pad.  Then, we will head over to Hyland Park High School where Avery will ride a mile on the track on her bike and finish by running 200 meters on the track.  The twins will ride 400 meters and do a 40 yard dash.  All participants will get a TShirt, medal, free mini blizzard plus dozens of coupons for local vendors.  All proceeds will go to help raise money for Miracle Treat Day and Gillette Children's hospital.  Kudos to my friend Barb for not only hosting an awesome fundraising event each year, but also for coordinating with Gillette this year to create the kids TRI. 

My triathlon is in 6 days.  I had trouble sleeping last night because I am already getting amped up for it.  Two weeks ago, I had one of the best training weeks ever.  I felt great and ready for the race.  Last week was a rough one.  Mostly because I am still battling strep, but also because I have been doing strength training classes and one of my instructors kicked my butt!  I have had tight, sore quads, hamstrings and glutes since last Tuesday!  It affected every portion of my training last week and it really put me into a poor mindset.  This week, I am focusing on tapering off, resting and eating right.  Come Sunday, I expect to be refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to rock and roll!

Nicollet Commons

On Thursdays, Burnsville hosts kids concerts at Nicollet Commons located off of Hwy 13 and Nicollet.  I have been doing my best to go each week with the kids because they have so much fun.  This area is relatively new in Burnsville and it is right by the Burnsville performing arts center where Avery has her dance recital each year.  It has stadium seating, a huge open area full of sprinklers that shoot up out of the ground and numerous waterfalls and streams that are all chlorinated for the kids to splish & splash in. 

Each week they have a different act performing at noon.  We have seen a magician, Bob the Beachcomber, The Splatter Sister's and the Alphabits.  Each show has been completely different and the kids have really had a blast playing in the water.

This past Thursday, we joined some of our old ECFE friends there.  My friend Gretchen and I just love the Mediterranean Cafe which is located adjacent to the splash area so we ordered a Maza Platter to share for lunch.  I think little Buddy Leo enjoyed it as much as Gretch and I.

Gotta love that smile!

Avery and Sophia had a great time in the water together.  They both love to pose each time I ask them to stop a bit and let me take a pic.  It was Avery's first time since every time we have gone she was at dance camp. 

Little posers!

My buddy Benny runs wild here.  I really have to keep an eye out for his skulls otherwise who knows where he may end up.  He never has trouble meeting other little friends to play with here and I adore watching the little boy interactions.  He is my giggle monster.

my attempt at an artsy photo...meh!

This little tootsie can be found chatting it up with random adults and sunbathing with other little cuties around her age.  She cracks me up.  I will look for her and see her standing with a hip jutting out, hands turned upwards, eyes rolling and head bopping as she tells some new friend a story.  Hilarious!

If you are ever looking for a fun and new place to try this summer you should definitely check it out.

all aboard!

This is how we have been spending all of our time! Wanna come with???

Breezy laying on the back of our new boat

My friend and TRI training buddy Kristi

Paige

Chadd and Uncle Andy

The 4 year old showing off his boating skills

Auntie B and me

Benny and his buddy Uncle Andy

Avery, posing as usual :)

Our neighbor Bret and his son Brennan

The guys

We have been having so much fun discovering the ins and outs of owning a boat.  We have tried quite a few different lakes and we agree that we love Lake Waconia the most.  Perhaps next year we will be singing a different tune. 

The kids swim in the water for hours while the adults relax and get to hang out.  There is something incredibly exhilarating about being out on the water.  Our family has found its favorite past time and look forward to years of memories that we will be making.

If its the weekend and you need us just call.  We are on a boat!!!