Busy Week

I posted three items this morning. Don't stop reading at the first one. We have had a busy week around here. We had Emerson's birthday, Matt and Colett's triathlon, and Grandparent's Day.

Can It Really Be That Emerson Is One??

Can you believe the complete joy on this little face? Is it all for me? Happy birthday little man you are such a happy and sweet baby. We love you tons.

Wes says to not teach him that fire is fun....that coming from his fireman father.

Emerson spilled some cake under his leg as he was eating so he just lifted up his leg while he ate the rest. Can you believe those tummy muscles? Try sitting like this for 30 seconds.

Here you go little guy, you can have your cake and eat it too.

I get it all? I can do it by myself?

Yep, that was a good birthday cake.

Isn't it fun to see the happiness on this little face? Wow, presents and paper!

Grandpa Wayne and Emerson check out all the decorations.

Emerson has a thing for lights and tires. He has the lights overhead and my garden cart turned upside down so he can spin the tires. He is having one heck of a birthday.

Colett's not feeling well and she is tired but who could miss this event?

Uncle Matt #1 chowing down. They can eat all they want after their big triathlon day.

The food is on as Wayne and Colett sample it all.

Daddy Wes and Emerson just visiting the folks.

It was quite a party with decorated tables, lots of food and overhead lights. Here is Amy the party planner, with her new sassy haircut. Emerson's Aunt Haley, Grandma Roxanne and Uncle Matt#2 in the back.

The oldest and youngest at the party....Emerson and his Great Grandma Rose

The Training Paid Off

Colett, Matt and my cousin Vallerie and her husband Shawn McLeod and a few of their friends decided to do a triathon last Saturday at Yuba Lake near Levan, UT. We had Nick, Isabelle and Millie spend the night with us so Matt and Colett could leave the night before and get a motel. That way they wouldn't have to get up as early. They had been training for several months and had gotten to the point that they were psyched and ready. Two days before the race Colett got quite ill with a cold and sore throat and she just plain felt crappy. She went to the Doc, got an inhaler, a Z pack and then Matt gave her a blessing. She was well enough to compete but it was very hard on her. They all made it to the finish line, however, and through tears we watched as they were all able to accomplish their goal. If I remember correctly, the race consisted of a 1/2 mile swim, followed by a 12 mile bike ride, followed by a 3 mile run.

Apparently the swim is the hardest because people kick you in the head and arms, the waves beat you back, you can get disoriented and have to fight off going into panic mode, knowing that you have to swim or sink.

Colett wants to do it again just so she can compete it when she is not ill. Matt said he would

train with her but won't do it again. Val hated the swimming part but may do a biathlon if she competes again. We were proud of them all them. The kids got a kick out of watching their parents go to the finish line. Nick was so sweet and told his Mom that he was proud and that he loved them.

The gathering place and Yuba Lake in the background.

Tools for the second phase of the triathlon.

Friend Stephanie came through a little ahead of the Yarro's and McLeod's and cheered them on

I think that's them.

It is...here they come!

Headed to the finish line

The Yarro team made it.

Colett catches her breath as Matt looks for his head. (The sun was so bright I couldn't see what photo I was taking. The light reflected off the lens and I just had to guess. Sorry Matt.)

Colett cools down

Colett, Val and Shawn load up on water and a few carbs to get back to normal.

Grandparents Day

It was Grandparents Day at Millie's preschool and I was invited to go and be with my little 4 year old granddaughter. I was given a pencil can and a picture of myself that Millie had drawn.

It was fun to see where she spends her days 3 times a week. We were given mini-muffins and the awful fake orange juice that little kids like. We took pictures and then walked around the neighborhood and looked for bugs....her special friends. Rolie Polie's are her favorite.

When you first walk into the preschool there is a sign that says "welcome to my little monkeys" and Miss Misty has vines and a monkey hanging from the ceiling.

This lady was meant to be a preschool teacher. She is all smiles, hugs and

full of fun. She is Miss Misty, and Millie loves her.

Millie and her classmates get ready to sing "We love you Grandparents"

We said hello to her friends and their grandparents who then took our picture.

Joan and Millie have refreshments, then it's time to go.

I love being a Grandma!!

Fathers and Daughters

Colett and Wayne

Wayne and Amy

Lissie and Shon

What is it about fathers and their daughters? Fathers love and identify with their sons and are so proud to have a namesake and someone to hunt, camp and golf with. But...daughters have a way of coiling around their Daddy's little fingers. Our son Shon used to say that Wayne treated the girls differently and Wayne would say yes, I do. He didn't deny it. He didn't love them more then he did Shon, it's just that there is a soft spot where little (or big girls for that matter) are concerned and it can't be denied. When Shon had a little girl of his own, he finally got it. He is the same way with Lissie. She'll bat those big blue eyes at him and he will do anything for her. Fathers seem to buy the girls more things, and let's be honest, girls really do NEED more things. Fathers expect the boys to buck up when things are hard but get teary and want retribution for those that hurt his little girls. As Amy and I were shopping one day she said that Wayne doesn't deny me anything either. She asked if Wayne had ever said "no" to me if I really wanted something. I said yes, he must have at one time or another, but I couldn't think of a single time that he had. Is it just that I don't ask for much?? Or am I wrapped around his little finger too?