Okay, so it's been a REALLY long time since I have blogged. Sorry. Life has been quite busy around here and I seem to be spending more time updating facebook than the blog. I will try to catch you all up on what has been happening with our family in the last month. Please don't expect me to be a fantastic blogger in the next month either...the dreaded 's' word is upon us and I will be a busy teacher getting ready for school. So, here we go.
7 months ago I decided to register for my very first triathlon...something that I never would have imagined doing, EVER! I didn't know how to swim, have been somewhat fearful of deep water my whole life and was pretty sure that I would drown. A couple of my girlfriends had also registered and we began training together. I began taking swim lessons and worked on conquering my fear of the water. After several months of training and nervousness, I completed the Danskin Triathlon in Seattle along with 3,500 other women. What an empowering experience! I could not have done it without the support of my training partners and most of all Chris who completely picked up the slack with the kids and house during all of my training sessons. It is an experience I will never forget...I hope to do it again next year!
Coming up to the finish line, just saw my family cheering me on! 
The BEST hubby ever!
My training partners (and dear friends)
I really DO have eyes under there!The Girls...
Alyssa is 6 months old today and is growing up too quickly right before our eyes. She loves to play in her exersaucer and exert her new found screaming voice. Most of all, she loves to watch her big sister do everything! Lexi continues to be such a wonderful sister. She talks to her, hugs and kisses her and makes silly faces to make her laugh. It is such a delight to watch them interact with one another.
Love.
Making her laugh
Part of Daddy's birthday present from the girls...
Chris' birthday. The big 3-4!Headed to Vancouver...
Sadly, in the beginning of July, my dear grandmother Phyllis Stone passed away after a long time of not feeling well. We miss her, but know that she is in a better place and is resting easy. So, we headed south to meet up with the rest of my family for a memorial service. Although the circumstances were not great, it was great to see extended family and wonderful friends.
Chris and Alyssa swinging in the hammock at mom and dad's house
Papa and his 2 granddaughters
Uncle Sean and Lexi
6 of the 8 great-grandchildren
My cousin Jennifer and I
Mom, Lexi and I
Auntie Jen and Alyssa
Best buddies and cousins Lexi and TannerOff to Black Butte...
We spent 5 days at Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, OR with the Roselli family for swimming, golfing, biking and fun. It is such a special trip each year.
Alyssa and Grandpa in the pool
Lexi LOVED going down the waterslide all by herself
Hanging out...yes Alyssa is asleep in the pool!
Our family, yup she's sleeping again!
Lexi also LOVED jumping into the pool. She's proving to be more of a dare devil than mommy is okay with!
Still sleeping...
Eating rice cereal for the first time!
On our way from the pool
Lexi learned to ride a 2 wheeler bike (with training wheels) while we were there
Daddy and the girlsWhat a great trip and fun (fast) summer!
