SOMEHOW... my brother-in-law Ryan convinced the family to take a weekend trip to Palm Springs to participate in a triathlon. Ryan did the hard-core race (1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6 mile run) while the rest of us did a "mini" triathlon (100 meter swim, 3 mile bike, 1 mile run) . We were total amateurs jumping into 55 degree water without wetsuits, riding a beach cruiser (Adam), and huffing & puffing to the finish line. Not only did we all manage to survive, I think most of us would actually do it again!
The Triathletes: Adam, Nora, David, Emily, Kenna, Jen, Ryan
Some very SERIOUS competitors!
Hunk-a-chunk-a-burnin' LOVE!
Some action shots...
Which family member: (1) got second place overall in their category, (2) fell to the ground almost passing out, (3) wore a suit that was way too small and had their rear-end hanging out, (4) stopped racing to help a boy who fell off his bike, (5) ran back-and-forth to each family member during the race to offer words of encouragement, (6) ran with an extra bone in their foot, (7) was one of the top finishers in the swimming portion, (8) cried tears of pure JOY after crossing the finish line.
Answers: (1)Kenna, (2)Emily, (3)Nora (4)Adam, (5)Ryan, (6)Jen, (7)David, (8)Emily
WE DID IT!
bounce house day
Little Nolan continues to light up a room with his sweet smile but he can also clear a room with his high-pitched scream and stinky gas. Poor boy has had a difficult month with constant tummy troubles, a hard time nursing, a cough, and all-around irritablity. I am determined he just wants to be big, this whole baby thing is too much! He loves to be held and given any kind of attention, so thankfully June-bug can help me with that. She loves her Nollie Pollie. 
Charlie's preschool program
California snowball fight (balled up newspaper)
Christmas baking
Singing "Jingle bells" with friends Reese & Max
Dinner and ornament tradition at Mimi's house
Ward Christmas nativity
Charlie & Logan
Going to Disneyland
June's fisrt time on Matterhorn
Our favorite ride: It's a Small World
The boys
Not a fan of the fireworks
Snow on Main Street
Happy Holidays!
...and Silly
...and Cheerful
... and sassy, tired, friendly
...and goofy
...and Happy!
The Triathletes: Adam, Nora, David, Emily, Kenna, Jen, Ryan
Some very SERIOUS competitors!
Hunk-a-chunk-a-burnin' LOVE!
Some action shots...
Which family member: (1) got second place overall in their category, (2) fell to the ground almost passing out, (3) wore a suit that was way too small and had their rear-end hanging out, (4) stopped racing to help a boy who fell off his bike, (5) ran back-and-forth to each family member during the race to offer words of encouragement, (6) ran with an extra bone in their foot, (7) was one of the top finishers in the swimming portion, (8) cried tears of pure JOY after crossing the finish line.
Answers: (1)Kenna, (2)Emily, (3)Nora (4)Adam, (5)Ryan, (6)Jen, (7)David, (8)Emily
WE DID IT! 
Charlie had his first experience playing on a soccer team this fall.
He was slow to get into it. There was a lot of picking grass and goofing off at the beginning.
But he learned to love it and I noticed a greater confidence in him as he played.
He loved Coach Shannon (a mother of six) but his favorite part about soccer included:
the parent tunnel,
and his trophy!
