Busy Day!

I did it! After stressing about it for weeks, I completed the Peachtree City Sprint Triathlon last weekend. I was a nervous nelly because I was going to be riding my mountain bike and was convinced that I would come in dead last because everyone else would be on speedy road bikes. Turns out I was fine. Slow on the bike, for sure, but definitely not last. I had a great time racing with my sister, aunt and cousin. Plus, I was able to meet up with some friends at the start and finish. Perfect weather for the race. I will definitely do another tri, but I need to get a road bike first. I am honestly shocked at how much fun the event was. Great job, PTC!

After the race we rushed back to Atlanta to meet up with James, Debbie and Phinley Boyd. The Boyds were in town from FL for the weekend. I miss them so much! Phinley (18 months) and Emery had lots of fun with each other.

Then it was off to McKenna Calvo's first birthday party. We couldn't miss that! Emery and McKenna are travel buddies and great little playmates. Plus, any excuse to hang out with Tara and Nando. The party was at their house and everything was wonderful. Delicious food and a very happy birthday girl.

Emery had a ball playing with "new" toys at the Calvo house.

And now we are in the middle of moving.....will post pictures of the new house once I get rid of all the boxes and finish hanging stuff on the walls.

The girls!

Emery and Lauren had such a fun evening playing with each other yesterday. Need to do this more often!

Coast Guard Festival 2010

It's that time of year again! Every August Ben and I head up to his hometown of Grand Haven, MI, for their annual Coast Guard Festival. It's a fun-filled, jam packed week of boating, parades, carnivals, beach time, swimming, drinking, eating, fireworks and visiting. And this year Emery joined us! We had an amazing time and Emery was spoiled rotten by her grandparents. Emery and I actually left the day before the major festivities take place because things tend to go late into the night and I wasn't sure about childcare or how she would do with the huge crowds and late nights. However, Emery aced her trial run and we will definitely stick around longer next year. Daddy is still in Grand Haven enjoying the chaos without us. Getting out of the SC heat for five days was perhaps the best treat of all. I think poor Emery had forgotten what playing outdoors feels like! Both of Ben's brothers made the trip, which made things extra special for two reasons: 1) Scott is in the country and, 2) New cousin Alexa was introduced to the extended family. I am bummed we left early but so glad for the time we had with the Slagel clan and the rest of Grand Haven....it's such a special little town.
Daddy and Emery waiting to board the plane in Atlanta

Drinks at the airport. Flying alone with Emery went really smoothly, thank goodness. Em has racked up lots of miles in the air since birth. We average flight every two months, I determined while sitting on the plane last night.

Emmy with her Slagel grandparents

Ben taking Emery for a "walk" at Kids' Day

Riding the merry-go-round at the carnival

Scott, Jerry, Linda (back)

Jerry (holding Austin), Korey (holding Alexa), me, Emery and Ben
The family on "My Three Sons" (Ben's parents' boat)

Austin the sailor

Chill Lexi

The Slagel boys

Emery and Austin taking a break at the beach