So I Married a Triathlete...

...which required me to pack up the boys and the dog last Saturday morning after swimming lessons (Jonas didn't cry at all this time), and head up to Ben's one and only triathlon of the summer. (It is amazing how much a baby and a 2 year old can hinder one's training regimen.) First stop, Papa and JuJu's house to drop off Dixie. Then on to Chisago City to pick up the race packet. After driving the bike course so Ben could "mentally prepare," we checked into our hotel. We were on the 3rd floor, which was great because Jonas loves pushing the buttons and riding on the "alligator," much to the entertainment of other hotel patrons.

Sunday morning, we woke up at 5 am. Apparently, they assume all triathletes are morning people...no one accounted for their wives (or significant others. I was joined on the playground at 6 am by some triathlete-husbands and their small children.)

Jonas looks chipper at 6:15 am on the playground near the race start.

Here's Miles, not so chipper, snoozing in the stoller.

Still waiting at 7:30 am for Ben's wave to go.

Finally, 7:48am...Ben starts the 1/4 mile swim.

Now, 8:47 am, Ben is back from his 17.1 mile bike ride and entering the transition area.

8:53 am - Jonas and Miles appear to be patiently entertaining themselves. Of course, those of you who have ever had or spent even 5 minutes with small children know this is not the case. Good thing JuJu and Papa also came up to watch the race (and entertain kids.)

9:14 am - On the home stretch after the 3.1 mile run. Ben is easy to pick out from a distance since he is not exactly built like the majority of the triathletes (think tall and lanky).

9:23 am - Whew! He did it! He met his goal of doing it in less than 1 1/2 hours (final time 1:28.40).

9:41 am - The boys are somewhat delirious now after the 5 am wake-up. Jonas just keeps going down this slide (which, by the way, is one of the coolest slides I've ever seen.) And Miles remains happy as long as he can be held!!

By 11 am we were back at the hotel for early nap time. Which worked out well in the end, since Uncle Russ, Aunt Jenn, Noelle, and Joshua came up to spend the rest of the day with us at the beach! We had a great time!

Monday we spent the afternoon at the Children's Museum in St. Paul. We thought this picture would make Papa happy!! :)

Miles gets in on the action, too, playing at the "pond."

Mommy and Miles on the rooftop garden.

And then, back home. Because 3 days and 2 nights of "vacation" with a 5 month old and 2 year old are enough for even the triathletes among us!