Natalie's 1st Triathalon

You know how sometimes you hear about people who have their kids do activities that they wish they did or where doing. What about those crazy stories of parents pushing their kids to the limits because they, themselves, never got where they wanted to be?? Well, I hope I am not one of those crazy parents... but I must say, that I think it's pretty awesome that Natalie completed a triathlon and YES I wish that I was doing one too!

Our local Y is awesome. We love it for so many reasons and find ourselves there almost daily. The kids participate in so many of their different sports and I have really gotten into a good routine with the fitness programs there too. Plus, the Y creates and sponsors such great family focused, healthy living, confidence building events... like the Kid's TRYathalon.

Natalie has been in swim lessons for this past school year and has been doing great. She loves it and even hopes to try out for the YMCA swim team in the fall. Along with that, her and I have been doing the family trail running class through the Y and Natalie has done really great with her long distance running. When the Y offered this triathlon, I thought it would be a great way to celebrate Natalie's fitness accomplishments for the year and she was excited to give it a GO!

Got her numbers all marked up. I have no idea why they do this??? I do know from seeing other triathlon pictures, that the athletes do this - but not sure why. I am guessing since they can't wear their bibs while swimming, it helps to identify them?? On her leg, she was also "marked" with a 9 for her age. I wonder if they do that in triathlons too? Would I have a big 33 on my calf?
Starting off with her strong event... Natalie did a great starting dive and swam the 50 meters! The pool was full of cheering spectators and swimmers of all abilities. So much fun to be part of that energy!

Next, she biked into the trails that go behind the Y. She encountered her first "technical difficulty" when her chain feel off her bike in the midst of the race. Apparently, she found a volunteer in the woods to help her get it back on and get going. We never thought to practice putting a chain back on!! Guess, Natalie really competed in a Quad-athalon, huh!
On to the running part... I could tell that she was tired at this point, but she pushed herself and keep strong. I love that about her in her fitness. She doesn't seem to be the fastest or the strongest, but she seems to hold steady and give it what she's got. Sadie (who decided the morning of race day that she should have participated as well) joined Natalie for the home stretch of the run. I think Sadie was dealing with some "look at me, look at me" needs, but it was still cute to hear her cheering on her sister and wanting to run the last bit with her.

A proud finisher! Nice job Natalie!

And the award.... almost as good as the feeling of doing the race (at least when you are a kid). Natalie finished in 16 min 27 sec. Amazing!

I hope we can make this a yearly event for our kids and that they give the same energy, enthusiasm and effort that Natalie brought to the event this year!

(Maybe I'll even get myself to do a Triathalon too!)

Our Kindergarten Graduate!

Another year gone by and now we have a 1st grader!

It has been a great school year for Sadie!!

I will never forget when her mid year report card came home in January and as we all gathered together on the couch to review them, I was shocked to read that Sadie was reading! Not only was she reading, but by mid-January, she had tested at a early 1st grade reading level! The craziest part of this, was that at that point, I didn't know she could read!! Every night, we read with the kids and Sadie has her special time where either Nick and I put her to bed and read with her, but up until that point, we had been reading TO her...totally unaware that she could be reading TO us! I guess she had been saving all that talent up for her reading in school. Needless to say, since then, at bedtime we still read her a book, but now she reads one to us too!

Along with reading, Sadie has soared in her social confidence and independence. Sadie is beyond comfortable at school and is willing to go anywhere and do anything that can be helpful around school. This confidence and newly developed independence can be seen outside of school as she is comfortable exploring new things on her own. Early on in the school year, the school hosted a movie night for kids and their families.... Sadie walked into that school gymnasium like she owned that place! When she needed to go to the bathroom, she told me..."Mom, I know where it is ... I can go by myself!" (Funny how Natalie still seems to want me to be within a few steps from her!)

That same night, in the school gymnasium, you would have thought Sadie was running for Prom Queen or Class President... she knew everyone and everyone knew her!! The kids seemed to flock to her and she made her rounds socializing a bit with everyone.

She seems to talk about everyone in her class and not have one good friend, but yet friendly with all. She seems to play equally (if not more...) with the boys in her class, than she does with the girls. She even swears she had a boyfriend in her class and tells us that a different boy kissed her!

Along with her academics and social needs at school, Sadie also made herself very comfortable with the school nurse. I, too, remember loving trips to the school nurse! Sadie has become a "regular" at the school nurse's office. I think she needs the movement, enjoys the walk out of class, loves the attention and has just made it part of her day. Thankfully, the visits have slowed down a bit know that we are onto her routine!

Overall, it has been a great year. Her work ethic is different than Natalie's and I know that we will have to push her harder to do her best. Sadie loves to get through things quick and putting forth her best effort doesn't come naturally. She takes pride in her work, but doesn't seem phased when her work isn't up to par. I guess just another reminder that not all children (not even ours) will be the same....

Sadie and her teacher, Mrs. Stannard! Mrs. Stannard is a fantastic teacher and a perfect match for Sadie. We are blessed with her ability to keep Sadie feeling positive about her work, yet challenging her to do her best. We are so thankful for all her work!

Natalie and Sadie at K graduation.


The Kindergarten certificate!

WhooHoo!

Congratulations Sadie.

We look forward to celebrating with you on all your academic, social and emotional successes along the way!

By the way... I don't understand Kindergarten Graduation at all... I mean, you don't graduate from 1st grade, or 3rd grade... then why Kindergarten?? It isn't even as if you are moving on from one building to the next? Just because it doesn't start with a number makes it warrant a graduation? Parents coming to Sadie's graduation had balloons, flowers and gifts for their "graduate" and Sadie was a bit put off (although she did handle it nicely) that we came empty handed. I mean if we are going to lavish them with gifts after Kindergarten graduation, what will we be able to give them that will matter when they graduate from High School? I opt we end Kindergarten Graduation and just make it an end of the year celebration...who's with me??