First Tri

Combining swimming, biking and running seems like a crazy idea - for adults - although I do respect triathletes and may put myself through the experience at some point. For kids, the triathlon is a brilliant idea. Kids have seemingly limitless energy, and if they are my kids, love swimming, biking and running. So when Blaine advertised their first annual kids tri, I signed up Linnea.  She was a great sport, especially since I think she was signed up before we asked her...

Overall is was a great experience.  Swimming in a lake in July? Check.

Biking around a lake? Check.

 Running around a lake? Double check.

So proud of this kid.  She did amazing!  The downside?  She decided it was super fun, and training with me was fun....so looks like I need to get in better shape to keep up.  

Can't wait until the next one.

The Battle

We enjoyed a weekend with the Minnesota state bird, or mid-west state bird, the Mosquito.  While we put up a great fight, utilizing all of the chemical weaponry available, ultimately the great bird, coupled with the "wettest June in history" thwarted our plans for a wonderful weekend of camping at Wild River State Park. So we only camped for 1 night, alas, it was a very nice 1 night, 2 day experience.

Unlike our typical "road less traveled" approach, we opted for the paved trails...to optimize our chances of defending against said Mosquito.  Actually, it's plural, mosquitoes, and then exponentially multiplied.  There were a lot of them. Ask Willow.

And so we sat by the fire. A lot. Because, Mosquitoes do not like fire and smoke. Which sparked some great conversation and silliness.

Cool finding? An old log sled. Seeing the steep cliffs down to the river, I felt for the horses or oxen that must have pulled the sled. Not enough mosquitoes to move this one.

Ultimately, we decided this was probably a great park any other time of the year.  Winter? Check. Fall? Check. Spring? Check.  Summer....not so much. As a side note, these photos were taken when it was 85 degrees.  The long sleeves and pants = mosquito battle-gear.

Despite our pests, we still had a great time and had two children with smiles on their faces, one even curious. "Mama, what good do Mosquitoes do on earth?". Hmmm, I'm still searching for the answer to that one.

Mosquitoes =1, Normans = 0....until next time.

The Dam

This post is for those interested in engineering and for an appreciation of math without calculators.  On our vacation we were educated in the art of dam construction.  An added benefit was the copious use of the word "Dam" in several contexts, courtesy of our tour guide.  You can imagine the 7 year old's reaction.

The Hoover Dam, formerly the Boulder City Dam, was built prior to the use of many modern inventions.  This feat alone is impressive. Check out the measurement technique.

Inside the dam there are several "spacious" tunnels and stairwells.

With a few air vents.

And, can you say understatement?

Especially when considering these...

We also had the privilege of marveling at the resultant man made lake, Lake Mead.

And the Tillman Bridge, which was built solely for traffic congestion purposes.  Interesting fact, the tour guides have been asked if you can fish off the bridge....hmmmm.

Another interesting fact?  The tour was interesting enough to keep both kids fully engaged...and allowed them to push the elevator buttons....which is apparently a very big deal.

Ooh Aah

How has your winter been?  Has it looked like this? With a record number of days below zero, canceling school due to windchill, we were glad a break was in sight.

While the winter has been more brutal than anticipated, we knew the cold was coming and decided to book a sun-soaked vacation well in advance as incentive for survival. What we did not know was how spectacular the trip would be.  I think the sign below sums it up well.

 Before our arrival to the majestic canyon, we stopped in Las Vegas for a show and a trip to the Hoover Dam (post to come later on that amazing feat of engineering).  What we also found was the Red Rock canyon - which looked to be straight out of a Loony Toons, Road Runner & Coyote, cartoon - our favorite.

Upon arrival to the Grand Canyon, the first thing we spotted was not actually the canyon...but something important to the Norman Clan. A Pullman train car... 

Following the discovery of the train within the park (who knew?!?!!) we discovered the canyon, which in all honesty was impossible to miss - absolutely spectacular.

We stayed in the park and were treated to numerous hikes, views, and meals.  It was a great trip.

There were a lot of beautiful sites.  So many that we tired of doing the normal family pose and allowed the true essence of who we are shine through.  Having a resting heart rate of 200 bpm due to the climb will do that to a person.

 It will also cause temporary insanity, believing one is safe on the edge of a cliff....

....And coax your children into doing the same :)

 The trails also taught us how utterly out of shape the cold makes us - well, Joe and I anyway.  The kids?  No problem. Natalie had the energy to say "Hello" to virtually every person on the trail - on the way UP.  Check out the trail....and we only went 1.5 miles down.

Sadly, we had to end our vacation - although my legs are not sad.  Somehow we managed to walk 40+ miles over the course of the 3 days at the Grand Canyon, add those walked miles to the time spent at the Red Rock Canyon and around Las Vegas and you can imagine how we feel. The girls felt it important to wave to the passengers on the Grand Canyon train on our final day - fitting.

Until next time, we leave you with an image that cannot possibly contain the shear beauty and enormity of this location.  When people state the Grand Canyon is worth a visit, it is an understatement and truly a spectacular site.

Sledding Hill

This winter has been brutal.  I don't think I'm alone in saying so either, it's been tough everywhere from the midwest to the east coast.  In fact, I think the below picture sums up how the winter has felt fairly well.

So when the temperature soared today to be close to 20F, we took the opportunity to enjoy the balmy weather - sledding style.

 Frigid - arctic blasts - have one positive, they make for super fast sledding hills.  If you couple this ice-snow hill with the current ongoing Olympic sport of skeleton, you end up with children who have no fear.

To our local Emergency Room's dismay, this head first challenge did not result in a visit.  In fact, I think the girls would challenge the hill to even greater risk if they could figure out how to make the trip down faster and more dangerous.

And the fun wasn't limited to them, Joe and I went several times as well.

Fun times for sure.

Love these people.

Bring on the hot chocolate.