I competed in my first triathlon ever last Saturday. Though it was incredibly hot, I really loved participating. I was so nervous for the 400 yard swim. I am not a swimmer and I've only been swimming for a month. Turns out that was my favorite part.

I did learn a few lessons I'm willing to share with anyone looking forward to competing in their own triathlon.

1. Don't leave your timing chip at home. It causes panic and last minute running around when you realize it's missing.

2. You really should have a road bike. A mountain bike will work, but a 60 year-old women might fly by you like you're standing still.

3. Make sure you have someone dressed up like a cheerleader (preferably your 3 year-old daughter) cheering you on to do well on the last leg of your run.

4. Train with a really good friend who has done several triathlons before you so she can give you really good tips especially when it comes to swimming.

5. If you can avoid it, pick a triathlon that doesn't occur on a day when the high is in the 90s.

I really did love training and participating for this race. I'm not giving up running races, but I do plan on more triathlons. I love that I accomplished something for me. I sure wasn't fast and have tons of room for improvement, but it was awesome!

Me, running in the distance. You can see Iz in her cheerleader outfit.

Zoomed in a little.

Thanks for the motivation Becca! (yeah, her baby is only 7 months old, she ROCKS!)

My favorite cheerleader!

Our Daddy the Doctor!!!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. It's kind of ironic that it's Father's Day and my dad is stuck in and airport all day. Meanwhile my husband is working what should be an easy 24 hour shift at the VA, but is in the OR. Both of these wonderful men show they are dedicated to their professions. I honestly don't know what I would do without them.

Last night Justin graduated from residency!!! He official finishes the end of this month, but Vanderbilt held a dinner and ceremony last night. It is crazy to think that four years ago we moved to this little town. I'm so proud of how hard Justin has worked during this time. I have never personally seen him at work, but I know he is a dedicated physician who completely cares about his patients. I can testify to the long hours he puts in and the recurring instances where he has stayed late to help out a colleague or completely finish an important case. He has saved lives and had a positive impact on his patients and their families. Just has sacrificed so much to pursue his dream. Despite minimal sleep, sometimes going days without seeing his kids, and raising his blood pressure, he has endured. Even when he is at home, he rarely takes a break. He is always reading journals and text books to make sure he stays up-to-date with his studying. I am so pleased to call Dr. Justin W. Wilson my husband!

When you graduate from residency, you are given a chair. Wes enjoyed playing in it this morning. That cheesy smile with closed eyes was totally on purpose.

Pre-Summer Days

Wes thinks it's too hot to wear anything at all.

Yes, we have not reached the first day of summer yet, but if you live in Tennessee we have been experiencing summer-like conditions for several weeks now. In fact by now it is almost unbearable. We have been able to do a few fun things despite the muggy weather.

Back when we could stand being outside for longer then 2 minutes we were able to attend the annual White House Carnival. This year Wes joined Izzy on some of the rides.

The kids and I took a little trip down to Georgia to hang out with Amy for a few days. Here are a few pictures of the kids with the cousins they love to play with. It was a crazy few days, but we had so much fun playing and swimming.

Outfits not even planned...well maybe a little.

The other day we went to a local park that holds events for kids every Friday during the summer. This past Friday the big crowd pleaser was "Touch-a-Truck." It's actually really fun. Different "truck" drivers bring in their vehicles for the kids to climb on and touch. Unfortunately the weather was terrible. Our playgroup was there for about 10 minutes before we decided that it would be impossible to stay long if we didn't want to pass out from the humidity. We climbed through a couple of big attractions then headed to a nice indoor, air conditioned McDonald's play place. Unfortunately I think every mother at the park eventually had the same brilliant idea.

Stay tuned for a post all about the sprint triathlon I'm registered to participate in...