Ragnar Relay 2009

Another amazing experience of running the Ragnar Relay with awesome friends! We started in Winona this year, crossed over in to WI, then ran back in to MN through Stillwater, and home to MN - at Boom Island Park. We managed to cover 193 miles. The race started on Friday morning and we ran (relay) straight through until Saturday around noon. We ran on little sleep and little food - making the experience all the more rewarding. We have such fun stories and memories that will always make Ragnar an experience of a life time!

Jim, running one of his legs:

Me, starting my night shift:Jim & I at the finish:
Kari, Jim, Me, Carol, Todd, & Pam - what a team!

Kids Triathlon

Lauryn & Zach completed their first triathlon, Miracles for Mitch, this weekend at Lake Ann in Chanhassen. Jim & I were so amazed to watch all these kids accomplish something that many adults will never even consider doing! We were lucky to have a training group through school, so the kids both had friends that also raced; making the event all the more fun for them. Both worked hard, finished strong, and had an experience of a life time. Zach swam 100 yards, biked 3 miles, and ran .5 miles. Lauryn swam 200 yards, biked 6 miles, and ran 1 mile. We are very proud of our little athletes!

Zach raced for Cole - Lauryn raced for Sara (both kids with cancer). Sure makes us appreciate that our children are healthy and able to participate in this wonderful event!

Lauryn raced with good friends; Rylie, Ceci, (Lauryn) & Brooke

Zach raced with his good friend Jack (here they are getting ready to start)Here Zach is during the swimming part:
Lauryn's heading out of transition & on to the biking:

Zach biking:
Sean, Jim, & Howie are cheering them on... Lauryn just crossed the finish line!
Lauryn & Zach - an amazing accomplishment!

Welcome Howie

Well, we have another addition to our family! I don't know what possessed us to do it (maybe because we're done having kids?)... But we brought our King Charles Cavalier puppy home on Friday. He is almost 9 weeks old & weighs just 6 lbs. He is adjusting very well and playing tons. Lauryn has been incredible with him! He is getting much love and affection by all.

Libby & Howie meet... All is going well!

Jim & I just celebrated our 13th Anniversary on Monday. So to celebrate as a family, last weekend we went up to the Duluth area, including Gooseberry Falls and Jay Cooke State Park. It was a very nice time and the kids really enjoyed the water & hiking.

Our annual anniversary photo:

Our one & only family picture (and of course Zach had to be looking down)

Sean, Lauryn, Me, Libby, Zach, Jim