Mexico Beach

After I finished the race we took the week off. And I do mean off. No work, no school, limited phone/internet, no restaurants; just the fabulous beach, good friends and entirely too much food.

Trek to the Tri, Part II

Just when you think you know what to expect, life throws you a curve. In all our planning, scheming, talking and training we NEVER talked about rain/wind/miserable storms in our sunny, Mexico Beach, race planning. Consider us schooled.

Trek to the Tri #2 ended in the pouring rain. It was freezing for the swim (the racers huddled in the ocean water pre-start), let up for the bike (thank heaven) and was just plain sloshy for the run. On the plus side, we all pulled through quite respectably (placing 1st or 2nd in our divisions) and I felt great post-race. I guess it's a testiment to the pure awesomeness of my training partners, and our matching paisley tanks, that I'm already planning on next year.

Defining Characteristics

Mattson: Memory of an elephant

***Matts is a member of the reading club at school. This gives him the great privilege of checking out two books at a time and returning them once he can pass them off.***

Grandma Candi : Wow, you've gotten really good at reading. I'm so proud of you.

Matts: I'm so good at reading I can even do it with my eyes closed. Do you want to see?

Grayson: Sense of humor

***We've had all manner of germs flying around our house/school/church. Consequently we've had alot of discussions about germs and how they're spread.***

Gray: My share my germs with Thomas. That was fun.

It's raining, it's pouring.

Just in case you were wondering what do to in a flood:

"...Turn around from flooded areas. Do not drown..."
(According to the weather alert at the bottom of the TV)

The ABC's of Mattson

I was going over Matts'reading list when I noticed a trend:
(VERBATIM)

1. You: You must go conquer the enemies
2. Her: The soliders rescued her
3. Must: I must obey the orders to shoot the enemies
4. Yes: Yes, I can beat the enemies
5. Dime: I get a dime if I beat the enemies
6. Side: I must shoot the enemies on the other side
7. Walk: Don't walk in front of the shooting range
8. Lake: The battle was at the lake
9. Shore: I attacked the enemies on the shore
10. Eagle: Try to shoot as high as an eagle
11. Wet: Don't get wet when you're trying to shoot
12. Take: We must take positions
13. Car: I drive in the car to get to the battle
14. Are: I am a solider. We are the best
15. Other: I must shoot the guys on the other team
16. Sitting: To get the best shot I need to be sitting

Do you see a theme?

In a galaxy far, far away...

After 3 years of talking, planning and dreaming we did it. We finally made it to Dragoncon. What is Dragoncon you ask? Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the US. Basically the most awesomest convention ever. It's a sci-fi/fantasy/gamer mecca. Talk about people watching! While waiting for the parade Matts and Gray (and Sadi, Mckay and Jackson) dueled with Darth Vader, defeated Boba Fete, met Jack Sparrow and traded sniping techniques with Halo soliders. The parade lasted more than 30 minutes and was a little (or big) boy's dream come true with over 2000 of their fantasies come to life. Even, Jabba the Hut Princess Leia was there :). The true highlight of the event was during the parade when Gray ran out into the street to duel with Darth Vader. Luckily, although they may dress a little differently, these citizens from a galaxy far, far away are good humored. The crowd joined right in and cheered our little padawan on.

First Day of School

Better late than never :)