White Lake Half Ironman...or 70.3 mile heatfest!

So this weekend I completed my first triathlon! I did the White Lake Half-Ironman! It consists of 1.2 miles swim, 56 miles bike and 13.1 mile run! I know what you're thinking...Josh and I are insane. And I think you're right...you kinda have to be off your rockers a little to volunteer to do something like that!

I have to say that I had a blast! My goal was to finish with a smile on my face and not throwing up! Which I am proud to say I did! The only thing that was really brutal was the heat...it was daunting actually! I think the most rewarding thing from doing a race like this is the victory that comes from the mental battle that is raging on in your mind. There were a couple moments where I just wanted to stop...hell even a few moments when I didn't want to start. But somehow you do...you talk yourself through it and you make it through!

The highlight of the race for me was being able to catch up with my friend Nicole and Sami on the run! The run was a nice 95 degrees with a 15 mph headwind at some points and finding running buddies was a gift sent from God! Sami got me home on the last stretch and I couldn't have done it without her! It was awesome to finish my first Half-IM with a friend like that!

Josh got 3rd in his new age group which is awesome! I am so proud of him! I finished in 6 hours and 45 minutes and was just stoked as all hell to cross that finish line! I have to say that now I know what all the hype this and why Josh loves this sport so much! It was a great race! The people were amazing! I have never felt so much support from fellow races before! Now I'm just left with the nagging thought of...which race to register for next!

Elizabeth Bridal Shower!

So my best friend Elizabeth is getting married! It stills blows my mind how surreal it feels sometimes! We met each other in 6th grade...I was a huge tomboy and believed that Umbro shorts were amazing and I didn't know a soul! Elizabeth did not share my belief of umbro shorts but that did not stop us from being friends! And now we're growing up...the days of umbro shorts, maurices hair clips, and owning a flower shop are behind us but our friendship is still just as strong! And now she is getting married! We had her bridal shower this past weekend and here are some of the shots! The amazing spread of food supplied by all of her family and friends!

Here is the awesome cake that was made for her with cream cheese frosting!

Here is Elizabeth, her mom and two sisters! Such pretty ladies!

And here we are! 14 years later...not quite the umbro shorts and perms that we started in during our younger days! I love you and am so happy for you! You and Matt are going to have an amazing life ahead of you!

Mel & Joe Live Happily Ever After!

So this past weekend our dear friends Mel & Joe got married! It was such an amazing weekend! Here are some of the highlights from a weekend that was just too good for words! Enjoy!

The excited & loving atmosphere, combined with amazing food and great company set the tone for the entire weekend! Here is great shot taken by Mels photographers that really shows you how much fun we had!

I think that the highlight of the entire evening was the laughter...it was contagious! The kind of laughter and good times that almost make you cry! The company was just amazing!

The evening continued on after the rehearsal dinner! We ended up heading out for dancing and karaoke (even though we never went to a karaoke bar...one of the best renditions of Piano Man that I have heard to this day!!!).

Craig Sandwich...enough said! :)

Mel's cousin Heather came into town from China and her best friend flew in from California! Both of these girls are a great time! They are one of those people who you could have met once but makes you feel like you have known her for years!


Here are some shots of the bride and all of her bridesmaids!

The lovely Mel! Isn't she a beautiful bride?! Simply glamorous!

I couldn't be happier for Mel & Joe!! You two are going to have so many amazing years ahead of you! I cannot wait to see whats in store! čestitke!!! We love you both!