2nd Annual Sprint in the Park

This is where it all began....one year ago....I raced in my first triathlon and found that I really love the sport. Not necessarily competing in the races all the time, but I love the training. Swimming, biking, and yes...even running I have come to enjoy. It's a new part of my life that I can't imagine not doing. This Sprint in the Park tri is a fun race with lots of first time triathletes who get to experience the trill of crossing the finish line. Some may never want to do it again...and some can't wait for the next one!

I'm glad Dave got addicted to triathlons too. It's so fun (and a little competitive) doing this together. Our next tri will be "Pacific Coast Tri" in California at the end of July. It will be a tough one!!!

This is my friend Jen who I train a lot with. We both got first in our age group at this triathlon.

Ella makes a great pirate too!

Had to post this picture of Ella in her pirate garb. Mrs. Foster's preschool always has "pirate day" where the kids get to dress up. She was pretty excited about this but now will not where the cute white shirt (I got on clearance at Target) because it is only a "pirate shirt" and must not be worn again....even if it looks adorable with a skirt! Gotta love Ella!

Enchanted Island

Who doesn't love a day at Enchanted Island? Besides the scary workers that run the kiddie rides, it's great for the average preschooler! There is a roller coaster, bumper boats, train, carousel, and other little rides. When Dave's sister was in town we took the girls for a little fun at the park.

Ella was lovin this rollercoaster...but Taylor was not so sure about it. She finally yelled "Stop!" to the worker. It was pretty funny.

Ella and Taylor...popcorn and a train ride. What could be better?

I had to post this one because it shows perfectly the hair that Ella cut off herself (see previous post).

Ella May, Aunt Joilyn, and Taylor Mae

Day at the Museum

Kylie recently had a field trip to the "Mineral and Mining Museum" in Phoenix. At first, I was not too thrilled about being a chaperone on this one but went along anyway. It actually was a pretty cool museum! Check out this Steak Dinner below made out of rocks and minerals. Kylie and I thought that was pretty neat.

Bucket O' Fun!!

Isn't this so cool and creative?
I scored BIG time from our "service exchange" at Enrichment night last month. I had 4 desserts in the month of March ready and waiting for us each Monday for FHE. It was the best. It was all homemade by the one and only, Gina, who kept us anticipating what great treat we would receive that week. We started with a yummy Chocolate pudding pie, then on to the festive St. Patrick's Day cup cakes (with cute green clovers on them), then the most delicious oreo cookies made from scratch (wow, those were amazing!). The grand finale was a bucket of fun toppings to make ice cream sundaes. The kids had a blast picking out their own thing. It was just like being at i-swirl....but better!
Thanks Gina! It was a lot of fun for us!

I know this girl...

...mother of three beautiful boys, patient and kind, cracks me up, fun to be around, amazing friend...

who's husband has been in Iraq for 5 months and has one more to go. I'm so impressed by her and how she's endured these past months without him.

When you try to do something nice for HER, this is what she gives YOU in return-

Wouldn't you want her for a friend too!?!

Spring Training!!!

Goodyear has a new spring training facility that is just a few miles down the street from us. It is sooo nice. With Ryan playing T-ball now, the little league had a day at the ballpark and we all got shirts to wear and special treatment getting down on the field. It was pretty fun to be there even though we had grass seats in the outfield on a very warm day. Love AZ though!


The Indians vs. The Royals

Grandma & Grandpa Rusick joined in on the fun!

These girls are hilarious! Tessa and Ella are best friends but they are different in so many ways. We were crackin up at them sitting by the fence facing the crowd and eating Doritos. We've noticed lately that Tessa can't eat anything without getting it all over her face. Ella on the other hand doesn't have it on her face because she always uses her shirt to wipe up. Funny!

Michelle with Ella and Tessa Always silly!

Dallin and Ryan got to go down on the field with their dads before the game started. Some of the players came out to say hi and autographed some baseballs for them. They thought that was pretty cool.