Terrible 2's...or 1?!

Where has April gone?! What a busy month! Brian has had been gone frequently on business. Actually, he's is on the road right now, returning from a triathlon trip to South Carolina. He competed in the Langley Pond Triathlon in Aiken along with three other fellow Marine triathletes. From the sound of it, it was an interesting event. Thunderstorms postponed and shortened the race...yikes. He also dealt with some other incidents, including a small collision during the swim, a couple problems in the transition area, and cramping during the last 1/4 mile.

Despite the setbacks, he still pulled out a solid performance, placing 1st in his age group and 9th overall. You can check out his results at this link: http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_results&id=898. He had a run PR and the 3rd fastest run time overall at 35:03...dang. He was pleased with the results and knows what he should concentrate on before the big race next month (especially transitions and nutrition). He recently found an experienced bike group and some new people to train with. He's become even more motivated (as if he wasn't plenty motivated already).

Marine Triathletes

1:57:40, 9th Place Overall


They all placed in their age groups (and were awarded bball shorts?!)


My college roommate Erin visited earlier this month, which was blast. We walked around Old Town Fredericksburg and toured the Natural History Museum in DC. Also lots of laughs, a flat tire, a few beers, American Idol, and of course, ICE CREAM. Caden took to Erin right away and she sure is a natural with him.



DC hotdogs...mmmmm


Cademonster's silly knickname may have recently become accurate. I guess he has decided to start his "terrible twos" a tad early. Of course he's still a lot of fun and almost always happy, but he has mixed in occasional tantrums, and I'm ashamed to say, some biting. Hmmm,..a rite of passage I guess. I've been working with him on it but it's difficult to discipline a 15-month-old.

Hi pig nose


Caden, don't eat your new tool bench

Hey, that tickles!

Other than that, he's doing well. The stranger danger is gone so MOMS Group is much more fun. We spend most of our days outside and he loves it. He's so good at walking now that he's overly confident and accumulates new wounds daily. (When Brian returns, he will wonder what I have done to him!) He loves his friend Landen's outdoor toys, especially wagon rides. I took Caden and Bryce over some speed bumps tonight and they were both cracking up. I think I have a dare devil on my hands (go figure). He's also started doing some other funny things. He will whisper if you whisper to him, makes monkey noises, and kisses the computer screen when Grandma Bernitta asks for a kiss over the Webcam.

My half marathon is 3 weeks away and I'm getting pumped. I have had some awesome workouts recently and I'll probably do a 10-miler tomorrow. Now that the weather has warmed up and the trees are green, the runs are becoming more enjoyable. I think I owe my improvements to my little training partner...he's so patient in the stroller and he gives me a heck of a workout. We have mixed in some biking as cross training but he still doesn't love the bike seat or the helmet. He managed to remove a shoe the other day and we had to turn around and find it. Oh Caden. It's always an adventure.

Speaking of adventure, Caden and I will be making a month-long trip to Iowa July 6-August 6. Flying alone with a toddler? I might be nuts. We will miss Brian, but he is going to be gone to Arizona on business anyway. It looks like Shannon's bridal shower will be July 19 (heads up to the Tegler/Geraghty fam). The month is filling up already, so I know we'll be busy and the time will fly.

Thanks for reading. This one was long but it's been a while. Have a great weekend!

The Marine Corps Museum Park: "For the enjoyment of future Marines"


Wheeeeeeeee


Caden, why must we always stray from where we should be? (Note the Kansas sweatshirt...Rock Chalk Jayhawk National Champions!)


This is the overconfidence I talked about


His daily morning stance, watching Sesame Street


Probably heading off to pick up his girlfriend...be home by curfew.

1st Haircut

Brian recently mentioned that it looked like Caden was growing rat tails. Hmmm...that means time for a haircut. We did it while Brian was on a trip to Maryland so he was surprised when he returned.

What did I do to deserve this?!


SAVE ME, for crying out loud (literally)


He did not enjoy this experience. Um, actually, that's an understatement. I tried to ease the pain by taking him to Cartoon Cuts, hoping the colorful decor and the Barney cartoons would appease him. It was a good try. At least he survived. We can't wait for the next haircut. (NOT. I think we're going to just grow it out. Dreadlocks, anyone?)

He also just got over his first case of the flu last weekend. He probably doesn't think we're much fun lately, all the torture we're putting him through. It only lasted 2 days though and he's back to his happy, crazy Caden self.

Hey, that's a spiffy haircut!


Most kids sing their ABC's...Caden eats his.


He still loves us, despite the haircut fiasco.