Our Own Kids Triathlon (by Max)

Fine! If my parents aren't going to sign me up for a triathlon although I am already 4 and can (almost) swim, I am just going to come up with my own race. Can't be that hard! 

Also, have I mentioned that my brother Noah did his first triathlon at age 3? What's up with that? 

While in Utah, Mama needed to do some open water swimming and we wanted to come along. We packed our wetsuits, bikes, and running shoes because... why not? You never know when all that gear might come in handy. 

The lake was a disappointment to say the least. No grass, no shade, yucky sand, and freezing water. I decided right then and there that I need to go back to Germany ASAP. But I also decided to make the best of it and as soon as Mama got done swimming back and forth, I declared: 

Let's do a triathlon! 

(about 5 times and really loud)

She seemed a bit surprised. Not sure why. I mean: Isn't that what she trains for all the time? 

I recruited Noah and off we went. I made up all the rules, mostly to make sure that I would win but also because I like to be boss. Who doesn't? 

It was a beach start. Because I love nothing more than to sprint down the sand and throw myself into the water. So fun! I tried to swim along the beach but that was way too boring and hard. So then Noah and I tossed the rocket back and forth a few times. Mama didn't even get in the water past her belly button because she claimed she was way too cold. Didn't she just swim in this thing for 30 minutes? Girls! 

I was getting a little chilly myself, so I ran out of the water as fast I could yelling: 

Time to hop on our bikes! 

Transitions are easy-peasy. 

I have watched plenty of them and even practiced in the driveway with Mama before, 

so I am pretty sure I beat Noah to the bike

which is all I really care about! 

Shoes on, helmet on, and off we pedaled around the reservoir!

Look at me. I was going pretty darn fast! 

I almost ran over some random people/spectators but, hey, it's a race! 

It's not like I have time to watch where I am going!

(I know. I am still in my wetsuit. 

But I read that some of the athletes at Boise 70.3 this year also rode their bikes in their wetsuits, 

so I figure I would learn from the best!)

Onto the run. Check this out: I am still ahead of Noah! 

I am going to win this thing!

Booyeah! 

I won!!!

Can't remember if I won overall or just my AG but a win is a win! 

Now that I showed my parents how good I am at this, 

I am hoping they'll sign me up for a real one soon! 

Until then, 

Max. 

Mighty Max turns 4!

We were fortunate enough to be able to celebrate 

Max's 4th birthday in Utah with friends and family. 

(Haha. I just realized that this sounds like I am surprised Max made it this long! 

In reality, I am glad we made it this long with our crazy guy! 

But what I meant to say is that we were very happy to be in Utah for a few weeks this summer!)

We had 4 friends over in the morning for 

some water fun, lunch, dessert, and a treasure hunt. 

The kids (and moms!) are all good friends so it worked out really well. 

We love this kid and would be quite bored if he wasn't around! 

He is very different from Noah and yet the two are best friends. 

They have been fighting a lot this summer but I honestly don't know 

what they would do without each other. 

Every time they see each other at school, they hug and kiss 

and take care of each other. Who knew?

They are both going to the same school this year. 

Noah is in 1st grade and Max started Co-Op Preschool 

just a few doors down from Noah's classroom. 

I was a little worried about the change in preschools 

because he really loved Acorn last year. 

But no need to worry: He loves it and is so excited 

that he gets to go every morning* now!

No more daycare at the gym for this big guy! 

* Thanks to the help of my very generous parents!

After his birthday party, he wanted to go swimming. 

So I went on a little date with him to 7 Peaks water park. 

We had a great time and I think he loves water as much as I do. 

(He is known to take up to 3 baths a day if we let him!)

Then we met up with Karl and Noah at Slab Pizza 

(because I certainly didn't feel like cooking at this point)

and enjoyed the best pizza in town. 

It's fast, affordable, and not your average pizza. 

Obviously. Other we wouldn't go there! 

Max with his new headlamp

Then we met up with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins 

at the park for cake and ice cream and a rousing game of soccer. 

It was a very fun day and I think Max had a great time. 

Thank you, Max, for contributing so much fun and craziness 

to our family! 

We love your very much and hope this is going to be a fantastic year for you!

Unser Opa ist der Beste!

das schöne Renterleben

Liebster Opa, 

Wir denken, dass Du der allerbeste Opa bist!

Von ganzem Herzen wünschen Dir einen wunderschönen Geburtstag 

und finden es sehr schade, dass wir beim Feiern nicht dabei sein können. 

Aber wir werden uns immer an den schönen Sommer erinnern, den wir dieses Jahr mit Dir in Deutschland verbringen durften. 

Vielen Dank, dass Du so viel Zeit mit uns verbringen wolltest, vor allem nachdem Du nicht mehr arbeiten musstest. Wir hatten sehr viel Spaß mit Dir! 

Zum Glück hast Du ja immer noch Lynn und jetzt auch Leah, die Dich sicher auf Trab halten, denn so ganz ohne Enkel wär's Dir ja total langweilig. 

Aber wer spielt denn jetzt mir Dir Fußball? Ach, wie schön wär's, wenn wir einfach mittags mal mit Dir auf den Fußballplatz gehen koennten. Aber zum Glück hast Du uns ja schon das wichtigste beigebracht und Papa ist auch nicht so schlecht. 

Das Fußballmagazin, das Du uns geschenkt hast, schauen wir uns immer noch täglich an und planen jetzt schon eine Reise nach Deutschland in 2014, damit wir mit Dir bei Uroma Gisela die WM anschauen können! Hier kümmert sich ja keiner um Fußball...

Guck mal, was wir für einen Spaß zusammen hatten. Wir vermissen Dich! 

Du kannst uns ja jetzt mal wieder besuchen kommen und wenn Oma nicht mehr in die Wüste kommen will, dann komm doch allein!

Wir wünschen Euch einen ganz schönen Urlaub und drücken Dich ganz fest! 

Alles Liebe von Deinen Enkeln, 

Noah und Max. 

PS: Mama sagt, sie hat Dich auch sehr lieb und vermisst Dich und Oma sehr. 

Eistobel Hike

We went on many beautiful hikes in Germany but this one was especially pretty. 

Coming from the Arizonan desert, this was like a piece of green heaven! 

The boys were wondering if we were in the jungle...

My perfect summer hike includes: 

water, rocks, and shade. 

We had it all. 

The boys enjoyed skipping rocks with Opa. 

Noah got quite good at it!

There must be plenty of snacks, of course!

Cousin Lynn

Speaking of hiking: 

I think it's time to go for a nice Sunday hike at Big Springs in Southfork Canyon. 

One of my favorite places around Provo. 

Happy Weekend!

Roping Around the Forest

We went to a ropes course for kids while in Germany and it turned out awesome! 

Max and Noah had a blast. 

Getting set up. 

Max's face is classic. 

Receiving instructions and practicing. 

I have to say I am pretty proud of them. 

They did as they were taught and had a great time! 

Noah was confident and didn't need any help. 

He is growing up and couldn't be more excited!

I was a little worried about Max. 

Usually he has to be able to keep up with Noah or throws a huge fit. 

But, to my surprise, he took his time and didn't worry about how far ahead Noah was. 

He worked hard and was very proud of himself when he finished! 

Cousin Lynn. 

She was very hesitant at first. But after watching her big cousins for a while, she decided to give it a go. 

Cutest little climber ever! 

Leo. 

I love my dad!

And I love the German forest! 

The End. 

Karlsruhe - City Park and Zoo

Water, water, and more water. I basically don't go anywhere here unless there is water. And since there is water most everywhere, this isn't a problem. Can you tell that I am having a hard time living in the desert? When people ask me if I want to end up in Flagstaff after Karl's studies, I truthfully tell them: No. Now you know why. 

Covering the hole, so that the water will shoot up super high when they let go. 

Simple but fun.  

Getting the hang of chess. Or not. 

Favorite animal today: the hippo. 

Who doesn't like to ride in a little car? 

Especially when the ride goes through a dark tunnel?

Honing their climbing skills. 

Just one little part of the playground. 

Notice the water feature in the front. 

( I happily carry extra clothing around with me everywhere we go...)

Exploring the river. 

That's it for today. Gotta get back to watching the Euro Cup. 

Max and Noah have turned into soccer maniacs. As I am typing this they are asleep in their new (original) Brazil jerseys inherited from a friend. More on that later...