Aunt Carrianne's Triathlon

The kids and I left bright and early Sunday morning to drive up to Kirkland to cheer Aunt Carrianne on in her first triathlon. This required us to attend mass Saturday evening instead of our typical Sunday morning mass. Fortunately, my dh offered to come along, as the kids are never as easy at evening mass. Actually, I bribed him a bit with dinner at Ruby Tuesday's afterwards. I was reminded why I prefer the morning mass (sorry Papa).

We are so proud of Carrianne! It took a three mile walk to get to the finish line, but the kids were so excited to see her, they didn't complain, too much. Sister made a really neat poster for her. The picture is of Carrianne and her friend after finishing. After, we went back to Don and Donna's house in Ballard for lunch and a lovely time at the beach. Summer sure went out with a BANG of sunshine!

The drive home wasn't too bad. It made me very thankful for HOV lanes and cruise control. The boys both fell asleep before we'd even left Seattle. My dh made us a wonderful dinner. Daddy makes a mean chicken-fried steak!!!

If you're ever going to attend a triathlon with kids, here are a few tips:
1. If you don't get an answer you like, ask a different police officer. They don't seem to all be on the same page and you may luck out and get an answer you like better (such as, "Yes, you can drive both ways on this road." Rather than, "This is as far as you can drive on this road. You'll have to drive all the way around which will take you an hour or you can park here and walk three miles.")

2. Bring a stroller in case you pick the option of walking three miles and remember three miles downhill are three miles uphill on the way back.
3. Even though they are wearing those special bright vests, the event volunteers really don't know what is going one. They all will give you different answers to the same questions.

4. Kids love to watch people running whether they know who they are or not.

5. Food will keep kids happy. Make sure you pack lots of granola bars, gold fish crackers, and apple crisps.
6. Bring a stroller in case you pick the option of walking three miles and remember three miles downhill are three miles uphill on the way back.