Spirit of Boise

This morning Tristan and I headed down to Ann Morrison Park for the Spirit of Boise Hot Air Balloon Festival. He was a bit cranky at first but one we got going he was good. We stopped at Starbucks and got ourselves a coffee and cake pop and we were off. As we headed down Chinden you were able to see a few balloons in the air. I was worried that we might have missed most of them but as we got into the park you could still see many lying one the ground. Tristan was so excited, which in turn got me very excited! We had a wonderful time!

Emmett Triathlon 2011

Boy, where do I start with this tri? First, this was my first triathlon by myself. Then, Tex ended up not running the tri with me and decided to play softball instead. So, not only was I running by myself, I was also going by myself. Time to call in reinforcements. First on the list... Dano. Dano, can you come hold my hand? Next Sheree, knowing Sheree had a lot going on I called to see if she could make it too.

The morning started off early. I met Dani at 730. Race time was 935. We drove out together and headed strait for T1. Since we swam out of town we had to take our bikes out to the lake. Then it was off to T2 to set up for the run. As I was headed back from T2. I was stopped by an official who asked if I was waiting for the bus. I said yes, he told me the last bus was leaving at 8, it was 820. Good news is we caught the last bus.

Loved these guys... they were out "starting gun". It was a real cannon. Crazy! Love the time period costumes!

Headed back to the reservoir, where I began to get a bit nervous. 80% of the participants were wearing wet suits. Not me... I told Dani to look for me in about 26 minutes. This race was twice the distance as the Y not Tri so I figured double the time. Race started great! The water was not cold at all. There was plenty of room not to swim all over people. Next thing you new I was exiting the water at 16 minutes! Great Swim! 10 minutes ahead of schedule. I was stoked!










Next, off on the bike! Today I am not chasing anyone. It is all about me and the ride! A gradual climb out of the reservoir then through some rolling hills. Once we approach town it is pretty flat. Once you hit town and approach T2 you can hear the crowd cheering...





The 3 mile run snakes through town then around the softball fields, after a short stint along the river you circle back through town headed for the finish line. There I was surprised by Brittles. Brittles drove out to see me finish fruity beverage in hand! What a great race!

Thanks everyone for your support!

Swim 16:44 T1 3:14 Bike 45:31 T2 3:23 Run 43:36 Total Time 1:52:25

"I am at 90%"

This weekend finally brought my family a much needed break. I got some help with mom and headed for Tamarack with my family. we were off to spend the weekend with Dad and Sue.

We left Friday after work and we were greeted by Sue with a wonderful meal upon arrival. After an evening of catching up we all headed to bed.

Saturday morning Sue and I set out on an early morning run! It was an absolutely stunning morning! When we returned we all got ready and headed in to McCall to have breakfast at the pancake house. Dad ordered the number 2, 2 stood for 2 full size pancakes along with eggs and sausage. Needless to say Dad's eye's were bigger than his stomach! It sure was funny though!






Tristan wanted his picture taken and this is what he was doing. Please don't tell me we are in the stage where he is going to be a little goof ball for all the pictures... please don't tell me that.




Tex and Sue went off shopping after breakfast. Dad, TJ and I headed to the beach! Yep, you heard it Patti, we were at the beach! TJ decided to shed his clothes and get in the water, it was too cute!



On our way back to the truck Tex treated us to some ice cream. Of course Tristan picked out blue! The scoop was ridiculously huge and it was a kid size. After he was done he went to give Grammy a big KISS!





On our ride home Grammy and TJ watched Bee The Movie in the back seat, it was so cute!


It was a wonderful weekend, one I really needed with my family! They have been so giving with there time lately!

Oh, and one more funny thing... Dad informed us he was at 90%. HE IS AMAZING!

Freedom 50/50

While Patti was here before the Y not Tri, we stopped in to Idaho Mountain Touring downtown to get her a bike. While she was getting sized a rather fit cyclist rode in and he was wearing a outfit the read Freedom 50/50 so being the inquisitive person that I am I Googled the website while I was waiting for Patti. As I read his mission statement I began to cry. So many of us were affected on that day in September 10 years ago. I called Patti over to me to tell her about him and of course she went over and told him... Thanks Sis. Max offered us to ride with him but we were a bit intimidated. Little did we know that is was part of his mission. We did get our photo with him and we have been watching his progress as he journeys across the US bound for what used to be the World Trade Center. Please visit his website at http://freedom5050.com, take a moment to remeber where you were that day 10 years ago and the lives that were lost then and since then.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
THANKS MAX!

Max's Mission from his web site.

As a tribute to the victims and the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 attack on America, I, Max McManus, am going to “connect” the United States by riding my bike through all 50 states in 50 consecutive days. I’m starting July 24, 2011 and fi nishing at ground zero in New York City on 9-11-2011. Riding 8-10 hours a day, 50 straight days is extremely difficult but it will be my patriotic contribution to the freedom and sovereignty of our country to connect and hopefully “unite,” in some way, all the States of America. Along the way I hope each U.S. State, in its own way, will make a charitable contribution towards the 10th anniversary of TheHelpAmerica 9-11 Foundation. Growing up in many countries as a son of an Air Force pilot LT. Colonel, one thing that’s apparent is the patriotism, pride and appreciation one ends up with knowing you are a citizen of the United States of America. I think the relevance of this became evident on that fateful day of September 11, 2001. Defending and protecting the freedom of our country did not start on that horrifi c day, but it is the one day that’s been the most disturbing to me. Recognizing this has lead to my motivation to attempt such a challenging and unique test.

Ultimately my success will be defined by how well I can make a diff erence by uniting as many people as possible in my quest. There were thousands of innocent lives lost and countless families aff ected by this attack. Refl ecting on those lost, not taking our freedom for granted and appreciating how fortunate we are to live in this country is what I hope we never forget.

A sad day in our neighborhood...

If you had not heard the park around the corner from our house, Knottingham Park, is the one that was set on fire last night. Tristan and I have had some great memories here. We drove by on our way home and Tristan was almost beside himself. He could not understand what happened...

Very, Very sad.

My Trial Garden

This year I decided to plant some vegetables in pots around the yard. I have always enjoyed gardening but our yard really does not have enough room. A few of my plants are beginning to produce.

Time for some of the fruits of our labor...
MMM