The Leslie Beach Swim Club squared off against Twin Lakes Swim Club Tuesday night, under cloudy skies and threatened rain. This was Jackson's first swim meet... He swam in the 100 yard freestyle relay, 25 free, and 25 back. Above, Jackson ready to "dive in" for the 25 yd free.
Notice the Stien focus and intensity.
Getting ready for the 25 yd backstroke...
Jackson out in the lead... he won his heat in the backstroke!!
We had a fun Memorial Day over at the Wilson's pool. Catie and Abby joined us while Jackson spent the night up in Hiawassee with Grandpa and Grandma Stien. I think Jackson is missing Catie. He called for her 4 or 5 times today to give her the update of his activities.
Catie and Luke had fun playing and swimming, and especially eating hot dogs and ice cream!
Abby, dry at last!
Thank you Luke for having me over...
This was the first day of kindergarten in August of last year...
And, here they are on the last day of kindergarten. Look how they have grown!!
There he goes, into school for the last day.
Several have commented on the poor third child, who is never in any pictures. So, here is Abby at about 3 1/2 months. She is getting some personality and should be in more of the pictures from now on!
This is the view of Lake Chatuge from Ramey Mountain in Hiawassee, GA, site of Steve's first triathlon. Steve has been training since last fall and was feeling confident in his ability to take Ann in this race. Ann has been doing triathlons for years, but as you know, has been out of commission for several months (was pregnant and recovering from delivery of Abby). So, the pressure was on for both of us.
Carb loading at it's finest the night before the big race. Although, we will not win parents of the year for this scene!
Here's Ann... 3rd person out of the water.
As expected, Steve came out of the water well behind Ann. "What a terrifying experience!! Nothing like 55 degree air temperature and 69 degree water temp for my first open water swim. I can't wait to do my next race in 2 weeks!!" His posture tells it all. Can he catch Ann on the bike or run???
"Daddy, what is taking so long? You have been in the transition for about 5 minutes!!" (Look for the guy in the red shirt and monkey butt head)
Nope, Steve did not win!! This is Ann, taking a picture of Steve finishing! Nice first race Steve!! He made a valient effort on the bike and got close, but ran out of gas on the hills in the second half of the race. It ended up being a 4 minute victory by Ann. Steve put this under protest because he had a long transition and had to stop to go to the bathroom. Nice try Steve!!
This is a participant and the overall female winner...
Thanks Sanja for helping watch the kids so we could both do the race!! Our next race is in 2 weeks... stay tuned!!
The kids were very excited to see that a moth had emerged from the cocoon!!
The moth is set free... The kids wave goodbye.
Catie is in time-out (again!!!)
Here are some friends on our bird feeder. What do you think?? Mice or rats??
Our neighbor Michael had a Star Wars birthday party! Above, Jackson and Matthew are engrossed in a lightsaber fight. We are really surprised that the Escofferys would endorse such a violent theme to a party!!
You can see the effects that violence can have on a group of young boys...
As usual, you can find Catie by the food! Here she is with her friend Sarah.
Steve is getting really hard up for friends!!
The girls...
Jackson had "Field Day" at school. It was a real hit with the kids. They had several activities, including jump rope relays, softball throw, bowling, etc. Above was a relay where they run about 50 yards with a balloon, pop the balloon by sitting on it, and running back. They kids loved it!!
The balloon has popped and he is heading back to tag the next person. That is his teacher, Ms. Aycock, standing by the chair.
