Saturday, June 21, 2008

Topeka Tinman

The Topeka Tinman has come and gone and so has my yearly fu-manchu (Nicole hates it). It was kind of a wierd race this year, with some technical difficulties. But overall I improved on my times from last year and was pleased with how I felt after the race. It would be nice to have more time/money to do these because they really are a good time.

Changing into my bike clothes.

Noelle playing with Grandpa while I'm biking.

Finishing up the bike leg of the race.

This is me making the transition from the bike into the run, I was feeling pretty good at this point. I ended up not doing as well on the run as I wanted to, but that's the way things go.

Me giving Noelle a hi-5 on my way to the finish line.

Now we can all go home and take a nap!

Vacation!

We took a vacation to Utah a couple of weeks ago, we've just been slow to put pictures up. This was taken at our favorite rest stop in Colorado (Mile marker 121). Noelle was just as happy for the whole drive as she was in this picture...NOT.

It was a great vacation and we got to see all kinds of friends and family. We weren't able to catch up with everyone, but maybe next year. We miss Utah and being so close to those we love there. It was especially fun to watch Noelle play with all of her little cousins, they were all so good to her.

We went to some aquariam in Sandy (I forgot the name). My first impression driving up to the place wasn't a good one, but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.

Although she looks scared in the picture, she did gather the nerve to pet the snake...but only for a second.

The sting ray sure was slimy.

Here's Your Chance...

Noelle was all talk about petting the sting ray. When it came up to where she could actually reach it this was her reaction...

Bathtime!

We went to visit our old roomates, Keli'i and Ev and there little girl Emi. Noelle and Emi had a blast in the tub! It was so good to see the Wunders!

Zombies!

Nicole got hooked on the Wii while we were staying with my sister Megan's family. Ryan was quite the little Wii master.

Noelle was all pictured out when we took this picture.

Nicole and Noelle in front of a mural of Provo/BYU campus at the new Gordon B. Hinckley Visitor's Center/Alumni Center.

We went to the Bean Museum on the BYU campus and checked out some of the stuffed animal wildlife. I would say that this was even better than going to Cabela's because you aren't tempted to buy stuff and the assortment of animals is even more amazing. They even have a Lyger (known for it's magical powers). I'm sure this is something we'll do the next time we head out West.

Me and Noelle making a narrow escape from a Hungry Hippo!

Noelle and Tanner winking at the camera!

After we picked Nicole's mom up from the airport we headed over to Temple Square in Salt Lake. It was Noelle's first time there and she was genuinely interested in the Christus statue, it really was sweet.

3 Generations of the Tenn Family

Grandma, Mom, and Daughter in front of the Salt Lake City temple.

Flower Girl

Noelle inspecting a flower at Temple Square. If it were up to her we would have been there all day looking at flowers.

Pre-Race Intimidation

While we were in Utah I competed in the Salem Spring Triathlon with my brother and brother-in-law. It rained so much that they had to cancel the bike portion of the race, so it only ended up being a duathlon. The temperature was in the 40s, so it wasn't exactly ideal racing weather but it turned out OK. This is our pre-race photo where we had our game faces on and were talking all kinds of smack to the other athletes. My overall place was 97th out of about 450-500.

Nicole transferring some of her warmth to me before I hit the water.

Cherry family photo before Mike attempts his first duathlon.