So while we were taking Thomas’ first boat ride in the Chris Craft on 4th of July weekend (more on that later) I decided that I was going to start a blog.  With the help of my two technologically inclined brother-in-laws (thanks James and Keith!) here I am.  I feel like I have a little bit of catching up to do with my blogging so I am gong to step back a couple of weeks.  Just a warning this is a long post.

The Ironman

One year ago Cameron went to Coeur d’ Alene and watched the Ironman; he was so inspired that he signed up to the very next day.  After one year of hard work and many hours of training he made it to the day of the race.  The swim portion of the race started at 7 so we were all there bright and early to cheer Cameron on, we had matching T-shirts and everything.  We watched him through all the transitions and along the bike and run portions.  Thomas was a little grumpy that day and whenever we would cheer Cameron on he would burst into tears from all of the noise and commotion. 

Cameron had a huge fan club  supporting him through the entire race - it was really neat to see.  Cameron finished in 12 hours and 10 minutes, he did a great job and we are all so proud of him, what an accomplishment!  The next day was Cameron’s 27th birthday so we had a small party with a yummy ice cream cake.  All he wanted for his birthday was to be able to walk - just kidding!  He was moving around amazingly well after swimming, biking and running 140.6 miles.   Here is the link to see all of the Ironman pictures: http://www.mike.hawleys.net/v/2008/Tri-Athlon/Coeur_D_Alene/

4th of July weekend

For Thomas’ first 4th of July we headed out to the lake for a four day weekend, Dad and mom hosted a BBQ at their place and dad made some really good North Carolina style pulled pork sandwiches.  The weather was cooler than it had been the rest of the week; which was nice for sitting out on the deck but it wasn’t warm enough to get me to go swimming; although Thomas and Mike took a little dip in Thomas’ pool.As I mentioned earlier Thomas went on his first boat ride in the Chris Craft.  At first he wasn’t very happy about wearing his lifejacket but  once we got out on the open water he liked it.  Cameron and Nick did some air-chairing, they are getting pretty good.   After watching Cameron do the Ironman Andrea decided that she would like to do a triathalon.  So she has signed up for one this fall.  Cameron has started helping her train.  The rest of the weekend we kind of took it easy and relaxed.   To see all of the pictures from 4th of July here is the link: http://www.mike.hawleys.net/v/2008/July/

Well that is my first blog posting, check back periodically for more updates.