Nolan Giggling with the girls in TAHOE!

Nolan loved his trip to Tahoe, and he loves his cousins. Ashlyn, Jenna, and Kaitlyn made him giggle for a straight week! He had so much fun with them.
I love these giggles, they are contagious!
Here is a video of the giggles. (I know it is sideways, can't figure how to rotate the video)

Twin Lakes Triathlon

On June 28th, 2009 I competed in my second triathlon of the summer. It was in Palatine, IL which is very close to home. So Todd, his mom Pat, and Nolan were able to come and cheer me on. I again had a good race, finished in 1 hour and 42 minutes, which was about 5 minutes faster than the last time I competed in this race. I finished 6th in my age group so I was happy with my results! We had perfect weather, and the morning was lots of fun!
My next event is the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon on August 2nd! 13.2 miles!

We loved Lake Tahoe!

We recently took our first family trip to Lake Tahoe. We were greeted by Todd's cousins who spent the week with us, and graciously hosted us in their cottage. Both Todd and I were nervous about how Nolan would do on the plane flight, but he was quite a trooper and did great! No crying, A++++ for Nolan! It was nice to visit with Todd's family, and the girls really were great helpers with Nolan. We wouldn't have been able to handle the trip without them! Thank you to the Fitzgerald Clan!

The week was filled with tons of fun activities. We played at the beach, hiked, road bikes from Tahoe to Squaw Valley, rafted the Truckee River, and visited the top of Squaw Valley. Here are a few pictures of the fun we had!!!

Nolan learning how to WALK!

As adults you forget how difficult it was to learn so many things. For example: walking. Watching Nolan learning how to walk, and how much effort it takes him to balance and move his feet--and the numerous falls on the bottom in the process, makes me realize it is no easy feat to learn how to walk. These videos are from when Nolan was almost 14 months old. I am so proud of Nolan--way to go!

Here is a few short clips of Nolan taking some of his very first steps!

What amazes me the most is where these first steps will take you on your journey throughout life.  I found this poem, and it is just perfect!

First Steps

Last night I held my arms to you
And you held yours to mine
And started out to march to me
As any soldier fine.
You lifted up our little feet
And laughingly advanced;
And I stood there and gazed upon
Your first wee steps, entranced.

You gooed and gurgled as you came
Without a sign of fear;
As though you knew, your journey o'er,
I'd greet you with a cheer.
And, what is more, you seemed to know,
Although you are so small,
That I was there, with eager arms,
To save you from a fall.

Three tiny steps you took, and then,
Disaster and dismay!
Your overconfidence had led
Your little feet astray.
You did not see what we could see
Nor fear what us alarms;
You stumbled, but ere you could fall
I caught you in my arms.

You little tyke, in days to come
You'll bravely walk alone,
And you may have to wander paths
Where dangers lurk unknown.
And, Oh, I pray that then, as now,
When accidents befall
You'll still remember that I'm near
To save you from a fall

Author:  Edgar Allen Guest