Memphis, Jackson, Oxford & Ruston, oh my!

Just days before Kevin's triple-race weekend in Ruston, Louisiana, Kevin had a business road trip he needed to take and we ALL got to go with him! During one of his meetings in Memphis, Tennessee, the kids and I went on a rock hunt. Michael scored finding the biggest rock. It was so big he could barely hold it up for the picture. As you can see, he is very proud.

We loved staying in the hotels with Kev. This room in Jackson, Mississippi had a loft with a bedroom upstairs. While Ellie napped and Kevin was at another meeting, Huntie and Michael made their first of many forts. It was pretty outstanding. I think they could have played in there for the entire day.

Ellie just after her nap. Enough said.

With all his business finished, Kevin's signing in for his races. He asked for a small race shirt this time around and gave it to Michael - which Michael has since worn to bed religiously. He's pretty proud to have his daddy's race shirt.

The kiddos loved the playground at the race venue. Ruston is a beautiful place.

Elle made a new friend - Desiree. They found seashells together in the lake.

And voila.

Huntie braved the lake waters too, but in search for fish. There were hundreds of little fish and tadpoles. Huntie's plan was to stand quietly in the water until they swam into her shoes. Great plan! Except for the catching fish in her shoes part. :)

Yes, we love the sand. Even in the rain. And what is Michael doing back there?

"GO, Dad, GO!"

My best attempt at wearing sunglasses . . . and looking cool.

Elle inspecting the beach on race day.

This is what a "mass start" looks like. All the competitors run into the water together and spread out as they swim. It's pretty amazing. Kevin is right in front of the short wetsuit guy front and center. He kicked butt on the swim and was among the first 20 out of the water. Pretty awesome.

Next was the bike. This was his first ever Xterra race, which is an open-water swim, off-road mountain bike followed by a trail run. He was making great time

Coming to transition 2, off the bike, on to the run. Huntie and Michael cheered him on.

Elle was so stoked to see Kev!! She giggled and clapped for every biker she saw in anticipation of seeing her daddy. When she saw him she could barely contain herself.

Now on to the run. I seriously don't know how he does it. On top of this, he had another 5K trail run later this day, then another road triathlon the next day!

After the road tri - his THIRD race in two days. He did REALLY well. We are so proud of him!

Our new friend Desiree placed second overall. She's got quite a collection of medals already so she offered her medal for this race to Elle, who of course loved it.

Our monkey, being a monkey.

Although Kevin didn't place in the top three for any of these races, he did win quite a prize. They drew his name to win entrance into a national championship Xterra race anywhere in the US. I think that was the best prize of all. (notice him kicking his leg - sure tell of sheer joy)