Tool Time

(Photographs compliments of Grandpa Maher)

This weekend Matt and his Dad constructed a swing set in our back yard. I was gone for most of the day attending a birth at the hospital (it was a beautiful birth, and Mom and baby are doing well), but when I returned home, the swing set was almost all complete. It looks wonderful, and Ella and Colin have already put it to good use. Ella's exclamation this morning was, "The swing set is still here; it didn't blow away last night!" I don't think this swing set will go anywhere any time soon!

We are grateful that Matt's Mom and Dad gave up their day to help us build the swing set. We really did appreciate their help and time, and I know it made the construction process that much easier for Matt! Matt put a few finishing touches on the swing set today. (And, shhh, now we are on to the next project!)

Stylish Headbands for All

I have gotten Ella addicted to running races, so we set out to complete another one this morning that was sponsored by the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. It was a beautiful morning to be outside! The weather was significantly warmer for this race, so we found some running shorts for Ella. Please note the hot pink - I should be able to find Ella in the dark now! Colin also participated in his first Fun Run this morning; he enjoyed the ride on my hip.



Ella is licking her lips after the taste of victory!

Here are Ella and Ben (Ella's friend and schoolmate) after the race. Ella was really sporting the whole runner's outfit for this event. She wanted to go for the Jane Fonda look. . .


Colin was content with a balloon . . .


A friend and I ran the 5K afterwards, and as you can see, the event gave out some sporty headbands that I will be sure to wear to the gym. I had no complaints as our afternoon continued. We made our way to the Harpoon Brewery for some lunch (and beverages), and then Ella and I got the first round of plants in the garden.

The Swim Team

I have just two more days of my class left, and then I have to figure out something else to do with myself. If I don't have something to focus on, I find that I get too antsy and cranky. So, I registered for a triathlon that will take place in August. The swimming portion is done in a pond (not sure if I want goggles to see what I find on the bottom), the biking is off road, and the run is off trail. I am doing this race with a friend, and we are trying to train together a bit this summer.


Ella is quite excited about this race as well. I had to order a swim suit, goggles, and cap. When I opened the box, Ella insisted on trying on the gear. She also wanted her own pair of goggles, so we went looking for some today. Although my goggles are not as fashionable as Ella's pair, I hope they will serve the purpose of helping me train and swim! Colin also wanted to see what all the hype was about - we didn't tell him there were flowers on the goggles when he tried them on! We have also recruited Moose for our team because I hear he has a mean doggy paddle.