Vineman

My brother competed in his first Ironman distance competition in July (really puts the half marathon Russell and I ran, two weeks prior, to shame). A lot of our family piled in planes and cars to support him. We had a blast and were so glad we could share this accomplishment with him.


The last supper.


Ready to hit the water. {Note: this was the first time I have EVER been as tan as my brother. Big deal for me}


The morning support crew-plus Hailey who's taking the pic!


First lap of the swim. We didn't think we'd be able to spot him, but Hailey had a good eye! Two good eyes really.


Finishing the 2.4 mile swim. I caught him getting out of the water and ran to meet my parents to see him start the bike. My feet were so numb from the cold, my sandal fell off and I didn't even notice! But I made it to snap these...


Starting the 112 mile bike.


Lap 1 of the bike.


Our cousins barely missed him on the bike. We had lots of fun entertaining this bunch.


Off to run a marathon.


We were able to see him a lot on the run. We spread ourselves out over the course which helped him to stay moving!


Finishing strong. 13 hours later.


Post race love.


Probably my favorite shot out of the 300 Russell & I took.


The entire support crew-minus Tiff.

It was such a motivating experience. Maybe I'll do an Ironman someday. But first, a marathon.

San Fran

I have a little bit of catch up to do. I started blogging about our new life in cali without paying respects to San Fran, Vineman & Vacaville (more on those to come).

We flew into San Fran a few days before my brother's first full Ironman distance competition {he's crazy, right?}. We met my parents at the airport and headed to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf.



We were not prepared for how cold San Francisco was going to be! I was frozen by the end of the day. Stupid wind.



The most we saw of the Golden Gate.


We want to go back and really explore the city, do an Alcatraz tour, etc. But this sufficed for the few hours we spent there.


Proud to be Lefty's.


At the Boudin for lunch...which according to the video at the Boudin Bakery in California Adventure, I have been pronouncing wrong for a very long time.


Doug finally flew in! And we set off to find Ghirardelli Square.


Found it. Along with trolley cars and dinner. Yum.

a white coat.

It is now official. Russell's white coat ceremony was last Friday. What a proud day for us both. So many of you shared in our rough journey to this point and we are so grateful for all of the positive thoughts and prayers on our behalf. THANK YOU!

When the Dean spoke he told the parents what a proud moment this should be for them and how this was truly a day of accomplishment. I like to think he was also speaking to all of the wives present, who have also sacrificed, stressed and shed sweat and tears for their husbands.

The Dean also spoke on the significance of the 'white coat.' It is not a coat of entitlement; it is a heavy coat of responsibility.




Tyler & Russell - mission companions and now classmates.


Reading the Dental Oath


Proudly sportin our 'USC super spouse' ribbon


:)


Showing me his station in lab.


We plan on taking another pic here in 4 years.