my man

Today Ivo ran his third marathon. The weather couldn't be more perfect for running - it was sunny, cold and no wind at all. He pushed it hard and made his new personal record - 2:54:52; he finished 2nd overall.

We followed him during the whole race and saw him at 6 different spots. Kids were proudly cheering on their dad and the excitement was amazing. We are so proud of him!

the little triathlete

Yesterday Patrik and Ivo raced in the same race for the first time. It was also a first time for Patrik to race in an open water. He did an awesome job and has made us a very proud parents! This kid has a very bright athletic future, I just know it.
I will post more photos of two men from the race later in the week.

oh, the places we went | the summer edition - part 1

It's been so long since I posted more than just one photo with a short description... Yes, I'm still alive, just trying to stay on top of everyday life during the summer time. Kids out of school, the daily routine changed but we are slowly getting back on track with the "regular" schedule. In just two weeks the little ones go back to school and even more crazier and busier times will come as both of them are registered in swimming club and a soccer club. (wish us luck!).

Anyhow. So far we've had a great summer. Ivo's mom stayed with us for 7 weeks from middle June till the first week of August. We traveled a lot and saw so many beautiful places and I think I took thousands of pictures... I will post some of my favorite summer shots in the upcoming weeks but right now I'll show you just a few of the unedited "traveling" photos.

We went to Whistler and hiked the Mountain Peak which is located at 2,182 meters above sea level.

And visited the Olympic square in there as well.

The next week we visited Stanley Park here in Vancouver and played a little bit on the beach.

We celebrated Katrin's 7th B-day in her favorite restaurant called Mission Springs.

The next weekend we went to the Grouse Mountain where Ivo and Patrik did the Grouse Grind. The girls took the gondola up to the mountain (me because of my knee, mom didn't feel like climbing up and Katrin didn't want to climb at all).

And at the end of the day we ended up at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.We walked in the trees and explored the beauty of the area.

And of course we explored our neighborhood as well. And because we love to bike, we took grandma for a bike ride. I think she sat on the bike after 20+ years long break. It was really special for all of us.

More "Oh, the places we went" photos coming soon. Until then I wish you all happy days!

:: this moment ::

{this moment}. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

our little triathlete | race #2

I knew once Patrik starts doing triathlon races that he will be into it (exactly the same way as his daddy..). He plans to be a professional triathlete one day. I think his dream might come true if he keeps up with his determination and excitement.
He did his second race yesterday and we couldn't be more proud of him. He placed 1st in his age category (boys 8-10 years).
Congratulation, buddy!! We love you!!

Btw, check out the comment section over here. This kid of mine really cracks me up!

our little triathlete

Last Saturday Patrik competed in his first triathlon (100m swim, 3.75km bike and 1km run). He was very excited and couldn't wait for the morning to come. The sun came out for a little bit and warmed up all the little, excited and nervous at the same time, athletes.

posing before the race

putting his stuff into transition

the cheering team is ready with cheering signs and cow bells

  The swim took a place in a swimming pool where unfortunately I couldn't see him. Ivo was watching over the glass at the swimming pool while Katrin and I were waiting outside with the camera to capture Patrik's run to transition.

and here he goes!

 All the kids had to run barefoot from the swimming pool to the transition for about 200 meters.

He was very focused but once he heard us cheering, he started to smile.

changing into biking gear

the cheering team waiting for our little athlete to show up from his bike ride

racing to the finish of bike course

and off to the running part

He so reminds me of Ivo. I love when our kids are inspired by their own parents. One day this little buddy will race his own dad,  you can bet on it.

racing to the finish

And now he is officially a triathlete!

 Congratulation, my sweetheart!! We all are so very proud of YOU!

And tomorrow we are going to repeat the whole process... GO, PATRIK, GO!!

one more sleep

There is one little boy over here who won't be able to sleep properly tonight because of his excitement for tomorrow's day....

The cheering team is getting ready as well.

GO, PATRIK, GO!!!

his first race

Our little man had his first swim meet race today. He started with swimming in October with the intention to be able to make the swimming distance for triathlon races which he wants to compete at (as father as son...). From being able to "swim" 15+ meters he's got into competing in 100 meters swim in just 5 months. When I saw him swimming just a few weeks ago, I was impressed. I'm not saying that because I'm his mom but because I was really impressed with the huge improvement he has been able to make in just a short period of time. Back at the beginning of October he was able to do a few strokes and that was it but since he's started swimming in a swimming club, his technique and distance improved rapidly. We couldn't be more proud of him!
Patrik competed in 5swims/heats today - 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 25m butterfly and 100m freestyle. He came 1st in three of those 5 swims in his heat but struggled with butterfly and breaststroke. Overall it was a great experience for him and a good preparation for this first triathlon which will take a place next Saturday.

Here are a few pictures from this morning.

the calm water before the races started

warm up with his team

warm up in the water

he really enjoyed himself today

during his first race - 50 m backstroke

trying to stay warm between the heats

little sis cheering on her big brother

rocking his favorite style - freestyle

proud parents