the week that was...

Well, thankfully I survived last week. After a little over 1,500 miles on my poor car(and I didnt even drive to Florida!) Sunday afternoon I was thankful to be home and very thankful that we no longer travel via horse and buggy!!

 warning. this post might just get REALLY long but I want to write about everything so if you get bored...click on! :)

Saturday started the weeks festivities with our trip to Bloomington. We picked up Nathans race packet and enjoyed dinner at an awesome brewery in bloomington with our great friends Shane & Jana. It was one of the most fun 'couple date nights' I have had in a really long time. We pretty much covered every topic under the sun and realized that is pretty scary how much Jana and I's are alike. We have always know Nathan and Shane have been brothers since birth and I guess great minds think like when it comes to picking their spouses!! :)
 Sunday morning we were up bright and early and ready for Nathans Olympic Distance tri-altalon(1 mile swim, 26.2 mile bike and a 6.1 mile run). side note: I was SICK I was so nervous- now I know that sounds silly but ALOT of people don't finish these kind of things and since my dear wonderful husband had not swam since LAST July and only biked about 5 miles the day before I was SLIGHTLY nervous about this).
 I was SOOOO thankful that Shane and Jana were there too keep me calm. Once Nathan FINALLY got out of the water-I am pretty sure it was the longest 36 minutes of my life- I was a little better. They had to head back a study for the bar they are taking at the end of July so I stayed and watched and waited to see him make it off the bike and onto the run and then come across that finish line. Within those 3 hours that I sat there, they had to pull 2 people out of the water that couldn't make it and three ambulances went by...and you wonder why I was a little apprehensive!! I was one VERY VERY proud wife as I watched him transition each time and when he was finished I will admit I was a little teary. He really is pretty stinkin amazing if I do say so myself. Especially after I heard the professionals finishing up saying it was the hardest and most terrible course they had ever done!!
a few pictures of the day...

thankful for great friends to cheer him on!

ready to go!(sort-of!!)

bike, helmet, shoes....

last few seconds before hitting the water

GO NATHAN GO!!

and he is off...

he is out there somewhere!

here he comes!!!!

out of the water and headed towards the bike!

there he goes again...look at that hill! NO THANKS!

made it back from the killer ride and looking forward to the run.

a smile of reassurance for the wife!

a little chug before he hits the road again.

and he is off again!

this one is for your dad!

headed for the home stretch!!!

he can see the finish!

3 hours and 18 minutes later he is finished!!!

Nathan- I am so proud of you!! I love you so much and everyday you continue to inspire and amaze me. 

After we loaded up the car we headed back to S&J's for some much deserved pizza and water! We enjoyed the day their house then headed back to pick up my car so I was could be off to Dyer. 

It was so great being up with my dear friends and our old home. Bridgette and I enjoyed Monday at the pool and we finished off the evening with some MUCH needed girl time and dinner with Vicky & Hilary. I am so thankful God put them into my life. I am not sure I would make it through some of the tough things without them. 

 A few funnies that I want to remember from the time up there: 

-B & I went to Subway in our bathing suits- I sort-of forgot we were not in the county until when we walked in and the dressed up costumers look at us funny. opps!

-We saw some 'snannagins' as B calls, it at the pool. 

-We stayed up way to late watching the Bachlorette. 

-Our kind neighbors told me they prayed everyday for our house to sell and asked if we could do a prayer walk- it was one of the coolest and nicest things anyone has done for me. 

-We almost left the restaurant without paying! on total accident!

-The two days up there were well worth the drive!!

Tuesday morning I got up and went into Kolling and all I can say is WOW! It was so good for my heart. I have missed those kids like crazy and it was evident they missed me too(such a great feeling). They all asked if I was coming back and told me to 'Tell Mr. Taulman he needs to quit school so you can come back' too cute!! It was a great few hours and I got to see some wonderful friends and co-workers. I wish I could have stayed longer but it was off to the next stop!

After the visit to Kolling I jumped in the car and headed for Cinci to meet Nathan, Shane & Jana for a Cubs/Reds game and a round of golf!!

ok this post is getting long and I am getting tried soooo I will leave with: to be continued.....