Iron Roddy's

To pave the way for the dude's future Ironman Championships, his parents decided to see what this Ironman fad was all about. Along with some other former KU swimmers, they participated in the inaugural "Ironman Kansas" half ironman. 1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike, 13.1 mi run. And despite the rumors, Kansas really isn't all that flat. His parent's performance inspired the dude into graduating from his tricycle. He now stands up on the pedals and charges up hills like a champ.

Walker Sculpture Garden

As you can see, the dude is learning quickly how to impress the ladies. A nice little stroll around a sculpture garden on a wonderful spring day works every time.

Mommy took me to the zoo today...

zoo today...
Mommy is done with her killer semester of school and decided to take me to the zoo. Today was basically mommy's first day off since January and wanted to spend it with me having fun in the sun.

Minnesota Wing Commemorative Air Force

I haven't posted on the blog in a while because let's face it, there are only so many frozen tundra pictures the halfsoul audience can take, am I right? It took a while, but spring has finally arrived in Minnesota. Don't worry, the dude has been practicing inside on his new bike for a while; the way he was charging up hills today to keep up with his older cousin, I might sign him up for a triathlon or two this summer. On the first nice weekend day in a long, long time, we were able make it outside for an air show over the capital building in St. Paul, put on by the Commemorative Air Force, as well as attend wiki's 4th birthday party with a ton of little dweebs running around. How is it that the dude running around like crazy with no naps seems to be more exhausting for me than it is for him? I guess we'll never know.

Back to the grindstone...

After all that fun of vacation, it's time to get back to work, and back to working out.

Spring Break / Easter Update

For spring break and easter, we were able to spend some time away from the endless Minnesota winter. Down in Arizona the day it was "supposed to" storm and have near freezing temperatures turned out to be 6 drops of rain and 55 degrees. So after dealing with that horrible day, we were able to enjoy the rest of the week of 85 degrees and sunny. We went on train rides, got to see a spring training baseball game (the A's vs KC), and even got to meet the easter bunny.

Howdy partner...

Finally got me my first real haircut

Shake Shake Shake...

Random update for negligent posting...

The dude has been busy the past few weeks and so has his dad, so here is a random update. He's 2 now, so that means he's got to start pulling his weight. He helped his dad and grandpa build a stairway hand rail and helped his mom and dad re-paint the entire basement. Next month I'll teach him how to use the hammer drill. The dude also had some friends over and is now officially mobile on his tricycle. Man, he's growing up quick.

Doot Doot Da Doot, Doot Doot Da Doot...

The little guy is turning 2 on Tuesday, so for an early birthday present, mom and dad took him to see his favorite character ever. Every time Elmo had to leave the stage, he would turn to one of us, scowl, and let out a big "ELMO?" Big bird used to be the cool one back in the 70's and 80's. Oh how times have changed.

And a Happy New Year!

We were able to ring in the new year at Grandma's and Grandpa's house in Arizona. The dude enjoyed playing with his cousins and watching KU win its first ever BCS Bowl title. In addition to getting the dude to sing the Rock Chalk chant and to wave the wheat, he also began counting to ten and singing the abc's. Ok, so he doesn't get every little last syllable, but he's not even 2 yet, so I think I'll cut him some slack.


If you listen, you can hear the dude counting along with me to jump in the pool.

Merry Christmas

We were able to make it down to New Mexico over christmas and the dude had a great time. He was the center of attention all week with Grandma and Grandpa, as well as with the caroling crowd in Old Messila.

And so it begins...

It wouldn't be December in MN without a little bit of snow. From all the reports we have been hearing, this is just the beginning for the weekend. It's a good thing I just got myself a face mask for winter cycling. I would normally say how much I missed San Diego here, but seeing the little dude's face light up while playing in the "no" (dude talk for snow) makes me reconsider. But man, he went totally bizerko when we had to bring him inside after 2.5 hrs for nap time. He didn't even care that he was on the verge of getting frost bite on his cheeks. He just couldn't get enough of the winter wonderland.