Swimming and Triathlon's.

What an eventful weekend we have had, once again!! On Saturday, Matt had a sprint triathlon in Lebanon, Oregon. His heat started at 8am. He first swam 500 meters, then biked for 12.5 miles, and then ran a 5K. He was amazing. In the end he won his division which was called the Clydesdale's (those who weighed over 200 lbs). All of the kids came and played while he competed. Sean and Melissa came from Reedsport the night before and surprised us by showing up in Lebanon at 8am. I was so happy to see them. It was a very fun morning. After we returned home, we quickly got another snack bag together and headed to Gresham for a swim meet. Madalyn competed in 3 events and was amazing. She won 1st in two races and then 2ND in another one. We were so excited watching her swim so well. Sadly, our camera's battery died and so we only have one picture of Madalyn. We have two WINNERS in our family.

Way to go Madalyn and Matt!!!!

Matt waiting for the bell to ring and start swimming.

Starting the swim out on a good note.

Matt swimming again!!

Transitioning from swimming to his 12.5 mile bike ride.

Almost ready to GO......................

Off he goes.

Matt did an amazing on his bike ride.

Returning from the bike ride.

Taking off on the run!

Coming up to the finishing line........

The guy that had ended his run congratulating Matt.

After Matt finished running over the finish line, the boys took off back to the sand pit. So, this is not a complete picture. I was so proud of Matt, I couldn't believe that he had come so far in such a short time. Last year in May, he weighed 40+ lbs more and hadn't even started working out. Now he is competing in a sprint triathlon.

Matt, Rich, and Robyn. Matt and Rich work out together regularly.

Matt's number.

Happy guy!!

Melissa, Matt and Sean.

Paige taking a break on Matt's stomach.

Matt, Rich and Colton.

Matt and Rich placed 1st and 2ND.

Matt and I showing off his blue ribbon.

Our amazing swimmer Madalyn!!!!

The Zoo, Mother's Day, Family Fun Night, and BEAUTIFUL Spring!!!!

It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted on my blog. I have many pictures once again. There are many things that I have been doing lately with Matt and the kids. I had a jewelry show in Albany and Boring, Matt and I took the kids to Family Fun Night at their school, we celebrated Mother's Day and I went to the zoo with Hayden's first grade class. I have been very busy, but I am now starting to slow down again and I can better focus on the little things.

THE ZOO..............

This is Hayden's 1st grade class!

A little girl in Hayden's class named Taylor spent the day with us and she was a sweetie. I could have taken her home with me. Hayden and Taylor are sitting in a bird's nest.

Hayden and Taylor hanging out with the local bears at the Zoo.


MOTHER'S DAY............

For Mother's Day my Dad wanted to take my sister Megan, my sister-in-law Carda and I to the Woodburn outlet Mall to buy us some clothing. He asked us to go the day before Mother's Day and then he took us out to dinner. This was the first time that my Dad has ever bought me clothing in my life. I felt a little guilt but also excitement in spending a wonderful evening with my Dad and having some new pretty clothes. Thanks Dad, I love you!!

Sunday, Matt and the kids made the day really great. They pampered me and gave me sweet cards professing their love. I told them that when they get mad at me, I am going to pull these cards out and remind them of how much they love me.

Matt had the kids make a little plate for me that is very precious.

Matt bought me 2 hanging baskets that were beautiful.

The kids jumped in bed with me early in the morning and Matt brought me his mouth watering omelet. Yummy, yummy!!!


FAMILY FUN NIGHT...........

Paige blowing bubbles at Family Fun Night.

Hayden and Carter racing tricycle's. We were a little worried when Hayden beat Carter, but Carter took it very well and they enjoyed the competition.

B, Hayden and Carter standing next to the jumping machine.

Madalyn and Bailey racing on the bouncy balls. Way to go girls!!

Standing next to the GOODIE walk. They didn't call it cake walk, it took some getting used to hearing Goodie walk. Madalyn and Carter won some yummy cinnamon rolls and brownie cookies. Once all 7 of us took a place on the 10 squares hoping that we would win, and luckily we did. (I am not competitive or anything!!!!)

Carter spraying silly string at his friends in the field. He loved that.



SPRING...........

This tree is in the front of our home. Isn't it so beautiful! I love it. So, one afternoon I walked out to the driveway and took this picture. Look at the pretty red tulips my neighbor gave me at the bottom of the picture.

BYU Graduation!

The two graduates.........

Jeff

Sean

--------------------

This has been a whirlwind 2 weeks. Matt and flew to Salt Lake City on a Thursday night for the graduation of my brother Sean and our brother-in-law Jeff. We had so much fun with everybody from both sides of the family. We stayed in Lehi with Dave and Christine and then drove to Provo for big events. Sean and Jeff both graduated on Friday. Jeff graduated from Law School and Sean graduated with his MBA. Way to go you two!! They both have families and yet they fulfilled all of the responsibilities to the utmost. I feel so happy for both of them.

There are tons of pictures......so enjoy!!

Matt and I on the plane headed to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Taylor, Ben, Alex, and Hannah.

Amber Jean and I at Jeff's graduation. Little Tyler is on my lap. We wanted Ashlee to enjoy this special moment and so Amber and I kept Tyler's attention as long as we could. What a cutie!!

J.J. and Zack! What a handsome couple.

All of the grand kids eating lunch at Jeff and Ashlee's apartment.

You can't see this picture very well, but Elder Dallin H. Oaks was at Jeff's graduation.
Love it!

Matt and I waiting for the graduation to begin.

Jeff getting his diploma!

Jeff, Ashlee, Ben and Tyler.

Matt and I with Jeff and Ashlee outside the Assembly Hall after the graduation.

Matt and I attempting to lift them in a sort of celebration moment. Needless to say Matt and I are getting old and weak.

J.J., Mom and Ash.

J.J., Alex and Zack!!

Dad, Ash, Jeff and Mom!
Jeff bought Ashlee this great dress right before the graduation, and gave her roses.

Isn't that sweet.

The Newell clan!

I had to post this picture, because after we did a goofy picture we all heard a laugh and down went J.J.. Do you see how much help we all are? Thank heavens for Zack!

Tricia and Darren.

Sean after his graduation ended. What a relief!!!

Matt likes to take odd pictures sometimes!

My parents with Sean!

Sean and Melissa with their family.
The boys had cap and gowns and they looked very cute in them.

Melissa's parents with their family!

My sister-in-law Christine and my Mom.

Dave and Sean were teasing Dad, because he was told to suck in his stomach.
So, Sean is resting his arm on Dad's stomach and Dave is setting a perfect example of sucking in...

Christine, Dave, Sean, Melissa, Matt and I.

We had a luncheon at the church on Saturday. Very fun!!