Big Weekend

Last weekend was a big one.

On Friday Molly turned one year old. I've heard from a lot of people that this year has just flown by. I get it, obviously, but at the same time I assure you it has not. I agree, of course, that it seems like August 10, 2006 just happened, but when taking into consideration all the things that have gone on in those last twelve months there has been nothing quick about it. This year has been terrific; and stressful; and promising; and exhausting. But it's been 365 days. And Molly continues to defy odds.

My mom and Greg came up to celebrate for the weekend. They arrived Friday morning for Molly's actual birthday. We had pizza night at our house with Erin's parents and all the excitement was just too much for the Bear because, as you'll see from the photo, she was asleep by the time the cake was cut.

Saturday was the joint birthday party. We had a beautiful day and a great showing of the extended family. Gavin's only complaint was that there were, "not too many kids as grownups," which seems to me to mean that next year we'll have to have a kid party [it was bound to happen eventually]. There were 6 kids there, but I guess he wants the kids to outnumber the grownups? My biggest complaint was that I didn't consider the size of the Blizzard cake and that there isn't a freezer I know of that could have accommodated its width. So we packed it in ice and cut it just before it turned into Blizzard soup. You know when you are a triathlete in training Blizzards are a staple of your diet.

Sunday we spent the afternoon celebrating Rob's birthday [which was the day before during our party that my wife intentionally scheduled on his birthday to get back at him for having our fantasy football draft on Gavin's birthday] at the Garland's. Another great time and another day of wonderful weather. I'd say with the exception of going two and out in horseshoes that day was just about perfect too.

So it was a great weekend all around.

Today we're scheduled for our first Brown family television appearance. I'll keep everyone posted on where and when you can view it. All I know is we have to go to the studio this afternoon, they're going to put makeup on me, and we'll have to answer some questions on camera. Aside from that, you'll all have to wait in suspense.

Team Molly Bear - NJ Tri

We're now about two and a half weeks beyond the big NJ State Triathlon. I should have posted sooner, I know, but for some odd reason things seem to be quite busy these days. I am not complaining...just making excuses.

So race day could not have been any better. The weather was terrific; the turnout was incredible; the race was well organized; and the Team members all did well (reports from Massachusetts indicate the weather and race were equally impressive up that way).

As many of you probably know by now, the Team raised over $21,000 for the Trisomy 18 Foundation. We can't thank you all enough for your support and generosity.

Pictures are up on the Shutterfly site so you can see what the set up looked like. We did our best to get some group photos but it was pretty chaotic; there were people everywhere!

We will be doing this again next year, so anyone who gave a second thought to joining the team has plenty of time to train. Sprint distance race is a 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run; and the course is great for a first timer.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to the Team and/or the event in all the different ways you did.