Chicago Day 2

Another great day in the city.  I think it's a combination of loving this city and having the best travel companions a girl could ask for!  I felt this way in San Fransisco in April and I feel it again here.  I really can't express how invaluable this time with them is, but  it's unlike any vacation we use to take as a family of 4 in the past. Luke and I are super laid back, Lo's a little more task oriented.  But we don't ever let time dictate our schedule, the schedule that we change on a whim because we want to.  I've managed to get us lost each day, yesterday we walked (to the best of my calculations) about 6 miles total out of the way.  Today I opted for the bus that took us directly to the Museum of Science+Industry, (which by the way is amazing) it was when I wanted to cross Lakeshore Drive to get to the beach we ran into problems (keep in mind it's 90 degrees and humid)...anyways again I walked the wrong way, instead of whining or getting mad and frustrated, we laughed at my poor sense of direction and decided from now on the kids would lead the way.
Our evening ended with true Chicago style pizza from Uno!

A United 727 in the MSI..brought back some good memories!

We made it to the beach.  And yes my skirt is hiked way up past my belly button in this pic, I was in the process of rolling my skirt up so I could  get in the water!

So Lake Michigan is not the clearest

Waiting for pizza at Uno

And there you have it Chicago style pizza

Day 1 in the Windy (although not so windy, just humid) city

The day started with a ride to Pangborn Airport at 4:30 this am.  All air travel went smooth, we arrived in Chicago at 2:15, and was checked into our room by 3:30.  We really had nothing planned today other than maybe a stroll down to Navy Pier.  Well by mistake we ended up with a smoking room, when I explained that we REALLY would like a non smoking, the lady at the front desk was amazing.  Because they are full tonight there wasn't anything they could do other than remove the ashtrays, but tomorrow they are moving our stuff to a Non Smoking.  Anyways the kids and I decided this was our sign to get out for as long as possible and see the sights.
Other than my blog, email and facebook I avoid all modern day technology, so no Internet on my phone.  I use the old school map, and I have to say I prefer it this way.  For example, I may have gotten us a little lost today....instead of seeing just Navy Pier and a little Michigan avenue, do to my map reading error we made it to Navy Pier, down to where Field Museum is, Buckingham Fountain, Millennium Park, then down the entire Michigan Avenue, found the American Girl doll store, continued on to the Hancock Building all on foot!  My kids are amazing travelers, and I love our adventures together, at times we were a little thirsty, but no complaining they just took it all in and were grateful to be here!

The Map...before losing it

Still here

Yep we are still here.  Just super busy, just got done with summer swim.  Both kids of course did amazing!  I am in full marathon training mode ( I have some thoughts on that I'll write about later).  And well, there may also be a special someone in my life.  For now though I kinda want to keep him to myself!  But know that all is well with us.  Life is relaxed and busy at the same time, but I, and I'd like to think the kids feel balanced!
Here's a few clips to hold you over until I get my blogging back on track!

YBG and team Bff

We came, we raced and we conquered...while having fun!  The girls and I teamed to Olympic distance tri on Saturday.  I had not been on my TT bike the YBG (you've been girled) except for the one time, it was a blast!  My arms are a little bruised today from being in the aero bars, but all in all it was a great day.  Rekindled my love of racing on the bike, and with my friends!

Team Bff with Team kitched to hotties (my friend Steph's husbands team)

Off I go with the YBG!

Some pretty amazing girls.  My friend H 2nd on the left, hasn't been running in 5 years because of illness, ran the 1ok in 49 minutes and won her age group!  So proud of her!



The girl got up at 5am to go be my support person!



Entertainment

The kids and I are having a wonderful summer, living, loving and laughing.  This is one of those evenings where we entertain (and laugh at) ourselves!

Yep Logan won EVERY time, then Luke.....then me.  I plan to practice when they are at their Dad's place!

Celebration of Life

On Sunday a large group of cyclist came together to honor our friend and fellow cyclist Ginger.  It was a perfect July day on a beautiful ride, and what a great way to celebrate her life.  Every time I ride the Pinnacle Loop I will remember Ginger and smile.

This little friend in the middle, I think we will be seeing great things from him in cycling

Our groups broke off early in Cashmere, these were the two I followed...BIG mistake.  I ran 15 miles the day before and hammered harder than I thought I would for 35 miles on the bike.......but I loved every minute of it!

Thank you..

Kristin this for you.  We connected years ago at the pool, and again through the blogging world.  Thank you so much for taking the time to come up to me today as I was leaving church.  I normally don't leave early but needed to get somewhere, and was so tired....Little did you know I had a bit of an emotional morning, and for you to take the time and say the kind words you did, meant so much.....THANK YOU!

Ramblings

Just sitting here alone tonight, taking it all in.  Just had an amazing evening, and feeling pretty fortunate in life right now.  We are in full summer swing here in the house of Hakensen 3, and I have to say I kinda like it.  Swim team and (my) work are occupying a large part of time, but since we beat to our own drum, we get home, pack snacks and hit the pool (when we want).  Granted my yard always seems to need to be mowed, I have a never ending pile of  laundry, oh and lets not forget the something that was spilled on the floor, possibly last week that needs to be mopped.....but my attitude is I can clean when its dark.  Summer has arrived and we will and do embrace her warmth!  I am not stressing anyone out by leaving things out, and not having a set agenda, I love it.  We are happy, we create our own happiness just being. 
I have been training for a marathon.  I used to always run my long runs as a group, and I still love it, but I am finding such pleasure in taking off for a 15 mile run with my dog (no music) and just my thoughts, such clarity.  I get up at 4:30 several days a week to get hills, and a recovery run in, again the peace and quite of the morning, such pleasure.  That being said I still go to Tuesday Track workouts, haven't quite figured out how to do (and enjoy) those without a group!
My house is slowly transforming into a reflection of my life, and the kids.....as it does so does the energy in here.  I find it lighter, more energized.   I am excited with the choices I get to make and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Its been 8 months since my world was turned upside down, and here I am,standing and thriving on my own two feet.  Feeling loved in ways that I never imagined, finding new friends in surprising circumstances,  and greatful for all the blessings in my life, that maybe I didn't always appreciate as I should.  Now more than ever I am convinced there is a plan for me, and in time it will show itself.

She's BACK!

Last year the YBG (my TT bike) and I shared some sweet success.  This year raising two kids on my own trumped all racing.  So she was taken to the garage and hung up for the season.  Last week I was called upon to see if I wanted to race on a team for ChelanMan Olympic distance....I will say I got excited.  I love cycling more than any other sport (just lack the time right now..hence working on running), so I dusted her off, took an early morning ride........LOVE!

Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man (Live)

One more for your viewing pleasure!

Mumford & Sons - The Cave (Live)

I may have a slight obsession with Mumford & Sons.

Out of Lessons!

I am so proud of my girl!  Lo started swim lessons when she was 3, first summer she didn't want to get in, 2nd summer she didn't want to put her face in the water, 3rd summer she didn't want a guy instructor....finally the 4th summer she and her friend settled in and started to REALLY like lessons.   Well by the end of last summer, she and this same friend were told there really was no more they could teach them, they needed to do swim team.  These girls were devastated, they loved lessons, I on the other hand was glad, finally both kids in swim team.  It took a little pep talking this spring, but she went for it, still super nervous before, but once she gets there and swims she has a blast!  She even did the butterfly in the relay!   So so proud of this girl!

This surprised us all!