Sporting Grandma's hat!

Alex loves swimming!!!

Ironman Tempe, AZ

Michael completed another Ironman Triathlon in Tempe, AZ in November (3X finisher to date!). Both boys ran through the finish line with him this time but they weren't supposed to. I didn't tell them they couldn't - we were hoping he wasn't going to be disqualified.

Tempe Ironman was one of the best spectator-friendly triathlon routes by far, but we did ALOT of walking back and forth between 'Daddy sightings'. I think we were as exhausted as he was by the end of the day.

The boys take a break to climb this rock formation alongside the triathlon bike/run route.

Late afternoon alongside the water's edge where the swim took place.

The boys also skateboarded to kill some time in Ironman Village and along the route of Tempe town.

We left Tempe on Monday to spend Thanksgiving week in Scottsdale where we stayed at the Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott.

A partial view of our abode - we had both wings which had outdoor decks where we enjoyed breakfast or a cocktail in the evening.

I have to say this was my favorite vacations with the kids, topping any beach or ski trip we've taken recently. We sampled some excellent restaurants in AZ, visited a popular Scottsdale skateboard park, The Wedge, a couple times and another one in Sedona where we took a day trip and did a 3 hour hike at one of the Red Rock trails that we discovered as we drove north.

One of the two great rock formations we hiked, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock south of Sedona.

Jack Malmgren skatepark in Sedona.

We also hiked Scottsdale's great natural landmark, Camelback Mountain, which was exhilarating for all on Thanksgiving day.

Camelback Mountain (named for its two formations (not shown here) - one is the camel's hump and the other is the head.)

More than a mile hike trail up a very rocky terrain and sometimes steep but relatively easy.

The summit is at about 2700 feet, Scottsdale's highest elevation.

Our last night in Scottsdale.

Fox Family Pictures - Fall 2009

Alright, so if I post 1 picture for every month that I've missed a post this year, does that count? These were taken last weekend by the woman that has been taking the kids pictures since they were born. She really does a great job!

Nicholas turns 9!

Nicholas wants to thank everyone for the nice (awesome!) gifts you gave him at his 9th birthday celebration! It was a such nice evening spent with family.

California Vacation 2009

We spent the first two weeks of August in CA at Kathleen and Shahriar's. Wedid alot. Michael was there the first weekend only when we went to X-Games 15 and to Disneyland.

I took the boys to Vans Skatepark, California Adventures themepark, camped on Oceano Beach in Pismo again for 4 days and met up with our STL friends the Espenschieds in Huntingbeach for a day.

Steve and John E's parents are great friends of Sue & Joe Einig (they were in each other's weddings).

Nicholas' Skateboard Snippets

One of their favorite places to skate is at St. Louis Family Church in the Valley. Here are a couple videos of Nicholas doing a 'Five-O' on a grind rail and dropping in on a 1/4 pipe to catch air on a smaller ramp.

Lake St. Louis Triathlon 2009

Just a walk in the park for this champion, Michael completed this Olympic distance triathlon on August 22 and placed 7th out of the 38 other men in his age group and 39th overall. Wow! Way to Go! Next up are two Ironmans in Tempe, AZ in November and in Coeur D'Alene next June.

First Day of School

The First Day of School went well; they even met up with our school mascot, Ollie the Eagle.

Creepy Crawly Birthday Party

Family and friends celebrated Nathan's 6th birthday late this year with the Reptile Experience. Nathan looks pretty comfortable with these creatures but i'm not so sure about the girls!

Skatefest 2009

Nicholas and Nathan competed in St. Charles County's YAP Skateboard Competition on August 15. Nicholas took 2nd in his heat of about 8 boys and Nathan took home a participation ribbon.

No Photos Please!

Funny how Drew thought if he only closed his eyes, the picture would not be taken.

1st Day of Kindergarten

1st Day of Kindergarten and Sneak-A-Peak pictures of her classroom. As you can imagine Peyton was sooooooooooo excited for school (and to ride the bus). She had a GREAT day! So much to say when she got home. She's already using terms like "smart board". Stephen and I were teary eyed watching her wave to us goodbye this morning.

We have gotten nothing but superior reviews of her teacher, so we are very excited to have her this year!

Cooking School - 4th of July Week

Cory and her new baby

Hello all,

I thought you might be interested in seeing the latest addition to the Jefferson household. Beautiful baby Lincoln Patrick. They look great! Love to you all!

The Cousins 4th of July