Jackson's First Triathlon!

So, after going to many, many of his Daddy's triathlons over the years, Jackson decided he wanted to do one of his own!
Of course, James was thrilled....
The closest one we could find was in Houma. [2 hours away]

Since the grandmas weren't going to miss this event, we decided to make a weekend out of it in New Orleans!
Jo Ann and my mom came down and we got rooms at the Windsor Court.
We had a yummy dinner the night before in The Grill Room and called it a night....well, the Gilmores did, anyway ;)

This is the transition area.
We got up at 5 am and drove the remaining 1 1/2 hours south of New Orleans to here....
This triathlon began at age 3 up to 14.
There were tiny little bikes out there...
it was so cute!

We raced in the gates because we thought we were going to be late...but the race started a little late anyways, so that was to our advantage. 

My boys right before the swim portion of the race.
Jackson was cool as a cucumber.
He didn't act nervous at all.
At this point, I had already teared up! 

TONS of kids packed around the pool. 

Jackson swimming!
He's the one with his head popped up looking at me..haha.
His age group had to swim 3 laps in this pool.
It was a challenge for him, and he was worn out after it, but did a great job! 

Here's a video of his swim :)

the sun beat me out on this shot...
Jackson coming out of the pool and running to transition area to mount up on his bike. 

Jackson is straight out ahead putting his shirt on. 

Parents weren't allowed in the transition area but they had volunteers  helping the kids out.
He's about to roll out! 

There he goes on his 2 mile bike! 

He did great on the bike and came back in to transition and dropped off his bike, stripped his shirt off and started his 3/4 mile run!
James jumped in with him.
Water works happening right here, people.
and not just by me...
There were two grandma's in the crowd with me who I caught choking up :)

He had a smile on his face the whole time!
He loved hearing all of us cheering him on. 

James fell back and let him run into the finish line by himself.
 

There's my little triathlete!
He was super sweaty, super tired, and super hungry! 

Nonna, Charlie and Jackson postrace. 

Grandma, Charlie and Jackson. 

The Gilmores! 

ooops!
We forgot one!
There.  That's better
:) 

Aunt Lana and Jackson showing off their guns! 

Jackson requested IHOP after he was done!
So we found one in Houma, after driving all over the place!

Way to go, Jackson!
We are so proud of you!
I think Charlie has caught the fever and we'll have two participants next year :)

What a great, fun environment for kids to be in!
We all had a lot of fun this weekend.