Augusta Ironman 2013

In June 2012 these two competed in the Grandman Sprint Triathlon in Fairhope, Alabama.  A week ago, Aaron and Brad came together in Augusta, Georgia to compete in the Augusta Ironman 70.3.   

Aaron and Brad at the Grandman June 2012

In the car and ready for the 4 1/2 hour drive to Augusta, GA.

Such a long drive with not much to look at, but the company was amazing.

Aaron on the phone with Brad, pumping each other up about the big day.

This is the Savannah River.  Aaron swam 1.2 miles in this river.

A sneak peak of the expo.

WE ARE HERE!!!  Aaron getting ready to check in.

After checking in and looking at the swag at the expo, the Turner's and Hill's headed to the hotel to check in and rest before dinner.  The guys had to check in their bikes.  They enjoyed looking at all of the expensive and fancy bikes. Aaron did a low estimate of 5.2 million dollars worth of bikes parked here waiting for the race.

Lots of money parked for the race.

Brad standing in the transition area between the swim and the bike.

We enjoyed a tasty dinner at T.G.I. Friday's and headed back to the hotel to watch the Alabama game.  The guys may have been just as excited about finally getting to watch the game together as they were to be doing the race together.  I spent my time playing with Stella (Brad and Paige's 3 year old daughter).  Then it was off to bed for everyone.

Sunday morning came bright and early.  The guys were up and ready to leave by 5:30.  Aaron started the swim at 9:00, so he had quite some time to wait.  I enjoyed several more hours of sleep before Paige, Stella, and I loaded in the car and found a place to camp out for the day.  

The swim is complete.  

This app was AWESOME!!!

The finish line.  The pros were finishing by the time we got to the race course.  

 My spot for the day.  This was mile 4, 9, and 11 on the run course.  

We were able to see Aaron and Brad three times during the run.

Stella enjoyed looking for Brad and encouraging everyone who ran past. 

She was quite the trooper.

The bike portion is completed.  Now just 13.1 miles left.

 First time by - Aaron was looking good and still smiling.

Closer view - Second time to see him - Mile 9 completed

And he's DONE!!!  So THANKFUL for this app.

Paige and I were able to connect to WIFI and keep up with the guys.

My tired, sweaty, amazing husband.  I am so proud of him!

 The guys discussing the race, drinking a coke, and proudly
wearing their finisher's hats and medals.

After finishing the race, taking numerous photos, and picking up the bikes, we headed back to the hotel to shower.  After a quick shower, a round of hugs and goodbyes, Aaron and I loaded in the car to begin the 4 1/2 hour drive home.  We made it home a little before midnight on Sunday.  So glad Aaron was able to have this experience.  No telling what the next adventure may be.  Until next time...

Church At the Ballpark 2013

The Summit Church - we are one church that meets in several different locations around the Raleigh/Durham area - but today we all met at the same place and it was AMAZING!!!  Today we had church with 11, 500 of our closest friends and fellow Summit church members at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.  Aaron and I volunteered to serve, Aaron served as a baptism counselor and I greeted and directed people to the stadium.

The morning started very early.  We were to arrive and be in place by 8:00.  Aaron and I arrived at 7:30, checked in, changed into our t-shirts, and were put straight to work setting up first time guest tents until it was time for the volunteer meeting.

Making the drive to Durham.

Atop the parking dark as the sun rises over the horizon. The Durham Sky line.

Walking to the Stadium

Volunteers are beginning to arrive.

Line of volunteers, checking in, getting their t-shirts and entering the stadium.

Early morning view.

J.D. praying for us before we head out to our posts.

The sidewalk leading from the parking decks to the stadium.

Standing at my post on the sidewalk, in my official Summit shirt.

My street corner for the next two hours.  So blessed by the smiles and excited people
 I met while welcoming everyone to Church At the Ballpark.

The people are coming.

The masses are waiting to enter the gates.

The gates have opened.

Aaron took these pictures since he was in the stadium.

People are starting to fill in the the floor seating.

Pre-Sermon Entertainment

Summit Kids

Line at the women's bathroom.

It is getting full.

Walking to my seat on the fifth row, front and center.  I didn't actually get into the stadium until 11:15,
but Aaron had very sweetly saved me a seat and came and retrieved me.

Listening to the gospel preached.

The 6 baptismal pools are ready for the many who came forward.

Watching Matt, a small group member, be baptized.

Such a fantastic moment to experience with Matt.
530 people were baptized today, many of them making a public profession of faith.
I can not even begin to express how incredible it is to watch so many people being bold through
an outward expression of their new life, which is in Christ.

A beautiful picture of the many who gather today to worship our Lord Jesus Christ.

Aaron and I loved serving today.  Looking forward to many more experiences.  Until next time...