In the blink of an eye....

...our cycling heroes rode by! Levi wins again - 3 straight years for the Tour of California.

(photo from internet)

We got downtown around 2:45pm and didn't have to walk very far. Why oh why do we ever bring a stroller? Those boys of ours just do not stay in it! Random lady took our picture while waiting to cross the street.

Poor Mike...."Daddy, I want UP!" He had to carry both of them to the event and I pushed an empty stroller - he he he.

We found some old friends from high school right when we walked up - seriously, what are the chances in a crowd of millions? We chatted for a few minutes and then left our stuff there (stroller and backback) as we walked to the other side of the street to get Mike some Kettle Corn and see the festivities.Owen was very reluctant to leave the team buses - which he begged profusely to go inside... but was happy when we got to the other side and saw all the activities.

The boys had fun on the fire engine and even got to ring the bell. Owen's highlight was a little tiny puppy that he thought was a kitty. So funny. He pets all strangers animals with no fear - yikes!
My little gymnasts were thrilled to find a little set up by the YMCA. I had a very terrifying moment when helping Owen jump down from the block. I turned right around and couldn't find Jackson. In 2 seconds, he was GONE! I started looking all around and screaming his name.... only to find him about 20 yards away looking at people blow bubbles. Somehow I remained calm and ran over to get him...I explained that you can't do that with millions of people around! He was like, "oh, sorry mom. Look, bubbles!" As my heart was trying to recover and I was feeling a little sick from panic - Mike strode back with his huge bag-o-corn.
We tried to make our way back across the street to our stuff but it was BLOCKED! We were stuck and had to wait it out. Our view was OK but it would've passed the time easier if we were next to the live TV feed. We were just north of the corner of Escondido and Grande Ave... next to a little tree. Which came in handy 30 minutes later when Jackson announced he had to pee.

Waiting

NOT THRILLED. Most of the time Jackson HAD TO be on Mike's shoulders and Owen was wandering. It was a little sketchy. Although overcast, it was muggy and we all started getting hot. The boys ended up taking off their shirts =) and I was wishing I could sit and have some cold water. The riders didn't pass us for quite some time - so we decided that next time we watch a bike race with little crazy boys we'd do it in a more relaxed, non-caged area. Maybe with some lawn chairs and toys. Hind site is 20-20.

HERE THEY COME!

The break away succeeded and the first and second place riders race home to the finish.

1st place stage winner in background: Frank Schleck
2nd place stage winner in foreground: Vince Nibali
The peleton wasn't very far behind the first two
Levi, Lance, and the rest of the top riders in the peleton swooshing by us!

We finally made it back to our stroller. Thanks to the guys from high school for staying with our stuff! We immediately ate a snack and got a drink.
Dad and Owen checkin' out the live feed before heading home. Those boys were tired and cranky! Dinner and early bedtime here we come =)

Jackson was inspired and immediately had to ride his bike when we got home.
Maybe he is the next Lance Armstrong?
Owen is not very happy b/c he can reach the peddles but can't quit propel himself yet.
PUSH ME!
They were asleep by 7pm and Mike and I enjoyed the rest of the popcorn while watching the last stage on our DVR recording. We were passed out by 8:30pm! Very cool day.