Hey Summer, Here We Come!

Five school days left, and the kids are getting a head start on summer.

The HC Resort pool has officially opened and the kids haven't wasted any time testing the water. Eli was the first to jump in, but his siblings and cousins weren't far behind.

Cub Scout Rain Gutter Regatta aka Little Boat Race with Handheld Fans...

Eli was a trooper and raced strong, David cheered him along while Shelly and I visited with friends. Good job E!

Archer wasn't at the race because he was home finishing up some big school projects. One of these was his presentation on Norway. He had enlisted help from Grandpa and Eli and they made a zillion pieces of lefse over the weekend. Tuesday night we rolled up the lefse with butter and sugar and Wednesday he was off to school with two pans full. I'm happy to report that the Norway presentation was a huge success, and the entire class enjoyed the treats. And as far as I can tell, Grandpa is successfully passing on his lefse knowledge to the next generations. He makes everyone else do more and more of the work whenever we're around to participate. Pretty soon he'll just get to sit back and relax while the rest of us whip up a fresh batch!

Speaking of Archer... This weekend he and David are camping at the Milwaukee Zoo. This morning Archer participated in the 5K run, and although I wasn't there to cheer him on, I heard he did wonderfully. I think this is his first ever 5K? His troop has set up an activity station for kids to visit and learn about their group. David has reported that it's a VERY popular station and they've had a lot of visitors, despite the rain and the heat. Their troop won third place (out of 31 groups) for their presentation. Way to go Scouts :)

Since the gentlemen are out camping, the rest of us went looking for our own fun last night at First Fridays downtown. Live music, food vendors, all the shops open late, we went to check out the free admission at the museum. We visited lots of little shops and a gallery on our way to the museum. And guess what we found at the artists' gallery? Beautiful art, incredible pieces of jewelry and an impressive display of woodcrafts. And there, nestled in among platters and bowls and cups, I spied... you'll never guess.... A LEFSE roller! I knew what it was immediately, that long roller with the grooves, and it was incredible, an artifact that many people wouldn't recognize. But thanks to Grandpa's determination to carry the family tradition forward to the next generation or two, there we stood, admiring that lefse roller on the shelf with all the other beautiful platters and bowls. AND. And the artist who crafted those fine pieces was sitting right there, on a stool, watching us admire his work! He introduced himself and we chatted for a long time. He's Norwegian, he made that roller that we were looking at, he was surprised that we recognized it. It was a great chance to meet the talented man that created those things. I hope someday to go back and pick up one or two of his pieces. Shelly later told me that she thought he and Grandpa would like to meet each other, perhaps we can make that happen sometime!

When we left the gallery it was getting dark and we were finally ready to visit the museum. Sadly, we arrived just a few minutes too late and the doors were already locked so we headed for the van. Lots of fun just hanging out together, it was a wonderful time with the kids. And to close out the night, the snuggled into my bed so I wouldn't be lonely last night.

Today Shelly decided she wanted to try out a couple of smoothie recipes so we gave it a shot. One was OK, the other a huge hit. We'll post recipes later. The best part about it was trying new foods. Almond milk and dates, anyone?? It's great to see the kids trying new things, learning new things, and working together to create something we all enjoy. Great job kids!

My Kid, My Inspiration

Well, Elijah Graham, you've inspired me. You set some lofty goals for yourself, achieved them, and now you're striving for more. Next time will be an even bigger accomplishment...

Firecracker Four & Fireworks

Once again, our accidental tradition.

Sunshine, not too hot and not too cool, great company, we couldn't ask for a better Fourth of July.

Firecracker Four - Bampa and Mamaw ran the four miles. Shelly and Archer ran one point something miles and I stuck with the kids. Afterwards was lunch and a little pool time, followed by the trek down to Racine.

Pack up a bunch of snacks, blankets, chairs and cousins. Fireworks by the lake, spectacular as usual.

Another great year of celebrating Independence Day together with family!

2015 Year in Review

Exactly one year ago today, I planned to run the Lighthouse Run. I did not know that I would follow it with the Half Marathon just a few weeks later. One year ago I thought that I would probably spend a few miles running with Dad. I had no idea it would total over 200 miles by the year's end. I didn't think that my miles with kids by my side on their bikes would total 50. (Don't tell them the number, they'll probably complain about how far they had to go. In the heat. Up hill both ways...) I didn't think I'd be the crazy person running laps in the parking lot in the dark in the middle of winter while we were at ballet class. I never imagined that my son would join the cross country team after listening to his grandpa and mom obsesss over running for months and months.

This year I saw many things I didn't expect. The running was a big part of it, but also...

Archer finished up six years at his elementary school. He started middle school. This was a huge one for him. Switching classes, locker, gym uniform, a whole new category of classes, a whole new group of kids. I was nervous for him, he was nervous, but here we are - everything is fine.

Shelly chose to continue with ballet, but took a break from it over the summer and spent a couple weeks in art classes and soccer camp. The art classes were something completely new to her, but by the second day she was already telling me not to walk in with her. She's GOT this!

Eli finished his 3K school and then started in a new school in the fall for 4K. He now rides the bus. He's met some great new friends. He's adjusted SO well and continues to surprise me with everything he knows. Plus. Now he RIDES A BIKE! This will make our upcoming summer runs/rides SO much better. Right? Cause what could POSSIBLY go wrong?

David worked on some computer programming/building projects with the kids. They like to talk about the robots they're going to build someday. What? I never imagined that would be a thing in my house. But there it is. Go for it!

So. What does 2016 bring? Who knows. I can't even guess. I know this - I'll be training for a Sprint Triathlon with my friend Mary. I hope I'll get to put in miles out on the road with her, my kids and Dad. I want to smile more, and complain less. And beyond all of that, I just really can't guess. I'm looking forward to the adventure!

Another Runner in the Club

What happens when your Mom and Grandpa get completely crazed / consumed / obsessed with something for six straight months where everything in their lives revolves around that one thing? Run Run Run diet training shoes times map app run run distance pace map my run sweat run hot run cold jalapenos wind  dairy pounds motivation blogs texts shirts professionals longer faster off day good day you can do it run run run. I'll tell you what happens: The kids who have been listening all along, decide that they want to join in the fun!

Archer joined cross country as part of JAMS 6th grade / middle school. Parents and grandparents are now cheering him and his team on at their weekly meets. Run fun run fun fun. So now there is one more person to join the conversations on runs, race strategy and planning, shoes etc. He ran a 9:53 last night at their meet and had a very strong finish. (I think partly because we scared him when we started yelling/screaming at him, that he was trying to get away from us.)

 

Shelly has let us know in no uncertain terms that she is disappointed with her Mom and Bampa for not including her in our run outings. I mean, how long is a kid supposed to listen to the adults talk about their fun before they get to join in? One day she ran over a quarter mile with us in just socks, no shoes, trying to join our fun. We sent her home and then felt badly about it for the rest of our 5 mile run. So tomorrow, we start a family run that includes Shelly and hopefully, we will make that a regular fun run outing too. 

 

Moral of the story: If you want to keep the fun to yourselves, don't talk about it in front of the children.

 ~ Bampa

 

Thanks for the guest post, Bampa! All I'll add is - my heart swells with pride and joy when my son talks about how sore he is, how he encouraged someone at practice today, when I see him pushing so hard to get to that finish line and then as he gets closer he pushes even HARDER. GO ARCHER!!!

 

AND Come on Shelly! I can't wait to run with you!

I Think I Need a Personal Assistant, or Maybe Just a Tissue

It would be great if someone could help me manage all the different schedules I'm in charge of...

We are FULLY immersed in school now. Last night David said the return to the routine had gone very smoothly. We discussed how its not really new to me anymore, not many surprises and we just slip right back into it. Kind of.

The difference this year is Archer and Eli are both at new schools. They've done very well adjusting and I'm proud of everyone for their great attitudes. We are, of course, busier than ever.

Archer is still in Scouts, every Monday. He's also decided to join the Cross Country team at school (yay!). That's Monday through Thursday. He gets home after 5:00. Yesterday was his first practice and he wore my old running shoes (they're at 600 or 700 miles by now, worn out?). He came home exhausted - not only did they run, he walked a mile and a half home with a 20 pound backpack. I guess I'll be picking him up after practice from now on.

After missing a week of ballet, Shelly gets to officially start this week. She's gotten rid of the boot and she's ready to go! That's every Thursday.

Eli has gotten the hang of riding the bus and asks me many times each morning, "Is it time to go yet?" We hang out at the corner picking dandelions and making wishes. I hug him so many times in the morning, loving his warm little body against mine, a little sad for the time slipping past us and the time we can't go back to. My little boy, so grown up with so many stories and things to share. He told me today, "I know you're going to do all the really fun stuff when I leave!" I'm not sure what he's imagining, but here I am at my desk, working on emails, wishing he was at my side with his truck delivering random stuff to my feet. Or with his pockets full of tools asking what needs fixed, because he's the Builder Man and he can fix anything for me. Or am I hungry? He just opened up a restaurant called Peanut Butter and Jelly, but he can make anything else too.

Yesterday when we walked to the bus stop, I watched Eli and tried to remember when Archer and Shelly were that small, just starting out in 4K. So confident and stepping out into the world, onto the bus, on their own.

Maybe we've all started back up with the school routine, and maybe we're all getting pretty good at it. But maybe I'm also wishing I could just slow it down a bit, remember those single moments of holding their small hands. Maybe I'm a bit sad that Archer doesn't ask me to help him blow dandelions to make wishes anymore. Shelly doesn't want me reading to her or picking out books for her, she's got her own ideas about what she likes. She won't let me braid her hair and definitely not ever tell her what to wear.

I guess for now I'll just hold Eli's hand as we walk to the bus stop, wave him off and wait for the tribe to return home to me at night and share their stories.

Badgerland Striders HALF MARATHON!! Our FIRST!!!

4:04

Tried to go to bed early last night. Fell asleep around 10:30?

Woke up at 2. No going back, laid there for two hours. Considering I don't feel nervous about today's activities, my sleeplessness sure says otherwise. 

I'm giving up on bedtime and moving on. By the time I cross the start line I'll be ready for lunch...

And now for the good news: Looks like it's going to be a wet start to the day!

Bring it on!

5:19

Kids awake and dressed, kind of. 

Promises of granola bars later mean they can skip breakfast now.

5:39 

Roll out

5:45

U-turn for for forgotten water bottle. Doh!

6:15 

Meet up with the rest of the team

6:48

Arrived on location. Monsoon in full force.

6:50-7:50

3 trips to the porta potty, start feeling nervous. Check the weather app 100 times to see when the rain will stop. Change into dry socks, running shoes on, ready to go. REALLY feeling nervous. Rain has slowed to a mist. Re-tie laces. Join the crowd at the start line. Did I mention I was feeling a bit nervous at this point?

I don't even know why I was nervous, I KNEW we would be fine, we would cross the finish line together. We had trained and talked and prepped all we could. We were READY.

8:00 GO!

Everything now is based on miles and not the clock. The trail was crowded for what felt like a long time. At least the first mile? Just before we saw the 1 Mile sign Shelly was waiting. "You've done the whole half marathon! You're about to cross the finish line!" She made all of us crazy runners smile and Bampa proudly proclaimed,"that's my granddaughter!"

She was right - around the bend we crossed the finish line. We looped around the park and over the finish line again before turning to the long stretch south.

Everyone around us was so happy! Maybe that's why we flock to these events, all of us in this club of runners. We run on our own most of the time and it makes us feel good so we keep doing it. Today, we got to be in a crowd of happy, smiling people who encouraged each other. Shouted positive stuff at strangers and then turned our eyes forward again to continue on our journeys.

I think it was about 4 miles in when we headed south. This was a long stretch of paved trail where we occasionally dodged puddles and mud. Mostly, though, it was clear. 

The first runner in the pack passed us somewhere along here, going back the opposite direction. He finished an hour before us and I'm guessing he was running twice as fast. Just stay out of his way. ;)

There were some small hills but nothing too major. Every time we were going down someone would buzz past us. There were a few walkers going up. I kept my stride short to control the descent, and we didn't walk up.

I had come up with a list of things to talk about with Bampa and as we ran, I started going through. Wrote the initials on my arm so I wouldn't forget the list...

(VSBIM. Secret code. Supposed to end with an N, but it was late and I was delirious when I wrote it.)

Each thing took a mile or two as we stretched out every possible angle on the topic. This took us all the way to 11.5 miles when I asked if he wanted the next topic on my list. (Next one was "I" in case  you were wondering.) "I just want to see the Mile 12 sign," he said, and that was it. Our only focus was the finish line. There was a lot of self talk - Pick your feet up! I can DO this! I WANT this!

And then, Mile 13, "We're right there! We're THERE!" And we finished together, and I went through the finish, had a medal hung around my neck, stepped off to the grass and turned to Dad. We grabbed each other in a giant hug and I just kept saying, "We did it! We did it!"

And that was one of the best days of my life.  Not possible without the incredible support of David (our chaperoini).

Thanks to all.

13.1 miles

2:37:41

Love that I get to proudly display my mileage acheivement. Not so sure about what to do with the shirt, though... It'll be hard to wear that and feel proud of myself!

Aftermath of wet socks and shoes from the wet road and grass. Everyone's feet were white and wrinkly by the time we got back to the van to head home.

Noon

Home in time for lunch, quiet time while the kids play games, my first ice bath (only really bad for the first 5 minutes, then just kinda bad till your toes are frozen), then maybe a nap. Bliss.

Counting Down

School starts soon - Eli is carefully keeping track on the calendar. Archer and Shelly oversee the marking of days and counting what's left of summer.

The Big Day is coming up fast, just one week until Dad and I cross that finish line. It's all I can think about. I've banned myself from talking anymore about my shins, hip, blisters. I'm already planning what I'll eat, when I'll go to bed, what I'll wear, on and on.

Shelly just slipped into the room and left this behind for me to find and AGAIN. Again I am overwhelmed by my family's love and support. Thanks Shelly. 

I heard something from Bart Yasso (of Runners World magazine) and scribbled it down before I could forget.

Never take a finish line for granted.

Never assume I'll have the privilege to do this next year, take the opportunity to do it now. Fully grab every chance to challenge myself, try new things, and drag everyone else along for the ride.

So... Are you with me? Let's do this thing! One week to go! (Ten days till school!)

Running All Summer

My obsession with running continues to seep into every single part of my life. Every little twinge is a question - is that an injury? Every possible variable weighed - what's the best outfit? Do I have the wrong kind of socks? Are my songs in the right order? Go to bed early so I can wake up early and run before it gets too hot. Eat spaghetti and not pizza. Eggs for breakfast, not yogurt.

 

This blog is supposed to be for and about the kids. Every extra second that I have on the computer is spent reading about the best training plans, diet, shoes. No time for writing about the kids. And yet I'm constantly thinking about how I can get them to come with me on the next run, drag them along when I look for better running sunglasses.

 

Run. Run. Run. Tomorrow I run 12. (I've never run that far before. One year ago I would have sworn I'd NEVER do it.) I just added new music to my playlist. As I listen to it, I'm about jumping out of my skin to get out there and run it NOW. In two weeks I will run 13.1 with my best running partner, advisor, encourager. He's started calling me Coach as I lecture him about not lifting heavy stuff because I don't want him to claim injury in two weeks.

 

Let's go! Let's go! I CANNOT WAIT to see that finish line, to cross that line with Dad, to know that we ran it together and NOTHING can match that experience - training together, achieving that goal together. Something we never thought we'd do. And here we are. LET'S DO THIS THING!!

 

P.S. Thanks to Mom for sending me the inspirational posters and always telling us we're doing great. Thanks to David for listening to my never ending discussion on every stupid little detail. Thanks to Archer and Shelly and Elijah for cheering us on, EVEN when you're biking alongside me and I KNOW you don't want to be there. Thank you to EVERYONE. You sure help make the journey more fun. I love you guys!!

Chock Full O Fun

We FINALLY went to the library to check out their summer programs. There was supposed to be something about amphibians and reptiles. Turns out the guy was sick and the program was cancelled. BUT as we all know, that wasn't even the reason we were there. BOOKS!!!

 

We loaded up on lots of books and even bought a bunch of old magazines they had for sale. Jackpot!

 

 

Then, because the reptile thing was cancelled we had a little extra time and found a beach to play at.

 

1. It is completely hidden from view and you have to go down the steepest dirt path ever. I was wearing flip flops, not great. E just sat down to slide down the path.

2. Shelly said, "It's sad. People leave all this trash here." She's right, that part was sad.

3. Eli said (as we watched Shelly race on ahead of us when it was time to leave), "Shelly's a mountain climber!"

4. Mostly the kids just threw rocks in the water while I goaded them to try to find a BIGGER rock to throw in.

5. Eli dressed himself, which is why he's wearing a sweatshirt on the hottest day of the year. I'm so proud!

 

 

Time for afternoon activities. Archer's STEM group made AquaBots or something (AquaBoats? SeaSomething? Can't remember the name...). They walked to the lake to try out their robots and we joined Archer to see how it all worked. It worked very well, nice job, Archer!! E got to try for 30 seconds too. Then he played in the water.

 

Shelly finished up her first week of art class, her horse drawings are all very impressive and I can't wait for you to see them!

 

 

And then, the finale for the day. The Run. As usual, E is in his trailer, Archer is pulling him along and Shelly's riding alongside. It was super hot and we were just going on a trail, no roads, so I let the kids go without helmets. Archer's last words before we turned and started down the path, "Now let's ride off into the sunset!"

 

 

 

It turned out to be one of the hardest four miles I've run yet with the kids. Two days ago when we were on this trail (going south instead of north), we saw at least a dozen bunnies. I decided to count the bunnies to distract myself from sore legs and any other gripes I could think of. This time, going north, there were NO BUNNIES. Instead, there were FOUR hills. I did each of them twice - first push Shelly's bike up the hill. Then push Archer's bike plus the trailer plus the boy in the trailer. There were three water breaks for the kids to fight over who was drinking all the water. There was one potty stop for a kid to pee in the grass while I shouted "chop chop someone's coming hurry up!" and (sorry kid, I do feel bad about this) pee ended up all over their leg. There was the moment when I came up behind Archer and the trailer and gave it a push to help boost him along, but instead he tipped over into the gravel (again, sorry!). Then in the last mile, as my head was down and all I could think was, "WHEN will this nightmare be over?" I saw, not BUNNIES hopping along the trail, but a dead mouse and a few feet later a bird's wing.

When we finally got back to the van, I just had to sit on the bumper for awhile and recover. My average pace was 13:52, which is pretty disappointing. But I'm surprised it wasn't worse, since it took me over 16 minutes to do mile 2, and almost 15 minutes for mile 3.

Anyway, that was
1. Maybe the worst run ever, but also
2. Maybe the best one for laughing at ourselves later? Hopefully?

After that we picked up some fried chicken and went home to recover in the air conditioned house. So. Until next time...

Happy Trails!

Why We Run

Leading up to the big day, I started texting Dad the reasons WHY we're doing this crazy thing. Here's my list, and his replies.

Just RUN! (P.S. Happy Father's Day!)

Sometimes the very best things in life just sneak up on you.

I got sucked into a little competition at work that jump-started my new interest in running. Then I got a little ambitious and set a goal for myself - I'd run the Lighthouse Run in June. That was back last fall. Lots of months to prepare. Then somewhere along the way, I got a little crazy. I think it was after the first time I'd completed a ten mile run and I was feeling empowered - if I can run TEN then what's stopping me from... MORE? (That was January 31, with five months to go before the Lighthouse Run.) Now I've got myself signed up for a half marathon (seriously, that's crazy!).

In the meantime, I still have to keep myself prepared for that ten miler in June. Plus I organized the H. C. Fun Run back in January and we all loved it so much that we decided we should do it again sometime. I was thinking monthly. Dad was thinking weekly. (Whoa! that's a big commitment! I wasn't sure if I was ready for that...)

Here's the best part. Dad and I started running together, at first just once or twice a month, but it has grown into once or twice a week. The two of us push each other just a little bit past what we thought we could do, a bit farther, a bit faster. Then we cheer each other on when the other is about to crumble on the side of the road. We talk about running shoes, running techniques, family, work, trouble, triumph. We grumble about the distance and our little aches and pains. We distract each other from the weather and the hills and the miles and miles of road we're covering. At the end, when I'm hot, worn out, ready for a nap - that's always the best feeling. The feeling that I covered miles and time with my dad, and that we plan to do it again next week. We've done over a hundred miles since this whole thing started back in January. ONE HUNDRED MILES out on the road together! Thanks Dad, I couldn't ask for a better running partner, and I'm glad we're covering that ground together.

 

 

Miles Run Together      1/1/15 - 6/20/15     104.73

Day 5

Archer was measured at the doctor's office today, he's just 3/4 of an inch shy of 5 feet tall. Whew. Dr. T and I had a little reminiscing moment about the first time we met each other, when Arch was just 6 pounds and a few days old. Now look where we are. Whew. Time flies, and Dr. T advised I quit feeding him so much, maybe his feet won't get any bigger (kidding of course!).

We had a quiet afternoon (thanks kids!) and then I decided we'd all get some sunshine. Shoes on, out the door!

An HOUR AND A HALF later we were on the road. It took us that long to gather up all of the equipment, make sure all the tires were aired up and bicycle wheels wouldn't fall off. Every step of the way, one of the peanut gallery repeated over and over "Let's just call it a bust." I refused to give up after each of the setbacks (missing parts to the bike trailer, where's the tire pump?, is this all going to fit in the van?). 

We finally enjoyed our bike ride/run - the kids on wheels and me following along behind.

We travelled down the path, cars rushing along on one side, the power plant and a rifle range on the other. Planes criss crossing overhead. Between the planes and cars, the sounds from the range, between all of that we enjoyed the wildflowers and sunshine. The fresh air and sunshine perked us up. And the "let's call it a bust" character actually enjoyed himself. He didn't complain even ONCE about pulling his brother along behind in the trailer. "Want to go faster, Eli? Are you having fun?" He even spotted a deer in the woods! After I turned over my phone and earbuds to Shelly, she took off and beat us all to the finish.

I've been running a lot lately, today was one of my favorites. I can't wait for more of these in the summer days to come!

PS On a visit to the grocery store after the bike/run, E reminded us that we STILL haven't tried those chocolate eggs! Maybe next time...

First Run of the Year!

What a great way to start 2015! We held the first ever January One H. C. Fun Run, starting at Mamaw and Bampa's driveway. Distance is your choice, 40 feet or 4 miles. Shirts for all participants - yellow because that's our family color, and also because we could use some sunshine in the middle of the cold grey winter. I'd say it was a success, and I can't wait for our next fun run with this fun crowd!

A Change or Two

We've had a big development lately in our family. Well of course there have been a FEW of those...

My little Echo has moved on to a new home. After twelve years of faithful service to the Fortier 5 clan, after many soda spills and being run into by bikes and children, after 156,000 miles of adventures, its been adopted by someone else who was looking for EXACTLY just that kind of car. We've gotten a van, or the Bus as the kids and I call it, because it's HUGE. I think twice as long as the Echo? It comes with lots of buttons and secret compartments, and best of all, the rule to NOT EAT ANYTHING EVER inside this fancy new (to us) bus.

Elijah has been enjoying his back seat view when I park him there while I run laps in the parking lot at Shelly's ballet school. Shelly, by the way, does not like this "running laps" idea. But such is life, I don't have time to sit around waiting for her for an hour or two while she dances. We've got to "get our energy" as Elijah likes to say!

Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

We started out our day bright and early with a 5k run at the lakefront. Actually, I ran with a friend, and the rest of the family cheered me on (thank you SO MUCH dear family for your support, despite the cold weather, wind, and early wake up on a holiday).

I had a great time and then we got to go home, warm up and take a nap before the real party began - Thanksgiving with the Fortiers. As always, this was a great event with family enjoying good food and conversation.

 

Bonus - Later that week we hung out with the Fortier Moving Crew and managed to move everything from Union Grove back to Racine all in ONE DAY! Lots of trips back and forth, but we got it DONE!

 

 

Stargazing & Building Blocks

Today I took the kids up to Bampa Bampa Howt in HC, we met Denise and Lulu there and played in the water for a bit, E said "An Nee-tee WAT!" about a hundred times. Archer said "Mom WATCH!" a hundred and two times. Shelly played with Lulu, and Lulu clapped her hands and splashed the water around. Then, the Big Discussion ensued. Are we going for a run? Who's coming? Who's biking? Do we have helmets?

Eventually everyone found their shoes (except the littlest two) and we gathered in the driveway... wandered out to the street... took off! Archer pulled E in the bike trailer, Shelly peddled alongside Arch. Aunt Nee-tee pushed a stroller and the rest of us (that's Bampaw, Mamaw, and Mom/me) just jogged. And chatted, and listened to the kids' chatter. It was a great run, we hardly noticed the two and a half miles that passed. The whole afternoon was all so casual, so relaxed and so enjoyable.

Tonight, well after bedtime, I was taking the garbage out to the street and paused to look up. The stars, shining faithfully down on us, so clear and bright tonight. And its not too hot or too cold, and I had noticed that Archer was still awake on the couch. I went in and told him to wrap up in his blanket and come with me. "Why?" he asked me at least five times, but I just told him to come with me. We went out and I laid down on my back on the driveway. He laid down with his head on my tummy and we talked. We talked about stars and airplanes. I asked Archer, do you think, twenty years from now when you're twenty eight, I mean twenty nine... Do you think you'll remember tonight? "Um... maybe not." Yeah, maybe not, but maybe yes.

Its so easy to let the opportunities slip by. This afternoon, I considered calling Denise to cancel the thing in HC, I was soooo tired and so behind on everything. But I didn't want to miss seeing her and catching up. Tonight it would have been fine to notice the stars and come back in, kiss Arch goodnight one more time, and go to bed. It was better not to cancel, even though I was a little tired. It was better to sneak Archer out of the house at the end of the day for a few minutes just the two of us. I'm so glad I didn't let the To Do list get in the way of building up the relationships with people I love. Even if we don't remember all the exact details of what happened today, they're more building blocks in the foundation of our relationship together, and those blocks are priceless.

Thanks for the picture Bampa!

 

Happy Independence Day!

We were out the door by 6:45 to get to HC in time for the big event... The Firecracker Four. Again. Last year was nearly a disaster, when it was 90 in the shade at 8:00 in the morning, and I hadn't been training at all... well, I finished, but just barely.

 

This year, my family came to support me (thank you SO MUCH David!!) and it was only 75, and I've been doing a little running... I cut 7 minutes off my time and finished much more comfortably. I even offered to run back to Grandma and Grandpa's with the kids. They walked, so I did too. I'm so thankful to my family for their support, Mom was kind enough to slow down for me so I wouldn't be running alone. 

We had some pool time and then lunch in HC before coming home for a nap. Then, off to the fireworks with Aunt Kim and the cousins.

 

We got a great spot and fully enjoyed the lights and crashing booms, the kids were awed and excited and finally.... finally we are HOME. Whew. And the whirlwind of weekend activities is just beginning!