Thursday, July 26, 2018

June: Niagara Falls Ragnar

I was so lucky to be able to do Niagara Falls Ragnar again. Corrine Nelson (my amazing friend who organizes the teams I have been on for all of these races) was able to pull together a really fun group of runners to do this race. We had one runner from last year who was going to do it with 2 of her friends and then at the last minute she could not come. So, we found ourselves at the Toronto airport looking for a person we did not know except by a name so we did what they do in the movies- made a name sign: Lisa the Runner. 

We found her and drove towards the start line and then we ate some of the BEST pasta I have ever had in my life! Carb loading at it's finest! 

 Here we are at the starting line at 6:00 am. This is half of our group. We had 7 people in our van because Sandy (third from the right) broke her collar bone about 6 weeks before the race while competing in an Ironman and was no longer to run her legs. But, since she had her ticket already she decided to come along and she ran a few miles here and there. She is fast and has amazing form! 

 My first leg was so picturesque! 

 During a Ragnar, you become really comfortable using port-a-potties and you discover they come in a variety of colors. 
 The only Mountie we met while in Canada. 
 My second leg was hot and almost entirely uphill but it started at this lovely old church that had actual lilacs in bloom- they smelled so good! 
 The Toronto skyline is quite beautiful! 
 I thought I had some pictures from the end of our third leg somewhere but alas these will have to do. 
Corrine and I at the finish line. 
 These are all out of order but Corrine booked us a room at Great Wolf Lodge for the night the race ended. I did not mind climbing all of the steps to the top of the water slides even with sore legs because they were so fun! 
 There are those amazing falls!  
 At the end of our first leg! 
 The whole team after the race, enjoying some more amazing food! In addition to the ladies below, van 2 had Kurt (our Canadian friend from last year), his friend Chris, Gerad (his wife ran the Luckenbach race with us), Lisa (the runner from the airport) and Pam (from DC). The boys ran the 6th runners legs and since they are super fast (under 5 minute miles) we were actually held back at a few of the exchanges. 
 Van 1 sporting our medals at the end of the race:
L to R: Suzi, Sandy, Stephanie Yost (known as Yost), Corrine, Me, Rhonda, Stephanie Elmer. 
 Ready for some sleep and fun! 
 We had a fun time exploring Niagara Falls on Sunday morning and early afternoon. 

 We hit up Wal-Mart before heading to the airport so that we could stock up on all of our Canadian candy and snack souvenirs. 
We were literally running through the airport to make our flight. There was rain and an accident on the way to the airport and we left a bit late and we could not find a gas station (and went on a detour to find one that did not actually exist) which lead to the last minute arrival at the airport. We made it though and I was so glad to get home and see my family! I am so grateful for Peter who supports me in my crazy running antics! We are thinking of running the Washington DC race next year. 

May: Joseph's Eagle Scout Project

Joseph decided a while back that he was going to do Child ID kits for his Eagle Scout Project. 
We had debated about different locations and/or events that we could do his project at and then I realized that it would be a good opportunity for him to do it at the Teddy Bear ER Clinic we hosted at my work. 
 I asked permission at work and it was granted and then we helped advertise and set up.


There was a great turn out and Joseph did a wonderful job of interacting with people and helping parents and kids fill out the kits. I am so proud of him and all of the work he has done to achieve this award! Now to fill out the paperwork and have his Eagle Board of Review. 

May: Field Trips and End of Year Concerts


 We packed in the end of year activities in May- 2 field trips and 3 end of year concerts. 
 Joseph played wonderfully with the orchestra and it was extra fun because my family was still here and they were able to attend as well. 
 Jon was so brave and performed a solo at his choir concert. He sang "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan. He did so well. Peter has the recording on his phone and I keep forgetting to get it from him. 

Lily had a field trip to the zoo and the kindergarten class concert in one week.  
 They sang all animal themed songs and it was adorable! 

 And finally, I attended Arabella's class field trip with her. It was a trip to UNT. I have been on this one before with Jon's class and it is a fun one. 



It was a great couple of weeks watching my kids in their elements; learning, performing, interacting with friends, processing and being simply amazing! 

Saturday, July 21, 2018

May: Bird Family Comes to Town

We were so lucky to have a visit from Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Jana with her kids Landon and Ellie, and Aunt Carla with her daughter Addy.

 They had a most eventful arrival filled with many things that we can laugh at now but were a bit frustrating at the time. 
We visited the JFK memorial and "grassy knoll" on downtown Dallas. 

 Monday morning we headed off early in a big 12 passenger van toward Waco to visit the Magnolia Market Silos. 


 We shopped a little, played a little, and ate some tasty treats from the bakery! 

 It was tiring for all of us! 
 We stopped for a late but delicious lunch in Waxahachie. 

We also enjoyed some lovely time in the pool. 
It makes my heart happy to see my kids enjoying time with their cousins and making memories and forming relationships that I pray will bring them joy and happiness.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

May: Our family through each member's eyes

One night for family home evening Lily asked all to draw a picture of our family. It was really a fun activity. 
 Samantha
 Lily
 Arabella
 Jon
 Joseph
 Me
Peter
Almost all of us even included Frank!