We spent Labor Day weekend at my Grandma's cabin and had a great time. Husband, the girls and I drove down Friday after school and met my parents, Grandma-Great and my favorite aunt for dinner. The girls love playing with Grandma Great's dogs and were bouncing off the walls with excitement about the cabin.
A few of my cousins joined us on Saturday so I enjoyed hanging out with them. One of the best highlights of the weekend was when my kids dug into the dress-up clothes, the same ones my cousins and I used to wear, parading around and putting on fashion shows or playing house, for hours at a time. So when my girls came tromping down the stairs with dresses miles too long, fancy gloves from my mom's prom or costumes from my aunt's dance recitals, I melted. They were adorable and precious and hilarious, all mixed into a giant puddle of nostalgia and pure joy at seeing them repeat one of my favorite childhood adventures.
We also took the kids hiking up in the mountains to see the waterfalls. The falls apparently aren't as big as they used to be but the kids loved our "expedition". They also tried feeding the chipmunks and gave names to several of them, sometimes the same animal over and over. And they were thrilled when Grammy and my aunt gave them beads to string onto long necklaces which they used to decorate the trees outside. And then my aunt made them each an adorable crocheted hat with long Rapunzel braids to wear with their dress ups.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
double birthdays
A and E’s birthdays are only 4 days apart. So we did an awesome combined celebration. The girls helped me design their party invitation and birthday cakes featuring Doc McStuffins for A and Sofia the First for E.
So on Saturday morning, the girls helped me finish their cakes. A's cake was made of chocolate and decorated with buttercream frosting, a small replica of Doc McStuffin's clinic and decorated with toy figurines. E's cake turned out to be more difficult but delicious. I used my Grandma's bunny bliss recipe (like a carrot cake but infinitely better), slathered it in cream cheese frosting but then to decorate, layered on purple fondant to look like Sofia's dress. The combination didn't work out very well as cream cheese frosting isn't stiff enough to hold form, but E loved the cake anyway. Especially since her cake also came with toy figurines.
We also surprised the girls with something special to wear to their party. A's outfit was a near duplicate of Doc McStuffin's attire (purple shirt, poka dot leggings, pink skirt and white lab coat) and E looked unbelievably cute in her new Sofia princess dress!
Because our yard isn't finished yet, the party was held at Grandma's house (which worked out unbelievably well). We set up the bounce house and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. The kids ran around, jumping in and out of the bounce house, racing around with cousins and friends while the adults mostly lounged around and ate for awhile. Then Grandpa began taking the kids for rides around the pasture on the horses and Husband rigged the climbing wall on the far side of their two story house. The kids had a blast! They were eager to take turns for each. L especially had a great time riding the horse, and much to her delight, Grandpa taught her some basic commands and let her practice guiding the horse. In fact, the kids were having so much fun it was getting late when I realized we needed to gather to have cake and ice cream and enjoy the pinata before it got too dark! We ended up doing the pinata with the garage flood lights and barely made it through all the kids when it burst open.
Guests began drifting away when suddenly the clouds opened up and it began raining in torrents! A fierce wind picked up immediately and we cleaned up in record time to get out of the storm. Eventually it was just our family and grandparents gathered to watch them open their presents, exclaiming over the cute outfits and new books. They especially loved the art projects, salon dolls and new barbies. They each got a "light pet" that promptly became a permanent member of their nightly entourages and loved their gifts from us. E got more Sofia dress up stuff, including a stuffed Clover doll, and A got a Doc McStuffins playhouse that she was thrilled to receive.
The festivities continued into the next week...
A got to be "special leader" at school and I joined her class to do a spotlight on her. We took a few of her favorite things to tell about her and played her favorite game (DocMcStuffins Operation... but only because I didn't think the Princess cupcake game was a good idea). She also got to take the snack that day and picked grapes and cookies.
E's preschool did something similar, we created a "All About Me" poster using pictures we cut out from magazines and she picked oreos and fruit snacks to take to school as her treat.
For A's "actual" birthday, she wanted to go to the drive in movies (one of her all time favorite activities). So we drove out to a friend's house and joined them for the evening. We started at a soccer game to cheer on one of my best friends as we picnicked and ate pizza with their kids. Then we settled it at the drive in, piling the back of our trucks with pillows and blankets and plenty of snacks to watch the new Disney movie, Rescue Planes. The girls enjoyed it and despite the late hour, were still wound up and begged to stay for the second feature, Malificent. We had already agreed it was probably too scary for them but decided to watch trailers for it on YouTube and at the kids excitement, decided to stay. It turned out to be a great movie and the girls had a great time. Then, rather than drive the 1.5 hours home, we spent the night at our friends' house and then played through the morning. The kids were in heaven, exploring and playing, as we lounged around for a few hours before finally returning home.
For E's "actual" birthday, Husband was out of town. So Grandma and I took the girls out for the evening. We went to Cookie Cutters to get haircuts, much to the girls' delight. They love the play equipment and computer games but especially love the cool chairs, personal tvs and the cute updo styles when their haircut is finished. L's beautiful curls still fall just past her shoulders but again with layers and better shape. For A, we got brave and cut her hair short, into a chin length bob with a slight a-line. It's fun and sassy and suits her perfectly. And E was most reluctant, but since she hates having me brush her hair and objects to any ponytail or styling, she loves her short curls that are so easy to wet and gel with minimal styling now. After haircuts, we went to dinner at the girls' favorite restaurant, Chili's. It's been their favorite for a long time, but now with the new table top computers, they're in heaven and we may never go to another restaurant ever again. They loved playing the games and as usual, were fun of fun energy and excitement. All up until our dinner actually came and E suddenly claimed an upset stomach. Within a few minutes she was sick and dinner ended abruptly. Fortunately, the manager gave us a gift card and encouraged to come back another night so she could still get her birthday dessert.
So now my sweet girls are 6.5, 5 ("almost six" she claims) and 3. Sweet little E, who has so proudly declared her age with 2 fingers, makes me melt. Even at the birthday party, she insisted with two fingers. But the morning of her "real" birthday, she slowly came awake as I whispered good mornings and happy birthdays. I asked how old she was and without speaking or raising her head off the pillow, she lifted three fingers and grinned.
So on Saturday morning, the girls helped me finish their cakes. A's cake was made of chocolate and decorated with buttercream frosting, a small replica of Doc McStuffin's clinic and decorated with toy figurines. E's cake turned out to be more difficult but delicious. I used my Grandma's bunny bliss recipe (like a carrot cake but infinitely better), slathered it in cream cheese frosting but then to decorate, layered on purple fondant to look like Sofia's dress. The combination didn't work out very well as cream cheese frosting isn't stiff enough to hold form, but E loved the cake anyway. Especially since her cake also came with toy figurines.
We also surprised the girls with something special to wear to their party. A's outfit was a near duplicate of Doc McStuffin's attire (purple shirt, poka dot leggings, pink skirt and white lab coat) and E looked unbelievably cute in her new Sofia princess dress!
Because our yard isn't finished yet, the party was held at Grandma's house (which worked out unbelievably well). We set up the bounce house and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. The kids ran around, jumping in and out of the bounce house, racing around with cousins and friends while the adults mostly lounged around and ate for awhile. Then Grandpa began taking the kids for rides around the pasture on the horses and Husband rigged the climbing wall on the far side of their two story house. The kids had a blast! They were eager to take turns for each. L especially had a great time riding the horse, and much to her delight, Grandpa taught her some basic commands and let her practice guiding the horse. In fact, the kids were having so much fun it was getting late when I realized we needed to gather to have cake and ice cream and enjoy the pinata before it got too dark! We ended up doing the pinata with the garage flood lights and barely made it through all the kids when it burst open.
Guests began drifting away when suddenly the clouds opened up and it began raining in torrents! A fierce wind picked up immediately and we cleaned up in record time to get out of the storm. Eventually it was just our family and grandparents gathered to watch them open their presents, exclaiming over the cute outfits and new books. They especially loved the art projects, salon dolls and new barbies. They each got a "light pet" that promptly became a permanent member of their nightly entourages and loved their gifts from us. E got more Sofia dress up stuff, including a stuffed Clover doll, and A got a Doc McStuffins playhouse that she was thrilled to receive.
The festivities continued into the next week...
A got to be "special leader" at school and I joined her class to do a spotlight on her. We took a few of her favorite things to tell about her and played her favorite game (DocMcStuffins Operation... but only because I didn't think the Princess cupcake game was a good idea). She also got to take the snack that day and picked grapes and cookies.
E's preschool did something similar, we created a "All About Me" poster using pictures we cut out from magazines and she picked oreos and fruit snacks to take to school as her treat.
For A's "actual" birthday, she wanted to go to the drive in movies (one of her all time favorite activities). So we drove out to a friend's house and joined them for the evening. We started at a soccer game to cheer on one of my best friends as we picnicked and ate pizza with their kids. Then we settled it at the drive in, piling the back of our trucks with pillows and blankets and plenty of snacks to watch the new Disney movie, Rescue Planes. The girls enjoyed it and despite the late hour, were still wound up and begged to stay for the second feature, Malificent. We had already agreed it was probably too scary for them but decided to watch trailers for it on YouTube and at the kids excitement, decided to stay. It turned out to be a great movie and the girls had a great time. Then, rather than drive the 1.5 hours home, we spent the night at our friends' house and then played through the morning. The kids were in heaven, exploring and playing, as we lounged around for a few hours before finally returning home.
For E's "actual" birthday, Husband was out of town. So Grandma and I took the girls out for the evening. We went to Cookie Cutters to get haircuts, much to the girls' delight. They love the play equipment and computer games but especially love the cool chairs, personal tvs and the cute updo styles when their haircut is finished. L's beautiful curls still fall just past her shoulders but again with layers and better shape. For A, we got brave and cut her hair short, into a chin length bob with a slight a-line. It's fun and sassy and suits her perfectly. And E was most reluctant, but since she hates having me brush her hair and objects to any ponytail or styling, she loves her short curls that are so easy to wet and gel with minimal styling now. After haircuts, we went to dinner at the girls' favorite restaurant, Chili's. It's been their favorite for a long time, but now with the new table top computers, they're in heaven and we may never go to another restaurant ever again. They loved playing the games and as usual, were fun of fun energy and excitement. All up until our dinner actually came and E suddenly claimed an upset stomach. Within a few minutes she was sick and dinner ended abruptly. Fortunately, the manager gave us a gift card and encouraged to come back another night so she could still get her birthday dessert.
So now my sweet girls are 6.5, 5 ("almost six" she claims) and 3. Sweet little E, who has so proudly declared her age with 2 fingers, makes me melt. Even at the birthday party, she insisted with two fingers. But the morning of her "real" birthday, she slowly came awake as I whispered good mornings and happy birthdays. I asked how old she was and without speaking or raising her head off the pillow, she lifted three fingers and grinned.
gone fishin'
After one night’s sleep at home and a flurry of unpacking and repacking, Husband and I dropped the
kids off to my BF and were headed to the airport again. This time, we flew to Portland and picked up
a sweet looking Ford Mustang for our rental car. We drove into Washington to arrive late at the lodge belonging to one of Husband’s business partners and friends, Gary Loomis. We met Husband’s parents there as well. The guys dove into some late night caviar (in my defense, I did try it. but one bite was plenty for me) and set to work for awhile.
The next morning I got to tour the facility and see the products they have been working on. We went
to breakfast at a local diner where I had some unbelievable good strawberry cheesecake pancakes. And
then in the afternoon, we went fishing on the river immediately behind the lodge. It was rainy and wet
but so fun and Husband's mom and I both pulled in a big salmon fish. I managed to hook two others but they
got away before I pulled them in.
We had an amazing dinner at Gary’s home. Their house is chock full of animal mounts from various
hunts and expeditions he’s taken. And then for dinner, they prepared salmon three different ways and
we stuffed ourselves on the amazing food.
The next morning, we got up early for a guided fishing excursion. Our guide was great and took great care of us. This boat was bigger and had fancy equipment to get us right into some fish. At one point I got teasingly chastised for picking up the wrong pole, to which I replied that it seemed like all these poles had Gary's name on them. The line was already out of my mouth before I realized they've probably heard that joke a million times but turns out, I was the first! (it's the little things in life.) We pulled in several sturgeon but weren’t able to keep them (wrong season) and caught several salmon as well. Husband and I had to make a quick getaway and dashed back to the airport, just in time to catch our flight home.
Short trip but so fun and a great chance to spend some time together. And, now my freezer is full of fish. Win win.
kids off to my BF and were headed to the airport again. This time, we flew to Portland and picked up
a sweet looking Ford Mustang for our rental car. We drove into Washington to arrive late at the lodge belonging to one of Husband’s business partners and friends, Gary Loomis. We met Husband’s parents there as well. The guys dove into some late night caviar (in my defense, I did try it. but one bite was plenty for me) and set to work for awhile.
The next morning I got to tour the facility and see the products they have been working on. We went
to breakfast at a local diner where I had some unbelievable good strawberry cheesecake pancakes. And
then in the afternoon, we went fishing on the river immediately behind the lodge. It was rainy and wet
but so fun and Husband's mom and I both pulled in a big salmon fish. I managed to hook two others but they
got away before I pulled them in.
We had an amazing dinner at Gary’s home. Their house is chock full of animal mounts from various
hunts and expeditions he’s taken. And then for dinner, they prepared salmon three different ways and
we stuffed ourselves on the amazing food.
The next morning, we got up early for a guided fishing excursion. Our guide was great and took great care of us. This boat was bigger and had fancy equipment to get us right into some fish. At one point I got teasingly chastised for picking up the wrong pole, to which I replied that it seemed like all these poles had Gary's name on them. The line was already out of my mouth before I realized they've probably heard that joke a million times but turns out, I was the first! (it's the little things in life.) We pulled in several sturgeon but weren’t able to keep them (wrong season) and caught several salmon as well. Husband and I had to make a quick getaway and dashed back to the airport, just in time to catch our flight home.
Short trip but so fun and a great chance to spend some time together. And, now my freezer is full of fish. Win win.
Napa Valley Ragnar
Napa Valley Ragnar, now told through text message...
Grammy: “hey are you on your way?”
Me: “yep. Want us to come all the way up to the house to bring you the girls? Or want to meet halfway at Chili’s? We’ll buy.”
Grammy: “...Dad says leaving for Chili’s in 5 min.”
Me: "good, I was hoping to eat my weight in chips and salsa tonight. totally counts as carb loading."
Grammy: "and lava cake."
BF: “hey are you guys on your way to the airport yet?”
Me: “yep, dropped kids off to my mom. We’re on our way but not sure were gonna make it.”
BF: “you better!”
Me: “not looking good...”
BF: “drive faster. Don’t bail on me.”
Me: “Traffic sucks.”
BF: “seriously? Are you here yet?”
Me: “uh....” (doesn’t know I just sat down behind her at the airport)
BF: “how close are you?”
Me: “very. Might make it.”
BF: “I just saw your husband. I hate you.”
Me to Facebook: “Hey team! We’re in San Fran! See ya’ll tomorrow! Let us know when you get in and we’ll find you. Husband has to work in the morning but BF and I are playing tourist!”
Husband: “Morning! Did you guys sleep ok?”
Me: “Yep! Slept in, had breakfast, on our way to Golden Gate Park.”
Husband: “how?”
Me: “hotel shuttle to airport, BART to sketchy neighborhood, bus to museum at Golden Gate Park. We’re on the BART now.”
Husband: “you’re on the subway? Did you get mugged yet? ....yeah, tell me where you’re getting off, I'll come get you. Got out of meetings early.”
Me: “hey! I’m one of your teammates! Wanna meet me and another random teammate to go sightseeing?”
J: “ok, sounds good.”
Me: *sketchy directions*...which may or may not have been correct
J: “cool. I’m in a gray shirt, blue hat, red backpack.”
Me: “...We’re the two white girls who look like we don’t know where we’re going.”
Me: “PS, I just got attacked by an underground subway pigeon. Watch out.”
Husband: “Where are we meeting for lunch after I pick you up?”
Me: “ummm, we gave you bad directions. We’re in Mission District. Want tacos?”
Husband: “sure. Where?”
Me: *address*
Husband: “k. is this place good?”
Me: “it was #2 on yelp. So obviously.”
Me: “PS, Mission District is sketchy. I’m so counting these 2 miles to my total this weekend.”
Now we add commentary. Because the tacos were awesome. After which, we didn’t have enough time for a museum so we found Lombard Street instead, just for fun. Then husband dropped the three of us off at the airport again. He left for more meetings while we waiting for more teammates. The next few hours involved collecting people, getting our rental van and circling the airport for hours. I’m not entirely sure why or how it became funny, but we had a great time. We made a run to Target for groceries and discovered that the 12 passenger van we were driving is exactly 6’9” (thanks to the parking garage). We had a team dinner at Chili’s, doing more talking and laughing than eating. Half the team had run together at SoCal (plus our awesome driver/Husband), and half the team were runners I had never met.
Me to team: *picture of my running shoes and the infamous s’mores snack mix* “Get up! Let’s go for a run!
P: “sweet! N is picking you guys up, meet you at the start."
Me: “....he says you’re picking us up.”
P: “no, he’s supposed to.”
Me: “uh....”
45 minutes later, we met the team at the starting line. In Ragnar Roulette fashion, all of readied to run and waited eagerly for our heat to be called. The announcer called our team to the start, and then couldn’t resist sharing that we must be crazy and explained our Ragnar Roulette. Instead of assigned positions, he would draw the first runner out of a hat. So we gathered, he drew and called my name! I shed my warm up pants and jacket, grabbed the next name and took off running while the rest of the team drew, divided into the two vans and our race had begun. I ran 3.7 miles through Golden Gate Park with the picturesque fog drifting in across the grass. The humidity made my hair double in size immediately and despite the early morning cool air, the humidity had me dripping. I came into the exchange and handed off to my teammate. He was the lucky one to run down to the beach, through the sand, up a tough dirt trail and finally across the Golden Gate Bridge. We had planned to jump out and run with him at the bridge but didn’t get out time and missed the chance. However, the bridge was gorgeous! The fog was so thick we couldn’t see the other end, I just seemed to disappear into the mist. It was enchanting.
(awhile after we handed off to van 2) P: “Runner 9 is out. How you guys doing?”
Me: “So good. Got some Thai food. Shopping at Big 5. R talked me into some calf sleeves. He’s basically brilliant.” *picture of me and R in front seat, feet on dash. His sleeves are blue. Mine are hot pink.*
P: “cool.” *Also wearing hot pink sleeves!*
Me: “wanna know what were doing now?” *picture of us in go-karts* *picture playing 4 man pacman in arcade* *picture playing driving game in arcade*
P: “I hate you.”
Me: “It’s cool. We played air hockey too. Three on one. I won.”
We met at the next major exchange and waited for runner 12 to come blazing in. He drew #1 again and it started all over. I managed to stay in Van 1 the whole time, strategically so I could stay with my super hot husband who came along to drive for us. I put in another 6.4 for my night run. I was dark enough for safety gear but still warm outside so it was a great run. After Van 1 passed off to Van 2 we went in search of food and landed at a Denny’s. BF and I apparently got a little silly and were snuggled under my blanket making "drunken confessions" until our food came. Apparently I professed my love to her. And for Ragnar. And then turned it into a rock ballad. I blame sleep deprivation. Which became obvious when I finished half my food and then fell asleep at the table. There is photographic evidence but I’m not sure where.
We spent the rest of the night in the van, parked at the next exchange. Van 2 arrived and passed off to us again. I drew 4.9 for my last run, bringing me to a total of 14.7 miles. It was enough to make my calfs really sore but I could have done more. My last run was along a river, quiet and peaceful with very few other runners out. And as I came running into the exchange, my teammate met me the same way I met him (at the end of his 25 miles), with a donut and slurpee. And again, we went in search of food. Along the way, we stopped a vineyard to take pictures and sample a few grapes (“pre processed wine tasting”). We finally parked in the town of Calistoga, where the race would end and wandered a few blocks up main street. We found a place announcing their award for #1 burgers in Calistoga and needed no further evidence. The burger was amazing! After which, we went to the finish line, wandered around, and then took a nap in the sunshine. As our team got close, we gathered at the finish to run in the last 10 yards across the finish line with BF. We took team pictures, donned medals, devoured pizza and then ended up hanging out at the finish line party until dark. BF and I talked half our team into dancing with us and ended up creating a rather large dance floor area filled with people. Slap happy silly and euphoric from running, we drove back to San Fran, piled into hotel rooms for showers and into a very comfy bed.
With the team together, there was obviously less texting. But plenty of pictures (and inappropriate jokes). And by that evening, we swarmed facebook with pictures:
*pictures of teammates handing off to each other*
*picture of our tartan sash tied to the car antenna, worn all through the race and now leading the drive home*
*beauty shot of my running shoes and the Gold Rush medal (double medal for SoCal and Napa)*
*random back seat selfies*
*Alcatraz Island*
*9 of us crammed into a jail cell at Alcatraz Island*
*sea otters at Fisherman's Wharf*
*J pretending to be a sea otter*
*Husband pretending to ride J pretending to be a sea otter*
*me and my clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl*
Group conversation, “What races are we doing next year?”
...del sol?....colorado?....McDowell?....Wasatch Back?....D.C.?....which double medals?....Florida keys?....
Me: “um, honey? What should my race budget for next year be?”
Husband: “...I think you need a cheaper hobby. Cocaine perhaps.”
But oh so fun....
Grammy: “hey are you on your way?”
Me: “yep. Want us to come all the way up to the house to bring you the girls? Or want to meet halfway at Chili’s? We’ll buy.”
Grammy: “...Dad says leaving for Chili’s in 5 min.”
Me: "good, I was hoping to eat my weight in chips and salsa tonight. totally counts as carb loading."
Grammy: "and lava cake."
BF: “hey are you guys on your way to the airport yet?”
Me: “yep, dropped kids off to my mom. We’re on our way but not sure were gonna make it.”
BF: “you better!”
Me: “not looking good...”
BF: “drive faster. Don’t bail on me.”
Me: “Traffic sucks.”
BF: “seriously? Are you here yet?”
Me: “uh....” (doesn’t know I just sat down behind her at the airport)
BF: “how close are you?”
Me: “very. Might make it.”
BF: “I just saw your husband. I hate you.”
Me to Facebook: “Hey team! We’re in San Fran! See ya’ll tomorrow! Let us know when you get in and we’ll find you. Husband has to work in the morning but BF and I are playing tourist!”
Husband: “Morning! Did you guys sleep ok?”
Me: “Yep! Slept in, had breakfast, on our way to Golden Gate Park.”
Husband: “how?”
Me: “hotel shuttle to airport, BART to sketchy neighborhood, bus to museum at Golden Gate Park. We’re on the BART now.”
Husband: “you’re on the subway? Did you get mugged yet? ....yeah, tell me where you’re getting off, I'll come get you. Got out of meetings early.”
Me: “hey! I’m one of your teammates! Wanna meet me and another random teammate to go sightseeing?”
J: “ok, sounds good.”
Me: *sketchy directions*...which may or may not have been correct
J: “cool. I’m in a gray shirt, blue hat, red backpack.”
Me: “...We’re the two white girls who look like we don’t know where we’re going.”
Me: “PS, I just got attacked by an underground subway pigeon. Watch out.”
Husband: “Where are we meeting for lunch after I pick you up?”
Me: “ummm, we gave you bad directions. We’re in Mission District. Want tacos?”
Husband: “sure. Where?”
Me: *address*
Husband: “k. is this place good?”
Me: “it was #2 on yelp. So obviously.”
Me: “PS, Mission District is sketchy. I’m so counting these 2 miles to my total this weekend.”
Now we add commentary. Because the tacos were awesome. After which, we didn’t have enough time for a museum so we found Lombard Street instead, just for fun. Then husband dropped the three of us off at the airport again. He left for more meetings while we waiting for more teammates. The next few hours involved collecting people, getting our rental van and circling the airport for hours. I’m not entirely sure why or how it became funny, but we had a great time. We made a run to Target for groceries and discovered that the 12 passenger van we were driving is exactly 6’9” (thanks to the parking garage). We had a team dinner at Chili’s, doing more talking and laughing than eating. Half the team had run together at SoCal (plus our awesome driver/Husband), and half the team were runners I had never met.
Me to team: *picture of my running shoes and the infamous s’mores snack mix* “Get up! Let’s go for a run!
P: “sweet! N is picking you guys up, meet you at the start."
Me: “....he says you’re picking us up.”
P: “no, he’s supposed to.”
Me: “uh....”
45 minutes later, we met the team at the starting line. In Ragnar Roulette fashion, all of readied to run and waited eagerly for our heat to be called. The announcer called our team to the start, and then couldn’t resist sharing that we must be crazy and explained our Ragnar Roulette. Instead of assigned positions, he would draw the first runner out of a hat. So we gathered, he drew and called my name! I shed my warm up pants and jacket, grabbed the next name and took off running while the rest of the team drew, divided into the two vans and our race had begun. I ran 3.7 miles through Golden Gate Park with the picturesque fog drifting in across the grass. The humidity made my hair double in size immediately and despite the early morning cool air, the humidity had me dripping. I came into the exchange and handed off to my teammate. He was the lucky one to run down to the beach, through the sand, up a tough dirt trail and finally across the Golden Gate Bridge. We had planned to jump out and run with him at the bridge but didn’t get out time and missed the chance. However, the bridge was gorgeous! The fog was so thick we couldn’t see the other end, I just seemed to disappear into the mist. It was enchanting.
(awhile after we handed off to van 2) P: “Runner 9 is out. How you guys doing?”
Me: “So good. Got some Thai food. Shopping at Big 5. R talked me into some calf sleeves. He’s basically brilliant.” *picture of me and R in front seat, feet on dash. His sleeves are blue. Mine are hot pink.*
P: “cool.” *Also wearing hot pink sleeves!*
Me: “wanna know what were doing now?” *picture of us in go-karts* *picture playing 4 man pacman in arcade* *picture playing driving game in arcade*
P: “I hate you.”
Me: “It’s cool. We played air hockey too. Three on one. I won.”
We met at the next major exchange and waited for runner 12 to come blazing in. He drew #1 again and it started all over. I managed to stay in Van 1 the whole time, strategically so I could stay with my super hot husband who came along to drive for us. I put in another 6.4 for my night run. I was dark enough for safety gear but still warm outside so it was a great run. After Van 1 passed off to Van 2 we went in search of food and landed at a Denny’s. BF and I apparently got a little silly and were snuggled under my blanket making "drunken confessions" until our food came. Apparently I professed my love to her. And for Ragnar. And then turned it into a rock ballad. I blame sleep deprivation. Which became obvious when I finished half my food and then fell asleep at the table. There is photographic evidence but I’m not sure where.
We spent the rest of the night in the van, parked at the next exchange. Van 2 arrived and passed off to us again. I drew 4.9 for my last run, bringing me to a total of 14.7 miles. It was enough to make my calfs really sore but I could have done more. My last run was along a river, quiet and peaceful with very few other runners out. And as I came running into the exchange, my teammate met me the same way I met him (at the end of his 25 miles), with a donut and slurpee. And again, we went in search of food. Along the way, we stopped a vineyard to take pictures and sample a few grapes (“pre processed wine tasting”). We finally parked in the town of Calistoga, where the race would end and wandered a few blocks up main street. We found a place announcing their award for #1 burgers in Calistoga and needed no further evidence. The burger was amazing! After which, we went to the finish line, wandered around, and then took a nap in the sunshine. As our team got close, we gathered at the finish to run in the last 10 yards across the finish line with BF. We took team pictures, donned medals, devoured pizza and then ended up hanging out at the finish line party until dark. BF and I talked half our team into dancing with us and ended up creating a rather large dance floor area filled with people. Slap happy silly and euphoric from running, we drove back to San Fran, piled into hotel rooms for showers and into a very comfy bed.
With the team together, there was obviously less texting. But plenty of pictures (and inappropriate jokes). And by that evening, we swarmed facebook with pictures:
*pictures of teammates handing off to each other*
*picture of our tartan sash tied to the car antenna, worn all through the race and now leading the drive home*
*beauty shot of my running shoes and the Gold Rush medal (double medal for SoCal and Napa)*
*random back seat selfies*
*Alcatraz Island*
*9 of us crammed into a jail cell at Alcatraz Island*
*sea otters at Fisherman's Wharf*
*J pretending to be a sea otter*
*Husband pretending to ride J pretending to be a sea otter*
*me and my clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl*
Group conversation, “What races are we doing next year?”
...del sol?....colorado?....McDowell?....Wasatch Back?....D.C.?....which double medals?....Florida keys?....
Me: “um, honey? What should my race budget for next year be?”
Husband: “...I think you need a cheaper hobby. Cocaine perhaps.”
But oh so fun....
Thursday, September 4, 2014
back to school
oh my goodness, what chaos.
L started school first. She's in first grade this year! She's thrilled to be going full day although I miss her like crazy and so do her sisters. (A and E have been playing great together, but still, every day A asks several times when her sister will be home.) L loves having lunch at school, taking time to think each day if she wants hot lunch or cold lunch. She was disappointed to have a different teacher than her best friend but fortunately made friends quickly and is having a lot of fun. She's in dual immersion and has taken easily to it. I'm hoping it gives her a fun challenge, which I think her brilliant mind needs.
I attended Back to School night, listening to all the rules and procedures, met her teachers, etc. I loved to see the self-portrait she had left on her desk and hear about her daily schedule. I paid my dues and officially joined the PTA. Husband teased me about what a big moment that must be, such a "mom milestone" and offered to buy me "mom jeans" to celebrate.
L also had a back to school type meeting to kick off dance team for the year. She's on "Moonbeams" this year, a bigger team with several friends and a great teacher. She's already looking forward to preforming and competiting. She's crazy about it all and I love watching her dance. She's also taking ballet which means Thursday are a very busy day for her. She gets off the bus with enough time for a quick snack and to change clothes before I take her to dance and she gets home just in time for dinner.
A is attending a third year of preschool, since her birthday is two weeks after the cut off. Deciding she needed something new, we changed schools. The school she previously attended focused on music and movement and she was thrilled with that, it was especially well suited to her high energy. But this year, we moved her to a preschool with a stronger focus on academics in order to challenge her more. She loves her new teacher and has chattered constantly about all the fun.
Even little E is attending school this year! She begged to go to school like her sisters, so we enrolled her in a 2 year old preschool. For her academic and social readiness, she could have easily joined a 3 year old program but she has the same birthday dilemma as her sister. So twice a week, she will be attended a preschool prep. She was thrilled to pick out her backpack, do her "first day picture" and without any hesitation, scampered into her classroom without a backwards glance to me. I lingered to watch but she ran back to me, "Mom! Go! This is my school, I can go play!"
In my defense, I've never been one of those parents welling up as they watch the school bus or begging for extra hugs and kisses (to get themselves through the day, not the kid). But watching my last little scamper off, so eagerly, invokes a sad little smile. So excited to see all of them grow. So excited to have a few hours in the day to get stuff done. And definitely so excited for them to come home.
L started school first. She's in first grade this year! She's thrilled to be going full day although I miss her like crazy and so do her sisters. (A and E have been playing great together, but still, every day A asks several times when her sister will be home.) L loves having lunch at school, taking time to think each day if she wants hot lunch or cold lunch. She was disappointed to have a different teacher than her best friend but fortunately made friends quickly and is having a lot of fun. She's in dual immersion and has taken easily to it. I'm hoping it gives her a fun challenge, which I think her brilliant mind needs.
I attended Back to School night, listening to all the rules and procedures, met her teachers, etc. I loved to see the self-portrait she had left on her desk and hear about her daily schedule. I paid my dues and officially joined the PTA. Husband teased me about what a big moment that must be, such a "mom milestone" and offered to buy me "mom jeans" to celebrate.
L also had a back to school type meeting to kick off dance team for the year. She's on "Moonbeams" this year, a bigger team with several friends and a great teacher. She's already looking forward to preforming and competiting. She's crazy about it all and I love watching her dance. She's also taking ballet which means Thursday are a very busy day for her. She gets off the bus with enough time for a quick snack and to change clothes before I take her to dance and she gets home just in time for dinner.
A is attending a third year of preschool, since her birthday is two weeks after the cut off. Deciding she needed something new, we changed schools. The school she previously attended focused on music and movement and she was thrilled with that, it was especially well suited to her high energy. But this year, we moved her to a preschool with a stronger focus on academics in order to challenge her more. She loves her new teacher and has chattered constantly about all the fun.
Even little E is attending school this year! She begged to go to school like her sisters, so we enrolled her in a 2 year old preschool. For her academic and social readiness, she could have easily joined a 3 year old program but she has the same birthday dilemma as her sister. So twice a week, she will be attended a preschool prep. She was thrilled to pick out her backpack, do her "first day picture" and without any hesitation, scampered into her classroom without a backwards glance to me. I lingered to watch but she ran back to me, "Mom! Go! This is my school, I can go play!"
In my defense, I've never been one of those parents welling up as they watch the school bus or begging for extra hugs and kisses (to get themselves through the day, not the kid). But watching my last little scamper off, so eagerly, invokes a sad little smile. So excited to see all of them grow. So excited to have a few hours in the day to get stuff done. And definitely so excited for them to come home.
August
I received my final certification to teach GroupPower after completing my video assessment. woohoo! (not that there was concern that I wouldn't pass, especially since my manager already gave the okay for me to teach at our gym but glad it's done.) teaching GroupPower has been a blast. I feel confident and have a lot of fun with it.
I've also begun working out with a good friend/co-instructor/personal trainer. She's pushed me into a whole new level of weight training that leaves me sore for days and incredibly satisfied. I love how it challenges me and how I'm finding that I'm stronger than I would have ever thought. and yet, I still end up as a big puddle of jelly on a regular basis.
Our ward was split and husband I both have new callings. Husband will be working with Cub Scouts and I'm on the compassionate service committee. yay! which means we actually get to attend Sunday School together and I even get to attend Relief Society.
My mother in law had an eventful month. She had her third surgery (first to remove the tumor, second to drain a subsequent infection) in which the doctors put a replacement for the missing piece of bone in her head. More recently, it also became infected and they took it back out. So the current total is 4 surgeries, 2 infections, a heavy dose of radiation therapy and an arsenal of other drugs. But the good news is there is little to no sign of the cancer that was diagnosed six months ago.
My best friend from college came to visit! Her and her husband needed a weekend away. So they came our direction and we got to spend two evenings with them. In college, our group of girlfriends would regularly get dressed up and attend a play. So while she was in town, we got together twice for such an evening. We got to see "She Loves Me" the first night and was very impressed with the vocal talent. The second night, we went out for Indian food (and one of my new favorite restaurants!) and saw "Beau Jest!" Both shows were incredibly well done and I loved, loved, loved the time with my beautiful, amazing friend and her husband!
also, celebrated my birthday and back to school chaos. both deserving of their own posts.
I've also begun working out with a good friend/co-instructor/personal trainer. She's pushed me into a whole new level of weight training that leaves me sore for days and incredibly satisfied. I love how it challenges me and how I'm finding that I'm stronger than I would have ever thought. and yet, I still end up as a big puddle of jelly on a regular basis.
Our ward was split and husband I both have new callings. Husband will be working with Cub Scouts and I'm on the compassionate service committee. yay! which means we actually get to attend Sunday School together and I even get to attend Relief Society.
My mother in law had an eventful month. She had her third surgery (first to remove the tumor, second to drain a subsequent infection) in which the doctors put a replacement for the missing piece of bone in her head. More recently, it also became infected and they took it back out. So the current total is 4 surgeries, 2 infections, a heavy dose of radiation therapy and an arsenal of other drugs. But the good news is there is little to no sign of the cancer that was diagnosed six months ago.
My best friend from college came to visit! Her and her husband needed a weekend away. So they came our direction and we got to spend two evenings with them. In college, our group of girlfriends would regularly get dressed up and attend a play. So while she was in town, we got together twice for such an evening. We got to see "She Loves Me" the first night and was very impressed with the vocal talent. The second night, we went out for Indian food (and one of my new favorite restaurants!) and saw "Beau Jest!" Both shows were incredibly well done and I loved, loved, loved the time with my beautiful, amazing friend and her husband!
also, celebrated my birthday and back to school chaos. both deserving of their own posts.
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