Buckeye Bash 5K

This morning, Ohio State VS Michigan morning, Trey and I ran our first 5K together! The Westerville Central CC team sponsored the event in which close to 500 participants raced. The morning was picture perfect--sunny skies, no clouds, no breeze and a brisk 40+ degrees. Perfect for a morning 3.1 mile run!

Trey and I before the Buckeye Bash 5K begins. I was a little tired, anxious and yet ready for the race to begin.

My running partner, Stacey, has been on hiatus since fracturing her leg during training. I've missed our runs together and am SO happy she joined us this morning as photographer AND our cheering section! Stacey--thanks so very much--your support means the world to me!! I hope that one day we can run a 5K together and accomplish your goal of successfully completing your first 5K!!

Anticipating the start of the 2nd annual Buckeye Bash. After a rousing chant of "O-H" "I-O"--and one brave soul yelling "Go Blue"--the race started.

Arriving across the finish line at 24:31--Trey finishes strong!

Finishing almost a minute earlier than my first race one month ago. Stacey and I determined that I've been running for 3 months. I never thought I'd be able to complete 1 mile, let alone 3.1 miles. And now, I've successfully completed 2 5Ks much quicker than I ever dreamed!! Trey and Stacey, thanks for believing in me and offering much needed encouragement and support--especially when I didn't think I had it in me!

Successfully completing my 2nd 5K in 28:51!

A wonderful start to Ohio State VS Michigan Saturday! Stacey, many thanks for the pictures and cheering this morning--believe it or not, I did hear you and Trey. And, yes, I WAS sprinting--my legs sure thought so anyway!!

An Afternoon with Friends

Last Thursday and Friday (11/12 & 11/13), the boys and their friends were off school for fall conferences. We enjoyed an unseasonably warm fall afternoon and my neighbor and I decided it was the perfect day for a picnic and hike. After picking up Chick Fil A for all, we drove to Highbanks Metro Park.

After eating, it was time for "recess"--swinging on the swings was fun for all.

The two Moms before the LONG hike--we had lots of fun and had we opted to hike a few weeks earlier I know the leaves would have been amazing. Unfortunately, they're all gone and the "winter look" has officially arrived in Ohio. Before starting our walk, Noah & Lauren found walking sticks. Not to be outdone, Joel and Alexander spied one too--note it's much, much taller than either one of them! Boys will be boys.

Ready to hike--complete with walking sticks and lots of energy from our yummy lunch.

My boys were uncooperative with picture taking. While I smiled nicely, Alexander made some goofy smile and Noah stuck his gum to his lip--ugga-mugga!

They were pretending to have some fancy "Olympic" throw. However, when Alexander threw his stone it went straight up in the air (notice he's searching for his stone) rather than into the woods. OOPS!

We finally reached the "lookout" where the Olentangy River glides quickly past far below the "lookout" point. Lauren watching the sun reflect on the water.

We had a wonderful afternoon with our friends--it was a great bonding experience for the two older boys. The afternoon was beautiful and I'm so happy we were able to spend some time outside.

Oscar and Sophie

I received a new flash diffuser and couldn't wait to experiment. However, my only willing subjects were the animals. Oscar, our cat, is 19 years old--and has been successfully fighting kidney failure for the past two years. The vet is surprised that he's still with us. Sophie is our almost 2 year old Golden Retriever. I still can't believe we have a dog in the house, but at this point, I can't imagine our family without her. She has a sweet disposition and has never met a stranger. Her eyes are so expressive--she's just the sweetest thing! I'm glad they let me experiment with my new diffuser--I had fun, not sure that they enjoyed all the pictures, though.

My Favorite Helper

Last Tuesday, the boys had off school--a waiver day--for district voting. Unfortunately, due to the release of the waiver days falling after the start of preschool; I was required to hold class last Tuesday. When I asked Noah if he'd like to help at preschool, he never hesitated before replying, "sure, Mom". We were both looking forward to our time together. Noah was a BIG help although I think at times his silliness got the best of me. At times a "monkey see, monkey do" atmosphere erupted which Mom had to quickly end! Noah read to the class and did a great job capturing their attention. The class enjoyed having Noah visit as much as Noah enjoyed spending the day with us. Thanks Noah--you were a BIG help--maybe there will be another day soon where you'll be able to join us again.

A Late "Boo to You"

Halloween 2009 has come and gone. After last year's Michael Jackson costume--which although it required several trips here and there--was a one of a kind, well-loved costume--I'm disappointed with this year's choice. This year, Noah chose to be a zombie; a scary costume in my opinion. I have to admit that I was against the costume and desperately tried to offer alternatives. Nope--his mind was set and I lost the "zombie battle". The costume doesn't fit his "sweet" personality, but he had a great evening and I suppose that's what matters most. Haiden visited Halloween evening and trick-or-treated with Noah and his friend. The picture of the cousins is before leaving on our trick-or-treating adventure--we did stop and visit one of my friends and her daughter on our almost 2 hour trek. As if the costume wasn't enough, I was talked into a cross bone & skulls pumpkin. I miss the adorable costumes and cute pumpkins--maybe next year... Again, Noah had a GREAT time and I'm RELIEVED Halloween is over for another year--Halloween is not even close to being my favorite holiday!!