My Faithful Running Companion

So I calculated how many miles I have put in since I started training for Twin Cities marathon & came up with 773 miles! Of those miles, Jim & I had many wonderful runs together... I got to run with many different friends... my brother-in-law, neighbors... the kids biked with me... But through it all, there was only ONE companion that was with me for all my runs... Libby! She has been the best running partner. It's amazing how much she loves going for a run and how well she runs along side us. There is not a moment where I can put on my running shoes without her getting all excited & sitting by the garage door, waiting to go with. It's such a bummer she can't be there with me on the big day. On Sunday, Jim & I will be running the Twin Cities Marathon. This will be Jim's 4th marathon and my 5th. We both are trying to get through some aches & pains. But we'll be out there, hoping for the best!

Girls Weekend... Chicago... P!nk...

This past weekend, 3 girlfriends and I flew to Chicago for a fun time away. We enjoyed Millennium Park, shopping, trying new restaurants for every meal and eating AMAZING food, fun bars, and of course... the P!nk concert. Wow, she puts on a wonderful show. Besides loving all her music, she is just an amazing performer. We're hoping she'll add Minneapolis to her US Tour!

Jen, Becky, Tiffeny, & Me

Jen & I had to show off our new shirts

And a peek at "So What"... (pause my music player first)

A weekend of sports

It was a weekend filled with sports. On Friday, all the cdaa football teams got invited to get in free at the Champlin Park High School football game. Every football player wearing a jersey got to form the tunnel that the high school kids ran through before the game. Then, Zach's team got asked to play during half time. So he was excited to wear full gear and play some football. Saturday, Jim & I were up early to do our training run (we each put in 703 training miles for this marathon!) and then off to more games. Sean had a football game while Zach had baseball practice and an evening football game. Then Sunday Zach had two baseball games. He had one tough game, where he got hit in the mouth with a line drive at first. I think he was more upset about not getting the guy out at first! But he kept the ball in front of him, recovered well, and almost made a play at second. Needless to say, it was another busy weekend.

Sean... they tied their game

Zach... they loss, but it was an excellent game!

Sean enjoyed having some fun during Zach's football game

Zach's team won the first game and lost the second game

And Howie enjoyed playing in the dirt....

First Day of School... Bittersweet!

This morning I shipped Lauryn off to 6th grade (I can hardly believe that), Zach off to 4th grade, and Sean off to 1st grade. I had mixed feelings as I watched them all walk off with their friends. There is something wonderful about the feel of back to school, new beginnings, Fall starting, the holiday's approaching, etc... But we really had a fun summer this year and I enjoyed having them home with me. This was the first summer that I still had my freedom even with them out of school, but when we were all home we kept busy in the pool and spent fun time together. They are also such great helpers around the house with Howie! So I was sad to see them go this morning. Then, this year I was told by Sean that he is now too old for me to kiss him good-bye. It's hard to watch them grow so quickly.

To wrap up summer, we had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Our family started it off by Friday going to the State Fair for the day. I think we ate everything in sight. (making my Sat. morning run miserable on my stomach) Saturday Jim slept out in our back yard with the kids and Libby. They set up the projector on the house and watched movies back there and slept under the stars. All three kids had a blast and wanted to do it the next night as well. Jim declined, as he said his back needed a break! Sunday my family came down and we spent the day in the pool and grilling. Then that evening we were invited to a bon fire and spent some time with friends. Monday (our last day of freedom), we all slept in. Then Jim & I went for our run and invited some neighbors over to swim as well. The weather was just perfect this weekend, which made it all the more fun. Until next year now...