Marathon #2

I've realized a significant life event was unaccounted for last month.  Maybe it's because I blocked it out of my memory, or it could just be that life is busy.  Maybe a little of both.

When my dad got back into running this summer he mentioned he wanted to do a race.  Silly me thought he was talking about a 5k, possibly a 10k if he was feeling ambitious.  I suggested running a 5k together when we went out to Utah for Nate's wedding.  It was then that I was informed the race he had in mind was a marathon.  I wished him luck, gave him a pep talk, and went on my merry way.  A few days later he called to tell me he'd signed up for the Tri State Marathon.  Once again, I wished him luck and thought he was a little bit crazy for wanting to do a marathon with such a short training window.  The next day I got a phone call from Dad asking if I wanted to run it with him.  I was torn.  How cool is it to run a marathon with your dad?  Not many people can say that.  However, I was in the worst running shape I'd been in for years.  Between my year of strep throat and getting my tonsils out, short runs were much more comfortable that long runs for me.  Of course I said yes.

To make a long story short training didn't go as smoothly as either of us had hoped.  Neither of us felt as prepared as we would have liked and yet there we were at the starting line on race day.  I ran the first three miles with my dad and then I said I'll see you when I see you.  Apparently he thought I might run a little longer with him.  Sorry Dad.  The first 13 miles were awesome.  Jeannie volunteered during the race so I got to give her a hug at mile 9.  Things were going great!  It was downhill and I was running fast.  Then it started to be not as fun, especially when the hills started, and by mile 20 my stomach was hurting and all the fun was gone.  Jeannie was done with her volunteer duties by then and was driving back and forth between my dad and me checking up on us.  I just about climbed in her car and called it quits.  I stopped for quite a while and sat down.  I called Jared and he gave me a good pep talk.  After much debate and anguish, I decided to run one more mile, then call it quits if I wanted to.  However, I knew if I ran one more I might as well run 5 after that.  It took forever to finish. Mom and dad (he made it between mile 20-21) would wait for me at the top of each hill those last few miles with water and cheered me on.

I finally finished.  It was quite painful, but I learned a few things along the way.  #1-take the proper amount of time to train.  #2 carry water. #3 when the opportunity comes to do a once in a lifetime race, do it!

Hopefully in a couple of years my dad and I can actually train properly for a marathon and have another go at it.

almost time to start

gorgeous scenery

volunteer jeannie

go dad go

go me go

notice my support car in the background?

finished!

Thanksgiving Fun!

Thanksgiving was pretty great!  We headed north to join the Gonzalez clan and their fun happenings.  It was great. They plan the fun, we tag along.  First item on the agenda, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

 

They don't just do the parade, they do the parade right.  We left NJ at 4:30 AM and got a parking spot 30ft from the parade route.  We may or may not have moved a police barricade to get to that spot.  Their Stake President was already there and had roped off a section for members of the stake.  We put our lawn chairs down and waited, walked, ate, watched movies, and chatted.  That 4 AM alarm was worth it though. 

not bad eh?

 

it was just so early

 

  

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious.  It was extra delicious because Jared's cousin, Tara, joined us and happens to be an excellent cook.  Not only is she an excellent cook but she's great company and the kids loved her.

just about a pie per person

Tara was nice/smart enough to bring toys for the kids while dinner cooked.

 The rest of the weekend was filled with cousin fun.

First time roller skaters

She's had a birthday!

Sierra Jean turned 2 years old.  She's quite the gal and always always always keeps me on my toes.  I think the thing that's suprised me the most about her is her resourcefulness.  She is a pro at figuring out how to get what she wants.  If you don't get her what she wants she'll figure out a way to get it herself (this usually involves climbing).  It really is amazing to watch her determination and creativity, but it also makes it difficult to find somewhere safe to put things.  The bottom three shelves of my pantry are empty and yesterday she nearly climbed to the 4th shelf.  Thankfully we have a short fridge and I can put things on top of there.  I'm sure it won't be long though before she makes the connection that she can climb from the counter to the fridge.  She is a girl who is full of emotion, whether it be happy or sad.  When she's happy she is so happy, and when she's sad she's so sad (see below).  She's quite the adventurer but still likes to keep me in sight, thank goodness.  Most of the time she's happy to say hi and bye to everyone and everything.  She loves to sing and seems to have quite a bit to say already.  I think both Grandpa's summed her up during our last visit to Utah.  Grandpa Wisan said "nothing is safe" and Grandpa Bench said "she's like the energizer bunny that just keeps going."  True statement on both accounts.  She is completely wonderful though and we are so lucky to have her in our little family.   

She thought it was the greatest thing when we sang happy birthday to her

Believe it or not, it's rather difficult to take her picture.

Happy Halloween!

daddy/daughter

Two weeks in Utah

The kids and I were in Utah for a full two weeks.  Jared's trip wasn't quite as long.  I know he mentioned something about a job, and wanting to keep his job.  Our original occasion to go to Utah was for Nate and Emilee's wedding.  As it turns out Great grandma Bench had plans of her own.  Our trip ended up including a wedding and a funeral.  

Two weeks is a long time and our families had to endure my camera for most of it.  As always, trips to Utah are jam packed with fun and memories. 

I flew to Utah by myself with the kids.  4 1/2 hours is a long time.  They were both great, honestly and truly, but I was still soooo happy when we landed.

 We went to the zoo with Grandma JeanJean.  It was quite the fun adventure.  Sierra even got to look a lion right in the eye.  The one time I wasn't there with my camera of course.  However, I'm pretty sure the carousel with the highlight. We went on it twice because Grandma's can spoil little girls who have a melt down when it's time to get off.

she absolutely loved it

We went on a lovely hike up the canyon with some of my very favorite people.

When my mom cleaned out my grandpa's house they found this dress and coat my grandma paxton made, with her own two hands, in the 1930's.  Turns out we're the same size, so I inherited grandmas dress.  Amazing!

 

 We're sure glad Wade's family lives close.  Good times were had in the circle once again.  We're also glad they bring their fun toys along.

 We went to The Museum of Natural Curiosity.  Jeannie wanted to make sure Jared was there when we went.  She was spot on.  He had just as much fun as the kids.

 The kids spent many hours in grandma and grandpa Bench's sandbox.

 Lindsay was on the ball and realized we always get a picture on Connor and Addy on the horse.  The tradition lives on!

 

 We spent a couple of days at the cabin.  It was gorgeous and only a little chilly.  Luckily grandpa had helpers to build the fire.

      

    

Connor and Addy slept in a tent in the basement every night.

 So much fun with cousins

And then we came home.  We even rode the metro from DCA.  Connor was thrilled.  He got to ride on a plane and a train.  What a day.  What a trip.