The Other Blog

As many of you have noticed, I started another blog.  Yes, you could say I have been cheating on this blog.

Eeek!  

Right after Logan was born, in 2007, I started valley-mama with the idea that it could be a resource for moms in my area and beyond.  It has turned into a fun, creative outlet for me.  So, when I have the time and the content...I share.  If you haven't checked it out yet, I hope you do!  Its relevant to everyone...not just moms; certainly not just Eau Claire moms.  

Yep - valley-mama is for all mamas.  (Well, actually if you're a non-mama or a not-yet-mama, you might still like!)

You will find info, product reviews, easy craft tutorials, quick & easy recipes, upcoming events, my favorite trends for babies and moms....even info for new moms.

If you want...start "following" valley-mama....I'd love it.  :)

Last Sunday...

Orchard

We took a quick trip to the apple orchard last week...it was fun!  We wanted to pick up a few pumpkins since its already OCTOBER!  Our crazy busy schedule didn't give us much time to play around, but we had fun with the bus and tractor!  Our boys are such hams!

I couldn't get over how BIG the boys seem to be!  Click here to see our trip to the same orchard last year...my how things change in just one year!

Run, Daddy, Run!

John ran the most beautiful urban marathon in America!  After registering for the Twin Cities Marathon last May, John trained all summer and we all anticipated the big day!  When the day finally arrived, the weather was beautiful!  We traveled to Stillwater yesterday to prepare...

The boys enjoyed playing at Papa and Nana's house while I went with John to the expo in downtown St. Paul to pick up his number, info, etc.  It was fun to have a little time alone with him, as we've been so busy lately.  The boys had a fun time with their favorite toys at Nana's house: trains and the awesome kitchen!

At the expo I picked up some signs to make with the kids.  Logan loved creating his special sign for Daddy.  We had to practice cheering, of course!

The day of the big race, John was up and out early.  Thanks to Bob (aka: Bopbop) for driving John out to the Metrodome so early in the morning!  It was just the weather John had been hoping for: cool, crisp, not too warm, but sunny.  While John started his run, I was busy bundling the kids and packing the Swagger Wagon with our supplies for the day!  My parents and I took the kids to one of our favorite places to see John at the 16 miles mark.  We camped out on the boulevard at West River Parkway along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.  There were drums, a little girl selling concessions, and lots of people to cheer.  We had a great time!

We were some of the first to arrive at this spot at about 9:15am.  Shortly, we saw some of the Wheelers start to pass, and then, surprisingly, we saw the first Marathoners.  Amazing!

Amy arrived and we played a little soccer!

Bennett snuggled with me!   Yay!

Bennett enjoyed grazing...Logan and Amy discussing the race!

P & N with B...our station - waiting for John as he gets closer!

Amy and B...Andrew arrived and showed Logan how to use the thunder sticks!

This was one of my favorite signs.  And so true.  John was FAST.  Bob followed John along the course, meeting him at mile 7, 14, and 24.  After mile 14, we figured it would be about 10:30 when he arrive to mile 16-17 where we were waiting.  As I waited and counted down, I looked at the road and saw JOHN!  Early!  Running!  Fast!  Looking great!  Well, I panicked a little and wasn't quite ready.  We weren't holding signs or taking photos or video - all of which I intended!  But we were jumping and screaming, for sure!

THERE HE IS!

He was "tired but doing great".  He stopped, gave hugs and kisses, picked up some extra GU packets, and continued on!

I have to take this chance to explain John's marathon attitude.  His mantra: "Let the race come to me".  He was just working toward a time under four hours (we knew that would be totally do-able for him).  He was not over-obsessive about his training.  He was not crazy about pushing himself to beat any crazy goals.  His goal was to enjoy himself and to finish.  And it paid off.  Big time!

That's why he was so willing to stop to hug and kiss the boys (and me, too, of course!).

After we saw John at the parkway, we loaded up the Swagger Wagon (seriously, how much did I love having a mini-van where we could all pile in together with just one vehicle for this event!) and headed to the finish at the State Capitol.

What a sight.  The event is really amazing and was so fun to spectate.

We climbed the bleachers at the finish line and then before we knew it, we saw JOHN in the distance, making his way, pumping his fists in the air!  Enlarge this photo by clicking on it, then you can see JOHN in RED along the left side of the road.

Almost to the finish!

We caught up with John right away - what a moment!  What an accomplishment!

We are so proud of Daddy.  Logan's favorite new game is to run around while I cheer him on...just like Daddy.  We enjoyed a yummy lunch at the FrieghtHouse in Stillwater with my family and Bob.  What a great celebration on the outdoor patio!

John finished in 3:36.  Amazing.

To see his full set of results, click here.

Way to go, honey.  We are all so proud of you.  You were patient and the race came to you.

Our very own...

Swagger Wagon.

Yup.  We got our very own.

This is US.

Annual Fall Playdate

Today was our annual fall visit from my good friend, Sarah, and her two children.  Ever since Sarah and I had our boys (just three weeks apart), she has taken a Friday in October to drive from Minneapolis to Eau Claire to spend the day.  She always comments on how beautiful the drive through the valley is while the leaves begin to change.  We look forward to every visit from the Careys!  This year, Kim and adorable Avery joined us, as well!  Kim lives in River Falls and is always willing to make the trip to Eau Claire!  We are so grateful for our friends who travel to see us!  The day was a blast!

The kids played like mad!  They loved it!  I was worried it would be a little chaotic at our house with all five kids now being mobile.  It was actually great!  This is proof of the madness!  The mommies sipped lattes while the kiddos took over the house!

Before long, it was time for lunch.  Gracie 19 months), Bennett (16 months), and Avery (14 months) joined the mommies at the big table while good buddies Logan (born Aug 17) and William (born July 24) ate at the "big boy table".  They were so fun to watch - playing imaginary games all day long.  I wish we lived even closer so the boys could play more often!

After lunch, we moved downstairs to play.  Once again, the kids were having a ball!  While all of the mommies sat in the seating area and the kids were busy playing, we all said, "This is so GREAT!".  It was wonderful to see our children all playing so nicely and to have some time to catch up with good friends.

The fury of five kids and an endless supply of toys!

I had to get this sweet little photo of Grace in the hockey helmet and skinny jeans!  Such a dichotomy!

Thanks for the visit Agrimsons and Careys!  We love you!

Logan's 3 Year Stats

We finally saw Dr. Gilmartin for Logan's 3 year check up.  He is still in the 98th percentile for both height and weight at 40 lbs and over 40 inches!  Logan is so healthy and is developing so perfectly - we are thankful for that every day.  His imagination is on fire these days, telling stories, playing pretend, and loving books more than ever.  One of our friends, Nic, said Logan is "3 going on 15" because of his speech patterns...he loves to use idomatic expressions that he has picked up and is great at joking around with just about anyone.  It amazing how quickly children develop so many skills.  Logan is becoming great at picking up his toys, doing the potty all by himself, helping Bennett with his shoes, hat, and jacket, cutting his food, and recognizing his name and other letters/numbers.  I can't wait to see what this year brings!

The boys having a little tv time right before Logan's appointment.

Being 3 is so awesome!