26.2 miles of Cheers!

I returned late Sunday night from the Bowling Green, KY marathon, and my legs are still sore. No, I didn’t actually run the 26.2 mile race, but as a spectator, I think I walked 30 miles! Jaden and I ventured on a road trip Saturday to Louisville, KY where we picked up my sister, Laurie, at the airport. From there we spent the weekend in Bowling Green, KY for the Sunday morning marathon.

Do people with 1 child realize just how easy it is to travel with ONE child?!! From packing, to roadside stops, to bedtime routine, I felt I was on vacation with just Jaden and myself to worry about! Jaden did get spoiled with attention from Auntie and even got to go swimming. Packet pick-up was at the Corvette Museum. I decided I'd take a red one!

 It was a smaller race, which weaved back and forth in the downtown area. This made for a very spectator friendly course- looped twice. Jaden was a trooper! It was a little cold in the morning, so mile 3-4 he was crabby, but after a little cuddle-time, he was his cheerful self. Unfortunately, during his crabbiness, is when the local newspaper decided to interview me! 

We were able to see Laurie 9 times along the course! Jaden entertained everyone along the way. Between miles 6.5 and 11.5 we had a little picnic while we cheered on the runners. 

 Jaden did get a little nap in while we were walking from mile 13 to 16. The other runners and spectators were all so friendly. My only complaint was there were no coffee shops open on Sunday morning in the downtown area!! I was really looking forward to sitting and drinking coffee while watching other people run; but in reality, I don’t think I really had an extra hand for a coffee cup!

Jaden found some leaves to run and jump in!

Laurie had pneumonia the week before this marathon, but that didn’t stop her! She did amazing and checked state #47 off of her list! Jaden and I were excited to cheer for Aunt Laurie at a marathon. Good luck with the three states left, Laurie!

Halloween 2013

 Yup. It’s true. My kids went as ‘losers’ for Halloween!

My Vikings Players! (Evan wasn't really into this picture-taking-thing).

 Pumpkin donut time at Daycare!

 They got to wear their costumes all day as Thursday morning they had musicgarten class. The kids had a parade in the senior center while they played an instrument and sang along with Miss Mary.

 Evan trying on a friends' 'Vikings' hat!

 Jaden got some fun pumpkin glasses at Daycare!

Thursday was a rainy day, but there was enough of a break in the rain for the boys to trick-or-treat at the neighbors’ houses. Most of the neighbors let the boys pick what they wanted, of which a two-year-old really can’t make big decisions like which piece of chocolate to take. They clearly wanted them all! But by the last house, they got the hang of it: walk up to door, look cute, candy bowl comes close, grab a few pieces and put them in the pumpkin. 

 Evan did get a little skeptical of some of the costumes of the other kids we passed on the sidewalk. When the kid dressed as a ghost walked by, I had to carry Evan. Poor Little E. I just need to rent the Reggie Redbird costume for the day to get the fear of mascots/characters/costumes out of Evan!

The boys had an even better time passing out treats at our door!

Galena Getaway Weekend!

We had a peaceful weekend getaway in Galena, IL. Well, as peaceful as it gets with twin 2-yr-olds!! We ventured north with another couple and their 1-yr old boy. Clearly we needed two vehicles as we travel with too much ‘stuff’ even for just a weekend! The boys traveled very well -- of course music like 'Happy and you know it shout Hurray' helps!

 Our friends had found cabins to stay at on an Alpaca farm. Jaden loved the Alpacas and wanted them to be his friend right away. Evan was predictably scared of them and decided they were great from afar!

Grandma Pam and Grandpa Al were on a ‘Leaf Tour’ down the Mississippi River…..and ‘just happened’ to be near Galena at the same time we were! Evan and Jaden were very excited to see Grandpa & Grandma and they made excellent babysitters on Saturday night!

On Sunday we hiked along Casper Bluff…..we missed the BOB stroller, but Nathan enjoyed pushing the boys around the grass trails up-and-down the hills! The boys had fun, too, hiking and exploring.

Since it was a cabin on a farm during Boxelder Bug season…….the boys went on bug-hunts in the cabin and Jaden learned to count! They loved it!

Splish Splash!

Since the season of Fall is having an identity crisis with summery 80-degree temps, I don’t feel too bad posting these summertime pictures in October!

Evan and Jaden truly enjoyed everything to do with water this summer. They loved getting wet, and splashing to get others wet. Evan started out in May being a little scared of the pool, but after the 2^nd and 3^rd time, he became more comfortable and ended up loving to swim and jump in more than Jaden. Swimming at the pool became our favorite after-work activity, and we enjoyed swimming with friends, too. 

Aunt Laurie surprised the boys with an early birthday present: a water table. Technically it’s a water and sand table, but since I am the one washing their clothes and giving them baths, it is just a water table at our house! It brought hours of fun and was a safe water activity when it was only a 1:2 adult:kid ratio. 

Where were Splash Parks when I was growing up?? Seriously, a great invention for hot days. We visited the three splash parks in Bloomington/Normal and played at one in Minneapolis in July.

 

Although winter is not exactly something I look forward to, I am getting excited to see Evan and Jaden’s excitement when they get to play in the snow! And after the first snowfall, I will again be ready for summer days at the pool!