Orange Party

Logan's creative teacher held an "Orange Party" for Halloween. We dined on cheetos, cheese puffs, orange cookies, cheese, and cheese-its and washed it down with orange soda!

things I should never have to say to my children

ME: Gavin, get that out of your butt at the dinner table!

This deserves an explanation -- the boys like to smoosh stuffed animals into the back of their pants to give themselves a "big booty". Gavin decided to wear bring his "big booty" to the dinner table last night and was barely able to sit in his chair.

no girls allowed!

After their football game (and my half-marathon), the boys and Daddy headed to a campground near the coast to have a little man time with the BUCKS. No showers, bedtimes, or girls allowed!

Run, Mama! Run!

Boston Mini-Marathon

Boston, GA

October 28, 2011

I was so glad to have the opportunity to run in one of my favorite area half-marathons again this year. Boston is a quiet, quaint little town about 45 minutes north of Tallahassee. I was excited about the race and felt well-prepared after several months of training. Unlike the freezing morning tempertaures we had last year, the weather was expected to be in the mid-50's and rising. Everything seemed to be lining up nicely for my race. Due to the fact that the boys had a football game that morning, my cheering squad this year consisted of Nana, Papa, and Keegan.

Ready to run!

This out-and-back race consists of mild hills and cow pastures on either side. They are quite entertaining, but rather stinky when the wind blows the wrong way.

My first 5 miles kicked butt and I was feeling great. The weather was perfect and I was ahead of pace. Just before mile 6, I tripped over some uneven payment in the road and twisted my ankle. Several people kindly stopped to help, but I knew I needed to drop out. Unfortunately, with an out-and-back half-marathon, at mile 6 I was just about as far away from medical assistance as I could be. While I waited for a bike medic to send for a golf cart, I heard myself saying to my boys, "Allison's never quit!" and I knew I had to finish even if it took me all day. I started to run again, since "Allison's never quit" and my ankle gradually started to feel better...or maybe it was the Advil. Either way, I finshed the race and beat my time from last year by over 3 minutes (2010 -- 2:12:16, 2011 -- 2:08:51). It wasn't the sub-2 hour half that I was shooting for, but I'll take it considering the circumstances.

While Mommy ran, Keegan hung out with Nana and Papa.

He waited....

...and waited...

...and waited some more.

FINALLY, I made it! And Keegan got to cross the finish line too!

On the way back to the car, we stopped to watch a train pass by.

We posed for photos with a John Deere tractor.

And saw an ambulance too! I was fortunate to not have to use their services, but did have to wrap my ankle and use crutches for a few days.

Hopefully, my 2012 race will meet my goal of a sub 2!

a decent birthday

Having my amazing family together for an evening of Decent Pizza, Tae Kwon Do, and beer is my kind of birthday night.

Logan and Gavin tried out for the "Splits Club" and made it!

As an honorary Den Mom and keeping true to Den class tradition, I was made to run down the "Birthday Tunnel" and receive kicks and punches at the end of class. They took it easy on me. This time.

the 2nd grade grizzlies (and Dad) take in St. Marks

Lucky Daddy got to play hooky from work and accompany the second graders on a field trip to St. Marks.

Here are my handsome men before school.

The bus ride is always one of the best parts.

What's the in feely box?

Daddy loves lighthouses!

Learning is fun.

What a beautiful fall day!

Jay sent me a text of this photo to show me that Logan had defaced property!

Naughty boy! You're in big trouble now!

GOTCHA! Jokes on you, Mom!

Wordless Wednesday: 11/11/11 at 11:11pm

11.11.01-11.11.11 and still going strong!

November brought our long-awaited, much-anticipated 10 year anniversary cruise. This time with three kids in tow! It was a family vacation to remember and we continue to be amazed at all that can come out of two young college students who fell in love.

Our story and highlights of our vacation can be found IN THIS ALBUM. Ice skating, rock climbing, dancing, and partying. Yes, if you don't have a snapfish account you might have to create one, but you won't want to miss it!