arboretum

Do you know what an arboretum is? I really didn't either. Basically it's a place where trees and plants are studied. There was also a lake with fish and turtles and a lot of trails for hiking. And a lady who gave us dog food to feed the fish. Evidently it's better for them than bread. They don't need the carbs either.

The girls love being outside so we decided to make a morning of it. Of course, the girls wore their best dresses for the occasion. Don't all girls hike in dresses?

They picked flowers along the way and threw rocks in the lake. Then it was time for a snack.

One of my friends on Facebook linked to THIS article recently. It basically says that no matter how you look or how you feel, you need to take pictures WITH your children. I'll normally take pictures with the girls, but if I look like a hot mess I'll either delete it or file it away. This was one of those mornings where I felt like a hot mess. I was tired and worn out from a migraine the night before and hadn't taken a shower that morning. I just felt rough. But it doesn't matter, because the girls love me anyway.

Neither one of them would turn around for a picture so I just took it anyway.

Addison took these two pictures. Anything to use my phone.

It was a fun morning making memories with my little family.

happy birthday best friend

"Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them,

but you know they are always there."

"Best friends. It's not a label, it's a promise."

I love you Shannon! Hope you have a fabulous birthday!

happy weekend

Last weekend the girls wanted to have a camp out. I put the Barbie tent up in Morgan's room, loaded it with blankets and pillows and they both climbed in. Before settling down for the night, Addison read Morgan some books.

These girls have been bickering with one another a lot lately and it's starting to make me a little crazy. But then I catch moments like this. They really do love each other.

Downside to a tent camp out? They were both up before 7. At least they entertained themselves for an hour or so.

the cute picture

I just found more race pictures online and had to redeem myself. See, some of them can be cute as long as they are taken at the beginning of the race.

It's funny how pictures at the beginning of the race are so different than ones taken at the end. Michael told me I look so serious. I was serious. Serious about finishing under 30 minutes.

That's all I got until next time.

just another 5k

This past weekend I ran another 5k. I had my timing chip on and I was ready to go.

The course had photographers taking pictures. I found this sweet picture of me about to cross the finish line. I knew I had a good chance at breaking 30 minutes so I was pushing it hard. Note to self: make sure to look pretty when there could be a possible picture.

My friend Jill ran the race with me. She was the one I was supposed to meet up and do the first race with, but I could never find her. We found each other this time. This was after the race.

I felt really good running this race. I had a good week leading up to it and I felt really prepared. The finishing clock and my iPod both said I had made it in under 30 minutes, but nothing was official. I hoped I had reached my goal.

That night I checked the results. I did it! 29:33. I improved my time by 2:18 seconds. 

This running thing is starting to become fun. I like signing up for the races because it keeps me going. I get out and run at home. I go to the gym. I even started throwing some Jillian Michaels videos into the mix. I'm going to shoot for another 5k in about 2 months. Then we'll see if I'm ready to up the mileage.

10 years

My grandfather has been in heaven for 10 years today. It feels just like yesterday that we were eating tootsie rolls and dancing in the dining room. I think about him all the time. I still miss him just as much as I did the day he died. I still tear up when I think about him. I'm sad that he never got to know my girls, but I know that they will meet one day in heaven.

dolphin watching

Our good friends Walt and Beth took us for a boat ride last weekend. Within 5 minutes of being on the boat Morgan was out. She had gone all weekend with no nap and it finally caught up with her.

Addison told me that she was just taking a break from the wind. She was out 10 minutes later.

We ventured downtown to the Landing for some ice cream. I love all the bridges in downtown Jacksonville.

The kids splashed around in the fountain area for a few minutes while I basically ate all of the ice cream.

Then we headed back out on a mission to find dolphins. Right around the time I took this picture we spotted about 7 or so putting on a show for another boat. The girls loved it!

This was the best boat ride yet. Neither one of them was too afraid with the wind and both sat up front with me while we cruised at warp speed. Addison even sat on my lap a little while we searched for more dolphins.

I'm sad that summer is almost over. Hopefully we can get one more ride in before it gets too cool.

all about the icing

I'm testing out my new Blogger app so I took this picture of Morgan tonight. She ate all of the icing on the cupcake so she decided to lick the plate. Silly girl.

never a dull moment

I love when I'm playing with the girls and Morgan just disappears for a few minutes. Everything is quiet and the she reappears looking like this.

Completing the look is the mismatched earrings she put on all by herself. 

What is this exactly? I can always count on her to make me laugh.

she got mail

Addison got this sweet postcard from her teachers yesterday.

I think it was really sweet of her teachers to do this. I'm sure they have plenty of stuff going on, but the fact that they took the time out to mail a postcard shows me that they really care. Addison felt really was special when we told her she had mail. I was so happy and proud of her. Tomorrow is open house at the school. So far I have a really good vibe from her teachers. I can't wait to have a little face time with them and hear about all of the things she has been learning.