Marathon...done!

The marathon training is over! The race went pretty well and I'm happy with my results. It was definitely tough from mile 20 to the end but it was a "good" challenge! My marathon "gals" did great and I will miss visiting with them during our long runs...our MANY long runs! It was awesome feeling to complete the marathon after 18 weeks of training. I think I would probably do another marathon in the future but I'm ready to "hang up" my shoes for awhile!

Marathon gals hanging out at the Metrodome before the race....Katie, myself, Rosie, and Heidi

These girls were a crucial part of my training! I don't think I could have done all that training by myself!


Rosie is getting pumped before the race!

Megan snapped this picture after the race...I look exhausted but really I was just freezing and my legs were VERY sore! They continued to be sore for several days!!

What a guy! A nice surprise from Ryan when I got home after the race!


One last long run together before the big race...this was before our 20 miler in White Bear Lake a few weeks before the marathon. It was brutally humid and I'm so glad the marathon was cool, brisk, and perfect running weather!

Pics from Grammy

A few pictures my Mom took when she came for a visit in September...she has such nice camera and the pictures she takes are great! The toolkit from Lynne was (and still is) a huge hit! It's a pretty realistic toolkit from Black and Decker and definitely a favorite of Paul's. The safety googles are awesome...

New gift from Grammy!

My mom came for a visit in September to bring Paul his early Birthday/Christmas presents and one great gift was this Geo-Trax train set. Paul loves it! It's really fun to watch him play with the different trains. They all have funny names and it's great to hear him ask for them by their "names"....for example, "Where's my Brutus or Bunson (like the burner) or Steamy"? Of course, Fisher Price offers MANY different trains and accessories that will work with this train set but Grammy got us started with some really cool trains and other additonal pieces. Thanks, Grammy, for such a great gift!

How I sleep...

It's not odd to find Paul sleeping in one of these positions. In fact, it's odd to find him IN his bed in the morning! Don't worry, I DO put him in his bed at nighttime/nap but he usually manages to take his blankets and find a different and obviously more comfortable place to sleep....like the floor, the closet, or under the bed. Oh well, glad I didn't spring for the fancy Cars toddler bed.

I love my...

Cousin Gracie! Grace and the boys came to stay with Grandpa for a few days to give Maureen and Matt some much needed R&R...it's so much fun to watch Paul and Grace play and they really get along well. I didn't take as many pictures as I should have and there were some really great moments I missed with my camera but here are a few of them chatting and playing with Jack's guitar. I also didn't get any pictures of Josh and Jack and those two are pretty fun to watch as well!