Eleven Months Old!

McKinley turned 11 months old on the 20th. I keep wondering where the last year went. I remember waiting in slow motion for her to be born. But then once she arrived, someone pushed the fast-forward button. And somehow we ended up here at eleven months. I wish I could set life on pause for a while and just enjoy her as she is at this fun stage of life. Ten months was a busy time for our little McNugget. You may recall that on the first day of her 10th month, Mickey learned to crawl. And since then, she has accomplished so much more.

• waving


• pointing
  
• clapping
  
• playing peek-a-boo


• getting around in a baby walker
  
• pulling herself up in her crib and elsewhere
  
• sitting in the front seat of a grocery cart
  

She continues to be a wonderfully mild-mannered baby with a gigantic toothless grin. We are wondering if month eleven will bring a tooth or two.

We decided to get her started on some real "solids," regardless. She has enjoyed eating toast, banana chunks, and "Mick-a-roni" and cheese.

These show another first; McKinley's first time playing out on the grass. I love the final photo as she looks up to Daddy for reassurance while she leans on his strong frame. Precious moments, indeed.

Priceless

Yesterday was one of my favorite days. Ever. I ran the 2010 Seattle Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon with my dad and did we ever ROCK it. Our goal was a ten minute mile with a finishing time of 2:10. Instead, we finished at 2:03 with a 9.25 min. mile. Yep, we are basically ROCK STARS!

Ken caught up with us around mile 3 and 7 as well as at the finish line. Here we are passing through Seward Park.

Just crossed the finish line.

My little sister, Kayce, made this sign for us. She stopped by the finish line to root us on before heading off to pick up her wedding dress with a couple of her bridesmaids.
Love the bling!
My dad raised money for the National Cancer Society for his spot in the race. We both ran in honor of my great aunt who has been diagnosed with cancer. The red ribbons bear her name.

My cousin, Kelly ROCKED the race, too. We are a lot alike. After a lifetime of being a non-athlete, she decided in her adult life to make a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating and fitness, a priority. For me it didn't happen until I entered my 30's. Kelly made the change in her 20's. She has gone down four sizes since her lifestyle change. I am so proud of her!

Who gives us our strength? That's right, the Lord God Almighty.
We had some fantastic support along the race route and at the finish line. Here Kelly is with her siblings at the finish line. They made the signs for us.

My sister and Gram were there to cheer us on, too! Angie has been one of my biggest supporters in all my events. She is a ROCK STAR in my book ,too!What would I do without my wonderful hubby to support me?
Three proud athletes. One great time!

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My Facebook status Saturday night:

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Registration Fee: $75.00

Rock N Roll T-shirt: $30.00 (thanks, Dad!)

Blister resistant socks: $12.00

Babysitter: $75.00

Crossing the finish line with my dad:

PRICELESS!

Summer Piano Recital

Kennedy just wrapped up her third year of piano lessons with the Summer Recital this week. She played two songs and did a nice job on each.

Hoe-Down by Catherine Rollin

Kennedy and Emily did a wonderful job playing the duet, Morning has Broken. Unfortunately, my digital camera's card reader was full, so the original duet was not recorded. After the recital was over and the socializing had begun (and I had deleted a large number of photos), the girls played it again so that I could record it. Please forgive the background noise.

We are thankful for Kennedy's patient and talented piano teacher, Mrs. S.

Mikey's 3 1/2 Birthday

Today was Michael's half birthday. We started out the day with an attempt at berry picking. We arrived only to find out that the farm stand was open selling berries, but because of the recent rain, the U-Pick patch was closed. So we purchased a 1/2 flat of raspberries and strawberries and set off. We happened upon a park that is located on the same road as the berry farm. I never knew it existed. We stopped and took some time to enjoy God's creation.

Half Birthday Boy

Me and my boys

We enjoyed some scrumptious strawberry shortcake for Mikey's half-birthday treat.

A First and a Last

First time I have ever gone running into the midnight hour. Last "long run" in my training until the Rock 'N Roll half marathon.

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We will be celebrating Father's Day on Saturday and I didn't want to have to try to fit in a ten mile run in the midst of it. So after the little ones were all tucked in and the Father's Day gifts wrapped, I jumped on the treadmill around 11:00 PM. Finished around 12:40 AM. I feel good. Sweaty and stinky. But good.

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Only one week until my dad and I run the race together. I am really looking forward to it. The last time I ran 13.1 miles was the summer of 2007 when I raced my half iron man. That was two children ago. My purpose in registering for this race was simply that I needed a goal; something to work toward in my quest to start exercising again. It worked. In March I ran 63.26 miles, 83.18 miles in April, and 100.19 miles in May. I have already reached my goal. Now racing with my dad will just be the cherry on the sundae.

Low Tide at Alki

Monday was a perfect day to be at the beach. It was the lowest tide of the year at -3.4 and the only sunny day of the entire week.

Sand castles

Wave jumping

The water in the tide pools was warm and great for frolicking.
Ta Da!

It was a perfect day with my precious children.

Swimming Lessons

My children have taken swimming lessons from the YMCA off and on for years. Though they enjoyed them and had fun, I wasn't very impressed with their progress. This year we decided to try something new. The children are enrolled in the AMG swim school. They have been taking lessons twice a week for two months and we have seen marked improvement. The last two Saturdays in a row both Kennedy and Jackson passed the swim test at the Y which allowed them to use the water slide and the big pool without me having to be in the water with them. It is a satisfying feeling knowing that they are safer and more confident in the water.

Preschool Graduation

Our little Harrison graduated from preschool recently. We are very excited for him as he heads into the big kindergarten world next year.Class of 2023It was fun co-teaching his class this year. The children are so bright and ready to learn. Way to go, Bear!