Go Girl 2012

Back in May, I was in a bit of a slump. 
I kept teasing Eric that I was having a mid-life crisis.  I kept having this feeling that I wanted to do something that was totally not me.  Something different.  Something hard. 
Have you ever felt that way?  Like you just needed to push yourself a bit?  Or prove to yourself that you can still do things that aren't totally, um... 'mom-ish?'

Well, my friend, Lindsay, caught me in a moment of weakness while I told her of my 'mid-life crisis.'  Somehow after hanging out with her one afternoon, I found myself suddenly committed to competing in a triathlon with her and a two other good friends at the end of August.  A sprint triathlon fit all of my requirements: hard, different and totally not me! 
Perfect.

It was hard to get back in the pool and swim laps again.  But I loved it.  I was reminded of how much I love to swim.  I loved having the excuse to get together with friends to exercise.  I loved that we did it together and motivated each other. 

But mostly, I loved how it felt to finish something hard.  This was just the boost I needed.  I am grateful for good friends who inspire and push me to become better. 

GO GIRL!

 

 

It's about time!

Max has been asking me everyday for the last month if it was his turn to go to school yet. 

And last week it finally happened! 

Joy School started and Max was thrilled.

 

All morning before school, Max kept saying things like, "Jake, I know you are going to miss me, but I have to go to Joy School today. Sorry."

 

Max has five little buddies that he gets to go to preschool with twice a week.

I really feel like this is just what Max needed.  His own thing.  His own friends.  His own time to feel independent. 

 

I hope this is a great year for my handsome 3 year old.

Reunions

We had all sorts of reunions this Labor Day Weekend.

 

Reunion # 1 was with Eric's beloved San Francisco Giants.

We hadn't been to a Giants' game for a good 5 years, so it was definitely time to get reacquainted.

The Cubbies (as Sam now calls them) were hosting the Giants, Eric had the weekend off, and we all had our Giants gear, so we were there. 

 

 

 

Wrigley Field is so fun.  Sam really got into the game.  He had fans around us all laughing as he chanted, "We want a pitcher not a belly itcher!"  Eric was so proud.

 

Max loved the cotton candy best.

And Jake tasted licorice for the first time, got a goose egg on his head by tripping on the cement, and took a good nap during the last 3 innings. 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Reunion # 2 happened by complete accident, but it was so perfect!

 

As we were sitting at the baseball game, Eric got a text from his old friend and roommate Cody.  The text said something like "We're just sitting here at the Giants vs Cubs game.  Thought of you."

 

What?!  We couldn't believe that Cody and Nikell and their 3 boys were also sitting at Wrigley Field.  What were the chances?  We met up with them and hung around Chicago together for the rest of the afternoon. Six little boys together in a big city can be crazy!

 

Sometimes unexpected reunions are the best kind...even if they are with Cubs' fans.

 

 

Another highlight around Wrigley Field was lunch.  Can you believe the size of those pizza slices?

 



Reunion # 3 was with the Martin Family.  Elgin and Eric go waaaaay back.  Like all the way back to 3rd grade.

The Martins still live in California but came to cheer on the Giants in Chicago, too.  It had been about five years since we had been together and it was great to catch up.  We got to meet their sweet Little E, hang out at Navy Pier, walk the Magnificent Mile, and eat some good old deep dish pizza.

Thanks Elgin and Lisa for the fun day!

I am in love with Chicago.  Seriously.

We had a great hotel and lucked out with a kids' room of sorts.  Complete with a basketball hoop and colorful headboards.  A little goofy, but the boys loved it.

 

 

The pool on the roof was another hit.  I have to admit that the water was too cold for me and weather a bit too windy for swimming but Eric, Sam and Max loved it.

 

 



Reunion #4 happened on Silver Beach in Michigan with the Slater Family!

We drove just 2 hours from Chicago to a beach on Lake Michigan and met up with Candace and Ryan, who drove up from South Bend.

 

  Silver Beach was perfect.  It felt like we were at the ocean! 

Waves, sand, sun, popsicles, friends...it was wonderful!

There is something so refreshing about getting away from your normal routine and doing something different.  I love that Eric is always up for planning and executing small getaways for our family.

Labor Day Weekend 2012 was just what our little family needed.

 

Thanks friends for making it so memorable and fun!



I had a crazy, full morning schedule one day last week.

 

I got up early and actually showered and got dressed before getting all the boys out the door to get Sam on the bus.

 

On our way out the door Max said, "Wait!  Mom!  Are we going to church?"

 

"Nope.  Not today.  It's not Sunday."

 

"Then why did you comb your hair?"

 

Hmmm...

 

 



Guess I need to step it up with my personal hygiene.