Pumpkin Prep!!!

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This fall marked our 4th Family Trip to the Bauman's Pumpkin Patch - I just had to look that up! I'm feeling old, and senile. My mind is starting to melt. But, that is another post/rant...

Our family looks forward to it ever year. Abby LOVES the time with cousins, and I LOVE the time with Cider Slushies and Guilt Free Donuts. It is after all, calorie free if it is a tradition. It is! Look it up. Anywho... Off to Baumans we went. For the complete commercial on how excellent of a patch it is, see last year's blog! ;-)

The weather was AWESOME we all had a great time with Family:




and Friends:




After some fun, and food, we headed to the patch for Pumpkins and Pictures!




This was both Brookelyn and Colton's first trip - they did GREAT!
Lilly and Andy were a little distracted (what do they think they are, two!?!?). Thank goodness for our seasoned Grinning Girls - Cy, Belle, Abby, and E!




Sidenote: Wow is this family growing. I might have to start charging for my photography coordination! :)

A few more parting shots - what a fun day!




Later in the week, I went out for a MNO and Trav and Trev were put in charge of pumpkins and kids. I think they handled it great.




The finished projects:

Run. Dani. Run.

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At some point, I became a "runner". I have no idea how or even why really. But, I did. Some days - gasp - I'm even find myself really really liking it! I'm not going to say "love" because that is still WAY too strong of a word for it. When I think back to where I was a year ago, I smile. I'm proud. I want to run some more and see where I might be next year at this time.


Some days, however, you could NOT pay me to run. I still lack the motivation sometimes. Mostly when there is something better or fun to do. Which, honestly, is a lot. Thankfully, I have really awesome people like this that keep me going!





Sarah and I ran our first 10k together this last August. I kinda had to guilt her into doing it with me, but then it was her that was yelling at me (okay, nicely motivating me) at the end to keep going. It wasn't an easy race for me. It was at 1:30pm in the afternoon and it was a warm day. Not hot, but warm. But even on a warm day, the afternoon sun KILLS me. It wasn't the easiest of races for me. But, we did it. We did it in 1:08:13 (or something like that). I was proud of that and looked forward to do another. Why? I have no idea.

About 10 days after that I did the Warrior Dash. Honesly, I wasn't sold on the idea in the beginning, or even that a.m. But, as soon as it started I was excited. It was fun. It was relaxed. It was silly. Parts of it were hard and I have the bruises to show for it! It wasn't a race for speed (or at least for me) it was a race for bragging rights. I did it. I conquered the race. And, along the way, I had a bunch of fun with some really fun ladies! Thanks gals - I can't wait to do it again!!!

A week later, I had my second 10k. It was just me and my dead iPod. Needless to say, I had an opportunity to work on my pace and listen to my breathing. It was actually a good thing. I really enjoyed it and I got a GREAT time. Or at least a great time for me. I was really pleased with it!!! I finished somewhere around 1:06:20. The timing chip mat wasn't working at the start, so we were all at "gun" time. Which, since I'm SLOW, I start in the back. In this case, I sure wish I hadn't! Oh well, next year!


Here I am at the beginning of the race - don't I look thrilled to be running 6.2 miles at 9am? Oh well, it is the only photo I have.




My 2011 racing season is over now. Hopefully I will be able to maintain some sort of motivation over the winter and still have the desire to do a few more races come this spring! Although I might not do three within 2 1/2 weeks again! Until then. Keep telling me to run!

Raised by Wolves???

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On first glance, the title of this blog will make no sense. Bear with me. Or is it "bare"? I always forget. No, that means naked. Please read this fully clothed!

Sorry. I digress. Anyway...

Labor Day Weekend we were invited by the Lewis Family to join them at Great Wolf Lodge. We are not ones to miss a chance to 1. Head to GWL or 2. Hang with the Lewis Family. So, we headed up that way...

Our first stop was at Aunt Megan's house for some Brown Family Fun. We got to see Megan and her Family, Russ and Helen, Mike and Jordan, and Cousin Jessica even made the trek from Hood River to come up and join in the fun!

The kids had a great time playing in the back yard and the adults had a really good time catching up and eating and drinking and eating and drinking and laughing. You get the point...

Here are a few photos I captured of the evening. Cute kids - if I do so say so myself!!!







Andy soon (well not really it was after 8pm) tired of all the fun and decided to cuddle on the couch w/Jordan and watch some Football. She was nice and let him believe it was a Beaver Game even though it was the Seahawks.




Cousin Jess and us stayed the night there and we attempted to get some cousin photos the next morning. Not as good as last year. Better than the year before. At least they were all in the same place and looking?




They did liven up a little when I let them make "crazy faces". All I have to say is 1. Lorenz better hope they don't ask Aunt Dani to provide the Sr. Class slide show picture for him, and 2. Andy was adorable. He had no idea what they were doing, but eventually caught on - see bottom right photo - priceless!




The adult cousins were a little more cooperative. But, they did give me a little bit of lip as well! ;)




Our final attempt at a family photo. Again. Everyone in the same place. Someday they will all thank me for making them take these photos. Or at least they had better! :-)




After a fun-filled time at the Lotuaco Home, we headed to GWL. I honestly don't have a lot to report on this one. We went. It was awesome - probably one of my favorite trips there. But, we didn't really take any photos.


Abby was finally tall enough to go on the "Howling Tornado", or as she calls it, "The Corn-nado". It really was too cute to correct. Her and her friend Kaitlyn were a really good match-up. They both were tall enough to go on all the rides and they even went down some of them sans parentals!!! Big step, but they had so much fun being granted that privilege!


Andy was a trooper - like always. If he was tired, he found a towel, a chair, and took a nap. It was super cute.







Us in our "ears". Andy was a "howling" fool.




So, that is is. Nothing too exciting to report. But at least now you get the "wolf" tie in, right?
No?
Really?
The kids were acting crazy for pictures and then we went to GWL. See? Clever. Right?
No?
Oh well...
I tried...

Beverly Beach Camping - Aug. 2011

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Our third camping trip of the summer was the Beverly Beach Bex and Brown Bamily Bampout!!! HaHa. I'm a dork...

So, anyway we packed up the trailer, the kids, the dog, and the Bex Family and headed to the Beach. Abby didn't get to play at a REAL beach when we were at Honeyman, so she was excited to go to the beach to play. Andy was excited to see Brynn and I was personally excited for two of my favorite things - April and Nutella - heehee.

First night there Brynn taught Andy how to ride his Strider Bike!!! Everyone told me that the way to get him to ride it was to have another kid show him. Sure enough. He watched her for like 10 seconds and he was a super star as well - thanks Brynn. I can't wait to tell Andy that a GIRL taught him to ride a bike someday. I hope you are there when I do!!!

Here are some photos of our little biker babies - they were SO proud of themselves. The giggles were priceless:




What else do you do while camping you ask? Well, play Beauty Parlor of course - duh! The look on Laci's face is priceless. I swear I was VERY gentle! But, the photos along the top are worth it if you ask me (of course it wasn't my head). They are just adorable together:




Next it was Brynn's turn. She couldn't have cared less. Except for the fact she was very confused by the entire thing. Which, of course, the big girls thought was funny:




Morning #1: Cook and go to Beach. April and I cooking in our PJs and coats. We're cool like that:




The kids entertained themselves, Trav ran the camera, the dogs begged for food, and Marshall schooled us on the importance of tinfoil while camping - who knew? ;)

In the Top Left photo of Andy and Brynn they are picking "flowers" and giving them to each other. Ahhhh. Sweetness I tell you. Sweetness! Then, you ask? Well then they started flinging themselves "belly flop" style against the side of the Bex's Tent. It was so adorable and so bad at the same time. I couldn't help but just laugh. What nuts.




Next we hit the beach! The kids were very excited and it only took us about 2 1/2 trips and four adults to get all their crap to the beach. But, it was worth it. Just look at their happiness! This is why I go camping in the cold and the wind once a year - my kids love it! And really, why else does one camp but to make their kids, and husbands, happy? Well, I guess there is the wine as well...

What did April and I do you ask? Well, NOTHING. It was WONDERFUL. We sat on the beach and played "Words With Friends" and read books on our eReaders. Because, what else do you do while "Roughing It" camping? ;)




Thanks to the Bex Family for joining us! It was a ton of fun to watch the kids play together and invent new yummy s'mores over the campfire - mmmm Nutella...

Honeyman Camping ~ August 2011

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Well, I sat down to do a little "Birthday Blog" for Andy and/or Abby. Given the amount of whining that has been going on around here the last few days, I decided it should wait. Instead. Let's talk about camping, shall we?

This year we scheduled FOUR camping trips. I think that might be a personal best for me. Not IN LOVE with camping, but now that the kids are a little older, and we have the trailer, and some fun family/friends to do it with, I'm liking it more and more! I even like a three night trip better than a two night trip now - BIG step for me.

We started of Sunday with some Sand Sledding - Abby loved it! Trav's phone? Not so much. :(





Andy on the other hand, would NOT try it. Unless it was on HIS terms I guess:





We spent most of the Day on Sunday at the lake. Windy, but so fun!!!

This trip was BY FAR my most favorite so far this summer. I have enjoyed them all actually, but this one ROCKED. We went to Honeyman Campground and I'm sorry Beverly Beach, but you might have been bumped off of the list for next year. Honeyman beat you - hands down. Beverly Beach has great Beach access and a playground. But, Honeyman has a LAKE, DUNES, SUN, and ATV Riding!

Oh, and bears!!! Aack!!!




We ran into this guy - almost literally - on our way to scout out a riding place for the day. Oh yeah, did I mention that I FINALLY got to go riding on sand dunes again!!! I was excited. I have really missed it!!!

Everyone, not just me, seemed to enjoy it. All the little kids got to have rides as well. Sorry Sarah, I couldn't resist...




Inbetween turns we used the sand right by the parking lot for some fun and adventure. Belle was determined to fly a Kite, Sled down a hill, and catch a fish. There was no hill, no lake, and no wind at the parking lot. The child is determined. I will give her that

Yes, that is Sarah on the same trip as us. Under a blanket. In a sweatshirt. Notice how everyone else is dressed.

Also, please note that there were TWO Tinkerbell kites. One for Trav and one for Dave. Dave just got fed up with his and took a break.





This was Andy's first trip to dunes. He seemed to figure it out pretty quick. Ride. Drink. Eat. Lounge. Ride. Repeat. Notice Puppy tucked into his sweatshirt, getting ready to head out with Papa. Well of course he needed a security item - he had heard about trips with Papa in the sand!!!





Here are a few more cute shots of the "kids" from the weekend:




Oh! And Belle caught a fish - 1 for 3 ain't bad! I told you she was determined!

Honeyman Camping - Take II

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So, today I sat down to do a little blogging on camping and/or birthdays and/or first day of school, etc. Instead I got lost in Honeyman pictures again. Found some cute ones that were filed away under "July" because technically, they were taken in July! That is what I get for being too organzied!

We have this little warm water outside shower on the side of our trailer. Comes in VERY handy when we camp at a sandy place. And, Andy doesn't care that he is showering in the middle of a campsite - he down right enjoys it!

Our version of the "kid table". The best photo of all three of them I cut Andy out of - sorry buddy. But, in my defense, I don't think I was taking a picture of him because I had given up and decided that if he wasn't going to smile, I was going to just take one of the girls. Little turkey...

Abby's Activities

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The week before Spring Break was a busy one for Abby. Lots of classes and activities were wrapping up and we got to go watch her show her stuff! :)

On Monday evening, we got to go and watch her perform as a "Squirrel" in her "Story Theater" class. It was a six week class geared toward imagination, role playing, etc. Abby and her Friend Laci took it together and were cast as Trees and Squirrels in the open scene of another "big kid" play that evening.

It is really hard to explain, but they were cute little squirrels - they really were! Here are some pictures from their last class and also the show later that evening that we got to watch.




Marshall and Andy weren't all that impressed with the entire experience. But, they took some cute pictures at least:




In-between the class and the performance, we went out to dinner w/the Bex Family. Andy and Brynn shared a romantic dinner for Salsa, Beans, Rice, and Chips - Heavy on the Salsa and Chips! Afterwards, Andy made his 'move' at the Theater as the lights were going down...

They were totally distracting to us, and bored themselves w/the performance. So, they ended up going out into the lobby to cause havoc.

Tuesday that week Abby had gym class. I didn't take many photos at all, but I did capture Abby mastering a "Backward Rolls" down the wedge mat. She has been working hard on it, and practicing at home off of my ottoman. So, I'm glad I was able to document it!

Wednesday Abby's PS class took a Field Trip to the Firehouse - soooo cool. They got to ride the Max down to the Hillsboro Downtown Firestation. Get the tour, have a snack, and head back on the train. We had 15 kids and 14 adults. I personally enjoyed the ratio. We were a huge group, but there wasn't much worry about losing anyone!

Here are Abby and her buddies waiting for the Max Train to come:

Getting the tour of the Firehouse and their living quarters:

Down in the Garage. I took a picture of each kid as they came out of the Fire Truck for their Scrapbook at PS. As Abby came out, I said "Abby, show me what a Firefighter Princess looks like". This is the pose I got - heehee.

At the end of the tour they had one of the Firefighters try on the entire outfit and breath thru the air mask and everything. That way the kids could see what it would look/sound like if a Firefighter ever had to come into their house. I thought it was a GREAT idea. One, *I* would never have thought of. But, it was amazing how timid the kids came when he came out. They were definitely a little scared of approaching him. So, what a great learning experience for them to have. Who says kids don't need PS? :)

Artistic Andy - March 2011

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Here you go - the most recent installment of "Artistic Andy" photos:




As he gets older, and does these classes more, he has actually been PAINTING more, and TASTING less. But, don't worry, he still quality checks it occasionally...

This class the branched out and also did some glue-sticking. Who says he isn't ready for PS in the Fall? Not me!

Shamrock Run 2011

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So, I did it. I ran a race. Something I said I would never do. I did. I'm not sure why I did it actually. Well, that isn't true. I know why...

This summer I set a goal to lose 35 lbs - the rest of my baby weight. I accomplished that this fall - around the first of November I believe. So, feeling pretty good about myself and knowing I could do more, I decided to lose another 5 or so and get down to my Wedding Weight. Then, well then the holidays hit. I didn't lose ground, but I wasn't losing weight - I was losing motivation. I was happy with where I was. I was never going to be a tiny size 6 person. I was healthier, I had more energy. I was talking myself into quiting. That last 5 wasn't going to come off.

Well, then Miss April came along. I really believe things, and people, and events happen for a reason and come to you when they need to. April asked me to do the Shamrock 8K with her. 8K!?!?! Aack. Like she couldn't do the 5K? Nope, she was stuck on the 8K. So, I decided to do it and I figured the worse that could happen was I would have to walk the last 1/2 of it.

Then a week or two later I just decided to go for it. Start training and focus on running that 4.97 miles without walking. Try to get my time under 12 minutes per mile and just focus on that. Forget that last 5 pounds. Just train.

Well, I did it. I lost TEN more lbs in that 8 weeks of training and I could run 5 miles around my neighborhood w/out dying. I was pretty proud of myself. I wasn't looking forward to the early morning race, and actually running 5 miles that day, but I was pretty excited to see my hard work pay off.

The Shamrock Run was this last weekend and we all piled in the car and headed downtown WAY too early in the morning (did it really have to be daylight savings!?!?!). Oh, and did I mention I had a head cold too? It wasn't the best of circumstances, but don't we look happy to be there?



At the last moment, we decided to sign Abby and Laci up for the Leprechaun Lap 1K. Abby had taken a sudden interest in my running and, along w/a new Nike purchase for Disney, she had even started running with me around the neighborhood. She would jog the block around my house with me, as I warmed up, and then I would head off on my run while she joined Daddy at the park. She was also set on coming downtown w/Trav and watching my race. She wanted to see Mommy run.

Most of these races have a "Kids run/walk" of some sort. I got online and looked, but the Shamrock Run had sold out. Oh well, next time. Well, then I was reading more and I saw that they were going to open up registration again the Monday before the race and let 500 more people register and all the proceeds would go to Dornbecher Children's Hospital.

Trav and I talked and just thought it was a great teaching thing. She would be active, she would see me set a goal and achieve it, it was one of those "good role model" moments. We decided it was a good cause, and a good activity and signed her up.

So here are Laci and Abby before their race.

Here they are running it and at the finish.

Then, it was time for April and I's race to start. The girls and Trav kept busy for the next hour while we raced.

And then they waited and were there to greet us when we crossed the finish!

Here we are. We finished!

I ran my 4.97 miles in 58:20 at a pace of 11:45/mile - or something like that. I was happy with it. I wish I would have done better on the big slope thru downtown (I had to stop and walk for about a minute), but there is always next time - Something I NEVER thought I would say!

Here is the route we took. Not that you care, but I wanted to keep it!




I wouldn't have done this with out April pushing me. I wouldn't have signed up, I wouldn't have lost that last 10 lbs, and I wouldn't have done as well on race day that I actually did. So, thank you April! You read my blog, so I know you will see this. I can't thank you enough for your friendship and encouragement during the last few months! Excited to keep running with you!!!