5K

Today was the day. Way back, on my 100th post day I committed to loosing some weight and running a 5K. I wanted to do it in May, but May is really busy! It worked out perfectly that there was a race this morning here in Morristown, so I signed up! I've really been trying to get ready for this. My biggest problem being that I love to go to the gym and run on the treadmill while my kids are having a great time in the child care. It's not the same as running outside. I am totally addicted to the treadmill's timer, MPH, etc... Not to mention the fact that there is a mindless movie going in front of me so I don't have to think about what I'm doing. But, it's been working and I have been loosing weight and I feel like I'm in better shape.

I was really nervous this morning. I heard someone saying, "I want to break 18 today." OK, I really hoped I wasn't last. There are no roses for last in this race. I have run outside a total of 1 time before today. (In the last little while that is.) I know what 3.2 miles on a treadmill looks like, but what does it look like on the road?

There were a lot of people there for a little Morristown race. The start was a lot of fun. I wasn't out of breath yet and you are running with this big pack of people behind a police car. It didn't take too long for all of the 18min. people to get pretty far ahead, but it wasn't until after 1.5 miles that it really started to thin out. The last mile had awful uphills. Although for Morristown, they were barely inclines, but for me, I thought I was going to die! Thankfully the last 1/4 mile was a little downhill and flat so I didn't pass out. The kids really wanted to run the last little bit with me, so Jonathon took them to very near the finish line and they ran.

It was a lot of fun, and I want to do the next one that is in Morristown, in August. It is a trail run. I think I should run outside a few more times before I attempt it though!

I almost forgot the good news. I finished a lot faster than I thought! Faster than I do, even on the treadmill!

Swimming

Swimming is a lot like reading for me. It seems like I have always known how to do it. I remember taking lessons at the middle school pool. What I remember the most is the bobs. Up and down, up and down, tons and tons of bobs. I never knew the purpose of them until last week though.

Aspen has joined the swim team. She is really excited about it and is quite a good little swimmer. Her coach had them doing bobs last week and explained that bobs help you get used to blowing your air out under the water so that when you come up, or when you are swimming you don't have to waste time with your head out of the water blowing your air out, all you need to do was breathe in.

Wow! You really do learn something new every day! I have been on several swim teams, even a diving team (That was something...) I knew how to breathe while swimming, but I've never made the correlation of that is how you practice, or get used to it. It makes a lot of sense. One of the biggest things in learning to swim, especially as Olive is trying to learn, is don't breathe the water in! You can't do that though if you've already got a lung full of air. Brilliant!

Memorial Day Weekend, a photo essay

Saturday at dinner we were talking and figured that we should make a plan for Memorial day. The idea of camping was brought up and, just like that, it was decided. We headed out to buy a tent. (Our 3 man tent would have been a bit small...)
Next up is where to go. We ruled out the state parks because they are first come first serve and since we weren't leaving until after church, the likely hood of us finding a spot on memorial day weren't so hot. KOA to the rescue! Bristol TN, just an hour away, complete with pool and playground and fun weekend activities fit the bill perfectly. The kids were so excited that they could hardly sit through church. Olive kept calling it Crystal instead of Bristol, but by the time we left, she had it down.

You can't go camping without s'mores. This was the highlight. At first, the kids wanted just to roast marshmallows and eat all of the ingredients separately, (what fun is that?) I think that we got everyone convinced by the time we were all full.

Mmmmm, Mmmm, good!

Just right

Oh, yea, try this!

Just a little burnt on top!

Not too close!
Oh Yea!

Bed time! Cedar really wanted to see the stars, but it was way too cloudy. We had to settle for staying up late and telling stories.

The kids lined up on the bed. I don't know how we ever camped without blow up mattresses!

After we got home we somehow still had energy so we loaded the bikes up in the van to go to the park. Aspen and Cedar FINALLY learned to ride without training wheels. Pretty sad when an 8 1/2 year old can't ride without them, but if you've ever seen the hills around here you wouldn't be too surprised. Jonathon also dug out our roller blades and we went around the track a few times. It's been a long time since I have done that!

Keep reading!

This week had been full of blog worthy events. There was so much going on that I didn't have time to blog about it until today. So keep reading. Below are 5 new posts. I hope you enjoy!

Aspen English! It's a landslid of awards!

All of her awards, medal and ribbons from 2009.

If I were writing the newspaper article that chronicled this years 2nd grade awards, that is what the headlines would read! This past week has been the time for Aspen to really shine and show what it is that she does best. Tuesday we went to the Walters State Community College where she received an award for a book that she wrote with her class. Then Thursday was the awards ceremony for Manley elementary. I didn't know that she even really cared about what she got until that morning. She said that she really hoped that she got the Principal's Choice award. It is the top award you can get and she has gotten it 2 years in a row. She wanted to make it three. She did end up getting it (phew...) and she also racked in 8 other awards. Top reading, top math, writing awards, you name it, she probably got it. (Except perfect attendance. Nope, she didn't get that one.) It was a nice day for her. She has worked really hard this year.

Principals Choice Award. One boy, one girl per class.

Lakeway writing award

Cedar's kindergarten awards

Showing off his awards.

With school ending we are bombarded with end of the year "stuff." But I really like the awards ceremony. The teachers do a good job to make sure that every child gets recognized and has a chance to shine. Although it is amusing to hear some of the awards that they came up with.

Cedar in the front of the line with his class.

Good job Cedar! You are a wonderful student!

Olive's preschool end of the year program

Olive is the first to officially be out of school. Friday was her end of year program. This year has been really fun for her. She has made some really cute friends and the best part is that they are all going to be there next year. We have been at that school for four years now. Next year will be year number 5, in a row! It's hard to believe that Aspen started there when Olive was 8 months old.