5k Fun Run

This morning we awoke at 8:35 for a 9:00 5k. Yes, we were late. So we jumped in and ended up running about 2.5 of the 3.2 miles. I felt like that was okay since we were pushing strollers and I am 4 months pregnant. I also had to pee the entire time and the baby is on my bladder-making things interesting. The kids were excited and loved watching all of the runners and the policemen directing traffic. Our Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Team sponsored the run to raise money for cancer research. Several people from Sid's office participated in the run too. Isaac and Grace sported our numbers and ate our pancake breakfast.

There was a 100-yard dash for 6yrs and under. Grace was ready.

She took off with a strong start.

She's focused and determined.

Tongue is out and her stride is long and strong. She finished easily. Honestly, I was so proud of her that I could hardly stand myself. Being a competitor and athlete myself I have always wondered how I would feel when faced with watching my own children compete. Would I want them to do better? Would I be satisfied with their performance? Would I wish it were me? Well the answer is I was thrilled with her performance and effort. I was living in the moment with her and could feel her excitement. It was wonderful.

Five Days of Fun with Nana

We got back to Raleigh on Monday afternoon after spending 5 days with Nana in Albemarle. As usual Grace and Isaac were lavished in attention, juice, and rule-bending. We were all very sad to go home but know that Nana will visit soon enough. We also spent lots of time with Aunt L and Uncle Craig who are also quite enamoured with the dynamic duo. But before we left Isaac decided to play both basketball and baseball with the big boys.

We drove to the NC Zoo in Asheboro and had a wonderful morning. It was actually in the low 80's so the animals were very active. So were the red fire ants that bit Isaac over 20 times on his feet. Fortunately that was at the end of our time- but he handled it like a trooper- as usual-and had no reaction. I was SO thankful.

Grace and Nana viewing the animals through the impossible "binoculars." I have never been able to see a thing in those things.

Isaac and Nana check out the giraffes- Isaac's favorite animals. There are two baby giraffes laying down next to the tree.

And then we got to feed Osha! Grace was the very first one to do it. That is her hand and leaves that you see in the photo. She was absolutely beside herself. Osha is one year old.

Now Isaac's turn! He didn't realize that Osha was actually eating his leaf and when he turned back around he wasn't quite sure how to react.

Back home at Nana's my thumb-suckers rub their blankets for dear life.

Aunt L and Uncle Craig have some generous neighbors who let us invade their pool a couple of times. Nana basked in the glory of her lifeguarding days and showed the kids a few things.

Poor Grace would still rather be napping in the chair...but not with baby brother around!
She finally moaned "Mama, help me!"

Grace and Isaac help water...everything.

Gracie and her adoring Aunt L.

One morning we stopped by the main firehouse to get our own personal tour. (You can just stop by anytime in Albemarle.)

Isaac was in Heaven!

Fortunately they do not use this one anymore...though in Albemarle it was probably only retired a few years ago. :-)

Hot, but kind of rainy-

So really, as a pregnant mother with two small children to keep up with, I cannot complain about the July/August temperatures. We have had some cool and rainy days consistently mixed in with the hot ones, and the hot ones haven't been that bad. Today was hot- right at 90 degrees, but not too humid. We decided to head out to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. I completely forgot that there is a new dinosaur exhibit and it was awesome! Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera, but I borrowed some photos from the website. At the end of the exhibit is a palaeontological dig site, complete with shovels, pails, and sifters. Isaac was in heaven. As we were eating lunch at the museum, there is a wonderful restaurant on-site, I was thanking God for my healthy children and for the ability to spend an afternoon at such a wonderful place. Both because we live in such a great city and because I have the privilege to stay home with my kids and take them to places like this whenever we feel like it.

On one of the rainy days, the kids stripped down to their underwear and played in the rain. Here, they are collecting water from the roof drain. The fun never ends.

Grace received a tiara making kit for her birthday. This is her first creation. It is a Jewel/sticker by number tiara and she did it all by herself.

On the hot days we eat popsicles all day. Sometimes little brother hitches a ride on the back of the trike. He is no dummy.