Ella's 1st Birthday

Digging into her cupcake

Taking a break after playing in the fountains. I love that Will and Ella are looking at each other and looking so cute in this picture!

One of my favorite things about Ella is her impish grin

Ella is helping her daddy out. Mike had just wiped her face and she was returning the favor!

Definitely her daddy's girl...merrily munching on a slice of pizza!

Although we decided to throw a joint birthday party for the kids, I just couldn't let Ella's actual birthday go by without doing something. We went out to a pizza place in town where you can eat up on the roof. The kids enjoyed being out in the open air while they ate their dinner. Afterwards we went to the fountains and let Ella and Will run around. They both love to play in the water. We picked up some cupcakes at the local bakery and then came back home to open presents and eat treats. It was actually really nice to enjoy some cozy family time before the big shin dig. Happy birthday, Ella!

Coburg Half Marathon

Today, I ran a half marathon and broke two hours. Woo hoo! My finishing time was 1 hour 56 minutes. I focused on keeping a 9 minute mile pace and it paid off. There was also no puking involved this time around. I thought if I just kept on pace throughout I might not have to make myself sick at the end by trying to make up for lost time. Mike was there to cheer me on and was very proud of my race. The best part came afterwards when they held a race for the kids. Mike went over to sign Will up. I looked over and saw Mike crouched down helping Will pin on his bib. I just want to burn that image into my brain because it was so dang sweet. Needless to say Will was overjoyed about participating in his first race. He ran the whole time without stopping. Mike served as his pacer. What a dad, huh?

Sometimes, there's just no way for me to get around running on the treadmill at the gym. I'd much rather be outside running in nature. To make the time pass and make the workout a little more enjoyable I wear my fancy little ipod. I rock out to my music and thought I would share some of my favorite lyrics with you...

*Song: Doo Wop (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill
Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill--this is one of the best albums ever made, hands down
Line that I love: "Don't be a hard rock when you really are a gem, baby girl, respect is just a minimum"

Hey, that's good advice!

*Song: New Sensation by INXS
Album: The Best of INXS--I never owned this album growing up, so I did go out and purchase the greatest hits. Now you know that I have a secret crush on Michael Hutchence.
Lines that I love: Live baby live/Now that the day is over...Sleep baby sleep/Now that the night is over/And the sun comes like a god/Into our room/All perfect light and promises

Okay, that's several lines. I just love this whole song. It's great to run to and I love the lyrics. The sleep baby sleep line articulates how I feel about insomnia. Just when you start to go to sleep the night is already over! There's another line in there that makes me want to hug the ghost of Michael Hutchence..."don't let your pain take over you". Why don't you all just go download this song right now and listen to it over and over again.

*Song: Get on Your Boots by U2
Album: No Line on the Horizon
Line: "Laughter is eternity if joy is real"

I'm dyin' to hear this live in concert!!!!

Kids Say The Darndest Things

Sometimes during the day Will says, "I need a dwink".


So does Mommy, Will, so does Mommy. :)