Fun at the Firehouse!

This past weekend one of the local fire stations in our area had an open house so we decided to take Ethan for a fun outing. We met up with Rich, Tif, Jacob, Makayla and Tif's Mom and made our way to the fire station.

When we got there they were doing a demonstration of cutting a person out of a car with the jaws of life.

Then it was time to explore the fire house, fire trucks and ambulances. The kids had lots of fun climbing in and out of the trucks, ringing the bells and posing with the trucks. 

Race Day!

I shared last month that I was training to run my first 5K race in September. Well race day was Sunday and it was a complete success! I was confident that I could go the distance and ran a 5K that week just to get another long practice run in. On race day I was so pumped and ready to get started. I have wanted to do this for so long and I was excited to meet this milestone.

We got there early to avoid the crowds and to pick up my racers packet. It was pretty surreal pinning that number on my shirt. I was still kind of shocked to actually be running a race.

We met up with Rich, Tif, Jacob, Makayla and Tif's family before the race since Tif was running too. My sister was on her way as well and Teddy decided last minute to join her and they were going to do the walk. Tif was in a faster group so she lined up and then I was in the 12 minute and slower group. Then we were off!

I started off faster than I should have but I really felt good for the majority of the race. There were a lot of runners, almost 3,600, so you had to navigate around a lot of people, but it was a really cool place to do a race. Running past all of the animals kept the time going fast.  

Running past the rhinos

Once I hit 2 miles I was cruising and it looked like I was going to have my best time yet. As I was in my last half mile all the sudden I hear, "Hey!" and it was Arla. While they were walking Teddy spotted me running and approaching the finish so they cut across the course so they could finish with me. It was awesome and such a great surprise! It was so fun to cross the finish line together. I set a new personal record for myself and shaved over 3 minutes off my best time!

Approaching the finish line so happy!

I did it, the best feeling ever!

Post race high picture with my loves!

It was a great day and such an accomplishment for me. Just 2 months ago I was struggling with 1 minute interval runs and to reach this goal just proves that with hard work and determination, I can do anything I set my mind to. Running has given me something I can challenge myself with and it has had amazing payoffs. I feel so good and I've lost over 50 pounds since my first run on June 17 and the best part is it's only the beginning. I've definitely caught the race bug and have already registered for another race! I'll be running the reindeer run on Dec. 7 in Wheaton. I'm looking at doing a turkey trot run on Thanksgiving too. My next goal is to start training for a 10K race in the Spring. I know I can do it!

Happy Birthday Michael!

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. It's the day I get to celebrate my favorite person in the whole world, my husband, my best friend, my everything. I hope that I can make you feel as special today on your birthday (and every day) as you have made me feel since the day we met. You are such a good Daddy to Ethan and we love you so much. Happy birthday, my best friend and partner in life! ♥ 

Fall Craft Friday #3: Apple Stamped Wreath

It's time for another fun Fall craft! Ethan had so much fun painting last week that I wanted to do another painting craft with him. I found this apple stamped wreath craft on Pinterest and thought it was really cute. And since we just went apple picking, I thought it was perfect timing!

(Source)

All you need is some construction paper, paint, a paper plate with the center cut out and some glue. I laid out the construction paper and helped Ethan stamp the apples and then we used his index finger print for the stem. Once the apples dried, I cut them out and we glued them around the wreath.

Ethan was excited to make a wreath!

Apple stamps

Apple stamps with finger print stems

The finished product hanging in my kitchen window!

 Cutest apple wreath I've ever seen!

Wordless Wednesday: Spaghetti Time!