Mountain Getaway

When we looked at the school calendar and noticed Brooklynn had a 4-day weekend, we knew we needed to get away.  Since it's so much tougher and more expensive to travel far now, we thought a nice mountain retreat would be nice.  Since we're not skiers (at least for now) we didn't mind going up to a ski town during the off-season to see some beautiful Colorado fall colors.  The girls were stoked to stay in another condo, watch movies, and do some hiking.

We left after Chandler's preschool on Thursday and were met by snow in the mountains.  It snowed all evening and night, but when we woke up, only a dusting on the grass.  We were hoping to get some sledding time, but no luck.  So we headed to Frisco to their town history museum, which ended up being really fun.  The girls even asked to go back again the next day!

View of Lake Dillon from our deck

Girls dressing up at the museum

After another swimming session in the afternoon, Steve's parents joined us, so the girls were excited to get spoiled even more.  Saturday morning we drove to Breckenridge to check out their children's museum.  The girls loved it and ended up spending the entire day there, but we had to make sure we got back in time to swim some more.

 Tried to reenact our first "all kids" pic in Breckenridge on the bridge, but someone wasn't cooperating.......

 Dress-up at the museum

 This girl loves her picture taken!

Sunday morning was absolutely gorgeous, so we went on a little hike right outside the condo.  The girls did pretty good, but poor Addy still isn't too slick in the rough terrain, so there were lots of falls and lots of muddy messes.

All in all, we had a great time just relaxing and enjoying family.  We could use more of those types of weekends for sure!

School Bootcamp

One school picture down in the books!  It's been a school year of adjustments for us all - getting up early (which we've never had to do), completing homework at night, routine baths (we don't want the "stinky kid"), new teachers (we're on #4), and lots of money-sucking fundraisers and meetings activities.  I never thought half-day kindergarten would flip our lives upside-down.  Luckily, through it all, you'd never know by Brooklynn's smile and positive attitude there's been any changes.  She absolutely loves school, her classmates, and all the different teachers she's had.

I've learned (more than ever) how resilient kids are.  As adults, we aren't.  When Brooklynn's first teacher resigned, I was so upset, so worried her first school experience was ruined.  I questioned whether we made the right choice of schools.  After a sub for a week, a new teacher arrived, and Brooklynn was doing great.  Then she had to resign for medical reasons.  But this time I wasn't worried.  I knew it'd all be fine, and Brooklynn would continue to keep trucking and doing well.  And that's what happened.  She doesn't seem to be fazed by the craziness, so why should I?  She continues to thrive and, most importantly, love school.

I've also learned that there is a whole other world outside the classroom - PTO.  Whoa!  They are so involved with Chick-fil-a nights, fall festival, fundraising, etc.  Of course I wanted to be an involved parent, but I'm not sure I knew exactly what I signed up for.  So I find myself attending way too many meetings, getting to know the principal more than I wanted (although she's an angel), and spending way too much money on crap!  Right now I'm trying to find the happy medium of involvement.........

So we'll continue to figure it out and manage our time and maybe miss that homework once in awhile.  Skip that School Improvement Team meeting.  And just hang out as a family and not let the crazy little things rule our family!

Me....the Runner

For as long as I can remember I hated running.  I dreaded the first week of basketball practice when we conditioned and had to run a mile.  I dogged it every year!  In softball I developed into a sprinter, making long distances even more treacherous.  During college I had a few runner friends, but when invited to join I always said, "Running is punishment.  When we played bad coach made us run.  I only do it if I have to."  And that's been my motto until recently.

I started running for my workout routine, because our dinky gym only has treadmills and bikes for cardio.  So I'd drag myself on the treadmill, run 2 to 3 miles and watch Ellen.  Not too bad!  Then I discovered a running trail from our house that goes right to Eastlake.  The whole trip is 4.4 miles, so I started motivating myself to do that once a week.  Once a week turned into my usual workout, and I became a little addicted.

Steve and I ran in mom's work's 5K at the end of September, and I knew it'd be small, but I was hoping to place.  After being in 3rd place (for the women) for the majority of the race I kicked it into gear and sprinted the last 1/2 mile hoping to win (and maybe score a prize).  I kept thinking "when will I ever have the chance to win another race?"  I won the race (for the women), although my mom didn't believe me when I told her.  Steve ended up in 4th for the men (next year he'll win)!  I couldn't believe that now a 5K was a breeze for me, when I could still remember hating the 1-mile run in my prime.

When Amanda (my superhuman workout robot friend) asked me to do a "big" race with her, I knew a goal to get me running more would even be better.  So we wussed out of the half-marathon but signed up for the Hot Chocolate 15K (or 9.3 miles) through Denver.  My runs became more frequent and longer, and I was ready!  We rocked the race, running a 9:17 pace mile and finishing strong!  So now I am officially addicted and plan to do a half-marathon next summer.  I guess running can be therapeutic and enjoyable when coach isn't screaming in your ear!

After winning the 5K

 My running scenery at the lake.  Who wouldn't enjoy running here?

Amanda and I ready to go!

Enjoying our hot chocolate and fondue afterwards.  No guilt after running a 15k!

When Life Hands you Lemons....or too many girls!

A couple weeks ago we went over to Brooklynn's school for movie night, and as I was talking to our neighbor about the school she said, "The mother/son dance is really fun."  I turned to her and said, "Well, that's one we'll never be going to."  It's times like those that it really hits me that I'll never get my "mama's boy", and it makes me a little sad.

So I've been trying to find some positives of having 3 girls to help ease the pain.  Here's what I have:

1.  I'll always have a shopping buddy and someone to share clothes with to keep me youthful.  Yes, I'll probably be one of those moms who dresses like her kids!  I'll be rocking the moustache apparel!
2.  Our grocery bill will be spared a little.  I remember growing up, my brothers were literally human garbage disposals.  I couldn't believe how much they ate! 
3.  We can buy anything and everything in pink!  We were buying bikes and large toys as gender-neutral, but we don't have to worry about that anymore.  The more pink the better (I guess)........
4.  If I ever enter a French braiding contest I'm sure to win!  I'm down to 4:36 to complete 2, and with one more to practice on soon, I'm sure to be the braid queen!
5.  There's nothing more special than the sisterly bond.  Trust me!  I know, because I never had one!  I always envied my friends who were able to share clothes with their sissy.  And now some of the best friendships I've seen are the ones of sisters.  So even though we'll have some teenage years of hell for sure, I know the light at the end of the tunnel will be amazing!

Love our Short Days!

Wednesdays are early release days for Brooklynn, so we've been making it a point to pack up, pick her up, and then have a fun day!  Last week we went to the Botanic Gardens (one of our favorite spots).  The weather was beautiful, and the girls had a great time splashing in the river, playing store, and putting on a killer show!  We're making sure to enjoy this nice weather before the snow hits us!

Even though I felt guilty only putting Brooklynn in school half-day, I'm so glad I did.  It's been so much fun walking her to and from school everyday and then still being able to do our favorite activities.  I think it's helped her transition to going to school everyday by having something to look forward to after school.

Splash time

 Look at that sass!

 Even Bug had to dress up with the girls.  They were hilarious!

One More Time!

How many times can you see your California family before you get sick of them?  Never!  The Thompson clan came out for Labor Day weekend for a quick visit, and the girls were excited to see little Callen yet again.  Chandler was still obsessed with holding him every chance she got.  So we were able to squeeze in a few visits with them between the big CSU football game.  We won't talk about that though.......

 I think Steve swiped him right out of her hands!

 Kids playing in the backyard

 Family pic

All the cousins (This is as good as it gets with their ages)

 Proud grandparents and a grumpy Bug

Now we'll be going through Thompson withdrawal for awhile.  Chandler told us the other day she wants to move to California.  Uh oh - she looks like she'd fit right in in California.  They sure love their auntie, uncle, and cousin!