Run for the Water 2009

Mommy's office is the title sponsor for this year's 'Run for the Water' and mommy and I decided to have a special day together and do the kid's 1k run. We got up really early and went to the 1st street bridge to prepare for our race. For each person who participates in the race, it helps one person in the country of Burundi gain access to fresh drinking water for the rest of their life. Isn't that so cool? Of course I wanted to help and happily put on my 'fast running shoes'. We stretched and then I heard 'ready, set, go'. I ran the entire race and mommy was so proud of me! Afterwards, I told mommy I wanted to run another race but she didn't seem to interested because it was a 5k. I think a 1k is all my mommy can handle. Jake and Sophie ran the 5k with their mommy and daddy and did awesome! I can't wait until next year when I can run for another child in Burundi.

Kisses from mommy before we head out to the race

Stretching for the big race
More stretching
It's the finish line!!

Meeting Mr. Gilbert, founder of The Gazelle Foundation

The Switch Witch

With Halloween, came lots of trick or treat candy and of course, my cake from the cake walk. Last night, we left all of my candy and cake out for the Switch With, along with a note, and she took it all in exchange for a surprise. She brought me BYRON THE BULLDOZER! It's the best present ever and I love my new Thomas the train addition. Thank you Switch Witch!

Tate is 13 months old

Dearest Tate -

Are you still considered a baby now that you're officially OVER 12 months or do I have to consider you a toddler? You definitely have the personality of a toddler but I can't really wrap my mind around the fact that you're getting so big so fast. I think I'll keep referring to you as my baby. It's been fun watching the changes in you and the milestones you reach almost daily. You're a feisty little thing and definitely hold your own with your brother but at the same time, you can be so sweet and cuddly when you want to and you think he's the coolest thing ever. You still aren't walking 100% but you can do it when you're not thinking about it. You stand for long periods of time and after a few steps across the room, you go the easy route and crawl where you want to go. You are obsessed with the stairs and it drives me crazy. You think of it as a game and when you see me coming, you giggle and crawl up the stairs as fast as you can. We're working on coming down the stairs and when you have that conquered, I think I'll feel a little better about it. Your brother likes to entice you up the stairs which really doesn't help my cause. You just always want to be where he is. I also think the 2 of you are going to enjoy getting into mischief together. Just this week, your brother decided to put you on a tricycle in the driveway and push you down the little hill. The problem? You're not real steady on the tricycle and face-planted right on your face - complete with nose scab and bruised forehead. You're tough though and one day, I think you'll give your brother a run for his money. Your favorite toys are your ball popper and your brother's leap frog train. You drag that thing all over the house! Your new favorite person is Miss Connie. She keeps you a couple times a week and you get so excited when you see her and you cry when you have to leave her. I'm not going to get a complex but geez - it seems like you're all tears when you're with me and all smiles with her. She does have the tendency to spoil the little ones though, so I can't blame you!

You're still a great eater except for eggs. Now that you can have them, you'll have nothing to do with them. You don't even want them anywhere near your highchair tray. "I will not eat them here or there, I will not eat them anywhere!" Knowing some of the struggles my friends face with their kids at meal time, I won't even complain. You're a huge milk drinker and are starting to pudge up a bit. You have a dr. appt this week and I'm anxious to see what your latest weight is and if you can turn around in your car seat yet.

Although you're challenging at times, I adore you and you make our family complete. You really are so much fun and I love you, sweet girl.

Love, Mommy

Santa and his Elks

Tripp: Daddy, where is that train going?

Daddy: I don't know but it's heading north.

Tripp: I think it's going to the north pole to take automobiles to Santa's elks.

Susan Koman Race for the Cure 2009

Today daddy was Mr. Mom while mommy participated in the Susan Koman Race for the Cure 5k. It's a great event but it's especially special because mommy, Aunt Brenda and Aunt Cindy walk in it each year together in honor of Aunt Brenda and so many others that have been affected by breast cancer. This year, they were fancy with their tutus and even ran across the finish line! Maybe next year they'll actually run the 5k instead of just the last 100 yards. Then again, maybe not.

Happy Halloween!

So this year, my baby and I dressed as..................a monkey and his banana! Great concept except the banana didn't want to stay in her 'peel' very long. Our neighborhood had a party down at the little restaurant on the lake where we had pizza, pinatas, costume contests and hayrides to the houses for candy! I had so much fun trick or treating and even got to sample a few pieces when I got home. Oh, and in case you're wondering, Tate's costume is a dog costume. See the ear holes? :) My poor banana.

The party at Ski Shores
My buddy, Evan, er Scooby was there

Trying to win the candy

A beautiful butterfly came to trick or treat with me!

Lifetime Halloween Carnival

In preparation for trick or treating tonight, we had a 'dress rehearsal' and went to the Halloween festival at our gym. I didn't get much candy but I know that I'll more than make up for it tonight.

At the cookie decorating station

At the face painting station

Check out my monkey!
Ariel and Sebastian were there, too.