The Race Is On!

I took the kids on a walk early this morning. More for me than for them but I know that they enjoy the fresh air so it was a win for everyone. Today marks an important goal for myself. The motivation is there (I want to get and stay in shape once and for all - no more stop and go, stop and go!) so starting TODAY is the beginning of a very long journey to get prepared to do this and MAYBE this. I'm pretty excited. And my dear hubby may even run with me! I'm not a runner by any stretch of the imagination but I feel that it will push me to get into shape so I'm taking on the challenge! Wish me luck. I will most definitely need the support!

{While out on my walk this morning, this tree, in a way, reminded me of myself - feeling the weight on my shoulders to get back into shape from my last pregnancy and trying hard to not let doubt creep into my mind. I CAN DO THIS!}

This Week In Pictures (9/20 - 9/26)

Wow. What a busy week to welcome in the Fall season! Soccer games/practices, family walks, piano lessons, doctor appointments, cooking new dinners, attending book club, playing at the playground, helping with homework, walking the mall, completing home projects, and having dinner with friends. I don't foresee it slowing down any but at least we try to fit in some fun here and there throughout the week! A little bummed we didn't make it up to the National Book Festival in D.C. on Saturday (where Nicholas Sparks was book signing along with many other famous authors). We chickened out due to the rain. Yes. I know. We're Oregonians. We should be USED to this sort of thing. But let's face it. It's not really FUN sitting in LONG lines, standing in the RAIN and dealing with TIRED children. Maybe we'll try it next year. :)

{First attempt at trying a goldfish cracker. Have tried cheerios in the past with no success (vomiting) but this attempt didn't lead to a success either. Oh well. Can't say I didn't try. I'm sure he'll explore it again sooner or later. :) Finger foods usually work best when they're crawling so we'll wait until then.}

{Sucking on the goldfish}

{The little missy on our family walk}

{At least ONE of them looks excited to be on a walk! The other one just a bit tired! :)}

{This is fun to watch. He has learned recently to bang two objects together and get a reaction from us when he does. "YAY! *clap*clap"}

{The kids had fun seeing this. It just sat on the side of our house for hours not moving.}

{The day of his 9 month well baby. Good thing shots don't interfere with his fun at the park!}

{It's becoming hard to capture this little lady on camera. MUCH too busy - always moving!}

{Enjoying her break from homework}

{One of his first times on the slide!}

{WEEEEEEEEE!}

{Father-son time. Interesting way to lounge. :)}

{I just love his smile!}

{I was scrolling through photos and found this one to be pretty funny - and cute. His face says it all. "Uh oh. Here comes the kisses! Gross!"}

{As you can see, she doesn't care. She adores her little brother.}

{Little princess}

{I love how she wears the socks AND princess slip-on shoes together. So cute!}

{A rare occasion: he's smiling AND laying on his tummy.}

{Playing with dolls in style}

{I love his morning bed head!}

{After getting her own check-up this week, she's been giving us ALL check-ups}

{Mastering the drop game}

{And trying to steal the spoon away. He usually has his mouth open for more before I can even GET more on the spoon. So maybe he figures he can do it quicker than I can???}

{Homework!}

{Sitting with mama while she does her make-up}

{John taking our front door off to replace it with a much needed new one!}

{As he pried the door jam away, a flood of ants came pouring out. Disgusting!}

{And hidden dry rot. Luckily it's not structural. Smeared some stuff on it to prevent it from spreading before the new door went into place.}

{YAY...brand new door. So much better!!}

{Calling family}

{Having fun with my little boy. Had NO idea that we were both wearing yellow though. Funny how that happens.}

{Still LOVES bath time. Especially if he gets to suck on this particular cup!}

BD Photography - Family Photos

While on vacation in Oregon/ Washington, we had the privilege of getting our family photos taken by my childhood friend, Bethany. It was the morning of Saturday August 15th and we were staying at my sister and brother-in-laws house in Vancouver. My sister had told me about this great area to have pictures taken near the Washington State University campus up the road from their home. Instead of having them taken by the creek where my sister and her family had them done, we stood in front of a really cool grassy field out front of the school. And because it was overcast that day, they turned out really good! Thanks to Bethany, we now have some great updated family photos! :)