KC Milan

Jonathan scored 6 goals this morning at his first soccer game of the season...sweaty and tired, he told me he can't wait for his next game.

Kate just snacked and chilled...and snacked some more.

Nick did quite the stellar victory dance when he scored his first two goals of the season........... for the wrong team.

He was none the wiser. :-)

Rock the Parkway-April 2nd, 2011

A perfect morning for a 1/2 marathon. Rock the Parkway is run along Ward Parkway and over to Loose Park...a relatively flat course. I ran this one last year in 40 degrees and rain...a much better experience than last year...and 6 minutes faster!

In fact, 3 out of the four ladies I train with every morning ran personal bests.

(Great job, Marie, Amy and Traci!)

I absolutely love running this time of year.

1:33 (7:08 pace)

14th place overall women

2011 Brew-to-Brew Relay

On Sunday, these ten amazing supermom's (and police officers, detectives, teachers and businesswomen) gathered in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to run the 44 mile relay from Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City to Free State Brewery in Lawrence, KS (my old stompin' ground). What's also amazing is the fact that most of them competed in the Rock the Parkway 1/2 marathon the day before. Typically, Brew-to-Brew is known for snow, rain, sleet...this year, 90 degrees and 45 mph wind gusts.

My three favorite neighbors and running partners below...Marie, Amy and Traci.

(...and our Kryptonite baton)

...at the end with my Crossfit partner, Tamara

Up the creek...

Inevitably, the boys have discovered the creek that goes behind our home in this part of the neighborhood. They have a bridge now so they can cross into the back wooded portion of the lot and have explored the creek. Nick and his friend, Mason, found themselves in quite the predicament last Friday when they were both stuck in mud up to their shins. The mud eventaully sucked their shoes right off their feet....I eventually had to go in for the rescue of shoes, literally digging throught the mud to find them. It's gonna be a long, dirty summer.

Rolling, rolling, rolling....

We had a taste of summer this past weekend...only to be disappointed today.

We'll take what we can get.

The grass is finally greening up...and Nick and Kate had fun rolling down the hills...and then cried because they were itchy. ;-)

Jonathan and neighbor, Calen

More on Emma...

They love their Uncle Mark (affectionately called...."Markle Sparkles"

Nick is the most smitten with Emma. He says he can't wait to love on her again.

Kate...not so sure about the crying part.

And...this is why we didn't stay long. :-)

Welcome Emma Claire

Some people collect coins. Others, stamps. Apparently, I collect nieces and nephews. Fortunately, for me, my sister allowed me to jump into the double digits! Yesterday I became an Aunt again (for the 10th time). My sister, Katie, was a superstar. There are no words that describe just how happy I am for her and her new family, and after experiencing heartache and trials along the way, I know the arrival of this new baby has very special meaning for her.

Introducing

Emma Claire

March 28th 2011

7# 2 oz 18 1/2 "

4:02 pm

This new baby will have many loving people in it’s life!

Confessions of a slacking blogger...

It has been a while! I know that I've been slacking on the blog for the past couple of months but it has definitely not carried over into the rest of my life. In fact I cant even believe that March is almost over and I have not blogged about the exciting things happening. (Not to mention all the wacky personal things rolling around in my head). I never intended for this blog to be a mere photo album, but guiltily, I've really only had time to post photos and video from time to time. I’m super excited, however, for this spring and summer, but still, I’ve been a bad blogger… scold worthy, actually. Silly me because I’VE GOT SO MUCH TO SHARE! But now that I sit down, open up the blog and start writing, I’m getting antsy cause I just don’t know where to start.

The past month has been filled with ballet for Kate, swim lessons 2X a week for all three kids and soccer starts next week (and t-ball next month). I'm turning into the ultimate soccer mom with the disgusting van. :-

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  Kate has her first recital in late June at the Kearney Performing Arts Center and the costume we had to purchase screams Toddlers & Tiara's (but we'll rant about that one later). She was very apprehensive at first and I attribute that to her never doing anything independent of her "almost" Irish twin, Nick. Now she ushers me away as she enters the dance room.


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  Jonathan had one of his first big school fundraisers (cookie dough). I was reminded of attending Holy Rosary Catholic School and working hard with my brothers and sister to sell a ridiculous amount of cheese and sausage to get enough points to win a VCR for our family. A big deal!


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  Nick asks everyday when he can play t-ball. I keep telling him when the grass turns green and there are leaves on the trees...we're almost there little buddy!


• 
  
  I've signed up for the Sunburst Marathon with my 3 running girlfriends the first weekend in June. The race takes place in South Bend, Indiana and finishes on the football field at Notre Dame. I was also accepted into the New York City Marathon in early November and am excited to stay with my friend, Lora, while I'm there. How I'm going to find the time to train for two consecutive marathons, I don't know, but I'm grateful for the amazing training partners I have in this neighborhood.


• Jason and I are finally getting away for a vacation ALONE in June and heading to Cancun. (Dad, quit sending me articles about shark attacks, please) :-)


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  And the biggest news of all....I'm going to be an aunt for the 10th time on Monday! That's right...my sister, Katie, is being induced! Can't wait!!!

I plan to get back on a somewhat decent schedule when it comes to blogging and quit slacking off. I’m not going to commit to a set schedule as we all know, sometimes life gets in the way, but I do plan on writing quite a bit more. Just keep your eyes open for the upcoming posts!

Nick had an ear infection and had some special mommy time for two days. We tried to make a kite on Wednesday because it was incredibly windy. It didn't fly well, but it was fun nevertheless!

Boy does this photo (below) show their personalities? This is life!

Fun with the WebCam

Flashback Friday