SIX!? Say it ain't so...

I was sad that I missed his actual birthday as I was traveling for work, but I did sneak out of one of my sessions, found an internet lounge and Skyped with him while he opened one of his presents. Daddy was sure to make a big deal out of the day by getting him a cake. We celebrated with family over the weekend when I returned. I can't believe how much this boy has grown and matured this past year. His obsessions continue to be legos and video games, and asking those deep questions I sometimes am at a loss as to how to answer... I love everything about this spunky, sometimes moody, little boy who still continues to hold my hand, sneak into my bedroom at night for one last kiss, and tell me I'm pretty.

BlackBoard World-Vegas

I was fortunate to attend BlackBoard World in Las Vegas for a week in mid-July with the North Kansas City Schools. I am obviously a big advocate of online learning and love the BlackBoard Learning Management System as I've worked with it for over 5 years and have taken graduate courses using the system as well. The Keynote speakers were phenomenal and included Steven Johnson, best-selling author of "Where Good Ideas Come From," "Everything Bad is Good for You," and "Emergence," as well as Sir Ken Robinson, Author, Creativity Expert and Thinker. I took a lot away from the experience, much of which will benefit the students I serve.

The execs even knew how to take the Vegas/Hangover theme and have a little fun with it!

Where we stayed

View from the hotel room.

Got in a little pooltime

Old Glory Days 2011 Carnival and Fireworks

Old Glory Days 2011 Parade & BBQ

Getting ready to head to Clinton....they were sooooo excited all day long.

BBQ with cousins, Miles and Brice

A very LONG and HOT parade!

What's not to love about the 4th of July? I just love grilling with family...and making our way to the town square to see the parade. And then when evening falls... going to the carnival on the square as well as taking in all of the colors from the fireworks display. It's definitely one of my favorite holidays! I think the kids are smitten, too!

Old Glory Days 5K

I haven't run this race in a few years. I believe this was my 4th time. In fact, last year Jason ran the 5K. We decided (okay...so really I decided), we'll do an every other year thing. Go Jason!

I actually ran the very first Old Glory Days 5K eighteen years ago. Eighteen years ago???? I was just 17 and had graduated from high school...preparing for my 1st year of collegiate running. Yeah...I was A LOT faster then. Three kids and several years later, it was great to see my old coaches still volunteering their time to raise money for the high school cross country team I was once a part of. The KATY trail wasn't developed when I was in high school...oh how nice it would have been to have a flat, traffic-less stretch to run.

Once again, I had my #1 fan there to see me off...my Dad. He told me to whip up on the men! At the end, I had three little patriotic cheerers awaiting my sweaty, slow arrival...in first place. This 35 year old bag still has it...and much to the pleasure of my father, I did whip up on a few men! :)