Pumpkin Carving!

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Marathoners!

Back in May, I decided, with much encouragement from my pal Katie, that I would run in the Marine Corps Marathon. I've always wanted to run a marathon before I turned 40 (not there yet!!) So, I started some serious training in June and took off. Tom would run some with me, particularly during the week. Then he ran a few long runs on the weekend. He decided, why not run a marathon since he was doing all the training? So, he looked into some races, but they didn't work out. In the end, one of the ladies I occasionally run with was injured and couldn't continue to train for the marathon. She sold her bib number to Tom and VOILA! He's running in the marathon with me! We have had a great time training together -- especially on the long runs. I think 13, 14, 16, 18 and 20 were particularly memorable for us. The aches and pains and blisters help to remind us that we aren't as young as we used to be. It is a blessing to be able to run as far as we have, though.

Marathon day was glorious. The temperature was absolutely perfect - in the 60s, light wind, sunny, and not too much humidity. We got into a groove at about 11 minutes per mile, not fast, comfortable enough to be able to talk the entire time. We decided, though, that we didn't need to talk since there were so many conversations around us and people to look at on the sidelines. We really did well. Tom was wearing an orange Hokies shirt that garnered many shouts of encouragement from the crowds. It was wonderful. I didn't really feel poorly until around mile 24 when I think I was dehydrated. They also tease you at the end by taking you past the finish line for about a 1/2 mile then back. Finally, you have to run up a very steep hill to the finish line. Honestly, I started to cry after crossing the line. What an accomplishment!!

Today, day 3 post race, I'm still a bit sore. My thighs are the worst. It's very difficult to go up and down stairs - especially down. Will I run another marathon. I'm thinking about it -- seriously! I don't know if I could do it without Tom, though. He was truly my inspiration and a great training partner. We may do a 1/2 marathon in the Spring. 13.1 is nothing! :)

Wacky Hair Day!

O.K. So I'm a little behind. This was from about a week ago. No excuses, really. Just that Tom and I have been training for the marathon, the kids have swimming and soccer, I've been volunteering at their school and at a local state senate campaign. Nothing much. :)

WACKY hair day is the ultimate at Clare and Daniel's school. Wouldn't you love to go out looking like this???

I think it's awesome. No inhibitions. Just go out there and be. Clare's class had 100% participation. She said some of the girls' hair were like rat's nests. Yuck! I'd hate to be mom straightening out that mess. Might just end up going to the hair dresser to cut it all off. Daniel, who is a bit more self-conscious than Clare, was a little worried that it might not be wacky hair day until we drove by a group of kids on the way to school who had some pretty wild hair. I had to help both kids with their get-ups. Do you think Daniel has a little gel in his hair? What fun!

Pumpkin Hunting!

We went to the pumpkin patch today. What a gorgeous day! The kids found plenty of pumpkins they wanted -- especially BIG pumpkins. I had to remind them that I was paying by the pound!


Daniel's pumpkin was the biggest by far - he could barely carry it! We'll see if he is able to get all the guts out of it when we start carving. Last year, he wore latex gloves - he thinks it's gross. I seem to remember I did most of it.

This was a pretty big pumpkin for Clare - she ended up getting one that was a little smaller. She wanted to get one that was round and fat and easily carved. These pictures remind me that she's growing up - FAST!

I wonder what happens to all the pumpkins that aren't bought? There were a ton at this market. We had a great time picking out the pumpkins. Soon we'll post pictures of the final carvings!

Violinists!

Clare and Daniel had a violin recital today. It went very well! Although practice and lessons can be frustrating sometimes, the rewards are so worth it! Enjoy!

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Cats

We have two cats - Cosmo and Astro. This past summer was an active one for them.

Cosmo kept disappearing for long periods of time and when he came home he looked horrible. We've had to feed him a lot in order to fatten him up and keep him around. He's about 14 years old, toothless, and very friendly (so friendly that our neighbors kept feeding him, which kept him away.)

Astro was neutered early in the summer, then Tom ran over his tail! Poor thing can't lift his tail like he used to. I think there's about 4 inches of it that he'll never be able to move. They're the nicest cats you'll ever meet.