Backyard Mud Run

Mason had so much fun at the Mud Run, and was asking for another, so Erika built a mini one in the trail behind our house. Mason ran it many times. It was such a great way to cool off during our 100 degree heat.




Kevin, armed with the hose, clearly having fun. We had to tell him to take it off the "jet" setting. We didn't need a powerwash!

Home decorating phases 1 and 2

Erika is on a decorating kick, repairing and redesigning and adding color where there hadn't been any. The fabric on the swing in the backyard had been sun damaged and shredded. Now it's fabulous (even more than before) again and maybe we'll sit on it again!


The master bedroom had never really been decorated. It had red curtains on one wall previously, a tan wool blanket, and an improptu forest green curtain. Terrible! Erika fell in love with a rust colored silk with hints of red and tan. Her mom had the fantastic idea of using it as a runner, so the fabric then became an accent for a chocolate brown duvet and ivory curtains. Now the room is a rustic, romantic retreat!

Roar!!

Another fun trip to the Reid Park Zoo.


Cami watching the otters.


These playful critters are one of our favorites.


Feeding time for the giraffes! They eagerly come up close to get their treats.


Mason was so quick, he was afraid they were going to eat his hand.


Look at those blue tongues! Cami wouldn't give up her carrot. She wanted it for herself.

Mud Run - May 28

It all started with a simple discussion about this "mud run" race, which Mason overheard and for which he became very excited. "A mud run? Is there going to be a kids fun run?" Who could resist a cute little boy getting excited about running? So Erika signed up.


The race was a 5k with about 6 obstacles, half water related. Erika finished the race soaking wet, but never really got muddy. We think the race needs renamed. Despite obstacles slowing her down (because everyone was slowed down), she finished 17th out of about 260 women. Next was the kids fun run. There was only one obstacle on that race, a giant trough of water you had to jump in.


Getting ready to jump!


The bottom of the trough was surprisingly slippery and a little deep, so we almost went under the water.


Note the severely frightened face as he thinks he is surely going to drown.


We made it to the end of the obstacle, survived!


Jumping down so we can finish the race....


Reminding Mason it's a race, and we do have to keep running.


We did it! Sadly, no more kids runs until the fall when it cools down.

Erika did another 5k this evening, after it had been 102 today. Hot still, and SO many people! She still made her goal time of about a 9:00 minute mile pace. Motivation to keep working hard!

Overload...

In no particular order, I have decided to post some recent photos of the kids. The lack of blog posts lately is partly due to being busy, partly due to a lack of photos. Pretty sad. Here's what we got:


She needs eye protection when she eats!


We went to a restaurant arcade with Mason's friend Giselle, all had a good time. Cami likes Giselle also, they were laughing hysterically.


Sleeping Beauty.


This is Mason walking along the paths in the islands when we went to Ohio. So beautiful with all the green.


She is very good with a spoon, and successfully got most of the pudding in her mouth, the rest on herself.


We had a wonderful time in Ohio visiting with the family. The kids do so love their Nana and Pawpaw!


Creekside in Gahanna feeding/scaring the ducks.


This is the reason it's important to set a good example for our children. If Erika goes for a run, Mason wants to go for a run. While it was raining in Ohio, Erika used the gym in their basement. Then Mason started saying, "I have to get my workout." And here he is on the elliptical going strong!