Racing Momma's

Since we moved up to North County and I joined Stroller Strides it has been somewhat life changing.  I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but it really has.  Sometimes I try and think where would I be if I didn't meet all these amazing ladies and I know exactly where.  Completely out of shape, a lululemon free credit card bill, and probably pulling my hair out because the kids would be driving me crazy in the mornings.  So to say the least, these ladies make me a way better Mom and Wife (well, maybe not wife, don't think Jake is too thrilled with all the Lulu purchases...haha!!)

For the past few months a group of us girls have been training for the La Jolla Half Marathon.  We have a nice break from the kids and hubbies for about 2 hours on the weekends when we do our long runs together.  After months of training, completing a 15K back in March, race day was finally here.  

Most of us had done a half marathon before so first time nerves weren't there, but it had been close to three years since I did my last one, so I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. The race was definitely no joke and was a tough 1/2 marathon.  I wanted to stop and walk several times during the race and I'm pretty sure I lost feeling from the waist down by mile 10, but for my friends and all their encouragement I was able to run the whole way.  We all finished with great times and just doing it all together was the best part.  I'm very lucky to have met such an incredible group of moms.

Now, on to the Camp Pendleton Mud Run.

A Visit from Uncle Jessee and Cousin Nico

Skylar was so excited that her cousin Nico was coming into town for a visit.  Nico and Jessee arrived late on Thursday so Skylar and Madden were already asleep when they got to our house.  The next morning Skylar was eating her breakfast and Nico peaked his head out and Skylar gave out the cutest scream of excitement and had the biggest smile on her face.  This was just the beginning of a fun filled weekend.

On Friday, Jake, Jessee, Nico and Skylar all went to Sea World.  They saw every animal exhibit Sea World has to offer and of course watched the Shamu show.  I spoke with Jake as they were leaving the park and I could hear Skylar in the background crying...so I knew she had a good time!

We were hoping Skylar would be exhausted from Sea World and want to take a nap when she got home, but she wanted to keep the party going.  The kids played in the back alley until dinner time.

The next morning the kids were ready to go (especially Skylar, since she woke up at 5:00 am).  They were at the basketball court before 9:00 am and than we took them to the park by 10:00 am.  I'm so not used to having a 4 year boy in the house and didn't realize how much energy they have.  By the time we left the park it was lunch and nap time for Skylar and Madden. Skylar still full of excitement only nap for an hour and was ready to go again.  With the sun out and the weather warm we let the kids get wet with the water table.  That night we all went out to dinner and than took the kids for ice cream.

I went out for my morning run on Sunday, while Jake and Jessee let the kids go crazy.  Jake said they were having so much fun playing with the ball pit and Madden was just in awe of Uncle Jessee's juggling skills.  Once I got back Madden was asleep and Jake had everyone packed up to head to the beach.  They played in the water for close to 2 hours until coming home for lunch.   Now on day three Skylar was starting to feel the lack of sleep because she took close to a 3 hour nap that day.  

We were hoping that the sun would come out so we could hit up the pool, but it never really did.  Once we mentioned bounce house, Nico was all about it.  We blew it up and let the kids have at it.  Madden was having so much fun.  He would push himself down the front slide without any help.  Jake put together a great dinner and we headed up for ice cream again.  The next morning we explained to Skylar and cousin Nico was heading back home today, to which she said that she didn't want him to leave.  We really had a great time with Jessee and Nico and can't wait for their next visit.  I know Skylar had so much fun because yesterday at day care Michelle told me that Skylar took a 4 hour nap.  A 4 hour nap is unheard for Skylar, so I know she was really burned out from her exciting weekend with her cousin and uncle.

   

Easter 2013

Skylar is at the perfect age to totally understand all that Easter has to offer.  Last weekend we decided to dye eggs since we knew we weren't going to have time Easter Weekend.  This year she really enjoyed coloring the eggs and of course, didn't want anyone's help since she is a "big girl" now and wanted to do everything on her own.  Jake and I joked that all of her eggs turned out the same color because she liked to put each egg in every color.

 

As tradition we went up to Aunt Elsa and Uncle Jon's house but decided to celebrate on Saturday instead of Easter Sunday.  Right when we arrived the kids were able to open their Easter baskets from Nana and Papa.  My mom did a great job getting them summer shoes, which I'm sure I was more excited about than they were.  Skylar got a huge cookie bunny that she was holding on to most of the morning.

Last year the kiddos were a bit young for an egg hunt, Gabe and his family weren't there, so this year we wanted to make up for not having one and have the ultimate hunt.  Between my Mom, Uncle Ronnie and Gabe I believe we had close to 150 eggs to hid.  Uncle Ronnie, Jake, and Kayla were in charge of hiding them all while the rest of us tried to keep the kids entertained in the backyard.  We gave the girls a bit of a head start before the boys we allowed to run wild.  Uncle Ronnie hid his confetti eggs which no one was safe from.  Skylar loved smashing the eggs on Dada's head.

 

 

When leaving Aunt Elsa's Skylar said how much fun she had and how she wanted to go back.  Makes me happy to hear her say that because she doesn't get to see her cousins very often and it was great seeing her have such a fun time with them.

The kids were both up by 6:15 am on Easter and excited to see what the Easter Bunny left in their baskets.  Skylar was so happy to see what she had been asking for for weeks now...Stompeez!  They were by far her favorite gift from the Easter Bunny, but she was confused on why the Easter Bunny gave her the bunny stompeez and not the crocodile ones she wanted (Mom already ordered the bunny ones).  Madden just loved the empty plastic eggs and could care less about anything else in his basket.  The kids both got new swimsuits and crocs for our upcoming trip to Cabo.

We had Easter Brunch plans but we wanted to make sure we did another Easter egg hunt in our front yard for the kids.  Madden was in a grumpy mood after he woke up from his nap and didn't want to hunt for eggs,  which didn't bother Skylar one bit....more eggs for her.  By the end of Easter Skylar had 4 chocolate bunnies, $6.00 dollars in coins, a huge bunny cookie, and a bag of jelly beans.  I would definitely say she had a successful Easter.

My Easter Loves!

Easter Brunch was perfect.  The four of us had a nice time and the kids were both in great moods.  Madden was really enjoying brunch until the Easter Bunny stopped by our table.  I think he was really ready for Easter to be over with.