Thursday, October 28, 2010

Pumpkin patch, AZ style

A pumpkin patch, Arizona style, is a bit different than home (Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore). We pulled up to an all-out horse ranch. Which boasted a seasonal pumpkin patch.

That they ship in.

Probably from Kansas.

Mules pulling the wagon...


...to a field full of shipped in pumpkins.

Wow, that sky. Breathtaking!


October in Arizona means a 'cool' temperature of 85. Lily was sweatin' in her cords!



We see this face daily.

It means, 'I'm off to get into some trouble, so you better watch out!'


"I want this pumpkin.....


...no, I like this one better....


....oh boy, this one is heavy...


...this is more my size...


...actually Daddy, I want them all!"




Hay ride.


Next the petting zoo!

Moo cow.


Oink oink, potbelly pig.



Neigh neigh, horsie.


And the best ride home...


Friday, October 22, 2010

Filler moments

I love it.

I love this blog. When I read it, I feel inspired. I feel rejuvenated. I feel real.

I love her outlook on life. If I could sum it up, it would read..."love, play, drink wine, enjoy friends, enjoy family more, enjoy everything life throws at ya". At least that's what I get outta reading.

Let's take for instance her discussion on fueling vs filler moments (you know me, a sucker for any blogpost with a running theme!).

Lately I feel the filler moments.

With this move, and subsequently quitting my job; following my husband cross country to pursue his career; leaving my family, friends, sister, omgEveryoneIlove, behind; I've felt like I live in the "filler" moments. Packing, unpacking, planning, planning gone to hell, cleaning, giving up on cleaning, crying, giving up on crying, smiling, really smiling instead of faking it, tired, tired but worth it, playing, running, playing, traveling, endless playing, filling filling filling.

Yet the entire time...LILY. Lots of smiles. Extra hugs. Very few tantrums. LOVING. Spending extra time getting to know the in's and out's of our daily lives instead of hurrying off to work/daycare.

My girl makes the 'filler' moments worth it. At the end of the day, she makes my filler moments feel like 'fueling' moments. I'm grateful for that.

But possibly more grateful for a forgiving husband. Who has to put up with my 'gas tank on empty' moments as well. We've had just a few empty moments around here...


Happy Anniversary, Ryan. I love you more today than I did on that very happy day five years ago. Cheers to many more years of celebration!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Chicago

On 10-10-10, I headed to Chicago with my parents and sister, plus a couple of my favorite running partners (and friends!) for the marathon. We three gals began training 16 weeks ago, excited to do all our track workouts and long runs together. Little did we imagine that one of us would move to the desert, another would head to Iowa for an internship rotation and therefore we'd all finish our training solo. To meet back up for the race was an extra treat!

The expo. Everything running-themed you can imagine.


Melissa and Christy

The race start. 45,000 runners. 1.5 million spectators.



Mile 7 - We're still smiling.



Around mile 19. It's starting to hurt.


Unfortunately, the temps soared into the lower 90s.

Too hot for a marathon. Makes for a long race!

I finished in 3:45. Off my goal pace by 5 minutes.

But had a great time with my family and friends! Who's up for the next race in Phoenix?!?!?!

The day after the race, sister and I did what we do best. Shopping and people watching.

Niketown had a huge mural with each participants' name. I promise mine is here somewhere!


I love Chicago. It has to be one of my favorite cities. Beautiful architecture. Friendly people. Great food. What else could a girl ask for!





Thanks Mom, Dad, and Mallory for a great weekend! I love that you came to watch and support me, and then treated me to some tasty food and lots of laughs! Love you guys!!!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Fall

Lily and I spent a few days at home visiting grandparents, enjoying the beautiful fall weather, and soaking in as much green as we could before moving to the desert! Amazing how much I already miss fall leaves, bright mums, and crisp mornings!





Sunday, October 17, 2010

We all scream for ice cream!

Ice cream at Nanny's. So good, you just have to lick the bowl!





Thursday, October 14, 2010

Where we've been...





I promise once I find my sanity among this mess, I will get back to blogging....