An Early Birthday and our Adoption Race

This past weekend we traveled to Ohio to run in the Cleveland Marathon!  Our original plan was to do the full, but for unforeseen circumstances we had to end up running the half.  I have to admit though, it was SO fun to run a race again!  Even going to packet pick up I told Dan that I missed this.  All the crazy runners testing out different gels and energy drinks and trying on really expensive shoes.  And then getting up at the crack of dawn to try to hydrate and eat before the race.  There is something about it all that I just love.  And Dan and I had so much fun with this race!  We weren't going too fast so we were chatting most of the time and talking to other runners, however most of the runners were pretty serious- they had their headphones in and they were set to go.  However we found a few who would joke around with us :)  And we definitely enjoyed the pace setters- they were probably our favorite.  Dan and I decided a goal one day would be to be the pace setter for the 5.5 hour marathon- they were cracking jokes the whole time and a 12 minutes pace seemed right up our ally.

All joking aside, it was super fun to run the race also for such a great cause- bringing our little kiddo home!  I love that running can unite so many people together for so many different causes.  And it was crazy how in our 30 minute bathroom line before the race we were able to share our story and met two people who had adopted siblings! It was so fun :)  We definitely want to run another race sometime soon- and if this adoption process goes long enough maybe we can do another one for our little boy or girl!  And we've decided that we are going to train only in the spring/ summer/ and fall from now on.  New York winter's were BRUTAL for training!

While we were in town we also decided to celebrate Jake's 3rd birthday a little early as well!  We would have driven back for memorial day, but we've been traveling the past two weekends and we couldn't make another long trip.  So, we bought some Mickey Mouse decorations and a cake, and hung out with our family.  AND, Dan's brother and his wife surprised us all and flew in from Colorado!  So it was so fun having them in town as well :)  What a huge blessing it is when the whole family is together!  It's so rare these days :)

Enjoy some pictures from the weekend!

Updates from the weekend

We are trying to soak up every ounce of this HOT summer that we can!  Originally when I found out Baby C was due in May, I heard from almost everyone that May was a "great time" to have a baby because of the nice weather.  Obviously, I won't complain too much because I'm sure bundling up a baby and worrying about sickness in the winter is not fun, however this hasn't been the summer I envisioned with him.  We do go on the occasional walks (and now runs!), but I definitely try to do it early or later because when it reaches 80 degrees by 9am, it makes it difficult for me to take Jake out without him getting super sweaty.  Luckily I purchased a fan the other day and I hope it will help not only in the car, but also when we go outside :)

So, this weekend we spent lots of time outside, and I took some fun pictures to document :)

In his little all star outfit

So this wasn't from the weekend, but this is another shot of Jake hanging out with his lady friend Claire :)  Isn't it funny how they are basically in the same position?!

I love how there are such cute little guy outfits out there! My friend Steph got this for him :)

In all this hot weather, sometimes I just want to keep him in his diaper!  Plus, how can you not love those rolls?!

During our rainy Saturday I had a craving for cookies.. and I am probably averaging eating 5 per day. Thank goodnes nursing burns calories.

Jake excited for his first run with mom!

3 miles or bust.  It was rough but we survived. I'm telling everyone the heat and jogger stroller is what made it more difficult.. I can't possibly be that out of shape...

We hung out at Andy and Becca's house and they grilled for us on their new patio set! Nothing says summer like sangrias and cherries.

Becca hanging out with Jake :)

Rach and Claire! I love her adorale little girl outfits :)

Love him. And he loves how I always take pictures of him eating ha

So remember the outfit I posted earlier? Unfortunately this is the second and last time Jake will be wearing it.. he is growing up too fast :( I know he appreciated the fact that his tummy was hanging out all night.

With her two new bff's :)

Some pictures I've been meaning to post...

Life lately...

First craving: Vanilla pudding (stove top made)

Our frozen lake 

Geese on the lake.. I was kind of hoping they fell through.. just for my entertainment :)

Solid ice! I couldn't believe how thick it was- I threw a rock at it lol 

First run outside in a couple months- I am LOVING our January weather so far (aside from the snow storm we are expected to get today...)

Belly bump pic mid run

Fondue time!

I. love. cheese.

quick 20 wk baby bump shot :)

Weekend photos

This weekend was a mix of everything- date nights, hanging out with friends, studying, reading, cleaning, and watching football.  We probably should have done more reading and studying, but my brain can only handle so much before I get cranky. 

Oh, and I've decided this will be recipe week.  I feel like I have tried SO many recipes (and by that I mean 3...) and I want to share them with you! Get excited. 

And... Happy Halloween! Dan and I bought some Kit Kats to celebrate.  The Halloween celebration is getting a little out of control over here. 

My Favorite place to go for date night!!

So cute and trendy. 

I know what you're thinking. That looks disgusting.  I think if I took the picture before I scarfed down half of it, that would of helped.  But when red curry chicken gets put in front of me there is NO stopping me. mmmm. 

Get excited for this recipe... coming soon..

There were some running breaks- really trying to get in all my outside runs before the winter!

Dan and I, and Ashley and Caleb babysat for the "Mini Mahls" and I loved everyyy second :)

SO cute. 

Once again.. I need to take pictures before half of the dessert is gone- Pumpkin Trifle. Recipe to come:)