Lots of Running going on....

Saturday morning was the River City Run (where last year daddy had a PR), but due to a huge Goldfish sell he was not able to run this year. The kids and I had promised Heather to help at the water station- then Sam and Penny wanted to do the fun run after the 10k was over.

Sam did really good this year (lots of improvement from last year). He came in 6th place at a time of 3:50!!!! Penny hopped in right at the end just to make her feel that she had run the race!!!

(Sam-6th, Reed-1st, Patton-5th; Good Job!!)

That afternoon Shawn, the kids, and myself headed to the next run for the weekend: Talladeage Speedway for Shawn's half-marathon and Sam's one mile run. Sunday morning we were all up and ready to go. They directed us into- the INFIELD to find a parking spot. I am not a big race car fan but this was truly cool!!! Sam and Daddy got there numbers and we quickly found a place to stay till the race began (it was really cold that morning).

Daddy's race began and we saw him pass on pit row. Then Sam's race was about to get underway - I think he was a little nervous. As soon as they started Penny and I ran to the finish line to watch him come in (this was on the real track). Once they turned the corner we spotted Sam's yellow Livestrong shirt. He was doing great. He finished in 9:28; in the top 20 runners!!!

(Daddy told Sam when he finished to hold up his hands- yes Sam does everything his Daddy tells him)

Now back to watch daddy- we found him at mile 7

The kids had time for fun during miles- Sam and Penny trying to be a race car at the start line- On your mark: Goooooo

What a photo finish!!!

back to the race-mile 11, (he last lap around the track)

and now to the finish line- 1hour and 45 (a new PR)!! My two favorite boys did a great job today!!!

(They wore Livestrong shirts in honor of Shawn's dad and Sam's papa- he has started another round of chemo and radiation- fight HARD Papa!!!)

On Thursday this week Sam had his mile run at school. They loaded up the buses first thing and went to Delano Park where it was set up just like real race- with bib numbers, start lines, and ribbons.

Sam did great -his time was 9:40 (although he was not happy with his time) but for someone that has run three races in one week and NEVER had done that before it was Good.

after the race he was hanging with his buddies

Two Good Days

The week that I was between jobs (switching from middle school back down to 1st grade) I planned a couple of special days with the kids. Tuesday was

Penny's day- we played hooky from school. We got our lunch from McDonald's and then headed to the park for a picnic and playtime. The weather was perfect, and Penny enjoyed herself very much.

The next day (Wednesday) was Sam's day. It was his 1st grade field trip to the Birmingham Zoo. I caught a ride with two other moms and we meet the bus there. After having lunch we made our way into the zoo. (Ducker's Boys)

(This is the way we found most of the animals - very lazy)

(Sam and Landon- best buddies)

It was a fun day even if Sam thinks he is a little to cool to be hanging out with mom (glad there were other moms in the same boat as me).

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was packed full with hunting eggs, Easter baskets, new clothes, and a church service that was filled with lots of beautiful flowers.

Saturday the family was invited to a "huge" egg hunt- The little kids looked for eggs in the front of the house while the big kids hunted in the back. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time enjoying the company of lots of friends.

Sunday morning as usually the Easter Bunny made his way to Pennylane, to drop off two baskets full of goodies. Sam pulled out of his basket a Mighty Bean case and more Mighty Beans, PJ's, and lots of candy. Penny found in her basket- clothes, pom-poms, stickers, chalk, and her very own candy.

The sun was out and Easter was turning into a beautiful day- off to Church we go with Sam and Penny in their Easter Best!! Sam chose a stylist white button up "Hawaii" shirt with kacki shorts. He finished his look off with brown flip-flops. Penny's outfit was purchased at Robin's Nest (Hartselle) by her Nana!! It was a Pink linen sleeveless dress with matching pants- They both looked GREAT!

As I have always said, "I love the Living Cross" that our church has ever Easter. The kids picked a few flower (maybe even a weed or two) to add to this beautiful Cross. When we enter the sanctuary the church was covered with the most beautiful flowers I think I had ever seen.

After church Sam could not get his "Church Clothes" off fast enough before heading over to Nana and Papa's house for lunch. We all enjoyed the weather by eating Outside!

Penny and Papa have a conversation= Priceless!!

Michelle's is our egg hunting house- We were two kids short this year on our Cousin Hunt (we sure missed Jordan and Patrick)but for the ones there all they thought about was that is two less that could find the Gold or Silver eggs. As they all know money is involved in this hunt!! Game On-


(Smith found the Gold and one silver/ Sam found another Silver/ Callie found the most- well for Patton and Penny better luck next year!!!)

Way to Go- Sam!!

Sam's team (cubs) played against the Braves last night. Sam played in left field and did a great job- he stopped lots of balls when they were hit to the outfield. When he was up to bat he had a hit everytime. The last inning they let Sam play pitcher position- He stopped a ball and threw it to first base to make an out (this batter has not been thrown out all year!!) We did not win the game (well kinda got blown out 18-8). Although, Sam had a wonderful night- and was rewarded by receiving the GAME BALL!!! I was a pretty, proud MOM. Way to Go -SAM!!

School Egg Hunts

I got to attend Penny and Sam's egg hunt this year!!

Penny's was on Thursday- They had lots of fun.




Sam's was on Friday- I surprised him with lunch and then helped Miss. Ducker hide over 300 eggs!!