Run Lexie Run!!!

Since I had so much fun helping out at Lexie's school the last time, I jumped at the opportunity to help out again. This time, Lexie's teacher Mrs. Henderson was out of the class room so I had the pleasure of assisting Mrs. Kuhlman. It just so happened, I lucked out and was able to help on the same day that the Pre-school class was scheduled to "Run for Rhema". The Run for Rhema is a school fundraiser where students are sponsored to run with the proceeds benefiting the school. Needless to say, I had an absolute blast helping out and especially getting to see all of the kids run their little hearts out!

The kids were a bit disappointed to learn they would be running in the gym and not outside, but since it has been raining off and on all morning, the course set up outdoors was wet and the powers that be certainly didn't want the kids to slip and hurt themselves so made a makeshift course in the school gymnasium. They still had a great time!!


And they are off!!! There she goes!!!
Russ and Olivia were a part of the crowd to cheer on and support our little runner!
Round and round she goes!!!
One of the kindergarten classes came out to cheer on the runners.
Russ ran the last lap with Lexie. She was exhausted, but ran the whole time!
Post race celebratory popsicle. Sure did the trick!
Lexie was so excited she was awarded a medal!
Congratulations to all of the Rhema Pre-School Runners! We are all so proud of you!
Thank you to everyone that supported Lexie in her efforts to "Race for Rhema"! Special thanks to Aunt Debbie & Uncle Michael, Grandma Barbara, GG & Gpa, Granny, & Nini for your financial pledges!!!!

Marathon Weekend

Pittsburgh played host to thousands of runners for the Marathon weekend---and we were lucky enough to have one of those runners stay with us! Our friends the Schnalls, packed up 2 of their 3 kids and headed west from Summit, NJ so Meg could give the Iron City a run for its money!
It was a great weekend (minus the weather at times) filled with laughs and good times! Meg and I enjoyed the runner's expo while the guys took the kids to the Children's Museum Saturday morning. We all met up at the club for lunch, then Meg and I headed back to the house with the kids for nap time...while the guys stayed behind to play a round of golf and check out all the new gear at demo day! It turned out to be a nice afternoon so after nap time, the kids played outside and wore one another out!
Sunday morning, we meet up with Tim and the boys to cheer Meg on as she took to the grueling hills of western PA! Rain...hills...blisters...NOTHING could stop her! Congratulations Megan Schnall on your STELLAR finish at the Pittsburgh Marathon---and to all of those that participated in the event!

A view of the runners just past the 26 mile mark for the marathoners and just before the 13 mile mark for the 1/2 marathoners!

It was an early morning for the Schnall boys---good thing Gavin was able to catch a quick nap before his mommy went blazing by!
Olivia getting some love from Ryan!

Ry sporting his festive shirt!

Lexie loved helping the boys cheer for their mommy!
Gavin wide awake and ready to cheer on his mom!

Go Meg Go! The finish line is in sight!

Shortly after she finished, we met up with Meg---smile and a wave?!? After 26.2...in the rain...with major elevation changes? Seriously?? Yep--she is AWESOME!Meg with Tim and the boys!
Thanks to the Schnalls for a fun weekend...and especially to Meg for picking the Pittsburgh Marathon! We had a great time hosting and look forward to another visit VERY soon!

Signs of Spring

So what are some of your favorite signs of spring??? The sun, buds on a tree, flowers starting to bloom---no traces of snow and thawing ground are a two that ring a bell to this would be 'farm girl' as my neighbor likes to call me! I decided this year to expand my garden...just a bit. It is about twice the size it was last year! Another new addition---I decided to take a chance at growing a few plants indoors--starting from seed and transplanting. Lastly, I am doing this garden ALL organic! Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!!!


A good start on the plants
Getting the grounds prepped and ready for what will hopefully be a bountiful harvest!!!! Stay tuned for updates!
Another tell tale sign of spring....baby birds. I tried with all my might to keep knocking down the nest a robin so diligently (and stubbornly) kept building at the widow's ledge in the kitchen. It was such a mess...everyday I would walk past and see yard debris....not to mention bird droppings all over the edge of the patio. I kept taking it down--4 days in a row, but missed 1 day...ONE day, and there was a full nest---embedded into the screen with a single egg in it so I couldn't touch it! After a few more days there were 4 beautiful eggs and a great 'story' for the girls to watch. They got the biggest kick out of the "birdies".


It's time for lunch
Momma bird back with more food
Look how cute!!!

Philly Adventure

It had been a while...a really really really LONG while...since we had spent any quality time with the Houchins crew (maybe since October???). In any event, I packed up the girls and we headed out on 'an adventure' as Lexie liked to call it...our 'girl adventure'. We took to the friendly skies and our destination was Philly! While we were there, we got to visit loads of people and cheer on Becky as she took to the streets for the Broad Street Run. We had a great time and captured a few good photos!

Lexie and Molly pose for a picture!
Our silly girls...tried and tried and tried to get a few photos...but alas, this is what we got! Still pretty cute though!
Ford getting in on all the action...he's not going to let the girls have all the fun!

Lexie LOVES to slide!!!!!


Lexie, Barbara, and Molly all found their way to the top of the slide

Going down the slide.
Wheeeeeeeee!

Molly posing for a picture with Becky



Molly and Lexie hanging around at the park!


Back at Aunt Becky's, Olivia's tries to get some bubbles going.

Lexie 'scores' a goal!


Saturday morning, the girls and I found all kind of things to occupy our time while Barb took Molly to her dance and swimming lessons and Ford was at his Mommy & Me water class.

We played with chalk,
...drove a little car...

...kicked the soccer ball around...

...took turns blowing and chasing bubbles...
...and we all enjoyed the sunshine!
After everyone returned, Lexie and Molly played Candy Land---a favorite for both!

Uncle Walt is on duty! These kids just ADORE him---can't say I blame them one bit!!!


The next morning, Brad and I loaded up all the kids and headed down to the Broad Street Run so we could cheer on Becky. Though we made it down with plenty of time to spare, the crowds were so thick, we couldn't make it to the finish line in time to see her cross---DISLIKE! We managed to have a good time anyways---and the kids took full advantage of the inflatable stations!


Olivia finding her way to the top of the giant slide!

Lexie, struck with a look of fear as she nears the end of the slide and is about to run into her cousins! YIKES!


Olivia, slipping and sliding down the monster slide!
Ford's turn to try the slide with a little help from his momma! I'm not sure who enjoyed the ride more!
All the kids were anxious to take another turn.

Molly sporting her momma's medal...and an attempt a smile???
Becky congratulating her friend Jenna after crossing the finish line!
Post race picture--Congratulations Ladies!

It was great to see everyone and get to catch up. Now let's not wait another 6 months or more to do it again! :)