Nexus Run: Northampton, MA (Day 1)

Coming to Northampton, MA, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I suppose I thought being near the congestion of Boston, it would be similar. I was wrong. From the artsy decor to the colonial era architecture, it is barely similar to the congestion you may expect in the New England corridor. Not to mention the green landscape.

For today's run, I found the Norwottuck Trail, which follows an old railroad trail, making it an easy, flat run.

Many surprises on this run, one of which reminded me of my niece, Hadley.  Does she know there is a town which shares her namesake?

However, the impressive find was one which crossed the Connecticut River, a bridge over 0.25 miles in length, made with railroad trusses. Incredible.

Now to rest after this long run, which beat the major rain.

Nexus Run: Sevilla, Spain (Day 3)

Today was hot.  Well, to this Minnesotan anyway, it was hot - 83 F. Despite this un-acclimated heat, I went out for a run - attempting 6 miles.  Here are some of the things I saw:

 And while not on the run, I had to include a few interesting shots as well, taken while out for dinner.  A few from the night view of the Sevilla Cathedral - which is where Christopher Columbus is buried, and according to Wikipedia, this is also the largest Cathedral around, and the third largest church on earth - who knew?

And now, as I prepare to depart from Sevilla, Spain tomorrow, I leave with a small, seemingly inconsequential photo which caused quite the uproar.  You see, today I needed a bandaid for a minor cut.  However, since we were in Sevilla, the owner was hesitant, as apparently this is the logo for the Barcelona Soccer Team.  Quite the ordeal to obtain the bandage.

Nexus Run: Sevilla, Spain (Day 1)

My first time in Spain, I wasn't completely sure what to expect.  This morning I found the Plaza de Espana (or Spain Square) located in the Parque de Maria Luisa, which is a very large park with historical buildings.

The warmth and palm trees made for a great run, which will hopefully help to stave off the jetlag.

Until next time....

Spring has Come and Gone.

The end of activities in a season is often bittersweet.  The kids get to show off their accomplishments, life resumes to a less-intensive pace, but the kids aren't able to keep doing what they love.

And by love, I mean love. Check out this expression, completely unaware of the camera. Complete, unadulterated, JOY.

Each has their own activity they love, today we celebrated both the end to track and gymnastics.

And now we say Hello Summer!

Nexus Run: Boston (Day 5)

A few more shots from Boston. The weather was perfect! Starting in Copley Square, heading down to the Charles River and then out past many landmarks. I love that great history can be found in US cities.

Boston, the city, from a few miles away.

Springtime in the city.

And the loop ended with a great building which houses a lot of books. I think Linnea could get lost in here.

Loved the weather and the sites, but so happy to be home!

Nexus Run: Boston (Day 1)

In Boston for a longer work trip due to a conference.  Today I found the Charles River of Boston, a very nice run.  Albeit, also a run prolific with college-aged, fast runners. Which is a nice way to be humbled :)

Running in these cities has been eye-opening, you realize a beauty to the cities you never knew was there.

Raising Strength

There are so many personality types. Each one is unique and brings something new and valuable. While there are many, many wonderful types of personalities, our girls are determined and strong. I am so happy to have two very strong, independent girls.

To watch them challenge themselves on the track is one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed.

I only hope this strength and determination is grown, matured and used to help better this world.

Knowing we are not in control, and that we, as parents, only have a minor influence on their lives, I cannot wait to see how these characteristics will be honed, grown, and utilized.  Well - not completely true - I can wait a little bit :)