Need for Speed

The girls began track this weekend. It was the entire family's induction into youth track, which sadly we did not know existed until this year.  The kids had, not-so-surprisingly different reactions to the prospect. The red-headed one was excited, she has been known to proclaim "I love running, it feels so free".  Whereas the blond one indicates that more than half-way around the track is just uncomfortable, and fails to see why this would be fun.

In the end, I think they both had a great time, and while a bit longer than anticipated, it was fun to watch them both test out the waters of the track and field events.

Natalie had incredible form for her first time in a relay.

And Linnea discovered her event - the 800m.

While they are both young and this was their first meet, if this meet was anything like the future, it's going to be fun watching them grow in this sport.  The red-headed one had an unstoppable 800m rhythm, there are no competitors in the picture for this reason.

Looking forward to the next one and watching them grow into their chosen activities.

Nexus Run: Chicago

I'm in Chicago to spend time with 40,000 of my closest friends at the HIMSS conference. While it has been busy and work filled, I was able to get out for a run this afternoon, just in time to see this...

How cool is that! Be still my heart :) This run was discovering the RiverWalk and Lakeshore Trail - so glad I did!

What a great city. 

Soon to be home again to see the family! Until then, one more pic of the Linnea boat.

Run with Me

I travel for work. Sometimes I travel, a lot.

I have two kids who are amazing, and miss me (and I them), a lot.

I run. Sometimes I run, a lot (other times...not so much)

How to remedy the travel, exercise, kid needs?  Combine them.

The purpose of this post and others in the series? To illustrate where I run, while I travel, to bring the kids along for the journey. Enjoy.

First stop? A few old runs to get us started - some incredible places:

Sydney, Australia. Amazing Run and View.

San Francisco Bay, CA

Faith is Rising

Easter is an incredibly important holiday, filled with nothing but joy. And sugar. Lots of Sugar.

Our holiday was split up a bit, with family visiting prior to the day. The kids got into the spirit with a short, but challenging egg hunt.

And while the sugar, eggs, and delicious breakfast were all wonderful, the true awesomeness of Easter is virtually unimaginable, so big and wonderful and joyous, that all you can think to say is....thank you and praise Him at church. And so we did.

Happy Easter!

Waiting on Rails

The romance of the train is not lost on us.  We gravitate towards the tracks in anticipation of the sighting of a train.  In some ways it is like waiting for spring to arrive.  You know it will come, you just don't know exactly when. Of course, with a train I suppose there is a schedule...but who actually looks at those?

Since our weather has been milder than usual, we went to a park with train rails, searching for both - the elusive signs of spring and trains.

Sadly, neither was found,  but the sun felt great.

And we did locate some "essentials"...a turtle shell and rail road ties....not sure how those will fit in with the home decor, but I know they will be incorporated somehow.

Soon spring will be here. I am looking forward to it.

Walking on Ice

This winter we have embraced the cold.  The Christmas Present from the big man in red was ice skates.  We enrolled the kids in ice skating lessons - because, let's face it, the parents from Virginia can not teach the kids in Minnesota how to skate.  Despite our best intentions, the girls stepped onto the ice, and glided as if they were made to ice skate. Granted, the continual roller blading in the summer months is suspected to have helped a bit. Here they are, day 1.

 

They have enjoyed ice skating so much that Joe purchased a pair of skates and has taken them out regularly - which has been fun for all.  This weekend we took them out for likely the last time this winter.  I think they love the winter more than I thought possible. The temp outside? 35F, you would think from these photos it was in the 50s. Nothing but joy.

Now, let's bring on the spring flowers!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Who doesn't love a good 20 hour car ride? Even better.  Who doesn't love a good 20 hour car ride with 2 kids and a dog in a sedan?  Sounds like a movie title.  We don't particularly love the drive, BUT, we do love to go visit family in Virginia. And some of us, particularly those with reddish hair, love to play the piano.

This trip was characterized by the word, "flexible", and I loved it.  Unfortunately plans changed and then rechanged due to illness; however, the more relaxed atmosphere was most welcome. Christmas started off with a box.  A big box.  One that made us suspect the grandparents had an alternative plan up their sleeves to potentially "keep" some children...hmmm.

Then all of the Norman grandkids received a gift which was a hit, literally. And no, no one shot their eye out ;)

And Natalie was able to celebrate her birthday for the 2nd time (1st time was in Minnesota before driving).

Two days later we pushed repeat, this time at Nana and Granddad's house. Seeing the anticipation on the kids' faces was priceless.

And of course, Natalie got to celebrate her birthday a 3rd time.  For all of the doubters regarding a Christmas birthday...I am not convinced she gets slighted in the least.

And of course, we were able to see almost everyone. Especially considering my Grandparent's 65th wedding anniversary party.  WOW!  65 Years.

Crazy pic shown because...well, it's much more true to life ;)

I hope Joe can feed me cake like this when we've been married for 65 years. How blessed.

We then piled back into the car and somehow magically returned in 19 hours....All in all, a fantastic trip, but it's always nice to come home. Happy New Year!