17 weeks to go!

This week is week one of my 17 week training program for a half marathon I've decided to do in November. I was originally planning to run in California with friends, but since we're moving, I'm going to do the DRC half marathon in Dallas on Nov. 1 - the same day as my friends' race in Cali. I'm writing this here because the biggest step for me is making it public. This way I'll be more motivated to keep up with the program because I've now told the world I'm going to do this! So, I'm counting on my friends and family to ask me how it's going, and push me to do it. No backing out!!! :)

Happy Fourth of July!!

Fourth of July we were happy to have Vickie, Jeff's mom, arrive from Texas. We enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner at Lucille's, then went to the Placer County fairgrounds to play and watch fireworks. We had a great time!

Playtime before the show

Fireworks - and pictures taken with really slow shutter speeds!

Roseville Crime Stoppers 5k

Fourth of July morning started bright and early with my last California 5k. I was determined to beat my Rocklin 5k time of 34 minutes back in April. And I did it! Yeah! I ran it in 30:26. My best 5k time yet. I feel really good about it, and was equally proud of my running mates, Kerrie (who ran it in under 27 minutes!!), Shehmai, and Annie, who both came in around the 30-minute mark as well. It was a fun morning, and I was happy to end my running spree in California on a good note. I will miss running with these friends!!

Napa Valley Salmon Run 10k

I almost forgot to post this because I didn't take pictures - I charged up our camera battery the night before and left the battery in the charger at home. Luckily my friend Shehmai shared these with me. :)

Last Sunday, June 28th, we headed to Napa Valley to run the Napa Valley Salmon run. The whole family got up early Sunday morning and drove out for the 8 a.m. race. I was really happy Jeff and the boys were there to support me. I ran a 10k - 6. 2 miles. This was the first time I had run that far since I started running again this spring.

It was a tough run. The high was over 100 degrees that day, and although it was probably just about 80 or so when we were finishing up the run, it felt like 100 already. I ran most of the way but gave myself a break at the end, and run/walked the last mile to mile and a half. It was really nice though, because I was able to slow down and enjoy the scenery along with some relaxing music that was playing at the time. I ended up finishing in 1:09:23. About what I thought I'd do, so I was pleased with my finish. I'd like to try it again sometime and push myself to run the whole time. Hopefully next time it won't be so terribly hot!

My friends Shehmai and Jessica drove up with their families and ran also. Shehmai did the 10k in 1:05, and Jessica did a 5k (her first 5k!) in 31 minutes. They both did awesome!! Great job, gals! I will miss running with you when I go to Texas, but we'll have to keep up with each other virtually!

My family came to support me. It had been a long morning for the boys, and I think Tyler was about DONE!

Getting ready to cross the finish line

Look how happy I was. Yep, I ran with a smile the WHOLE time. ;) (right!)

Tour of Fire Station 8

Yesterday our playgroup got to tour Fire Station 8 in Roseville. It was so cool. The kids loved it. We watched a fireman suit up; the kids got to check out the firetruck and even sit inside; and they got to squirt the fire hose and play in the resulting puddles. They were each given a sticker and plastic fire helmet when they left. Both boys had a great time! Colton became buddies with the fire chief, who seemed to think Colton was pretty cool. And Tyler wanted to be Fireman Tyler all day (instead of the usual Super Tyler) and wore his helmet pretty much the whole day.

Touring the station

Squirting the fire hose - even I did it!

Water play afterward

Sitting in Fire Engine 8

My surprise going away party

I was really fortunate to find an amazing moms' group the winter after we moved back to California. For over a year and a half, I've been spending time with this group and love it to pieces. This is one of the things I am truly going to miss when we leave.

Tuesday night I thought I was going out for a monthly mom's night out, and to my surprise, it was actually a going away party for me! I was really honored. They also gave me a really special gift - a photo scrapbook filled with pictures and memories from our time in the group. We had such a fun night! I had a blast - it was probably the most fun MNO I've had with the group and though it gave me great memories to take with me to Texas, it also makes me realize all the more how much I'm going to miss this group. Thank you all for such a wonderful year and a half, and thank you for such a FUN night!!! It means so much to me!

Posing for the camera at Tres Agaves

Some crazy candids

The photo book