Oh So Warm

We made it through the run! The best part was being able to run OUTSIDE, in warm weather in January! We had a good time, tons of people (it took us 30 min. just to get to the start!) and then 2.5 hrs to run the thing. It was odd not knowing where we were going and what to expect but we went with the flow. We saw parts of Phoenix that weren't that nice but then some areas that were. I think I have been spoiled running the TC marathon - I now know why it is called the most beautiful urban marathon. The bands were fun (although we could've used a few more along the way) and the sun felt good. We did notice that we were thirsty more being in the dry heat but luckily there were plenty of water stops to help with that. The cheering section did see us 2 times but missed us crossing the finish line. We finally did find our cheering section within this huge crowd of people! One of the best parts of the race was that it was only a 1/2 marathon. Both of us have done marathons before and it had the feeling and buzz of a marathon but was only 1/2 the distance! (The marathon was going on too at the same time but they had a different route).

We ordered pizza and ate that at Travis' house. Gerrit and Abby enjoyed picking oranges off his tree in the back yard and playing with his Wii drum and guitar stuff too. Luckily we weren't there long enough for any damage!

Following pizza was a dip in the pool while the dad's watched the rest of the Cardinals football game. The water was warm yet refreshing. The hot tub was a special treat that was enjoyed by all.

Our family then headed for dinner with Adam's uncle who lives in Phoenix and the Rockne's had a little family themselves. I am back at the hotel with a sleeping child and Adam is bonding with his bro.

Tomorrow: the guys are going mountain biking at some premier park and leaving us ladies with the kiddos. I think it will be a dip in the pool and playing at a park nearby until we all meet up again at lunch. Then possibly a hike followed by dinner at PF Changs - got to visit the sponsor of the race! Tuesday we might try and squeeze in the zoo before heading on the plane back to the cold...just a few more days would be nice.

AAHHHH

We arrived to the warm temps! The flight went well, Gerrit didn't sleep but thanks to friends who gave him a 'present' to open on the plane, he was content to play with stickers most of the time. Adam put the bag of 'arsenal' in the overhead so it wasn't easy to get to all the good stuff I had brought to keep him busy. It was a very full flight so no extra room to let him roam. It was a 3.5 hr flight and all the kids did well. Abby and Olivia did sleep which was nice. Our flight was early but the line at the rental car place was long. We didn't get to the hotel till well after 10 30 - AZ time, (11 30 for us). Once we got the kids in the car they fell asleep. Gerrit didn't sleep as long as we would've liked but we can't complain. Now that I figured out the internet here I can try and keep you posted as the trip enfolds.

Looks like we are headed to the expo to get our race packets and then off to Sedona for the day - in shorts and flip flops! :)

It is only 50 right now but it feels like heaven. I know 50 is probably colder than we would normally wear shorts in, but we aren't complaining. We even had the air on in the car last night! It just feels good to NOT be cold or have that chill in the air. It is suppose to get into the upper 70s today and sunny....we might just have to stay a bit longer to enjoy this weather.....

Determined

I really should be emptying the dishwasher and getting the house in order before we leave for the weekend but I wanted to post this before I forgot:

I decided to change our bedding before we left (see, I did do something to get the house in order!) and Gerrit was playing upstairs. He saw me in our room and decided that because the bed was cleared off, it would be a good time to get on it and play. I of course told him to give me a few minutes till I was done and then he could get on the bed. Not wanting to wait, he left the bedroom and returned a few minutes later with the footstool from his room. He put it close to the edge of the bed and was able to get up all by himself! Got to give the kid credit for his problem solving abilities!

He just finished his breakfast and put his empty plate in the sink (threw it in the sink seeing he can't actually reach it to set it down - glad we use plastic!)

Kudos

I am too lazy to get the camera and take a picture but I want to give a shout out to Peg Perego. We luckily were the recipients of a high chair from my brother's family when Gerrit was born. I was pretty excited to get it because it is a very nice high chair and in good condition. Well, I broke it just before Christmas trying to close it before a party we were having. I called and was able to get a replacement part - for a 11 year old high chair! How cool is that?? While I was paying shipping, I ordered a new seat cover too. We are back in business and good to go for a long time.

How Low Can It Go?

Yep, pretty low....my thermostat in the car read - 23 this am, on my way to work! Yikes. That is darn cold. All the schools where we live were canceled the night before but not the city schools. I guess they think those kids are tough and can handle waiting for the bus with wind chills in the -40s!!! As the day progressed we did warm up to a balmy -8. Tomorrow is suppose to be just as cold but we are to get above zero by the end of the day.

A few examples of just how cold it is here:

• I ran into Subway for dinner and all the cars in the parking lot were still running and no one was in the cars
• I went to get the laundry from the dryer to fold and a turtle neck sweater was damp, I mean stiff - it was slightly frozen!
• I got a few gallons of gas this am and just my finger was numb from touching a piece of metal on the nozzle.
• The sun was out all day, I need my sunglasses on a regular basis (unlike MI when you won't need them from Oct - April).
  

I can't complain, it is always temporary but none the less, darn cold! Heading to temps that are 80 degrees warmer tomorrow night is a welcoming thought.

Drinks or Hockey?

The best part of a hockey game...the drinks!

Just kidding! This was taken by my sister in law at the Griffin's game. I had a drink, compliments of Opah and Gerrit enjoyed the straw. He looks like a pro!

Daring Dad

Gerrit woke up from his nap not very happy. Adam thought a snack might cheer him up. Together they went into the kitchen and Gerrit did not like anything that Adam offered; he wanted a donut. Surprisingly, Gerrit has learned what the donut bag looks like (guess donuts every Sat. would teach him this!) and wanted what was left in it. Gerrit had already finished his donuts, (plain cake donuts of course) but there was one of dad's left in it - POWDERED!

I could see giving him the donut, but to let him eat it in the basement was a bit daring. I didn't say anything other than he (Adam) gets to clean it up! Gerrit went to town, and was a bit more messy that Adam had predicted:

The shop vac soon made an appearance and took care of any evidence that a powdered donut was inhaled by a 2o month old!