Bloomsday 2009

Well I made it! I have not participated in Bloomsday since the 7th grade...its been YEARS. At the same time, the most I've ran in the last 10 years is 4, maybe 5 miles and Bloomsday is almost 8-YIKES, also a fear factor as I processed what I was getting myself in to. My friend Siri signed me up this year. I was so worried, and by the time I was signed up I knew I barely had any time to "train" for it. So when I could, I ran on my treadmill or outside with the kids in the baby jogger. Let me tell you, I don't think I can take them for runs anymore. It is so intense trying to jog and push 70 pounds while doing so...it kicks my hiney! Nonetheless Siri and I got on the bus and headed down to the race yesterday. The race started and we began to jog...and I mean a sloooooow jog(some of the speed walkers were passing us.) All the sudden we were at mile 4 and I realized that we had ran the whole way so far. I got a burst of energy and thought to myself, "I can do this," I jogged up doomsday, and away I went...at a turtles jog might I add. I really didn't care how fast I ran, but was thrilled that I ran almost all of it AND finished the race-YAY! I have to say I'm proud of me :) I'm not someone who has a runners body, or was born to run, it doesn't come easy for me. I've now been bit by the running bug and am determined to shave off at least 30 minutes of my time next year. We'll see. It was a great day, and I'm feeling fantastic, a little sore, in a good way!

Riverfront

Olivia had her first field trip this week at school. The school rented out a couple city buses to take the kids downtown. At first, of few other moms and myself decided we'd take the kids down(in our cars,) and meet the rest of the children there. I thought to myself, "there is no way I'm letting my 4 1/2 year old get on that bus without me!" After getting my arm twisted by the teacher, AND realizing I need to let go a little, I decided to let her ride the bus. A couple of my other mama friends were as concerned as I was. We walked to kids to the bus and watched it drive off. Liv looked at me a little confused when she got on without me...tear. On a side note, Olivia keeps telling Shane and I "I want to go and ride the city bus again!" She loved it! I hightailed it downtown to meet Liv at the Olive Garden for lunch. Bless all the wait staff for being so patient with around 40 little munchkins, plus their siblings and parents. It was a zoo! The kids ate, then headed to Riverfront Park. I always forget how fun that park is for kids. The radioflyer slide, the ducks, water fountain(when it's hot enough), and of course the carousel. Oh the carousel, which by the way, I cannot ride. How embarrassing. I think I need to give it another whirl. The last time I rode it it made me feel so sick, like I had major vertigo, so now I'm afraid to get back on!

It was a really fun field trip and play day. Olivia, Ella, and Isaac are like the 3 musketeers, always holding hands and palling around together when at school, it's very cute! Apparently Issac tells his mom, "Olivia and Ella are my girlfriends." Actually, Frieda(Issac's Mama, is the one in the picture with Olivia.) Guess I need to get back on the horse and over my fear of being sick on the stinking carousel!

A Little of This & That

Our mini vacation over to Seattle was fantastic! We had a great time just hanging out with two and a half of our favorite friends. The weather was PERFECT, amazing food, shopping, the zoo(although my favorite part, the butterfly tent, wasn't open,) and trader joe's. The weekend went by rather fast so there wasn't enough time for the aquarium or market which were also on our list. There's always next time...I look forward to those things when I go back to visit Shaana and her new baby girl very soon.

We had a nice Easter. Spent part of the day with Shane's side of the fam, and then migrated over to mine(which was such a small group this year. I still get a little sad since I grew up with such a BIG, close knit family. It's hard to get everyone together when we all have families of our own, etc... One of the highlights of our weekend was Shane's family visiting from Boise. They have a darling little family and Olivia always enjoys her very "girly" cousins Clara and Charlotte. The kids all had a great time.

Notice that we don't even have one picture of our family together...so sad. I'm beginning to think it might be time for professional pictures, or to have a friend take some family shots. Shane and I never seem to be in pictures together, or together with the kiddos. Guess we'll have to work on that.

Lofstedt Road Trip Necessities--I guess I should say, Kelli's necessities =)

As I was getting laundry done, packing things up, and trying to organize our trip over to Seattle...I realized that something was missing. Chocolate! For the last 10years when Shane and I hit the road, we, well, I, have to have chocolate chip cookies. So in the middle of chaos, I dropped everything to make them. Did I have the time, nope, but I couldn't stand the thought of no choco chip delights in the car with us. I'm ridiculous, if I don't have chocolate on hand, I'm in a bit of a panic(D, Laura, I know you feel my pain!) I'm an addict, seriously. My mouth will water until I find some sort of chocolate, or sweet that hits the spot. Needless to say, I'm ready for our trip. I've got LOADS of cookies, and little cans of coke. Pure bliss~

Shane knows me WAY TO WELL. He came home from work with this...

I love him! Purell and hand wipes for germies, and sweets galore. Hilarious!

Mr. & Ms. Silly

The rascals were definitely being "silly" when I was attempting to take pictures. My little busy body Nolan is always on the go, so it was a miracle that I could get a couple with him actually sitting still. I was determined to get some new pictures of them this week because they've both hit the half way mark til their next birthday. Olivia is now 4 1/2, Nolan 1 1/2--WHAT? How time flies, I keep saying that, but it's absolutely true. My babes are growing like weeds. We are patiently waiting for Spring AGAIN this year. I've always loved the 4 seasons here, but winter has really gotten to me this last couple of years. I'm so tired of being cooped up lately. Although we have had a few nice days in between the rain and snow, yup, snow. We are heading over to Seattle this next weekend and I'm praying for beautiful weather.

We Miss You Tabby!

Olivia came across this picture this morning. The one of you and Liv making cupcakes for the first time with her cupcake maker from Yaya. I was so thankful that you had the patience for that. Besides, Olivia really wanted to make them with YOU. So this morning she said~
"Mom, I want to see Tab again sometime,"
"I want to paint nails with her sometime,"
"I like her,"
"She's pretty mama and I like her hair."

You know she adores you. We miss you and hope you are doing fantastic. Sounds like Joey will be over for a visit soon. I still say a wedding in Hawaii, or Mexico! Much Love to you...and you need to get on facebook.
XXOO

Celebrating My Pooker--Happy Birthday Shane!

I feel like Shane's birthday has lasted a week. It will continue on even longer for him. He is heading down to Las Vegas this afternoon with a good friend. He's actually going down to cheer on the Zags for the West Coast Conference. Which reminds me, I'd like to give a shout out to the Wells Family for Shane's Vegas survival bag--thank you, very thoughtful, and creative. Shane especially likes the Charmin to go, and the toilet seat covers. We had a conversation with Liv explaining that Shane would be in Vegas for a few days, her response was so cute! When Shane told her that he was going to Las Vegas she said, "but why is it Lost Daddy?"

We had a nice little celebration with Shane's side of the family last weekend with burgers, beer, and chocolate cream pie. Last night we celebrated, just the 4 of us, with tortilla soup, and my Dad's famous chocolate cake(thanks Dad!) We like to keep things simple around here :") Especially with kids. Olivia did request party hats, party horns, and as many candles as Shane needed for his age--haha! This will be the 10th birthday I've celebrated with Shane, crazy how time flies! I love you babe, many blessings to you throughout this next year.
XXOO...