Nor Cal Cousins Renunion

 Me, Jack, Johnathon, Leslie, Brett, Janette, and Lisa

 Johnathon and me!

We FINALLY got a few of us Atwood cousins together on Memorial Day.  Leslie hosted, which worked out great because she really is centrally located between the 4 of us cousins.  We kept trying to figure out the last time we saw each other.  The last time I saw Janette was at our grandfather's funeral in '92, and Johnathon was in '97.  That's just wrong!  Another cousin was hoping to make it, but we had to change the day of the get-together so it didn't work out for her.  [We missed you, Debie!]  We had yummy rosemary kabobs and many yummy side dishes. Johnathon's guacamole was amazing!  We just chatted and laughed ... and laughed some more.  Lots of memories and lots of catching up.  I came by myself because my boys already has some plans and G had to take on-call at the hospital.  He had a great day with the boys.  When I arrived home, they were in the middle of an exciting game of Uno.  Anyway, I had a wonderful time visiting with everyone.  And, I was SO happy that I didn't hit any traffic going home!  I was gearing up for a mess, but it was clear.  We are all wanting to get something on the calendar SOONER than later, so that time doesn't slip away from us. 

J's Webelos Pins

We have been hard at work in our Webelos Den.  I am the assistant leader and we really do keep these boys busy!! There is just SO much to cover in Webelos! At our last Pack Meeting a few days ago, he earned 4 pins:  Citizen, Naturalist, Readyman, and Scholar.    J loves going to Cub Scouts and being with his friends.  We do have a lot of fun, too!!

Officially a Sophomore!

Today was N's last day of school. He finished his Freshman year! It's so hard to believe ... it kind of feels like it went by in a blur. I took this picture of him right after he got home from school today. It was pouring rain. Weird weather, I know! He had a great year, but I know he's glad to be done with all of the massive homework! Great job, Nathaniel!!

Happy 7th Birthday, T!

I can't believe my caboose is 7! He has been waiting so 'patiently' for his birthday. He wanted to open presents the night before, but we are such mean parents and made him wait!

Having his favorite breakfast (or meal, rather) ever! Nutella crepes!

Already on an early treasure hunt for his presents. He's reading one of the clues. It's so nice that he can read them all by himself now!!
He found his loot and opened them all up. He LOVES his gifts and was pleasantly surprised.

At 11, he met his buddies at this cute little art center in our downtown. They take donated items and recycle them into craft projects for kids. The boys could either make a rocket ship or an alien ship. They LOVED it!! I'm so happy that all his best buds could make it.
Here's the birthday boy with his buddies! He's so lucky to have such a great group of friends.

Later, we made the traditional birthday trip to Leatherby's. T loves the oreo milkshake. He was so happy to have his turn to stand on the chair and have everyone sing Happy Birthday to him!

Even though he doesn't like cake, he insisted on having one so that he could blow out his candles. We were still full of ice cream!! He had a wonderful birthday and he kept saying "Thank you!" That's my boy ...

I did It! 1/2 Marathon accomplished!

I always wanted one of those medals! And now I have my own!

I freakin' did it!! Painful knee and all!

Leslie and I before our run

my friend, K, did the run, too. It was great seeing her after the race!

After months of training, I actually accomplished my goal of running and completing a 1/2 marathon. Leslie and I encouraged each other during our training. At the beginning of my training, I wasn't sure if I could do it. She talked me through it and helped me along the way. I loved doing this together. She rode the train up from her home and stayed over Friday night so that we could leave early Saturday morning. We even squeezed in a pedicure on Friday night together! On Saturday, everything was so well organized with parking and shuttles. I was very impressed. It was quite windy, but it felt great out there. I loved the trail. At the beginning of my run, I felt great and was keeping my goal pace. Then, around mile 6, my knee began to give me trouble. I've been trying to nurse a sore IT band, which affects my left knee. It really slowed me down. I had to pull over to the side a few times to stretch out. It really, really disappointed me. Especially because I have worked SO hard to build up my running distance and endurance. BUT, I did run the whole 13.1 miles and I can say I DID IT!! Part of me still has a hard time believing that I did it. I remember running my first 5K and that was a big accomplishment for me. I couldn't imagine going another 10 miles! Now, here I am. I'm actually thinking of doing another 1/2 marathon. I'm hoping that I can get my IT Band healed and go for a better time. We'll see.

Thanks, Leslie, for doing this with me!!