I Love GU!

I signed up Monday for the ACS team DetermiNation and almost instantly I was contacted by an ACS representative, Megan, as well as a running coach, Luke. I have never worked with a coach on my distance running (other than my awesome partner, Leigh) so I was a bit intimidated. Both Megan and Luke offered a huge amount of support and by Tuesday I received a thick packet in the mail containing my team running tank as well as a training packet. I was happy to see that I am right on target training wise. DetermiNation offers free coaching, clinics, and group runs. For now, I will continue to train alone but with consultation from Luke. I ran my weekly long run yesterday morning - 14 miles - and was pleased with my time and overall energy level. I have to give a little shout out for my love of GU Energy Gel!!! I tucked a few in my waistband and stashed some water bottles along my route. This was exactly what I needed to keep my energy and hydration level up. What's up for next week... 15 miles on Mackinac Island!!!

Quote of the Week: "Just remember - right, left, right, left...repeat."

The Dinosaurs Are Baaaaack!!!

The Detroit Zoo is hosting Dinosauria again this year. When the exhibit was here two years ago, Sloane sat in the stroller with her eyes covered. This year she loved every dinosaur and didn't flinch at any movement, sound, or blood that appeared. Russell was in awe too, however he was more hesitant about getting up close. He could not ask enough questions about the injured triceratops. It seems the t-rex got loose! It is always fun to spend a day at the zoo!

Am I Crazy?!?!

I have officially decided that I will be running the Detroit Free Press FULL marathon (yes, 26.2 miles) on Sunday, October 16th! I have joined the American Cancer Society's team DetermiNation and will be raising money in memory of my mom's fight with cancer. You can check out my personal page at: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY11National?px=22338134&pg=personal&fr_id=34799

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." -John Bingham

Sensational Silver Beach!

Summer is not summer without a fun-filled weekend at Silver Beach in downtown St. Joseph! While visiting, Aron was able to golf with his dad at Harbor Shores, a Jack Niklaus signature golf course, while his mom and I took the kids to the Curious Kids Museum. We also enjoyed time at the carousel, fountain, and Uncle Dave's beach! Our summer is slipping away so fast, but we are enjoying every minute!!!

Silver Beach Carousel

Compass Fountain on Silver Beach

Curious Kids Museum:
Feeding the dinosaurs and sorting food for the carnivores and herbivores.

Escaping the erupting volcano.

Working at the vet's office.

Picking and sorting the apples at the orchard.

Face painting!

Making our own electricity.

Giving the weather report.

Climbing the lighthouse.

A future astronaut?

Dance fever!!!

Catching fireflies and lighting sparklers.

What a fun night!

Ending the weekend at the beach!

3 Weeks in the Great U.P.

We have spent the last 3 weeks enjoying the beauty and fun of Michigan's Upper Peninsula! We were blessed with glorious weather which meant we all came home with summer tans. I have put together a slide show to show some of our fun and just a glimpse of the 150 photos I took. We are only home for 10 days and then we will be heading north again for more time at the cottage and a special visit to Mackinac Island! Can't wait!!!