Entries in family (516)
Running Ann Arbor
Yesterday was the day of the annual Dexter Ann Arbor run. This was my first year of running in our local race, and it was also my very first time competing in a 10K (6.2 miles). I spent most of the past two months being absolutely certain that it would at least be cold and rainy, since my first go at the Shamrock Shuffle was such a weather disaster, but as it turned out it was a beautiful day for it, with temperatures in the low 50s at the start, and a 
warming, but not scorching, sun overhead. My goal, since I was well aware of the hills involved, especially the half mile long torturer leading up to the finish line, was to finish with a 10 minute mile average, and since I was only aiming to compete with myself in this race, I can confidently say that I won, finishing with a time of 55:28 (according to my stop watch), making my mile average just below 9 minutes. That is by far a personal best, and in 
my longest race yet to boot.
But I realize that this blog isn't about me, so let me get back to the most important character involved and say that Calvin also had a great weekend. Saturday night he had a dinner party with his Grandparents O and Aunt Ann (when we arrived to pick him up the house was completely dark and they were all playing with flashlights - you can only imagine the fun he had and how often we've 
heard about it since). He also got to see his uncle Curtis and friend Julie who came for the weekend to run in Sunday's race and to share the stories of their trip to Japan (from which they returned last weekend, and if I thought I did a great job running yesterday, you should know that they both beat me, even with only a week to recover from jet lag). And yesterday we closed out our race morning with an afternoon spent at the Taste of 
Ann Arbor. I can't really say that the crowds were worth it - it seemed like one of the most poorly organized of Ann Arbor events we've attended - but the food was good and Calvin, at least, enjoyed the live entertainment while we enjoyed great beer. Grandparents, visiting uncles, and live entertainment, oh my. Visit the May 2009 album one last time for pictures from this weekend and last.
activities, family, running, summer Time. It got away from us.
We realize that we have neglected our blogging duties for some time now. We usually aim for at least one post each week, but the past two 
weeks really knocked us for a loop around here, in ways we hadn't even imagined. For one thing, we thought that hiring someone else, someone who came highly recommended, to wash and re-stain the deck would be a grand time saving idea, but that plan didn't take into account the fact that they might set our house on fire, resulting in a visit from the fire department and a week's worth of stress and worry while they hurried to fix the 
thankfully small area of damage (which, also thankfully, remained mostly outside). Of course this is exactly what happened. And it wouldn't have been nearly as worrisome or stressful if said accident had not occured the weekend before we were to host, and I do mean host, a wedding for a close friend. What goes into hosting a wedding? Well, while the contractors worked all week to fix the house and deck, I was busy cooking 
reception foods (including bliny toppings, borsch, and chocolate covered pretzels), and on Friday we hosted a small pizza party while we finished the food preparations (including assembling fruit kabobs, cubing cheeses, and making 250+ blinys, which kept us up until 3am); We housed six people, including the bride and groom, so on Saturday we ferried people around, making it to the 11am wedding, then home to pick up the food for the 1pm reception, 
after which we packed it all up again to head back home; On Saturday evening we had all the guests over for a second reception, this time a BBQ at our house, followed by movie watching and euchre tournaments; And Sunday consisted of an afternoon of Guitar Hero play, and ended in a final airport trip. Even when you are tired it is very hard to say goodbye. So. What did you all do with your Memorial Day weekend?
More pictures, of course, in the May 2009 album.
Crafting for Mothers Day
It's hard to come back to reality, even after a short weekend vacation. I got the pictures from our trip posted in the Tulip Time 2009 (that's kind of catchy, isn't it?) album, and most of our laundry is done. For Mothers Day this year I am attending a weekend paper crafters' retreat, thanks to Jon and our wonderful families, who are helping cover Calvin care during the week days. I look forward to the two days away, immersed in the wares of my hobby, but even more I look forward to coming home on Saturday, in time to swing dance in a cabaret that night, and celebrate Mother's Day with my family on Sunday, when I will receive this wonderful bouquet of crafted flowers from my favorite son.
arts & crafts, family, holidays Back in town
We are back in town following a fabulous family trip to Holland (Michigan, that is) to enjoy the Tulip Time Festival. We enjoyed lots of great sunshine and mild temperatures, a beautiful stay on the big lake with lots of walks in the sand, plenty of good food, and I even raced in the 8k (with a mediocre 45 minute time, but I was on vacation). And just as soon as I get caught up on the laundry and other waiting chores I'll come back and post some fun pictures and a more detailed account.
