Sarah's Run and the Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday was a busy day for our family.  I left just after 7 am to meet up with my running partners (Lora and Amber) and we drove out to Estacada for a 10k race.  The race was called "The Best Dam Run" and the course started just outside Estacada by the dam, wound along the river, and ended 6.2 miles later in downtown Estacada.  Lora and I had been training for this run for over a year and Amber joined us about 6 months ago.  We had worked long and hard to be ready for race day and we were.  We didn't run fast by any means, but we finished and ran every bit of it (including the hill just after the 5 mile mark).  I am really proud of myself (and the other ladies) for accomplishing something so hard. Merrick started the day with a soccer game and then everybody came out to the race to support me.  Unfortunately they arrived about 10 seconds late, but it was still nice to have them there.

As if that was not enough excitement for one day, after the race we headed an hour away for a birthday party of one of Merrick's classmates.  It was at the pumpkin patch called Bauman Farms.  We had been there before but it had been a few years.  We had planned to just stay the couple of hours for the party (honestly I didn't think I would be up for much more), but I had forgotten how much fun it was.  We ended up staying until they closed 5 hours later.  The highlights included the zip line, the nut pit (think a ball pit fulled with hazelnuts), the slides, lots of mazes, and different bounce houses and pillows.  Oh yeah, and the apple cider doughnuts are amazing and not to be missed.

By the time we had dinner, baths, and were ready for bed, everyone was completely wiped out.  I think we all were asleep the moment our heads hit the pillow, well everyone except Carrigan, but that is to be expected.  She only came out of her room once though so that is a small miracle too.

Back to School Part 2

This week Carrigan and I headed back to school.  We have a busy year at the preschool this year with one class of 11 and one class of 9.  Carrigan is coming everyday with me and we are having a great time.  Last year we had some difficult times having her at the preschool, but this year she has been such a joy.  She follows the rules and routine and is just sweet.  At home we also get to spend time alone together everyday after school before Merrick gets home.  Again this also happened last year, but this year I am enjoying this special time more than I could have imagined.  Maybe it is because of an increased maturity, but I feel like we are developing a bond on a deeper level than last year.  We are only one week in but I am excited for the possibilities of the year ahead.

P.S. In case you can't read it, when she grows up she wants to be an "Erplane" pilot.

Birthdays and Back to School

We have had a busy week.  Monday was Labor day and was also Merrick's birthday.  We had already had his party a few days earlier, but he still made sure he had every minute he could planned with birthday festivities.  He did have to share the day a bit with Lincoln (whose birthday was Tuesday but was having his party that morning), but afterwards planned a day that included Dave and Busters, presents, and dinner at Panda Express.

Merrick was lucky enough to get all the big items on his birthday list this year, Disney Infinity 3.0 and a skateboard.  He was really excited and has already put both to good use. P.S. don't mind the interesting wrapping with the Christmas and Father's Day bags.

Tuesday was back to school.  I think Merrick was a little anxious about this and even though he said the first day was great, he also said it was a lot harder than kindergarten and that he didn't want to go back on Wednesday.  Of course that was not an option so he went and as the week went on things got better.  He ended up telling me that the first day was slow and hard, but the rest of the week had gone by really fast and was much better.  Hopefully he continues to feel that way.  He is also taking the bus this year for the first time and seems to be excited about that.

Back to school also means back to after school activities.  We started back up with soccer.  We had two practices this week and a game on Saturday.  We also went on Friday to the Lego store to do a Lego build with cousins.

Like I said it has been a busy week and tomorrow C.C. and I go back to school so we are officially all back at it.

Last Week of Summer- Merrick's Birthday Party

This was the last week of summer.  I have lost count of exactly what week it is since I got behind with our AZ trip, but what I do know is this was the week that we had Merrick's 7th birthday party.  Merrick chose an Olympics theme party so we headed to "Nana's park" (it is across the street from Nana and Papa's old house) when it was time for the games to begin.

The party started with flag decorating.  Each kid decorated a flag to represent the country they would be playing for in the games.

After each kid had their flag we had our first competition, hurdles.  We divided the kids into two teams.  They each had to run down, hopping over three hurdles, turn around and run back before the next teammate in line could begin.

The other Olympic obstacle was was the javelin throw.  The kids had to throw a pool noodle javelin threw pool noodle targets.

After all the games had been played, we had some Olympic snacks; Olympic torches (Cheetos in ice cream cones), Olympic rings fruits (blueberries, black grapes, watermelon, pineapple, and green apples), and of course cake (Olympic ring cake to be exact).

Presents were up next.  Merrick was very spoiled by his friends with Legos, Star Wars things,  cars, games, etc.

As the last act of the party Merrick gave each of the athletes a gold metal (Fruit by the Foot and Golden Oreos).

It was a great party and I think everyone really enjoyed themselves, I know Merrick certainly did.  I guess that is all that really matters in the end.  We were just happy to have a day to celebrate our sweet Merrick.  Our lives would not be complete without him.