Happy at Home: The Short Version: Family Trip, Birthday, Run & Blizzard

I guess it takes a blizzard depositing 14+ inches of snow on my house to force me to sit down and update our blog. We are warm and dry here, and pray for God's protection over those who are not.

On to the update.

Family Trip: Texas Roadtrip Dec 27-Jan 2

First Stop: Dallas

The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. The kids LOVE this place. They spent three days water park-ing, Magic Quest-ing, and in general doing whatever they pleased.

In the hub-bub of Lu dying and trip preparations, I forgot Addie's birthday presents. So, on her birthday we sent her to Scoops for a little spa time. She thought it was the best thing to ever happen to her.

Stop 2: San Antonio

You can tell the kids really got into the Alamo.

We made it into town just in time for the boys to go to the OSU bowl game. Jackson was excited to see all the orange all over town.

The girls snuggling on the river boat tour.

Stop 3: Corpus Christi

Torpedo tots at the USS Lexington

My grandpa served on the Lexington during WWII. Jackson is pointing to his name. He was very proud to see Opa's name, picture, & jacket in the museum.

Certain parts of the day were hard for the girl to take.

Posing for a picture for Opa.

Right next to the Lexington was an aquarium. We went there. It was fun. :)

Stop 4: North Padre Island (National Park)

It was windy and cool. The kids didn't care. They frolicked in the water like it was 80 degrees out. We had fun picking up trash, finding seashells, jelly fish, and other beach treasures.

Homeward bound...a few stops along the way

That's our boy. UT Stadium, Austin

Baylor Stadium, Waco

Last Call: Birthday Party, January 9

Addie celebrated her birthday at a small party with her closest friends. It was a great day.

Cake!

Aramco Houston Half Marathon, January 30

I was as proud of this finish as my full marathon finish. I wasn't able to run a mile on Friday's 5K warm-up run, and afterward David had to help me take my shoes off while I writhed in pain. The day before the race I doubted whether or not I would be able to even START as I was in so much pain from the IT band injury. The morning of the race I KT taped my knee, took 1600mg of Ibuprofen, and pushed positive dialogue through my head. By some miracle I experienced very little pain until around mile 10. I started getting emotional at mile 11, because I knew I was going to make it to the finish...and only 15 minutes off of my pre-injury target pace. My time: 2:33. You can see me crossing the finish here. I am wearing a blue tank top & a white hat.

The day after the run was not pretty. I had a hard time getting around, but I was just so tickled that I got to finish the race.

I spent the weekend with my friend Liz, who also ran the half. After the race we craved coffee (yay, Antidote!), played with her girls (I forget how lovely it is to spend time with OTHER people's children!), and just spent time reconnecting. It was the highlight of the trip. Thanks, Liz!