Olivia Grace: March 2009

Snow in March!!!???

Did I recently say it has been nice outside....if so, I lied!!!!

My first 5K Race!!!

Go Team!!

Our Recruiters!!!

Well, I cannot remember if I have mentioned it at all, but Tara recruited Shell and I to run a half marathon this year. So, beginning on January 1st, we have officially begun the training. The race we are running is the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville, TN. Mike, Tara's brother lives down there and had run it in the past, and Tara ran it last year. So, we jumped on the bandwagon this year. We started using Hal Higdon's race training and started with a 30 in 30 routine. You run thirty minutes a day (or as much as you can in the 30 minutes) for 30 days, just to get you in the routine. Then, you begin a 12 week training program, slowly increasing your long runs for the week!! So, we are getting closer and wanted to get into a small race to get us in the mindset. Once we are finished with with marathon, we plan to continue with the smaller races, just to keep us motivated.

So, today was our first race. We ran the CIDA 5K race in Peoria, on the riverfront. We met Tara and Jeff that morning, and successfully completed the race. Grandma and Aunt Jenny were alos there. We didn't win by any stretch of the imagination, however we crossed the finish line. So far with our training, we have been running this similar distance, so it wasn't too bad. But, it was nice to get the feel of how the races are run just to have an idea. So, we stayed for the passing out of the medals and door prizes (didn't win anything), and then headed over to Jenny's. She was planning to give us a nutrition 101 course to add to our traning and help balance the exercise and eating. What a good day, I feel great!

Busy, busy, busy!

Shane got home from his fishing trip on Sunday, and on Monday, I had to leave to Jacksonville for another work trip. I didn't get home until Thursday, so Friday was my day off and I spent the entire day with Olivia. We didn't get out of our jammies all day. It was such a wonderful day!!! We get so busy all the time, it was simply nice to step back and remember what it's all about. Spending the day with Olivia was so great and relaxing, and it made me realize that we don't have enough time to do it, so I need to take advantage!!!

Pekin Park!

A quick timeout for a picture!

Aunt Shell and Parker!

Peek A Boo!

Not sure what the tongue hanging out means in this one!? It makes him look ornery!

Since it was still nice outside, we weren't quite ready to take the kids home, and they weren't quite ready either. So, we stopped at the park on the way home! Miss Kaleigh has no fear at all!

Gma and Gpa Davis Visit

Our second stop of the day was at Gm and Gpa Davis's house. It was nice outside so we grabbed some lawn chairs and enjoyed the weather. The kids had a ball rolling down the hill in the backyard.

Nana and Paw Paw Visit

It's a rough life, but someone's gotta do it! Another hard day's work!

Aunt Shell and I had a wonderful day today with the kids. Our first stop for the day was Nana and Paw Paw's. And of course, they instantly bring books to Paw Paw so he can read to them! A little story time to start the day!

A little obsessive compulsive disorder....

Shane left for his Arkansas fishing trip today, and what was really neat was that they had a web cam set up so we could see him online. Olivia thought it was pretty cool to see her Daddy on the computer. So, in return, I had to send him a little picture mail to let him know what his Olivia had been doing. She is so funny...I have written several times about her lining things up, whether it be her crayons, her food, her stickers, etc. Well, today it was her outdoor toys. She took the time to either push them or ride them over to the fence and line them all in a nice row. Then, she did the same thing again to the other fence opposite the driveway. I couldn't believe...should I be talking to her doctor about this!?

Time for another haircut!

What a nice look sister!

I have been contemplating recently whether I should cut Olivia's hair!? It would kill me to do it, but it drives me...and her...crazy most of the time. It is definitely long enough for a ponytail, so that is typically how she wears it, just so it is out of her face. However, it is rather painful, for both of us to do it! She whines and cries even before I get the brush out, knowing that it is coming. So, we just do it as quickly as possible, knowing she will cry the entire time. Of course, Kathy, Aunt Shell, Nana or Grandma can do it with no problem, but for Mommy, it is torture. Hmmm...I wonder if I was like that when I was little!? No comments Mom...I realize it was awful for you too! I think having Olivia with her long hair is payback, so I officially apologize! :) However, we made it to see Angie tonight and I just had her give it a nice trim, hoping to keep the curls in it!! Maybe I will be more brave next time. Thanks Angie!

No more Motorcyle!

Just about tall enough to reach....

Take me for a ride Daddy!

I think she had more fun playing in the water, than actually helping Daddy wash the motorcycle!

Shane has recently decided to sell his motorcycle. He rarely has a chance to ride it anymore, since he drives a work van now every day. So, it was time. He hates to see it go, but did said he will more than likely own another one someday! :-) So, he got it out to wash it and take new pictures of it...and of course, he had a big helper!

Playing at Aunt Shell's!

On your mark, get set, go!!!

This is a sure fire way to win...make sure no one is in the car next to you!

Sidewalk chalk...hours of entertainment!

Weeeeeeeee!

We love that it is starting to get warmer out and the kids can play outside. We spent the afternoon at Aunt Shell's while the boys were golfing and they didn't want to come inside at all!!

Second Birthday Party!

Thanks Gpa for my new kite!

Lots of love for Paw Paw!

Of course, there is always wrestling with Gpa!

Happy Birthday Princess!

Mommy didn't know Gpa and Mel were bringing a cake, so she had two!! Just what we need!

Steve, Mel, Gpa and Ina, Aunt Jenny and Uncle Don all came over today to celebrate Olivia's birthday since they were able to come to her birthday party. So, more presents for Olivia...and more cake!!! Thanks everyone!

More Birthday Pix

My little princess...as you can imagine, she loved this dress! Thanks Aunt Jenny!

Mommy, look at my wings!

Ta da!!!!! Take a bow!

Aunt Jenny brought Tess over for the first time, so Winston had to check things out! Things were slightly different now that she was on Winston's territory!

Sweet Tess!

New Jammies

Me and my Daddy!

Olivia had so much fun playing with all her birthday gifts today...she didn't know where to start. Even at bedtime, she was still in birthday mode with her new jammies!!

My Friends!!

There are a few missing from the picture, but here are many of our friends from the party!! Thanks for coming everyone!!

Silly Faces!!!

Activity One

The first activity began on the small carpet squares. Olivia was at the front of the class showing all the other kids how to do the tricks. She thought that was pretty neat.