Gardening, the Loo, and Play

So many different things happen in a few days. I should probably give them each their own post, 'cause that is just a downright weird title. But I am bunching them together, mostly 'cause I'm lazy.

I decided to allot a small area of the garden to each girl, and let them pick out a few flowers.  They also decided to include a couple strawberry plants that were already growing.  I wish I had taken pictures of their actual garden areas.... I will have to try to put that in later....

This one is a little random.... Edwin told me Natalia was pretending to be a lost cat, or something along those lines..... :)

Ok, was it just my childhood, or do most people have pictures of yourself on the toilet when you are little?  Well, we just couldn't resist.... Just too cute...

And another demonstrating how frustrating it can sometimes be.... sitting there.....

I also had to include these pictures because it is something Natalia LOVES doing: playing on the iPhone.  Especially if it involves dressing up princesses, or being able to pretend you are one.

'Cmon, Mommy, get the picture right this time! :)

Fun at Grandpa and Grandma's and the Dentist

Natalia and Tory love snuggling and listening to a good book.... especially with Grandma!

The sun came out and played a nasty trick on us: it made us think it was nice outside! Natalia was so convinced that she wanted to put on her swimsuit and play in the sand by the river.

Here are my mom and I, braving it....

And Natalia was just fine after she got her coat back on.....

And yes, we were only out there long enough for her to get her feet wet, and sand all over.

In complete OPPOSITE to my childhood memories, my girls actually get excited when it is time to go to our bi-yearly dentist visits.  They get so pampered with those movies to watch, bubblegum flavored everything, even sitting together if they want.... and so far, never a cavity.  That is probably because they also get to have their teeth sealed! So cool! I am sure I had had at least four teeth filled by the time I was Tory's age, with a root canal soon to follow.

St. Patrick's Day Footrace

AKA - First ever 5K attempt.

I was inspired to try running, something I have always hated doing because it is so incredibly boring. However, when your good friend calls to say she is going to come visit you from Texas for a weekend, and feels like running a 10K while she is there, just for fun..... well, for the first time in my life, I actually thought about running.

I had already been working out 3-4 times a week for a few months, and this, I thought, would give me another boost to keep up the good work.  So, I did it. I got on that treadmill, and walked/jogged a mile.

The next time I went, I made sure to bring my phone and earphones.  I walked/jogged again. And again. And again.

Thankfully, Edwin gave me a little nudge: I should try a 5K, before attempting this 10K business.

Enter: St. Patrick's Day Footrace

I had a few things going for me: Edwin would watch the girls for me.  He hooked me up with some running pants, and special shirt.  My friend, Carrie, was going to run as well, with her husband. I could always walk if it was just too much. :)

Tory climbing a tree before the race. She asked me to make a video of herself, detailing her climbing adventure. 

Tory imitating Sacajawea (I think), and Natalia loving on her sister.

We bumped into another friend, Kate. Natalia and Tory were SOOOO excited to get a picture with "The Cool Girl with the Red Hair".

I was surprised at how much of the race I actually did NOT walk.  I would walk a couple of minutes, then get a surge of energy (yes, I was surprised). 

Celebrating with the Reason I even did the race! Thanks for encouraging me to try, Edwin! :)

Summer!?

I still cannot believe it myself, but yes, as soon as the thermometer hit 50 degrees, it was apparently warm enough to go outside and play in the sprinklers!  I observed their happy play through the glass door, ready with the towel. I am pretty sure they were out there all of 15 min.  Grass was all over the floor and bathroom, but these smiles made it all worth it.