5k to do again

This morning, Jen and I ran the George Washington Parkway Classic 5k in Alexandria (we'll shoot for the 10 miler next year if we don't die running the Army 10 miler in the fall!). It was a very early morning - Jen was at my house by 6:15 and we were on the road soon there after. Normally, we have someone there to take pictures and give us moral support, but since it was such a hike and it so early, we left the boys and the kids comfortably sleeping in bed. So no pictures to document today's race, but we do have official times (Jen was incognito today as Trace Ann Green).
http://www.gwparkwayclassic.com/RaceResults/08GWPkwy5K.htm
It was a beautiful run - starting off on the George Washington Parkway, running through some of the most pretty parts of Old Town Alexandria ending up down near the Potomac on Canal Street. It reminds me of what I miss most living in the suburbs - the ease of "city" life. Living within walking distance of a variety of things to do any time of day. While, I totally love our house and our life in the 'burbs, I do think we'll be making a road trip down to Alexandria for a visit soon. And I'll definitely put this race on my list of runs to do again.

The talented one in my family

I'm incredibly lucky to have a little sister - Holly. Growing up in a military family, we moved ALOT and the one constant for us was each other. No matter where we moved, I always knew I had someone who would play Barbies with me. She's been living in Boston for the past 12 years and has my active little niece to keep up with which makes getting together tough. This month, she moved back to Virginia. I'm super excited that she is going to be closer to me...I get to spend more face to face time with her AND I get to see my niece.

In additional to moving her entire house from Boston to Virginia this month, she also found time to start a site on Etsy. Check out her site!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5817650

She is truly an amazing artist. My house is filled with "Holly originals" and I've asked her to paint chairs, boxes, picture frames for birthday, baby shower, or wedding gifts. She's currently only got one rocking chair up there right now, but check back often, I'm sure more creations will start to appear as she gets settled in her new digs!

After a long break - I'm back!

Well, after a bit of a break for tax season, I'm back. It was a busy season this year which is both a good and a bad thing. I've got 2 months of adventures that I need to catch everyone up on...so check back often for catch up posts!

A new dog in our future?

Last weekend, we dog-sat Palmer for Jen, Brandon and Alexa while they were at Disney. Andrew talked of nothing else for 2 weeks straight - Palmer was going to sleep in his bed, he was going to walk Palmer and play with Palmer. And we had to go to the pet store on Thursday to pick out a new toy and a bone for Palmer.

Friday, I picked Andrew up from Creme early and we went to go pick up Palmer to bring him to our house. In the car on the way home, Andrew decided that we should take Palmer on a long walk - good idea, right? We get home, get all of Palmer's gear settled in and get ready to go for a walk. Andrew is holding Palmer's leash when I open the garage door. Palmer takes off down the stairs, pulling Andrew who drops his leash (UGH!) - so now Palmer is loose and he's FAST! Fortunately, Palmer stops to investigate some smell in our yard, so I can capture his leash quickly. But man, what a way to start off this adventure!

After our rocky start, things settled down (as much as they can with a dog full of energy and a 4 1/2 year old boy). Andrew and Palmer played ALL DAY Saturday and Sunday except for when Andrew went to his Curiosity Zone class Saturday morning and even then Andrew did not want to go to the class since Palmer could not go with him.

I think Palmer might have been excited to go home on Sunday. He certainly had tons of attention over the weekend from Andrew - but that little guy probably needed a rest at some point and Andrew just did not give him a break! Later, Jen told me that Palmer slept all day Monday - a weekend with Andrew totally wore him out!

Now, is the Wood house going to increase by one with the addition of a puppy? Even though I think Andrew would like the concept of a dog. I don't think the Wood family is ready for a dog - there's a lot of work and attention involved and the current chaos of our household does not lend well to adding a new member - even if they are incredibly cute. However, Palmer can come for a sleepover anytime!