It's Offical...I'm Running!

For those of you who didn't know, I have been training for a half marathon. I know! I can't believe it myself! But it's true....I started training January 12th. I decided to take on this challenge with the encouragement and help from my friend Jen.

I am running in the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon on August 2nd. I registered this week, so it's official!

My longest run to date is 6 miles. I have been averaging 10-10:30min. miles....(which I think is pretty amazing considering I haven't run since volleyball, 11 years ago).

Wish me luck with my training!

Grab and Run!

Oh Elsie! This is a new game she has started with us. While Jared crushes cans for recycling, Elsie attempts to get the cans. The video you are seeing is Elsie after many unsuccessful can grabs.....she is such an ornery dog! But we love her anyway!

The Family

This past week my sister Amy, brother-in-law Paul, my mom, and my dad left K.C. for some fun in the sun here in California! They arrived late Thursday evening after a 2 hour delay and car rental hassles. Although they were tired when they arrived they were troopers and stayed up to visit.

Here are some highlights form their visit!

Groundlings Comedy Theater. Some big named comedians/SNL personalities got their start here!

Saturday morning Amy, Paul, and I ran in the Placentia-"Get Fit" 5K. I finished in 28 minutes..a personal best for me!

Later Saturday we went to Laguna Beach where we had family pictures taken (not the below picture...they will be posted at a later date) and spent time relaxing in the sun.


Sunday we drove up to Los Angeles to explore Griffith Park and the Observatory. This is a cool view of the Observatory (upper left), and the LA skyline (center).

Griffith Observatory...

This is the "Foucault Pendulum". The pendulum is suspended and is in continuous motion through magnetic force. It swings in the same direction/on the same course...never deviating. Here's the hard part to wrap your brain around...the pegs pictured are secured to the ground and as the earth rotates, these pegs are slowly moved into the path of the pendulum. About ever 7 minutes a peg is knocked down.

Los Angeles skyline.

There's the Manhattan hill... No, wait, it's Hollywood!

6 in the family = cramped driving conditions.

Authentic sushi in downtown Fullerton. Was it a hit? Depends on who you ask... See below.

Not a hit.

Jared practicing his "skills" on an unsuspecting Amy. Little did she know she would hear the words: "You need glasses."

Tuesday night fun at an Angels game. Little did we know what was to come: "obstructed views", Dad starting a wave, and Paul attempting to catch a home run ball.

Dad was seat number ONE starting the wave. How many of you can say that? As you can tell, this excited him immensely.

Jared and I had a lot fun! Thank you for coming! Let's start planning your next visit :-)

Snow Shoeing!

Last weekend Jared and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went snow shoeing! We drove to Big Bear (approx. 1hr & 50min) where we rented snow shoes and an activity pass. We were told the best place to go and set out. Once we geared up, Jared and I went searching for the hiking trail. We were surrounded by the serene outdoors, tall trees, chirping birds, and a blue sky…it couldn’t have gotten any better! We hiked up many hills enjoying each other’s company. We also had a picnic on the rocks. I can’t wait to go back next year!

The drive up to the high elevations...so green!

Getting ready to begin our hike.

Jared hiking.



After our picnic.



View from the top!



Me!

Look at those cuties!

Family leaves cold Kansas and freezing Minnesota for sunny California!

Liz and Brent’s Visit

On Saturday, the first day of Jared’s spring break, we were thrilled to pick up his parents at the airport and begin their 5 day visit! We began by eating a late lunch in downtown Brea and spending quality time talking. That evening we watched a movie (I am Legend…pretty good). Sunday, we started our day by venturing to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. We saw a variety of sea species, Lorikeet birds, seals and sea lions. Next, we went to Manhattan Beach. It was a hazy, beautiful day! Monday was spent showing Liz and Brent Jared’s school. We then went to Ikea, where we spent way too much time…the boys were becoming irritated and were ready to go! Tuesday we made a great discovery…a new beach! Just outside of Laguna Beach, we explored Aliso Beach. It was gorgeous! The boulders made for a beautiful setting. We walked to shore and took many pictures. Then we drove to Newport beach to see the pier and eat lunch…this was my favorite day! Wednesday was more on the relaxed side. Liz and Brent spent part of the day pool side. That evening we ate dinner and walked around Downtown Disney.

Liz getting pecked at by Lorikeets!

Manhattan Beach


Laguna/Aliso Beach

Jenni and Chad’s Visit

When we took Liz and Brent to the airport on Thursday morning, we also picked up my cousin Jenni and her boyfriend, Chad. Once we picked them up we headed to Downtown Fullerton where we ate and got caught up. When we got back to the apartment we took advantage of the warm weather and took a dip in the pool and hot tub! Friday was spent celebrating Jenni’s 27th birthday! We played the day away at Disneyland! Happy Birthday Jenni….we are glad we got to celebrate with you!!! On Saturday we layed out at the beach (Aliso Beach….yes, the one we were just at). It was a warm beautiful day! We then went to Huntington Beach to eat lunch and walk the pier. Sunday was another warm sunny day, so we went to the pool. That afternoon we took Jenni and Chad to the airport.

The little green "creature" on the side of the cake was an experiment with a new tip...he was cute.

Cinderella's Castle

Jenni and Chad

Fantasmic...this was a really neat water and light show put to music! If you look closely you can see Micky on the stage.

Aliso Beach

Jenni and Chad...ahhh....cute!

While at Hunington Beach we were entertained by a kite show!

We were happy to have all of our guests and were sad to see them leave. Thank you for coming to see us!!! We love you guys!

I married a Smartie!

Jared just completed his 2nd quarter of optometry school and I am proud to say he received a 4.0!! Congrats babe! You deserve it!

This is a picture of one of the many new gagets Jared has purchased this year. He has fitted me with glasses using trail frames.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday! Wish we could have been there to celebrate with you! We love you and hope you had a wonderful day!