Ladybugs

It has been all ladybugs all the time around our house! Kai has taken a recent fascination with them, and will hunt through the yard for minutes at a time (OK, that's a LONG time in Kai-land) in search of these beloved creatures. It is also the name of his class at school. So, he loves searching for ladybugs, and he is a ladybug. Luckily, in our yard he doesn't have to search far. See the plant in the picture below? It's a hops plant which came with our new house. Not sure why, but ladybugs LOVE it! We call it the ladybug bush. One morning last week, we counted 55 ladybugs on this bush.

I tend to not allow him to bring insects or wildlife into the house. However, somehow this little guy ended up in his room. Probably was stuck to his clothes or something, maybe he put it in his pocket... I wouldn't put it past him! Anyway, Kai played with this little ladybug for what seemed like an eternity. In reality, it was probably only about 15 minutes, but that is a record breaking length for him to keep his attention on one thing.

Unfortunately, the little bug above met his end by falling between the wood boards of our deck. It was a heart wrenching moment for our 3 year old little bug lover. But, fortunately, he only had to walk a few feet and glance at our "ladybug bush" to find another friend!

My Little Track Star

Last week Kai participated in his first track meet. Same sort of event as what I participated in, only for kids age 1-12. He did phenomenal! He did three events; softball throw, long jump and 60m dash. He did them all with amazing confidence for his age and experience with "competition"... which would be none. He was throwing the softball farther and straighter than 4 and 5 year old boys, and the long jump... well, I'll let that one speak for itself!

He was catching some serious air! Most of the kids in his age group (1-3) would run up to the sand, stop, and hop in. Not my boy! He ran with all his might, and leapt into the sand. We have hardly even practiced this at home. Recently, he's been having fun with Joe and I making a hurdle out of our arms and jumping over it. That's really the only practice he's had at running and jumping, except of course in his everyday play.

He got a little more shy in the 60m dash, it was pretty overwhelming. Lots of parents lining the track and cheering; lots of kids running all at the same time. He still did it, and did great, but it was the only event that he looked back for me and wanted me to come with him. He definitely did best in the "one at a time"events.

We got some great video of all three events, but blogger will not let me upload them... URGH! You'll have to be happy with the picture above, it's the best shot of the night, and pretty much sums it up. Joe and I were beaming with pride, amazed at the confidence and skills our little guy is developing.

With all the track meeting, blueberry picking and playing at our park, we've been super busy lately. I've had to work extra due to our office moving locations (which is complete and my schedule is back to normal... thank goodness), and just your general summertime craziness. By the end of last week, it was starting to show. Our sweet little boy had turned into somewhat of a holy terror. Luckily, we seem to be back on track after a quiet weekend at home with just the three of us. Good thing, cause this coming weekend we've got big fun planned!!

3 Races, 3 PR's, 1 Week

Last week I did something I never imagined I could do. I ran in 3 races in one week, and I PR'd all of them! As I mentioned in my last post, on July 4th, I ran in our city's traditional Independence Day race, that was PR #1. On Thursday last week I participated in my first track meet, an "all comer's" meet put on by the track club in our city. I ran the jogger's mile, which I completed in 6 minutes and 43 seconds! Total shock! That is the absolute fastest I have ever run a mile. On Saturday I ran in the "Turkey Trot" (8K) in my brother's town. I have run it about 5 times, and always just miss getting a ribbon. Since I've been faster lately, I had high hopes of finally placing. My running legs did not let me down. I finished in 37:29 (another PR), and came in second in my division! Ahhh... what a sense of accomplishment!

Up until a couple years ago I was a very solid 10 minute mile runner. I've been getting a little faster over time, but in the past few months I have (seemingly out of no-where) gotten this tremendous need for speed! I'm really not sure what is going on, but it feels great, I feel great and I have no plan to slow down anytime soon!

Approx. half way through the trot

Crossing the finish line

Me & my ribbon!

Cousin Peter and Kai

I could not have done this without all the support of my family. Thanks to Mom and Dad, Dan and Joanna for helping with K on Saturday (and taking the great pics), and a million- trillion thanks to my dear hubby for being so supportive and helping me get my "running time". Love you all!!

Independence Day

Hope you all had a safe and fun 4th of July! We enjoyed a fun, low-key family day. The day started early with my traditional 4th of July race. I had a great race, and got a PR (personal record) for that course. I've run it (probably) 5 out of the past 8 years. It's a tough course, with the first mile being a huge hill, then down and flat and fast. I always feel like I'm going to die at the end, but can't resist doing it again the next year. It's a great community event, and I'll get my name in the paper today! Much thanks to my hubby for getting out early and bringing Kai to see me finish!

After the race we ran a few quick errands, then brought K home in attempt of nap time (note *attempt*). Nap was a no-go, so we moved on to lunch, then a little work around the house. Mid-afternoon we headed out to our favorite local farm for their free watermelon feed, and more strawberries. I think we got the last of their berries; it took us about 40 minutes to find just enough to make some fresh strawberry shortcakes. As we headed home, Kai (of course) fell asleep in the car, and ended up taking a short, late afternoon nap. Then it was dinner time; grilled hamburgers, grilled veggies (farm fresh), watermelon (farm fresh), and beans. We decided to burn daylight by taking a walk around our neighborhood, ran into some of our new friends, and they invited us to join them in their yard for marshmallow roasting and fireworks. We had a great time, although K was a little unsure of the fireworks. We came home, did our own few fireworks, washed up the boy and headed to bed.

We somehow got only one picture yesterday (I think Joe has a few more on his phone), Kai eating his pot stickers at lunch with chopsticks. Not bad for only his second attempt!

Down by the River

Last weekend we went up to P-town for a quick visit and some family birthday celebrations. My grandma turned 98 (!) and our niece turned 1. We had a great time as always with our families, and even found a few moments to enjoy the beautiful Sunday morning on the gorgeous waterfront.