Foto Finish Friday

Sittin' on Daddy's new ride

Guess he approves!

Foto Finish Friday

Way up high...

On the side...

Way down low...

Too slow Joe!

See his face? He thinks he's so cool! We met this random little boy at the garden last weekend. Kai was getting bored with looking at the flowers when we approached this meadow and boy. I told him to go see if he wanted to play. He walked right up to him and asked, "Do you want to play with me?" They immediately began chasing each other in circles, playing some game they clearly knew the rules to without even talking it over. It was so cute!

slappy cakes

While visiting our families this past weekend, we had the chance to try a new (to us) restaurant called Slappy Cakes. When first hearing about this restaurant, I have to say I was skeptical. The big thing at this place is making your own pancakes. My immediate response was, "Why would I want to go out to eat someplace where I have to make my own pancakes, and keep my 3 year old away from the hot griddle??" The answer: Because it's a totally fun and unique dining experience!!

The griddle is built into the center of the table, and does not get hot around the edges (forgot the fancy name for it). I don't think it gets too hot in the center either, because our cakes cooked fairly slow and never burnt. You can choose from 4 different types of batter which come to you in a squeeze bottle, and there is an endless list of toppings and mix-ins you can add to your pancakes. Kai did so great, he never tried to touch the griddle, and even got to squeeze out his own pancake! They were so yummy, hot off the griddle, and cooked to our specifications.

The best part, since we had to wait patiently for each cake to cook, I'm sure I ate half as many as I would have if I had been presented with a plate full of pancakes. And all for a very reasonable price!

Breakfast wouldn't be complete with a monkey at the table.

Joe and his Mom, eagerly waiting to see how this all works!

Slappy cakes coming and going!

Some of our topping choices;

blueberries, chocolate chips and bacon.

For our toppings, we decided to each choose one. Grandma Sue's was pecans. Because of the latest trend in gourmet chocolates, I made a pancake with bacon and chocolate chips. Very tasty.

Our weekend away was otherwise very fun and eventful! A visit to Crystal Springs garden with my parents, date night for Joe and I (thanks to Grandma and Grandpa!), a trip to OMSI to visit Samson, and a first birthday party for my cousin! We were in town barely 24 hours and made the most of every minute!!

Foto Finish Friday

Another happy customer!

Mother's Day 2010

What a great Mother's Day weekend! I was blessed to be able to spend time with my wonderful Mother yesterday, and spent all day today with my boys! Since becoming a mother 2 years ago, I've really come to understand what being a mom really means, and have become all the more grateful for everything my Mom (and Dad) have done for me. I always think, no one can understand parenthood until they enter it!Yesterday we hosted my family for an early Mother's Day lunch. The weather was fantastic and we spent pretty much the whole time outside, kids squealing (mostly) with glee as they ran through the yard. I love having a house full of happy people!

My Mom, niece and the "cupcake tree"!

Today was pretty low key. We just hung out as a family. I enjoyed a private tour of the rhodie garden on my early morning run. Went to church, got my free coffee from Dutch Br0s. Kai gave me my gift... a nap! Attempted to plant my new raspberry plants, until the thunder and downpour. We decided outdoor activities were out, so we headed to the mall for a treat (carmel apple... my fav!), and playing on the indoor playground. After dinner we all watched Mary Poppins. Best of all... minimal whining and arguing from the little guy!

Mother's Day photo... 2010

My silly little man!

Foto Finish Friday

Here's my big finish!

Sunday was a great racing day and I did better than I would have ever imagined! The second time in my life I actually felt like an athlete. I started a blog post about the race, and I'll have to finish it one of these days!

13 miles of Memories

My half marathon, as I remember it. The night of the race I sat down and outlined this post, with a vivid memory from each mile of the race. After time, all the miles run together. I really wish I'd thought to do this earlier, with previous races. This just might become a new tradition!

1. My emotions at the start of this race really surprised me. Through training I felt somewhat disconnected and didn't feel I'd really trained that hard. I was surprised when I was on the verge of tears for the first mile, overwhelmed by the other runners, spectators and what we were all about to accomplish.

2. I came upon a man who had what sounded like $5 worth of change in his pockets. Spent the mile pondering how he could even get his feet off the ground; his pockets were loaded with so much stuff that his hips were about double their actual size. And me, with nothing on me but clothes, shoes, iP0d, and some sharkies stuffed in my pocket.

3. Caught up to the 4:15 pacer, and had to hold myself back not to pass him.

4. This was my first race where I listened to music. By this point, I was feeling really disassociated from the race and decided to turn it off. I couldn't hear the other runners, the rhythm of their running, and most importantly, I couldn't hear the crowds cheering! And yes... there were crowds!

5. Overheard the 4:15 pacer saying his pace was 9:43 minute miles, and decided I could go a little faster... buh bye!!

6. Hit the 10K maker in under an hour... way under an hour! This was approximately my half way point.

7. Realized finishing in under 2 hrs was possible, contemplated going faster, and did!!

8. Long before I reached the high school on our route, I could hear the crowds cheering us on. This was one of the advertised "best spots to watch from", so there were lots of people there! I didn't know any of them, but to me, they were all cheering for ME!! I thanked them profusely as I passed by.

9. Pancake station... uh, no thanks!

10. Caught up to the 4:00 pacer. I was starting to get a little tired, but felt like I could pass them. I knew were would break apart from the marathoners soon, so I held back until that happened. We'll just call it a "little break".

11. Reached River trail and broke apart from the marathoners. I decided to bring back the music (no spectators on this portion) and picked up the pace.

12. One more mile! Didn't even slow down crossing the final bridge! I can do it!

13. Entered Hayward field... what an amazing feeling to end a fantastic race on the track of legends. My feet hit the turf and it felt great, so I gave it all I could and finished super strong!!

Can't wait to see how the second half turns out...