Kids Track Night

Last week I was scrolling through my FB feed and found a neat post on the unofficial Searcy town news page.  There are track meets for kids!  A group holds track meets (and “track meet” is applied loosely, it is very informal and just for fun) for kids ages 1-13 at the Harding University track.  The kids run several little races.  There is also water and snacks, as any sporting event should have!  I registered Dean online for the next Searcy Kids Track Night - August 20th.

It turned out to be SO MUCH FUN!  Dean took off running at first and we had to corral him back to his age group.  After some stretching, they began the races!  Dean ran 3 times.  He was unsure the first race and then “won” (his words) his two other races.  We were home in an hour to take baths and go to bed.  Perfect.  It was a fun night and we can’t wait for another!

Our own little track practice on Friday morning to prepare for the "meet" on Monday night.  I wanted D to be familiar with the track and the concept of running in the lanes.  He did pretty well for his first time!  And I got some much needed exercise too!

Stretching!  The kids were grouped by their ages. 

"On your mark, get set..."

Dean's first race was going great, until he heard/saw me cheering him on!

The second race went so much better!

By the third (and our final) race, he really was getting into it. 

Snacks after the races!  Provided by a local restaurant, Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Hasta La Vista Lafayette!

On June 1st, we sold our home on Thomas Jefferson Road in Lafayette, IN!  We were able to sell it for more than we bought it for, which was a huge blessing.  We plan to pay off student loans.  Since we don’t close on our new house in Arkansas until Monday, June 4th, we will visit with family and then take our time driving to Searcy, AR.  We will keep you updated on our adventures!

Our last selfie at 3813 Thomas Jefferson Rd.

The moving truck was just big enough!

The moving truck loading up our home.

We were able to visit Patrick’s Aunts and take a swim in their pool before we left on our long drive. 

Dean's First Homecoming

Yesterday was Purdue's Homecoming Fotball game.  Dean and I walked around the the engineering fountain and down Stadium Mall with my parents, Georgia (Gigi) and Bill (Pops).  Patrick was hunting at his Grandparent's home in Winimac.  We visited all the booths the different colleges set up.  Dean scored some fun Purdue swag including a football, balloons, and a mini frisbee.  My Dad also got to introduce Dean to the Purdue All-American Marching Band.  Dad, my sister, and I are all Alums of the AAMB.  It was a fun morning!

July 18th - Visit to the Tippecanoe County Fair

On Monday, July 18th, we were able to take Dean on his first visit to the Tippecanoe County Fair.  It was sheep show day and "Pops" (my Dad, Bill) was so excited to show Dean his sheep.  The son of a family friend was showing Dad's Southdowns and won champion and reserve in the breed!  We walked around to see all the animals with Grandma Gail and Grandpa Joe too.

Dean and Daddy pet a horsey!

Petting the horsey with Grandma Gail.

Dean and Pops take a rest outside the chicken/rabbit barn.

Riding the Champion Southdown Ewe!

So soft!

Thankfully Aunt Katie arrived before we had to head home!

It was a special evening and hopefully the first of many visits to the fair!  Dean was so tuckered out he didn't even stay awake on the short drive back to our house.  He had a great time.  Maybe Dean will be a 4-Her someday!

Boilerman

Today Patrick competed in his first Olympic triathlon!  He finished in 3hrs and  7min, which was better than he predicted that he would.  It was hosted by the Purdue Triathlon Club and was called "The Boilerman". We had a lot of fun :)

It was held just down the road from our house at a private reservoir.

Patrick and I before the race!

Ready for the swim!

Back from the bike and getting ready to transition to the run.

There he goes to run a 10k!

Still running...

About to cross the finish line!

Bookshelf Remake

I bought this bookshelf at Lafayette Surplus and Salvage for $15.  I wanted to paint it and use it in my craft room.  It really wasn't too time consuming and I really love how it turned out.  The blue paint was left over from another project.  I had to purchase a primer for about $25 (which I am also using for other projects) and then found an antique white on the bargain/return shelf for only $5.  So total the project was about $45.  What do you think?

Before.

After!  It probably could have used more coats of blue, but I was done painting and ready to move it into the room!

The finished bookshelf!

Christmas 2014

Patrick cutting down a HUGE Christmas tree at Uncle Mark's.  It was tough getting it on the truck, but we did it!

It looked so incredible in our new home!

Visiting Alison, Will, & the girls in late December at their home in Eaton Rapids, MI.

Patrick putting together one of my presents, a shelf unit!

Christmas Day lunch at the Ruhl's.

Our gift to Gail was painting and fixing up Patrick's old room.  It was fire engine red but now it is a nice neutral beige color.  Here is Payrick replacing the light switch. Will taught us how to replace the electrical outlets as well.