Easter 2010

Alex had an Easter party one of his friends hosted.

First Place

We headed to College Station this weekend for the Armadillo Dash. I had heard that they had cool t-shirts and you know it is all about the swag, so I signed up for the half marathon and yes, they did have cool t-shirts and the stuffed armadillo made Alex very happy. I was a little nervous about the half because I had just run the Austin Half a few weeks earlier and it took a lot out of me and I really had shaved a lot of minutes off of my first half so I felt I had to get another PR for the Armadillo as well. Lots of pressure that I have only myself to blame. The race went very well, despite the very boring course (lots of highway and a little neighbourhood tour) I ran well and felt fairly good till about mile 11 which is where I lost a little of my time but nonetheless finished in a PR of 1:49:21. It was also such a thrill to have Jay and Alex there at the finish line to see me cross. To top it all off I actually received first place for my age division which might have been a fluke but it made me quite proud of myself anyway. Going home with a first place trophy doesn't happen very often and more than likely will not happen again. Note the sign, it wasn't made for me but I claimed it anyway.

Texas Days at School

We celebrated Texas Independence Day this week at Alex's school. They had a chili luncheon and lots of games. Alex really liked the hay ride, horse ride (even though he doesn't really look it in the picture), and the shooting gallery (water pistols only).

The last picture is one he took himself in his room of all his favourite animals.

For the Gold

We headed to San Antonio to watch the gold medal game with our great friends Dan and Debbie and Debbie's mum and dad who were visiting from Canada. Although we were one of very few people cheering for Canada (out loud anyway-several people after the game told me they were secretly rooting for Canada) we had a great time. I brought all of my Cdn paraphenalia and we all dressed in our red and whites. Needless to say a great game and great hockey!!!

Snow in Georgetown

Today we woke up to rain, then hail, then sleet and then real, fluffy, white, sticky snow!! It was the most snow they had seen here in over 10 years. Alex had to go school today but we had so much fun when he got home. We built the family of snowmen, played with the dogs, had snowball fights and generally stood in awe that we had several inches of snow here in Georgetown!! We had several people stop and ask if they could take pictures of our snow family.

Canadian Pride

This is how we roll these days with Olympic fever in our house and all around us too. Alex and I are making quite the name for ourselves with these outfits. Let me tell you if you want to make a name for yourself in a little Texas town this is how to do it. We got our sweatshirts in Canada over the holidays and Kelly (thanks so much) sent us the red hot Olympic mittens that are worn by the real Olympians. It is very cool to turn on the Olympics and see them wearing the same outfits we are. We have actually been offered money for our mittens which are even a hot commodity in Canada. Go Team Canada!!

Galveston

Although the weather was quite chilly (below freezing) we always like to explore Texas when Grandma visits. This visit we took her to the coast to see Galveston. She was quite keen to see the coast. Despite the frigid temperatures and the post Ike conditions of Galveston we managed to have a wonderful time. We rented a very cute condo right on the sea wall-the condo builiding was a bit of a dump but the actual condo was so cute, well laid out and decorated beautifully with excellent views of the water. We took in Moody Gardens Aquarium, the downtown area, a harbour tour to see the dolphins and ate some really yummy seafood.

Star of Texas

This Alex at the Bob Bullock Museum downtown Austin. We took Grandma here while she visited. She loves learning anything she can about anything!! The museum was very informative and had lots of exhibits that were actually "hands on". It was also an excuse for me to go downtown and drive the race route for the upcoming Austin Marathon.

Digging for Bones

These pictures are Alex digging for dinosaur bones in a stone. This was the greatest thing I have ever bought for him. It literally took him about 2 hours to get all the bones out and then we had to put together the dinosaur, decide what type it was, and then paint it. He had a ball. Note to self: do things that will be a huge mess outside even in cold weather.

For Daddy

Jay has been away for the week and half and will not be back until next week. We wanted to show Daddy what we have been doing-so here are a few pictures of what we get up to while you are away Daddy!! We miss you Daddy.

In the Tree

Alex in the tree in the front yard. Alex's newest game involves bringing a few of his animals out the front tree and we play animal house. Since the animals like to climb the tree Alex now must be in the tree too.

Swimming Lessons

Alex started swimming lessons this month at the rec. center. He has taken many sessions of lessons but they have all been with mum. Since turning three he can now do the lessons without me. YEAH. I do love being in the water with him and we do swim together at least 3 times a week but even in the first lesson he did so much better without hanging on to me and listening to the instructor Ms. Nicole. He now jumps in by himself, can do a doggie paddle type stroke through the hoop and does his "ice cream" scoops. He loves the lessons despite the cold water.

Toboganning

Family