August 19, 2017

I had a total of three goals for the day.

Run Fourteen Miles.

Take My Kids Swimming.

Go on a Date with my Husband.

I woke up early, got on my running gear, my headlamp, my belt with two water bottles, strapped on a bottle of frozen red Gatorade, ate a packet of GU (packed another one in my pack), took some Imodium (and put another one in my pack), stepped out into the darkness, turned on my music and my running app, and started off on a solitary journey.  It took me to Dixie High School, to Main Street, down to the Convention Center, all the way back across town to Lin's Grocery Store, and home.  I stopped at two grocery stores, one gas station and one bathroom at the trailhead--four bathroom stops total.  I gutted it out, took another Imodium, thought a few curse words in my head, and ran FOURTEEN miles!!  When I hit thirteen miles, I was on a straight uphill for about a quarter mile.  I ducked my head and never stopped running.  When I hit fourteen miles, I just kept running another quarter mile to my house.  It took me almost three hours (2 1/2 hours running time).  But I did it.  And it felt so awesome.  I was SO happy to accomplish my goal.

What a beautiful morning!

Hot, tired, 14.25 miles.  Mission accomplished!!

When I came in, Greg was making pancakes.  Gotta love that guy!

The Mama

Lance and Owen after a good swim. 

After a bit of a rest I took the kids out to the pool.  They all had such a fun time.  They were laughing and splashing and playing and having such a great time.  I pretty much spend my whole time working with Lance.  He is getting better at swimming, little by little.  But he sure is a wild one in the pool.  I finally brought the little kids in and made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.  I couldn't get the oldest four out of the pool so they ate their lunch poolside and kept right on swimming!  It was a beautiful, sunny day.

Austin, Julia, Miles, Emma -- so much fun!

Date Night!!

I showered and got all fixed up and Greg and I went out on our date.  We decided to go to Benja's since I'd recently gone there and really liked it.  We had a lovely quiet dinner together, slow-paced and delicious.  Greg wanted to do a little browsing through Dick's Sporting Goods, but my legs were starting to feel the exhaustion.  I sat for awhile watching him look around.  We still had a lot of fun.  Meanwhile, the kids were sending us texts of these cutest super heroes!  They were having fun at home!

Julia put the Hulk on her tummy.  Lance was in heaven.  He LOVES superheroes.

Once at home, I quickly cut Lance, Owen, and Greg's hair, showered all the kids and tucked them into bed (except for Emma who was at a party).  Then Greg and I climbed into our big, fluffy bed.  I was so happy that I had met my three goals for the day.  That is a day well spent!

Oh my cuteness!! Lance dressed up like Captain America.  He was SO happy about it.

Owen -- Ironman, Austin -- Hawkeye, Lance -- Captain America