Seawheeze Half Marathon in Vancouver

Almost  year ago I applied in a lottery to run the Lulelemon Seawheeze Half Marathon with girlfriends. I got in, they did not. Bummer.

The race was the weekend of my bday and my parents graciously offered to let me and mark go for a solo weekend.

HOLY MOLY.  That has been a while.

It was awesome.

On Friday, you check in, go shopping, do yoga, medidate, get your nails and hair done, do more yoga and race prep.

Mark went for a solo run

Then we rested and went to ONE OF THE BEST DINNERS I HAVE EVER HAD in Chinatown. WOW. WOW. WOW. As you can tell by the sneaky pic Mark took - I loved it.

Race Day was off to a bit of a bummer start. It was POURING. But, you start out, you get wet, and you move on. It is a beautiful course, the people are amazing and there is lots of fun things along the way. I loved it.

After the race we ate lunch, watch the Thorns final (sniffle sniffle), took a nap (what?!?!?!?!) and then headed to Richmond for the Night Market we read about in the NYT. So fun.

Then we had a Sunday....to ourselves.....and it wasn't rainy.

WHAT ?!?!?!?!?!?!?

We biked for three hours all around Stanley Park, saw my MOST favorite outdoor sculpture series EVER, took the ferry to Graneville Island, and had a pure bliss day hanging out. I do heart my sweet husband.

It was THE BEST birthday present a girl could ask for.

Bluenicorns Rule

Maggie's team had soccer photos.

And then they brought it.

Their amazing and incredible coach thought up to do a pyramid pose.

ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME. with the awesomeness ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?

Thorns Semi-Final

After winning the NWSL season last year, the Thorns had a bit of rough season. They had some harsh injuries, including Raso breaking her back. I think the fact that so many play for the USWNT and they are training for the World Cup throws them a bit.

So, we were thrilled when they made it to the semi-finals and they were in Portland! 

We took my dad and got nicer seats that our usual season tickets....and then....Frances's friend - who sites field side - got permission to bring our whole family down. HOLY MOLY.

The game was INSANE, over 18K fans, and they won. I will never forget it and I know neither will my girls.

Mind Maps and Poems that Capture them and Make me Proud

At back to school night Frances had a "mind map" on display. You had to start with your "true north" in what you care you about and then you loop out to the top things that bring your joy.

Henry had to write a poem and make a visual picture with ten symbols that represent him. TEAR JERKER. Especially in these times, when he picked a symbol of equality, it made me so proud and have hope for our future.

Sweet Maggie had a cute question and answer that, in my hurry, I took a picture of and now it is blurry. The part I most remember is that in the section that said "My favorite place....." She put school.

Labor Day 2018

We had a fantastic and wonderful Labor Day in Manzanita. We got to sleep, play golf, play with different friends and just enjoy the beauty. I am training for a half marathon and so I was very lucky to get to do a long run down there on the coast. Magic.

First Day of School

Somehow we have an eighth, fifth and 2nd grader.

Each kid is super excited about the start of school. They love their classes and the electives they chose and their energy, enthusiasm, and optimism for the year ahead is everything you would want for your kid :)