It's Scary Movie Season

 

The boys and I found ourselves alone one Friday evening a week or so ago.

We three started watching the original Halloween in separate places.

We wound up like this, reminding me of weekends with four toddlers many moons ago.

 

I'll do anything for something that might resemble a hug from them these days.

Rotary Run Charity Classic

We didn't do too bad, even though the cold mornings finally fell here in October.

We weren't close just for the picture, we were huddled until start time.

Stables

20 minutes from us in Chicago with weekly lessons available?

Yes!

I Am The Very Model

So handsome.

We are proud of you.

So funny.  He was making sure everything was in order for that photo above and came down laughing the other night.  "Look at me!  I'm a Panamanian General with all of my medals."  The baseball cap and shorts set it all off so well.

Army 10 Miler

Patric and I slipped away for a relaxing weekend in DC running the Army 10 Miler a few weekends ago. We had dinner with a friend the day before, who wisely advised: You won't win, and you won't die.  She was exactly right.

While we were away, the girls were ever industrious and helped kick off Halloween Season with a cake.

 

Nick, on the other hand, kicked off Halloween season a little differently. 

The text I received: "I think I did something to my arm."

I told him to drink some water and go to bed.  It solves most problems, even foolish ones...

And so it happened quite coincidentally that we were in DC the weekend of the Kavanaugh vote and confirmation.  We stayed inside most of that day, and we ventured out after it had all died down.

Yummie Mummies

Like McDonalds Apple Pies, only so much better.



Let Fall Begin

Since it seemed it would never go below 80 degrees in Chicago during September, the girls and I headed north to Minnesota for a quick weekend with my parents.  Where the weather did not disappoint, and we had a brief snow storm the morning after we arrived.  With a fire, football, and chili on hand, the girls settled in.

 

And my dad was a sport to take me fishing. 

Thankfully, we got that task of fishing, catching, photographing, and releasing within about 25 minutes because it was cold out there.

 

Much more comfortable.

And warm.

And relaxing.

 

Particularly since the boys had been tasked with getting me a new car back at home over the weekend. 

Nine years, 175K miles, and sedentary layers of who-know-what--it was time.

As Soon As It Started

Cross Country was over it seemed.

Elaine learned how to roll her eyes and keep pace.

 

Nick.  He told us he didn't like us cheering. We cheered anyway.  And we earned a glare for our encouragement.

 

Ben.  Not being one to roll his eyes at us or glare, we decided that he had a permanent prayer going during running with the way her ran hands laced all the time.

 

And they all made the District Finals!

Elaine was proud of herself for beating one of her friends this season.  It was her goal; she made it.

 

Ben said his goal was to never stop running.

Well done, he did it and did it well.

Nick.  The goof.  His goal was to be in the top 25 District wide.

He made the top 30.

Well son, if you set high goals for yourself, you have to work for them.  Walking during practice doesn't really train you well.  The best must train. 

 

At any rate, it was a season well run for all.