recent happenings.

This week had an exceptional start:  meeting ROSIE!

Rosie is Chris' cousin from New Zealand who is quite possibly one of the sweetest, most wonderful people I've ever met.  And I got that from spending only a couple visits with her!  

We were lucky enough to meet her amazing sister Jenny and Aunt Lindy 5 years ago at our wedding.  And as she describes them perfectly:  absolutely lovely people.  Well said!

So far, I have met nothing but incredible people from New Zealand and even happier to call each of them family.

Although Rosie is very well-traveled, it was her first time in the States.  Haha - in the States.  That phrase always cracks me up!

She stopped through Arizona at the start of her 3 month journey traveling as a doctor in St. Lucia and Zambia.  Amazing.  She will officially be a doctor in November with the intent to ultimately be a surgeon.  And the best part?  She describes all of this in the most humble of ways.  She is truly a beautiful person and I wish her the best of luck in everything ahead!  

I so look forward to the day Chris & I take the kids to New Zealand.  It is a must!

We spent Wednesday afternoon at Ann's and had an excellent time visiting GiGi, eating lunch, napping and of course, playing!  It was such a nice visit and the kids loved every minute with Nanny. 

Unfortunately "Grandad" was at the fire station much to Avery's dismay.  She must have asked me 57 times that day "where did Grandad go?"  To which I reply "Grandad is at the fire station".  To which she says "Grandad.  Fire station.  Grandad turn the wheel.  Weeeeeee!"  I love her.

Rosie & Warner

Nana's park!

My runner!

Random thought:
   I like to think of myself as a runner.  Not a fast one.  But a runner.  And I think only because I can relate to that perfectly termed phrase:  runner's high.  I know what it is and I giddily chase after it!  (pun intended).  But since these kiddos have popped out, I'm not sure what I'm chasing other than the gummies and sippy cups flying out of the stroller.  Oh - and the fact that I am pushing a heavy stroller and 55 lbs of "kiddo".  So, these days I only ever log 2-3 miles because frankly, it's hard and a reminder that I'm not the runner I used to be.  But it wasn't until Wednesday that, thanks to Ann, I got a little time to myself.  So I ran.  SANS stroller.  And 8 miles later remembered exactly what runner's high meant.  And I also realized that running 2-3 miles with a stroller, is making me a better runner without one.  An excellent training tactic!

My little running cheerleaders on another cold morning!

This couch, literally, has my back!

Avery has continued to love preschool!  I will say, I'm noticing quickly that it's a room filled with children engrossed in the "mine mine mine" stage.  Including my little sweet pea.  Yes; I said it.  She has found a new enjoyment and obsession with "not sharing" and sometimes even hitting her baby brother.  Not liking this stage.  It happens rarely at this point but enough to know she's testing me.  Always watching me before she "makes her move".

These little tots.  They will take over the world if we let them!

 

Another day headed to preschool!

Snacking in style!

She picked up this bag and literally said "I going to town mommy!"  It took me 1 episode of Dora to learn where that came from!  Hysterical!

Some quality time at Gramzie's!  Ice cream cones, dancing and the park - a guaranteed success!  Still a little too cold for the "beach" but I know we'll be there soon enough!

Gramzie tickling Avery's "piggies"

Look familiar?  This is also the life!  ;)...

I may have snuck in a small nap.  And the very best kind!!!!