Spring Break at Roddy Tree Ranch

During spring break this year, we spent 3 enjoyable days at the Roddy Tree ranch near Hunt, TX. Both sides of the family were in attendance as you can see, and we all agreed we can't wait to go back. Unfortunately, it was cold and rainy, but we had fun watching movies like Disney's Robin Hood, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and (my personal favorite) Some Like it Hot. We also savored big, homemade meals at breakfast and dinner each day.
One of the days we were there, some of us headed to Fredericksburg with Morgan in tow. All of his wildest dreams pretty much came true that day... everything from a pony ride to trying on wigs at the dime store to a crackers & spreads buffet to ice cream with his aunts! Not too shabby.



Morgan dictates while Pepaw doodles.

The kids wearing Gigi's sweatshirt and vest.

Here I am reading a Beatrix Potter story @ bedtime.

The pony ride...at first he said, "NO!" but ended up liking it.

Wigs at the dime store...



The crackers & spreads buffet!

Sharing ice cream at the soda fountain.

Recently...

There hasn't been a whole lot going on here since the last post. We did have a short little visit with my Dad's sister, Melena, and his Dad, Kenny. So we got the traditional "four generations" shot.
Also this week I found a little chair for the kids at a garage sale. It has been a big hit and caused many a fight as well. They both really love to sit there and read.


Emma does her quite time with her storybook Bible.

Holla!

Emma wasn't too happy when Morgan joined her...she didn't want to share the chair or the book.

Cowtown Marathon 2009

So here it is, proof that I finally did my first marathon...even though all of our readers were there in person! I just want to thank all of my family for coming out to support me in this.
It was quite a weekend...we drove in on Friday, checked into the Navy Lodge at the joint reserve base, ran down to the Expo, then headed to IHOP. Breakfast for dinner was delicious! The next morning we got up about 5:00 to head downtown amidst bitterly cold winds. By the time we made it to the starting area, I was quite shaken and admit to having second thoughts and shedding a few tears. Matt cheered me up in time to join the crowd of 1100 marathoners and many more half marathoners at the starting line.
The race itself went unbelievably well, despite some lost time at crowded port-a-potties and a little bit of tendon pain in my foot. I felt great when I saw Matt at mile 16, and still felt pretty strong at about 21.5 when I saw my parents & the kids. Despite strong winds and hills late in the course, I was able to increase my pace over the last 6-7 miles for a strong finish.

Here I am waving as we being to surge forward...

I'm headed over to hand off my jacket at mile 16.

Getting very close to the finish now...

While he waves, I pass him!

Crossing the line...

...and breaking down.

At least I got this shiny space cape.