Marathon Weekend

Right now I'm enjoying the last bits of Henry's naptime, snuggled up in bed watching Parenthood. I just started watching this show and I'm pretty blown away. It's really, really wonderful. And not wonderful in the trashy television vein I sometimes find myself in, but wonderful in its great writing and talented actors. I think I've cried at each of the episodes I've watched so far!

This weekend has been a whirlwind of go-go-go, so it's nice to just sit for a moment and relax. My cousin Matt came up from Tucson on Friday night and then ran in the Whiskey Row Marathon Saturday morning. Even though Matt lived in Arizona and I grew up in NJ, we still spent a lot of time together growing up and having some funny memories. It was great to have him visit, and even cooler to be able to cheer him on while he ran. Next year Hank and I will be doing the 10K while pushing Henry, and I'm really, really excited! And on a related side note, apparently marathons make me extremely emotional. Hank was dying from laughter as I teared up no less than ten times as I watched people finish. "Oh my gosh, that man is limping! And he's FINISHING! (tears)." "Oh wow! That woman must be 80! She is amazing! (tears.)" "Ahhh Hank! Look! I think that guy is waiting for that woman so they can cross together! That is so sweet! (tears)." Tears, tears and more tears. I don't even know what came over me, but it was really bizarre...and next time I attend a marathon I'm thinking water proof mascara should be mandatory.

The rest of the day was spent walking around downtown and enjoying some beautiful weather. Then this morning we met family for brunch then hiked up and down Thumb Butte which was a lot of fun. All in all, it's been a very great but long weekend! Now we're about to cook some dinner- orange "chicken" and broccoli- and then I'm counting on a laid-back evening.  Tomorrow morning the gym calls bright and early so I'll be curling up with the AMAZING book I'm reading right now (more on this later) and getting to sleep early.

Here are a handful photos from our weekend -

An Afternoon with Friends

Today a few of my girlfriends and their little ones made the drive up from Phoenix to come hang out with Henry and me. We had big plans: a pizza lunch at Bill's, running around the square, and hopes of ending our afternoon with cupcakes. We somehow managed to accomplish everything on our to-do list and also fit in a stop for some coconut iced tea (my favorite).

The kids range in age which is a lot of fun- Henry is the youngest at 18 months, Layla the blondie is 21 months, curly-headed Lola Birdie is 2 1/2 and then handsome Dillon is 3 1/2! They're all so cute together but Lola and Dillon are especially darling and hold hands everywhere they go.

Today's weather was absolutely perfect- it was sunny and a bit breezy, around 70 degrees. I couldn't think of a better day to have my hot-weather Phoenician friends come up and escape their rising temperatures! I always wish all of my girlfriends lived in one place, but for now I'll settle for frequent visits like today's- we had such a great time.

Here are some photos from our afternoon -

a Friday hike

Friday's weather was perfect- sunny, warm, and Adie and I had a whole afternoon to kill, so we headed up the mountain on a little hike. I decided to take Henry in the stroller this time and it was pretty difficult to maneuver (about halfway up Adie and were rethinking this bright decision), so I don't think we'll try it that way again. But regardless it was the most beautiful day and I was happy to spend it with my sweet friend, girl-talking while surrounded by such beauty. I probably say it once a day but I LOVE where we live. To me, it's perfect, and days like Friday only remind me of this. I am looking forward to a summer filled with adventures and lots of time spent exploring our beautiful Arizona scenery.

Here are a few pictures from our afternoon-