Fall Fun

We've really enjoyed our Fall so far...time for an update!

 We've mostly had beautiful fall days...

 Garden of the God's will always be our happy place!

 The girls love the playground at the church

 Sophie is getting so big, she will go down the slide by herself now!

 Having a picnic with Avery in the playroom. She calls this a "special treat", it only happens if Sophie is asleep during lunchtime. 

 She loves playing in the cabinets!

 One of Avery's favorite things to do: Watch different worship videos on you-tube. She's a huge fan of Kari Jobe! She said her princesses were worshiping!

I love these girls!

 My dear friend, Esther. Went to the best workout class together!

This beauty just never gets old!

 Love date nights with Gabe! Before going to Esther's birthday party, we went up to Park Meadows to shop. We decided this should be our new date destination! It was SO much fun!I hadn't been to an actual mall in FOREVER, so I was a bit excited! My typical shopping location is Target simply out of convenience and it's not easy taking two toddlers to a mall. I don't even attempt it! We only live 40 minutes from Park Meadows, so now that my eyes have been reopened, I'm no longer clothes shopping at Target! A new favorite store...Forever 21!

Happy Birthday Esther! She's such an amazing woman and friend. I'm so blessed to know her!

Avery loves the red mustang in Kansas.

So much joy!

Sweet sister snuggles!

Our little Dancer

In September, Avery started dance classes. She's in a combination class with tap and ballet and so far, has loved every minute of it! It brings me so much JOY to my heart watching her dance! She's an absolute doll tap, tap, tapping and running around like a ballerina!

 

Excited for her first class!

Daddy came to watch!

 A sweet girl in her class, Amelia, took her hand to help her feel comfortable on her first day!

 She just makes me SMILE!

We can't wait for her first recital in June!

Denver Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon

On September 22nd, Gabe and I ran the Denver Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon together! Although it was a painful run for me, I will always have great memories from running this 1/2 with Gabe.  We ran together up until mile 9 and then I sent him on his way! Thankfully, we found each other immediately after I finished 10 minutes after him.

After completing a total of three 1/2 marathons and one full marathon, I have officially come to grips that my body is not meant to run long distances.  I felt great up until mile 7 and from there, the excruciating pain in my knee increased each mile I ran. After having surgery on my knee in 2003 it has never been the same. I went to see a Doctor last year and he informed me that I will need another surgery later on in life. Once I no longer have toddlers, he suggested. :)  I was very humbled to have to walk every 1/2 mile or so. I believe the Lord gently helped me forget about what others thought and simply focus on accomplishing my goal. I knew He was proud of me! It was still difficult putting my competitive self aside! So, with that said...after we finished,I told Gabe to never let me run that far again, even if I lose my mind and say I want to in the future. I will be more than happy to cheer him on with the girls next year. 

Gabe was the best running partner! He was so encouraging the entire 9 miles we ran together. 

I'm so proud of you, Gabe! You're such a strong runner and I can't wait to cheer you on next year! I know you could have gotten a better time, but thank you for sticking with me! I'm so thankful we got to run this race together, it was a blast! I love you!

 The girls went with us to the Expo the day before to get our packets.

 

Start line

 

 Mile 7

 We finished!

It was so fun to hang out together after the race, drink a beer, listen to the band and recover. But, we were ready to come home to these sweet girls!  A big thanks to my Mom for watching them while we ran. Thank you Yaya for loving on the girls!

 They loved wearing our medals!