Is there really a better way to kick off the year than to do a little bit ‘o running?  These fabulous girls ran along side me to make for a lovely morning.  That’s right, it was 75 degrees today.  It was a welcome change to the teeth-chattering cold we had in Denver.

I have no idea my finishing time, but it ceased to be earth shattering by any means.  I finished and felt fantastic.  Do I see something more than a 5k in my future?…maybe.  According to my brother, I wasn’t running hard or fast enough if I finish a race feeling great and not breathing hard.  As I see it, it was an enjoyable trot in Mission Bay with wonderful company.  Ladies thanks so much for helping me start the year off right!

Will was the wonderfully supportive husband as always.  He actually got there early this time so he could snap a picture of my lightening speed through the finish.  Suffice it to say, I’m not known as “speedy.”  Too bad so many people finished ahead of me that the finish line was actually clogged for a good 30 feet or more.

1. We couldn’t find the balloon net or the big balloons.

2. The stores were sold out of confetti…so we ended up not needing the balloons anyway.

3. We told the kids around 8:04 that is was midnight

4. My brother thought it was a good idea to shake the bottle and then ask me to open it.

5. Permanent purple splotch on ceiling = not so happy mom (Sorry Mom!  Brian made me do it!)

A little while back we went to Sea World as a family and had so much fun.  Hudson is big enough to ride all of the rides and clearly enjoys every minute of it all.  I guess his face is self-explanatory.  This was a landmark voyage for us because it was the first time we left any hint of a stroller at home.

All the big rides were visited and we even got those flash pictures they take on the roller coasters to document the adventure.  No scanner to share them all with you, but I can attest to the awesome face Hudson is wearing as he cascaded down the waterfall while riding Atlantis…classic!

Do you ever have the feeling you’re in the middle of a Christmas comedy?  Every time we go to Winnemucca for Christmas the feelings surge to the surface.  I can’t help but take a step back and watch all the aunts and uncles joke as cousins dodge through a forest of legs and feet.  The cousins scramble for the door to be first in line for tubing behind the ATV.  Monopoly and and Scrabble boards emerge each night after each child is tucked in snuggly for the night.  Enough food passes through the kitchen to feed a small army.  Truly, the resemblance to a band of military troops is astonishing.  I think the count is 15 cousins and 14 aunts and uncles…all fitting comfortably in one house.  My mother and father-in-law are such good sports to sacrifice their house for the festivities.  We have had so much fun this year and are so grateful for them and everything they do to keep the family close(Matt, Kathy, Dan and Kim…we missed you).

The carols and reading of Christ’s birth on Christmas Eve was a highlight.

Even the little ones were captivated.

The blizzard that spanned Christmas Eve through Christmas Day had Negin and I rocking the leg warmers.  Thanks, Nancy!!  My legs did stay warm.

Hudson enjoyed quality time in the backyard with Goo.

Annie turned out to be quite the little snowbunny.  Hudson takes the cake with presents.  He got “Bat wings.”  Yes the little rip cord on the side can be pulled to have them pop open, Buzz Light Year style to span 5ish feet.

Last, but definitely not least, here are some of the faces of Christmas…

We had a “Take 3″ for family photos.  It seems the photos highly depend on smiling, happy people.  We went to Coronado with some of our friends and had so much fun!  Even though the day was “chilly” everyone was content.  Here is what we got!

It was extremely windy so we are all sporting the “windblown” look!

Merry Christmas!!