i'm pretending it's sunny and warm today!

we celebrated our 15th anniversary yesterday.
the kids stayed the night with grandparents last weekend and we went out for a nice dinner.
the grandparents had 7 of their grand kids sleep over that night. they are awesome. so thankful for them.
it helps that all the kids love each other, and count the days until the next visit.

we're plugging along in school.
planning a little getaway for april and then a vacation for sometime this summer.

we're thinking of going to colorado and then bryce canyon/zion. they look amazing!

photo from http://brycecanyon.com 

ps - the purple flowers from valentine's day are still alive. can't believe it!

Have you seen this?

For 2013, there are new qualifying times for Boston - 5 minutes lower for everyone.

(Still not much hope for me, unless I can register as someone in their 60's or 70's).

Age Group	Men	Women
18-34	3:05:00	3:35:00
35-39	3:10:00	3:40:00
40-44	3:15:00	3:45:00
45-49	3:25:00	3:55:00
50-54	3:30:00	4:00:00
55-59	3:40:00	4:10:00
60-64	3:55:00	4:25:00
65-69	4:10:00	4:40:00
70-74	4:25:00	4:55:00
75-79	4:40:00	5:10:00
80+	4:55:00	5:25:00

i surprised the kids this morning with a valentines day breakfast.

i had a great 4.5 mile run outside yesterday. i think i've only run outside one other time since november.
i'm such a weather wimp! the whole week looks great for running outside. so so glad not to be on the treadmill!
signed up for a 1/2 in june. 

... giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father. Ephesians 5:20
my list continues...
 
0011. pictures the kids make for us, and each other.

0012. snow that sparkles like diamonds.

0013. kids helping shovel.

0014. hot chocolate days.

0015. a clean microwave.

0016. a house full of friends.

0017. turning the calendar closer to spring.

0018. school at home in our pajamas.

0019. sisters laughing

0020. a new picture.

::a little happiness for a friday!

it's official: my 4th marathon will be twin cities! based on the reviews, i think it will be a perfect fall marathon.
the course looks beautiful!
i'll be staying with my friend amy that weekend, which will be a lot of fun. remember her?
she's the awesome friend that roller bladed and biked next to me during my long runs for chicago in 2009.
this year i think my two oldest kids will be able to bike next to me for some of my long runs, which
will be a fun way to spend some time with them one on one.

marathon decisions

chicago is $145. i think it's gone up?!
i'm also considering this one, and it's less expensive. if you've run it, i'd love to hear what you thought of it.

looks like it has some hills toward the end, but it's called " The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America."