Who's That Girl?

Video

Here is a little video we put together we think you will like.

Enjoy!

Prep with a 5K

As Courtney continues to prepare for her half-marathon in a couple weeks, she had a good race-day prep with an easy 5K. Now she knows what it feels like to wake up at 5 a.m., drive to the event, and run! She ran with a friend at a leisurely pace and tried out a new pair of shoes (her feet fell asleep while running). Meanwhile, Mark and the girls enjoyed free bananas, free chocolate milk, and free jumping on the high jump mat. After Courtney was finished running, the kids had a race too. Olivia ran 400 yards, and Katelee was going to run 50 yards (but she bowed out).

Free Chocolate Milk -- just milk the cow!

1st 5K Run

House of Hope Kid Runner

After the race, we stopped by IHOP to get some breakfast. Unfortunately, the place was packed. Thus, we headed home, and Courtney whipped up some delicious pancakes with blueberry compote. We all loved them!

IHOP, eat your heart out

First Bike

Olivia has been saving her money the last few months, and today she went to the store to find a way to spend it. Although Barbie was tempting, a stuffed animal swaying, and a costume called her name; she was won over by biking up and down the aisle. With her gift card and some extra money she had saved, she had enough to buy her first bike. She would like to say thank you for the gifts!

When she got home, we adjusted the bike to fit her. Then, she slapped on her helmet and bolted down the street. We weren't sure she was ever going to turn around! I'm sure the training wheels will be coming off before too long.

A walk in the dog park

2010 Feb 034, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Courtney ran 10 miles on Saturday!!! Only three more weeks until she runs in the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

It just so happened that 10 miles from our house is a dog park. So, Mark packed up the girls and Kaya and drove to the park to meet Courtney.

Kaya enjoyed running around the park. The girls enjoyed running around the park. Courtney enjoyed resting.

Time to Walk the Dog

In 2006, we left behind two dogs we owned when we went overseas. While one ended up on a farm in Missouri to run, the other was "adopted" by a friend of the family. She lived the fast life in Las Vegas for a little over three years, but she was returned to us last weekend. She was immediately bombarded by two excited little girls who lavished much attention on her. Overall, she has settled into the family, and the family has settled into having a dog again. She was very well cared for in Vegas and is a very good dog now. We are glad to have her back.

Welcome Home Kaya

Let's go for a walk!

Full Birthday Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~~ 5 YEARS OLD

The day began with a healthy breakfast from Mom (which went downhill from there). Olivia woke up to a table full of presents and flowers. Then, she slapped on her pink cowgirl boots and headed out the door to Horse World. We arrived at 9 and went on our trail ride. We were the only group there, so we got our own personal tour around the forest/swamps of Florida. We rode for one hour before returning to the stable. Olivia got to ride a quarter horse mare named KC. Katelee and Mom rode on a quarter horse named Buckshot, and Dad rode on an Appaloosa mare named Crystal. Along the trail, we did see a wild boar and a squirrel.


After the ride, we returned home to open the gifts, eat some PB&J, and eat some cake. After naps, we headed to Downtown Disney for an early dinner. We went to the Rainforest Cafe and sat right next to an elephant. We concluded the meal with a Brownie Volcano and a barrage of servers singing Happy Birthday to Olivia. We all enjoyed it!

Brownie Volcano

Future Ballerina





***FLASHBACK***
2.5 YEARS OLD

Happy Birthday

Well, it was almost five years ago (Feb 5th) that Miss Olivia was born -- 1.5 months early. She came into the world at 4.6 pounds and needing a little help with breathing. Yet, five years later, she can't be stopped. She is too smart for her own good. For her birthday, she will be enjoying her requested strawberry cake. Since she has asked for a magnifying glass for three years, we figure she must be serious about it -- so we bought her one. She also wanted a clock. Why does a five year old need a clock and a magnifying glass? I am getting flashbacks to Pinky and the Brain cartoons. The best part of her birthday will be the trip to the Horse Trail Ride though. We will be sure to take pics. Finally, on Saturday evening (late), our dog (Kaya) will be rejoining the family after 3 years. A good friend has been taking care of her, and now she is coming home. Needless to say, the girls are excited!