In Due Time

As first time parents, we have wondered when our little one will start walking. If anyone has kept up with Kensley at all, they know that she teases ALOT, but does the real thing in her own time and on her own schedule. Well, she scheduled in walking today after she teased her first steps at a friend's, then six more with Pop a day later. A whole week later, she is moving on a regular basis!

Gift

This little present arrived at Nanna and Pop's house one day last week while we were there. Wonder who knew this would be the most PERFECT gift?!? By the way, Kensley continued to climb in and around this basket for the duration of her visit.

Marathon Man - My man!

Mike's abilities never cease to amaze me. His commitment and determination are also right up there when he really decides he wants to do something. After having lost a good bit of weight last year, Mike decided he was going to push his running even further and run the Air Force Marathon this year. That he did. Our good friends from pilot training, the Roberts, live in Dayton where the Marathon is and they housed us, fed us, and chauffeured us to various points along the marathon route. I have to say that I was really just hoping to see Mike once and then at the finish line, but when we saw him at his halfway point, I was dying to see him again and again. Josh and Mike plotted the times out as if they were mission planning, while Tracy and I ribbed their calculations - but it paid off! There were old, young, fat, skinny, experts, not-so expert, and those running in honor and/or memory of others. Now I know why people cry after these things. It isn't just bloody anatomy, dead toenails, and fatigue. It is the glory that comes with knowing you actually committed to something - for whatever reason - stuck with it, and finished it. It is knowing that you CAN. I didn't - and never, ever have a desire to pursue a marathon, but my reverence and respect for those who do is immense. I am so, so proud of Mike for so many reasons, but this has been one of the tops. He did it and he did it well! I was extremely proud to cheer him on and hope that he could reach his goals! This is at breakfast just before going to catch up with Mike for the first time. Her shirt says "Go Daddy Go! My dad is faster than yours!" We were lucky to catch up with Mike the first time. We found him as we were driving up and saw him as he made the turn back the other way. While we waited, Mike's mini entourage danced under a tree.Here he comes! YAAAAAAAY! Oh, Hi Daddy...what took you so long??? Like my shirt?Fist bumps between the dudes and Macie. This looks like it is out of Forrest Gump! He's off again! He tossed his orange peel and Cole had to tell Mr. Mike that's not what we do with our trash. Tracy, mom extraordinaire, thought it would be a good idea to get Mike balloons while we waited the third time, since we had time to kill. Orange, to match his little running outfit. Here he comes! He said this leg kicked his boo-tay. AND THE HOMESTRETCH... 'Nuff said Josh and Mike - Josh is THE definition of true, supportive friend! Woooooooooo-hooooooooooooooooooo! He did it!!! This is what it looks like to finish a marathon...he still looks good!

Sur-PRISE!

My sweetest neigbors and dearest husband conspired to throw me a party at the last minute since we will be out of town for my real birthday. (Our mail will be secure, so you can still send all the checks/money you were planning on sending me :)) It was truly a surprise and such a great opportunity to get everyone in one place and socialize. We absolutely have some of the best friends in the WORLD!

Purse-onality

Kensley looks prissy and dolled up most of the time. However, since she rarely plays with girly stuff, I didn't think she would love purses so much, either. Boy, was I wrong! Kensley is a Vera-totin' little girl and loves her Vera's as much as I love mine. It makes a mama so proud to pass on the love of purses to her daughter!