Let's Talk About Six

Another Saturday, another birthday. This time it was Alex celebrating the sixth anniversary of his birth (as my dad would say). Some number of kindergartners descended on our house for this Star Wars themed palooza. We armed each kid with a lightsaber, and surprisingly, no one was injured. I heard that Darth Vader even made an appearance, but I was not around at the time to verify this.

A good time seemed to be had by all, and since nothing was destroyed, we'll consider the force to have been with us.

Thirty Six, Twenty Six...

You may remember a year ago that Shelley celebrated her 35th birthday by running a half marathon. For a normal person, that would be enough. Not so for Shelley.

For this year's Shellebration, she decided to run a full marathon (that's 26.2 miles for those of you not up on the lingo). Despite her advancing years, she ran a good strong race and finished in the top third in her bracket. Here she is crossing the finish line:



So I guess the big question now is, when she turns 37, will she run 39.2 miles or 52.4?

Hi, Five.

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Today Alex turned five. He says that being five "feels good because I am bigger, faster, and have more toys." His favorite new toy was a Blue Lightning Storm McQueen:

Pixar Cars Lightning Storm McQueen

Anyway, look for a follow-up post after Sunday when he is having his party. In the meantime, read the first comment for the previously unpublished and unfinished story of the the days leading up to his birth.

Thirty Five, and a Half

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Yesterday was a big day for Shelley. She started the day by racing in the Frederick half-marathon. She ran the 13.1 mile race in under two hours, which is better than a 9 minute per mile pace, for those of you keeping score at home.

This feat is all the more remarkable when you consider that she is now a year older than she was a few days ago. She celebrated her 35th birthday after the race by hosting a party for 50+ of her closest friends. If I am ever able to run that far that fast (which I can tell you now - not gonna happen), I am quite sure I would celebrate with some serious couch time. Not my bride. She was up and about and mingling with the guests well into the wee small hours, and was even spotted doing some dishes after everyone left. The fact that she went to bed at 9:30 tonight should in no way take away from any of that.

So, congratulations Shelley, on a race well run and 35 years well lived.

Great Mom is 92!

This weekend past, we traveled to PA to celebrate my grandmother's 92nd birthday. We had a hard time choosing a present for her since she is notoriously hard to shop for, and I figure if she has yet to acquire something in 92 years, she probably doesn't really need or want it.

Here are some party photos for your viewing enjoyment:

Princess Party Palooza

Though she turned 3 on October 28th, we just had Ella's party on Saturday. The theme, as required by law, was Princess. Guests came from as close as next door and from as far away as Virginia and Pennsylvania. A good time was had by some.

Making a Wish


A Wish Is Made


The cake takes the cake.


Alex realizes one of the main downsides of having a sister.