V-a-c-a-t-i-o-n

February vacation is upon us. I really needed this vacation professionally, I was exhausted and burnt out! We started off with two days in Freeport as a family of 4. With basketball ending officially on Saturday night, I was happy to have Andy 100% with us instead of worrying about what time practice was or fielding phone calls from other coaches and parents.

We went snow tubing, swam in the pool, sat in the hot tub, went out to eat, shopping and just talked and talked. I absolutely cherish the memories and tradition we've started of staying in a hotel during break. Feb vacation is a nice treat, but it's very challenging to occupy two little girls all day when it is freezing cold outside and we aren't rich! :)

In running news, I hit kind of a lull where I am tired of using the treadmill day after day but I'm too much of a cold wuss to head outside just yet. But, I'm kicking my own butt and getting back into a running routine. In March I'll start really training for the half-marathon in July. Woo-Hoo! Andy is getting into the running game too, doing the Couch to 5k program...I'm so proud of him.

Emily is very excited about the prospect of turning 5 in about a month...and she is definitely ready to move on from preschool and into kindergarten. She is blossoming as a dancer, and just the other day asked me "Mom, when can you put me into an act-play" (her word for play). I have a sneaking suspicion that we have a budding actress on our hands...which is what I say to myself when she's having one of her more theatrical moments.

Hannah is 2. Really that says it all! She is fun loving and recently has developed a bit of a challenging spirit...but when she smiles her sweet Hannah smile it makes her terrible two moments melt away! She started taking gymnastics last month and LOVES it...jumping is one of her favorite daily pastimes!

Competition

A co-worker and I are engaged in a Nike Plus challenge. For those that don't know, you can use the nike plus system (you put it in a pair of nike plus capable shoes) to track your mileage, speed, etc. AND you can challenge others who have Nike Plus. Right now we are in a distance challenge; who can run the most in a month. This is such a great method to get you running, especially on days when you don't feel like it.

I never knew how competitive I was!! But since running has become a new identity for me, I don't want to lose! Right now I'm ahead by 2 miles...with the end date being Feb. 14th. And let me tell you, I am going to win. I'll just stay up late the night that the challenge ends and run until I win. Damn....I'm cold hearted. :)