Happy Birthday to ME . . . and my girlfriends too :)

The older I get, the quicker these birthdays seem to arrive. While i LOVE everything about planning birthday parties and wrapping fun, beautiful presents for others, my birthday is something I dont particularly care either way for. Some of you may laugh , but I dont always love the attention on me :) This year, #29 fell on a Saturday and was scheduled to be a HECTIC day from the start. I was hoping to start my morning off with a breezy 20 mile "happy birthday" run, but opted to sleep in after staying up way too late the night before.

Cayden had an early morning soccer game, followed by a pizza party on the field, organized by muah! Followed by Aubrey's soccer game, another soccer game for Cayden, and then a drive to Encinitas for the start (and end) of Aubrey's final softball tournament, with plans to head to dinner with friends after, and then head home for some good quality sleep :)

To further complicate my jam-packed day, sometime in that morning, a work "ordeal" came up and my phone was ringing and buzzing, and ringing and buzzing for Bonnie to find a "fix." I made it through Cayd's first game, pulled off the soccer fiesta, figured out who to pawn my kids off with, and (just a wee bit crabby) headed to work, where I "oh so cheerfully" volunteered to spend my birthday on a plane to Orlando :) . . . I smile in case my boss decides to read this weeks post . . . I was rewarded for my willingness to go and was able to get my package on an airplane without me. I then rushed back (missing Aubrey's game) to pick Cayd up from my mom and get him to his 2nd soccer game. As I got in the car to leave my mom's, she turned to me and with a strange grin and said, "Have fun tonight!" Huh?? What did that mean?? . . . . I thought and thought and then LIGHTBULB . . . i had a pretty good guess and wasn't thrilled but continued on with my day! We made it through Cayd's 2nd game and headed to the coast to watch Aubrey's game. The girls played crappy from the start, it was freezing, Cayden was driving me wacko, and I was sitting by these annoying people from the other team so I suddenly found myself extremely crabby. I wont go into extreme details of the "melt-down" that next occurred but I am pretty sure my friends will think twice before mentioning pizza to me :) I LOVE them!!

We continued on to dinner and then back to Sarah's house for cake and "presents." I knew "something" was occurring at 930 but the friends did an excellent job at confusing my little head and before I knew it - I was in a car headed to Baskin Robbins for ice cream (after the cake) with a friend's husband . . . strange?? Yep, it was STRANGE! But Baskin Robbins again "sparked" the thought I had when my mom gave me the strange goodbye earlier that day. Just days earlier I was sitting eating ice cream with the same friend's husband (and other friends) when I casually mentioned Chippendales! Yeah, I'm an idiot!! . . . . . SO basically, there isn't more to explain. We returned to a dark house, where my suspicions were answered, and before I knew it - was blindfolded and "presented" a lovely fireman :) Below is the one and only decent picture to be shared. Honestly, I didn't know these events were so "hands-on/clothes off!" It was beyond crazy. My friends keep saying next time we will . . . . NOPE, NO WAY! NO NEXT TIME, PERIOD! I learned a valuable lesson. . . .next year when sitting in Baskin Robbins discussing "nevers" just days before my birthday . . . .a cruise with my best friends will slip out :) Wahoo, 30th birthday on a BIG BOAT :)

All Things Halloween

This year we engaged in a number of Halloween celebrations . . .

We started our celebrating with a surprise trip to Disneyland! The kids had a random weekday off school so I arranged a trip without them know where our destination was! Needless to say, they were thrilled when we arrived on Disney Way! We took Aubs good friend Jamie, who had no memories of her last trip to Disneyland. We had a long day, and tons of fun!!







The next day I hosted "Halloween" dinner club and asked everyone to arrive in costumes. I was prepared with a couple back-up costumes - sure that not everyone would follow directions, but to my surprise - all came dressed in their Halloween Holiday Best! It was a great night with friends!



And what would Halloween be without our annual trip to Bates Nut Farm?? Okay, okay. . . I am lying. Cayden informed me he had never been to the pumpkin patch. . . and searching my memory, I realized we hadnt been to Bates since he was 2. Our recent "Perfect Pumpkin Searches" have occured in those big boxes outside Home Depot and Vons!! Go ahead, call me a terrible mom! So this year, I gave in and took them to the "official Pumpkin Patch!"




My good friend Jessica decided to throw her husband a Spooktacular Halloween Birthday Bash! It was fun to dress up like we were kids again (although some of our costumes were not "kid friendly") and much to our kids dislike, have a much needed "grown up night!"





We also attended the kid's school Halloween Carnival, carved pumpkins, and dressed the kids up for the school parade!







And then there was Halloween Day! Poor Cayden ended up sick late Friday night. We thought maybe his stomach didnt agree with all the celebrating at school on Friday, followed by a night of junk food at the high school football game. But come Saturday morning, he had a pretty gnarly fever and was definitely ill. When I told him Happy Halloween his little lip started to quiver and tears ran down his cheeks, knowing he was going to miss out in the fun of the greatest kids holiday ever! He spent the entire day in my bed with a fever off and on. He was sure he had swine flu and has heard all the news hype and kept asking me "if he was going to make it?" It was so sad.



All day I hoped he would recover enough to go out tricker or treating for just a few minutes. He was happy with that plan, but every time I asked if he wanted to get dressed - he would tell me "in a little while." It was pretty sad. I told my mom we most likely wouldnt be making an appearance at their house :( Sad for broken traditions, but what more could I do to heal this poor little one. My friends changed their plans and moved "Halloween Headquarters" to our house so Aubrey and I could join in the fun. Everyone arrived, we had dinner, and were ready to go trick or treating. Last minute (the motrin must have kicked in) Cayd decided to throw on his costume and go around our neighborhood.




I called my mom to tell her Cayd was up and we would be by! Our crew carivaned to mom and dads neighborhood and to say the least "bombarded them." The kids rang the doorbell , did the trick or treat thing, and all proceded to let themselves in. It was funny - mom was trying to name them all as they walked by her . . . and soon the living room was full!



We stayed just a minute at mom and dads and then proceded to another neighborhood to make a couple more visits. We finished the night off with dessert and apple cider and a lesson in candy sorting and trading (I'm not sure where my friends grew up where they didnt learn how to do this??) Anyways. . . we had an exciting month of October . . . the Halloween decorations will be coming down as we prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Hooray for the best time of the year!

Awesome Weekend despite my little OOPS!

Once again, I'm training for a marathon! I have no problem doing the shorter 60 minute runs during the week, but I dread the long weekend runs! Running more than 60 minutes gets SO boring! Its nice to have someone to talk to and help pass the time away! So, with a 16 mile run "scheduled" for last Saturday, I put out a Facebook plea last week for someone to join me. I knew my immediate friends wouldnt be interested (although I got many sweet offers to follow me in a car) but I thought maybe some random "Facebooker" could hook me up with someone?? I got an unexpected offer Thursday night from my sister who lives in Las Vegas to come and join me. I promised her a fun weekend of running (of course), soccer games, softball games and maybe even a meal or two. The plan was quickly made, and she was in town on Friday night. Before bed, we discussed our early morning Saturday run. . . she showed up with a little bit of an attitude - and I compromised to shorten our fun run to 14 miles (she was hoping for 8). I mapped our course out on the internet and at 530 Saturday morning with set out on our way.

Being SUPER busy the last couple weeks, I havent had a chance to talk much with my sisters. Our run was a great time to catch up and gab! We lost track of time and quickly approached our 7 mile turn around point - - - except I couldnt remember the street name and before we knew it - we were at what I remembered to be the 8 mile turn around point! The 8 miles back seemed just as quick (with exception of the last 2 miles and poor Shawnie's hurt knee) but overall the 3 hours went super smooth and when we later went back to clock our run with the car - we found we ran 16.5 miles! Way to go team KELLY!! haha

We had a quick, enjoyable weekend together . . . 2 soccer games, washed cars, relaxed in the spa, dinner at Souplantation, a VERY good Saturday nights sleep, breakfast at IHOP, a litte shopping, 2 softball gamers and it was time for Shawn to head back home. I love my sisters!!






So, the little OOPS in title you ask?? . . . . so I had my planner out today scheduling out my October and noticed the 16 mile run was not on the schedule for this last Saturday. . . we were only supposed to run 8!! OOPS!! The 16 miles are to be ran on the 17th - a date I have stuck in my head becasue it is going to be a busy one. I knew I saw the #16 somewhere! MY BAD!!
I'm counting on Shawna coming back :) or Mol flying in! I love my sisters!!

The Happiest Run on Earth?? I think NOT!

My sisters and I competed in the Disneyland Half Marathon 2 weeks ago! By now - I am sure most have seen my sister's blog and rendition of the event - So I will make this short and sweet

Basically - all they said was true . . .we had a great day at Disneyland the day before our race (probably not the wisest of choices, but still fun) . . .we had the perfect carb-smart dinner . . .got back to our hotel early to mental prep and get a good nights rest . . . woke up on time ( 430am) and made our way to the starting line! We were ready for this to be over!





I was well trained and ready to go! We wanted to finish the race together and discussed our options the night before if "someone" decided to give up or get grumpy. I was the one OBSESSED with finishing this race in under 2 hours and took on the role as "team leader" (or maybe just bossy big sister)! I had the mile times mapped out in permanent marker on my forearm and was going to lead us to success. :) . . . Yeah . . . that was the plan at least! We wove in and out of "running traffic" like crazy, and somehow missed our first mile time by 20 seconds! I let the girls know we were "way" behind and took off . . . at mile 2 - we were still off, and by mile 3, I learned that Sharpie Permanent Markers aren't so permanent on the forearm when mixed with sweat! My anticipated mile times were now just a giant smudge mark! I was pretty bummed, and told the girls I was fine not making the 2 hour mark. We found a steady pace, and ran on together (and were now "allowed" to stop along the course and pose for picts - which makes me super happy now)!

By mile 5, I was dead! On any given practice day - 5 miles was basically an easy run . . .and here I was not sure how I was possibly going to complete another 8! At this point - Molly (the "someone" we expected to give up or get grumpy) was in the lead and pulling Shawn and I along. For the remainder of the race - this was basically our placement! Molly . . . .Shawna . . . .and Bonnie, as the caboose! In the end - it was Molly who had an amazing race and could have most definitely ditched her "well trained" sisters and gotten the much anticipated time! They both pulled me along, and together we crossed the finish line ( actually, I may have crossed first, oops) and finished our race at 2:09:22! My bummer time was quickly replaced with happiness knowing we were done! Oh well . . . there is always next race :)

2,749th place out of 11,643 ain't too shabby

One day she may kill me for posting this. . . but I couldnt resist :)

My Aubrey is getting older and has official entered the preteen stage of life (attitude and all)!

1st stop. . . .SHAVED LEGS!!

We went the "Nair Route" and were surprised at the stellar results!
Not much else to say, but thought I would share and shed a tear or two with you . . . I'm getting OLD!

Summertime Ends . . . and School Begins

The kids had a busy and hectic summer full of fun and adventures but I believe we were all ready to get back to the daily grind of "scheduled lives" and start school! Cayden started the 2nd grade and absolutely adores his teacher! He has had two rough years with teachers, and subs, and long term subs, and more subs (you get the picture??), and I am hoping and praying things will be super this year! I cant wait to see what the year holds for him and all the knowledge he will gain. My Aubrey started the 5th grade, and had her Last, 1st day of Elementary school :( Where did my little girl go?? We are thrilled that she has the same teacher she had last year and know her last year in elementary school will be great! Wishing my kiddos an amazing year :)

Cayden's Birthday Fun

My little Monster turned 7!! I'm still in shock and feel my baby grew up in a snap, but I am very much enjoying this big kid stage in life. He is a wild and crazy kid, full of energy and ideas. I love him more and more each day!!

So the PARTY you ask??
I had this "brilliant" idea to celebrate with a backyard birthday campout at grandma and grandpa's house. I would love to tell you I stopped with just "the idea" and took my Cayden to Disneyland, but I didnt. I planned and executed this party . . . .and next year we will be going to Disneyland :)
Boys are SO SO different than girls. I was lucky to have the help of my parents and a couple close friends - without them, I would not have survived the 17 LONG hours with 8 young boys and 3 preteen girls :) I was in over my head from the start, but Cayden had fun (or at least we think??) and I lived to learn NEVER again - So I suppose we call that success!!

Highlights included pillowcase decorating, a hike at Dixon Lake, swimming in the Kelly Lake, Campfire with mallows, bug ice cream cake, and BEDTIME (wahoo) in tents :)





The following morning we loaded the tents in the car and headed to a "Farewell to Summer Campout" with friends. I was beyond tired and not thrilled about night #2 in a tent but it turned out to be an AMAZING trip!! We ended up with 6 families and some stragglers and had lots of fun hanging out for the day! This was Cayden's actual birthday, so again we celebrated with cake and presents from mommy! He was SHOCKED and ESTATIC to receive the paintball gun he has been saving up for months to buy. He cant wait for his first "battle" but got to spend the next morning after campling shooting rocks at the campground! The kid is in heaven!!