Who needs a "Gardener" anyway...

Spring is indeed here and with the warm weather, Memorial Day weekend is sure feeling like the kick off of Summer (actually). Yeah!!!

I couldn't resist capturing this moment of all three girls having fun helping plant the flowers. Let's just say I should have perhaps taken an "after" photo - there was quite a bit of potting soil on the front porch (thanks to Lauren "helping out"). But...we had fun and the flowers are all set to grow!

Sidenote: While planting, (Larry was out and about, not at home) and so I was supervising this project until Lauren ran into the garage. There was way too much trouble in there for her so I was closely watching her yet trying to multi-task/clean up.

I grabbed the broom and looked back. To my surprise Lauren had grabbed a can of Diet Coke (which was in a case laying in our garage). As I was asking her to put it back she said, "Mommy-a beer open!" I did a double take and here she actually OPENED up the can of Diet Coke (which is funny she was referring to as beer!) We aren't huge soda drinkers however not huge beer drinkers either...Very interesting viewpoint that she thought she'd open up a beer for me.

Maybe she thought I needed it after planting the flowers mess?!? Too funny....Then Addison and Ella walked into the garage and Addison strangely asked, "Mom-why is Lauren holding a can of Diet Coke and how did she open it?!?"

13.1 miles - I survived!

I ran my first half marathon today. It was a great experience some of my friends and I talked ourselves into after running the marathon relay together last year. While I foresee no full marathon in my future (ever)...I was hoping to run this 13.1 miles in under 2 hours. I came pretty close, 2 hours, 1 minute and 37 seconds. I was tired by the end though-whew but overall felt pretty good.

Many thoughts cross your mind in those 13 miles...I just kept telling myself, "I've got this" as people would yell, "Your half way!" and I'd think- "Only half way?" Then by 10 miles people would say, "You're almost there!" Well, not quite but it's a good positive mental building activity as physical activity. The streets were lined with cheering fans with noise makers and all sort of signs and music.

The best part was running into Lambeau Field and taking a lap around my family and friends. I got to high five Addison and Larry (who made it down to the first row.) Thanks to my cheerleading section - Larry and my girls, my parents, Tom and Jenny Baier it made the experience even better:)

Feeling good at 4 mile marker

Blowing a kiss to my girls

At the 12.75 marker running around Lambeau Field

The girls who inspired me to enter this crazy event! 

Maya-a former North High School CC teammate who rocked the full marathon!

Our Dancing Queens

The girls had their recital last night and this afternoon. Ella tap danced to "Jolly Holiday" from Mary Poppins and Addison danced a pom routine to "What Dreams Are Made Of."

Ella was SO excited when she got out on stage (in front of a entire auditorium of people) and couldn't stop giggling the entire routine. She danced though and giggled with the girl the....entire....routine! That's our Ella!

Addison had some serious dance moves (which I believe she got from her Dad-Otherwise known as, "The Night Train". It was entertaining for all of us! Ella kept asking when she gets to "go back to that place with the stage again"!