amelia's fire station field trip

Amelia had her first field trip to the local fire station. Her class was able to climb aboard and thoroughly inspect a fire truck and ambulance. One of firefighters donned his gear and let the preschoolers check out his breathing apparatus. The field trip ended with some flashing lights and a very loud siren.

sun run

Last Sunday I finished my first 10k in Vancouver! It was a very fun, challenging and rewarding experience. Two and a half weeks before the run I started having a lot of pain and some numbness in my right leg. It turned out to be a very inflamed it (iliotibial band) and bulging disk in my back. So frustrating and disappointing when you are working so hard to improve your health. With some rest from running, painful sports massage and stretching with my new best friend (a foam roller aka 'the sausage') I was still able to participate in the run with my friends. My leg started to hurt a few minutes after starting the run but I was still able to run the entire distance. The most frustrating part of the run was the sheer volume of people (49,000) and the constant weaving around people. I'm so proud of our lil running group and look forward to our next challenge....

easter 2012

Easter Sunday started with a jelly bean trail to the Easter baskets. After some yummy cinnamon buns it was time to get ready for church. I never seem to get a family picture on Easter and I think it's the day the family is most dressed up. We were joined in the afternoon by my family for a sunny afternoon of visiting and dinner.

egg hunt

Amelia participated in our neighborhood's annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Our nine year old pre teen was too cool to join in. The weather was beautiful and such a treat after our chilly spring.

amelia's american girl

Amelia saved all her birthday money and she had enough for an American Girl doll! I have been unsure if she was ready for such a purchase but most of her girly friends have been playing with them. Yesterday was a magical day for Amelia. Four generations headed to the American Girl store and Amelia picked out a' just like me' doll. She has caramel hair and blue eyes and fair skin. She is also named Amelia and we celebrated with afternoon tea in the American Girl Bistro afterwards. It is very sweet to see her excitement and joy playing with her new doll.

vancouver {day two}

Our second day started as rainy and cold as the first. After the morning swim we walked over to the Olympic Cauldron. It was hard to see the flame during the day but I'm sure it's beautiful at night. After a yummy brunch at the hotel we took a taxi to Chinatown. Amelia wanted a 'China fan' and  that was our first order of business. She found one in the first store for $2.99 and was happy for the rest of the day. We explored the Chinese garden in the middle of the city and then made our way down to the Science Center. The kids were excited to see the Lego exhibit and Dinosaur display. The sunshine made it's appearance once we had paid our $100 admission into the Science center. Major bummer.