St. Jude Music City Half Marathon

Matt and I decided last fall that we wanted to train for and run the St. Jude Music City Half Marathon.  Unfortunately, while training I c ame to the realization that my knees were not going to let me participate.  However, Matt kept strong to the training regimen and completed his first half marathon in 2 hours and 32 minutes.  Matt's mom came in town to help me with the kids so we could all go watch and cheer him on.  We were and are so very proud of him!

These runners ran the whole 13.1 carrying this chinese dragon.  I can't imagine running with one arm up for 1 mile much less 13.1

Matt turning the corner to the finish line

Ella Catherine admiring Matt's medal

Mimi and the kid's made Matt a sign.  Unfortuantely, there were so many people that Matt didn't see it until after the race

Matt ran the race in memory of our friend, Scarlet Akins, who lost her battle with Melanoma almost 6 years ago

Matt and I after the race.  Poor guy had to walk an additional 3 miles to the car after the race.

He is Risen...Celebrating with Friends

Our Neighbors and good friends, the Rosenhagens, invited us to come celebrate Easter with them and their family.  We had a fabulous brunch, the kids dyed easter eggs and ended the day with another Easter egg hunt.  This was the first time the kids dyed eatser eggs and they had so much fun.  The hardest part is always choosing what color egg you want.

Hard at work dipping their eggs

Pretty eggs

So excited!

From left to right: Carter (yep, not a fan of the picture), Ella Catherine, Libby and Shaun
All ready for the egg hunt to begin

Off and found an egg right away

Carter was still not really having any part of it

Got in a little late in the game but finally decided to participate

Where Oh Where

Where oh where did the Easter Bunny hide the Easter Baskets?  The kids had fun searching the house and the yard for their Easter Baskets.  Carter had a little difficulty keeping up with Ella Catherine.  That girl was on a mission! :)  They both eventually found their baskets and were thrilled with what the Easter Bunny had brought. 

Not back here

Behind the bushes?

In the side yard behind the new wall?

No not behind the wall

Behind the slide/play yard?

Is mine behind there?

Found my Basket

That tricky bunny, he hid my basket in my fort

A buzz lightyear!

Found my Basket

Look momma a barbie!

WOO HOO A BARBIE!!!

Easter Pictures

Family shot.  We took several pictures but just couldn't get a good shot of everyone.

Ella Catherine

Carter ( Those of you who know him know that if he isn't in the mood for a photo then there is no changing his mind)

Easter Egg Hunt

A local church uses the elementary school down the street (and where Ella Catherine is going to kindergarten) every year for its annual Easter Egg hunt and is nice enough to invite the surrounding neighborhood.  The kids had so much fun last year that we decided to go again this year.  It was a windy day but beautiful.

Ready for the hunt to begin

Ready for the hunt to begin

And they are off!

Carter a little more aware of what the goal is this year

Getting eggs

Picking up Eggs but keeping an eye on Ella Catherine too

Happy egg hunters

Ella Catherine's loot

Carter's loot after Ella Catherine shared her eggs such a sweet girl.  Poor guy was going good and then got completetly overwhelmed and shut down. 

Easter Bunny arriving via Helicopter

They had the big blow up bounce houses too

Both kids took several turns going in the bounce houses

Ella Catherine wanted her face painted again

She got a cute little bunny

Sitting in the helicopter that the Easter bunny arrived in.  Carter was pooped and opted not to sit in the helicopter.