So the first time we ran Martha's it was together on Valentine's Day. You have to take a ferry over to the island and then walk to your hotel. We went on Friday night and stayed at the Mansion House in Vineyard Haven (just 2 min. From the start of the race). During the tourist season (June-Sept.) the hotels are really pricey, but during February the rooms are priced quite nicely. We went to the Black Dog for dinner and had a lovely time. The weather was a little icy, windy, super cold. I believe around 15-20 degrees. We just bundled up and endured. It turned out to be an amazing race and one that I was so glad to share with him. We ran the first 10 miles together. We saw people running together while holding hands and that was just not for us. At mile 10 we got our picture taken running together (it was nice and sunny...we both had sunglasses on) and then he gave me the go ahead to "go on ahead". I then picked up the pace and finished strong. It was a great race. And we then were able to return to our hotel, shower, walk the shops, eat dinner and spend the second night. It is a romantic get away (if you don't mind running 20 miles in the middle of it).
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| MV 20 miler 2008 |
The next couple of years we were quick to invite all of our running friends and their spouses. It became a fun get away for all of us.
Well this year I have been having problems with my foot and have not been able to train like I normally would. So...Martha's decided to add a relay. I jumped right on it knowing I could pound out 10 miles with a hurt foot or not. I also had to sign up my wonderful husband that has not really been running a lot as my partner. Can I tell you again how thrilled he was? ;)
We ended going with my good running friends Yuki and Sue and their husbands along with Jayne and her husband. Here we are bundled and ready to run in the 20 degree weather.
The next weekend I traveled to Austin, TX to see my little nephew and sister and family. They bought a home there that I was able to see and also my parents were down there renting a house for the month so I was able to see them as well and stay with them.
I then headed to Utah to visit my other sister, Ginger and her new baby. They traveled to meet us from South Dakota so I could meet Lottie for the first time.
Brooke just got her mission call the Nicaragua, Managua North, Spanish speaking and will be reporting to the Mexico City MTC on May 14. She finishes up her finals at BYU on April 22. She does not have a lot of time to get prepared for her mission. She will fly home on April 23 and then turn around and leave us for 18 months just 3 weeks later. We had such a fun time together shopping for outfits that would work in weather just 90 miles from the equator. She is very excited and I am excited to be included in her adventures.
Rachelle (Paul's wife), Kelly, Paul, Kent, Heather, Crystal, Darren (Crystal's husband)
I know this doesn't seem like a project for this month, but just the fact that I had to figure out where and what was happening with my kids while I was gone, and trying to find 10 outfits for my daughter for her mission...I do feel like I accomplished a ton. Also, because I got to see my family and be with them it made me very happy.
For March I will finally accomplish painting my kitchen ceiling and walls. I am also trying to study to take a college assessment test. I will be going back to school in the next couple of months to WGU to receive my bachelors degree in Teaching Mathematics 5-8 grade. I just found out that I need to have a pre-calculus pre-requisite within the last seven years and since I got my associates degree about 20 years ago I will need to enroll and take this math class. In reviewing math that I have not kept up on over that last 20 years, I have realized how much I do not remember...so wish me luck. ;). Jill, where is my calculus study buddy when I need her?
10 comments:
What a fun post! How great that you visit Martha's Vineyard so often! My sister lives in Boston and she has gone to see them do that thing where they all light lanterns outside their houses once a year (can't remember what it's called). She says it's amazing! It's on my bucket list to go see that. Congrats on your daughters mission call! Being a missionary mom is the best!!
I'm impressed with your running skills (hello Boston t-shirt) but super impressed that you have a daughter that is missionary age, you look too young! I LOVE being a young mom living on the East Coast, it throws everyone for a loop:)
What a fun month. There is nothing better than spending time with family! Congrats on your daughter's mission call. I have a friend whose son in serving in Nicaragua. I also have a neighbor that is from there. I am sure you have had people that you know reach out to you, but if you would like his mother's FB info, I could give it to you. She posts his pictures and stories quite often and it is very inspiring! Congrats!
What a great story!! You definitely accomplished a lot this month.
What a fun tradition for you guys! That sounds so cool! And getting together with family is a huge feat sometimes, sounds like a great month for you!
That doesn't seem like a project? It totally is! It is so much effort (not to mention money) to dedicate to traveling around to see family. Hooray for you! And the Martha's vineyard trip sounds memorable.
I cannot believe you ran 10 miles in blizzard conditions like that! Aaahh but a trip anywhere is my love language for sure--so way to go. And to get to see family, huge just in the logistics and planning. Your nephews are adorable. Way to go Brooke on a mission. Super impressed, with sisters feeling the call and going. It will help shape your whole life and perspective!
Jealous that your hubby will run with you...mine ran with me while we dated and after the I do's it was all over;)
brr. that race looked cold!
Wow! Such a fun month & yes cold race. I'm getting pretty wimpy running in the Vegas winters. It is so great your entire fam (siblings) could be together. It is really hard to make that happen at this stage of life!
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