{My Almost Six Year Old}

Can't believe that my lil guy is turning 6 tomorrow. Time flies. Seems like yesterday, we were just celebrating his first year.

William'sFirstYear from Donna Culler on Vimeo.

{2013 Atlanta Marathon: 10 Miler}

I got an email a month and half ago about the inaugural Triple Peach VW event. Basically, the Atlanta Track Club partnered with Volkswagen of America for a program designed to improve the Atlanta running experience featuring three of the city's most beloved events: the AJC Peachtree Road Rcae, the Atlanta Marathon or 10 miler and the Atlanta Half Marathon. I just completed the Peachtree Road Race and at the time, I was on high and had this novel idea of partaking on this. I totally forgot the fact that William's birthday party could very well be the day before the 10 miler.

We had the big backyard party(will blog about it later) for William Saturday and it was definitely a busy week leading up to the event. I hadn't been running much and have only been doing crossfit twice a week recently. I was dreading the 10 miler and told Ed the night before, that don't be upset or guilt me if I decided on Sunday morning that I was bailing out on the race. There were so many reasons that tempted me to not go for this race...the birthday party, the fact that race pick up was at downtown on a Saturday morning that William has an early soccer game, the race had a different start and end locations, the cold temps, etc. Believe me...there were plenty of  "excuses" to grab to.

But then there's this part of me, that keeps on saying, that I AM NOT A QUITTER. Part of me that knows that I can not live with the guilt and disappointment of not fulfilling something I signed up for. Ed said that he'll wake up early with me and drop off cars to make it easier for me. He also said, just wait and see how I feel that morning. I laid out my race clothes the night before just for kicks. I tossed and turned the whole night. At 5AM, my alarm clock went off. I took a shower,  still undecided on running this race (who the hecks does that). I walked out of the shower and saw Ed peek out of the blanket. He said "I am proud of you". As I move some more, I started to feel good. My legs were feeling really good this morning. This morning was one of those race days morning, where my body was actually feeling good. I put on my clothes, pinned my bib and drove to the event with Ed following me so we can drop off my car to the finish line. I checked the course limit for the race. I've never done that before!!! 2 1/2 hours course limit. No time goal for me, the goal was to finish this race. My plan for this race was to run as much as I can, and let myself walk whenever I feel like it.

I chatted with a couple of people at the start line. It was so exciting to hear their stories and goals. I heard the start gun, and off we went. The first mile of the race was flat. I looked at my watch and I was at a 10 min mile pace at mile 1. Woohoo. Feeling good. I did a walk the hills and run the flats and downhill strategy for this race. The cool temps felt great. The spectators along the course was awesome. I saw William's Ashford Park Run Club at one of the cheer zone and that pumped me up. I looked up my watch at mile 9 and saw that I had a chance of finishing up the race in under 2 hours. I dig deep and made my way. So happy to see the finish line! I have to admit, this was one of those race where I was honestly not too bashful to brag. The fact that I conquered all the "excuses" made it so much sweeter. It was great reinforcement to me on how much stronger I am of a person...both physically and mentally! Here I am rocking my 10 miler medal and Triple Peach VW medal. I can not wait to add the tag for the Thanksgiving Marathon and complete the challenge. Hopefully, I smart up this time and train for it.

Hooray for an under 2 hours 10 miler!!! A huge thank you to my hubby for being supportive and encouraging. For knowing the right words to say. He's a runner and he completely understand what I was going through.

{Pumpkin Patch and Fall Fun}

Seems like every year we are trying a new place for pumpkin patch. I've sort of been very selective and tries to avoid the more so popular places. Driving for an hour and half and then circling the parking lot is just not my idea of a fun fall adventure. This year, we lucked out and discovered Washington Farm.  The grounds were huge and there were no shortage of fun things to do. Also, loved that they have pumpkins in the vines still.

We  took a fun hayride to get to all the activities at the farm. So pretty and fun to explore in the crisp air The whole place is perfectly screaming fall is here.

The kids learned to rope the steer. We grabbed a rope and aimed for the horn. We also cranked up our strong arms at tetherball and gave the ball a whack!

Lots of fun and the kids bounced to a new height at the jumping pillow.

The duck race got our adrenaline kicking as we pump, and pump the water to help our lil duckie sail to the finish line.

So happy, the boys hit the target at the cannon ball and won us a candy!!!

Making memories at Washington farm and playing a lil game of tic tac toe.

Aiming high at the baseball, Barnyard House style.

Jumping and sliding at the kiddie playground.

We had a barrel of fun at the cow train ride with Betsey and Oreo.

We love sandboxes, but somebody was really impressed with the kernels of corn.

The pig race was oh so fun! William got picked from the audience to lead the crowd cheering for the yellow. The lucky child's pig of course won the race and earned him a piggie nose.

We ventured to the corn maze. The clues helped us along way. The cornundrums kept us guessing.

We got lost a lil, but soon found our way out. So happy to made it to the exit of the maze.

A fun fall afternoon for the whole family! We had a blast at Washington farm.

{Spooky House}

When your oldest is born on Halloween, you must enjoy this holiday and deck your house accordingly.

Oh yeah, our house is rocking some inflatable. Kids LOVED it! Plus can't beat a good sale at Walmart.com.

{Pumpkin Carving Night}

Halloween is just around the corner, and tonight was the perfect night to work on our Jack O Lantern. Kids picked the owl design and daddy had a lot of carving to do with all those tiny details :)

{13.1}

Another half marathon completed by Ed, and we are certainly proud of him. I'm sure the training for this one has been challenging with the move to a new home and a new job.

On a side note. I am loving this top I got from Target...very Lululemon like with out the pricetag.

Target C9 Champion Women's 3/4 Sleeves

Mr. B ran this race with Ed.  He's been a running champ lately and Ed is very appreciative for the company and push for this race.

The W family spent the night with us since we were so close to the start line. Thankful that we didn't had to wake them kiddos at the crack of dawn. We were able to catch the guys at mile 3 when they ran in front of our house.

What a great weekend of fun it has been!