Pride

I've continued running since the end of cross country season and have now logged over 650 miles in 2015.

But this week's second run ended abruptly after 1 mile when I tripped on an uneven sidewalk and fell for the second time this year.

Besides skinned knees, hands and elbows, this fall wasn't as bad as my first earlier in the year. What was memorable was my half barrel roll at the end of the fall that landed me in what can only be described as Lucifer's front yard. 

I stood up to find myself covered in large stickers and burs! So many that I had to phone a friend (thanks again Diane) to help me because I could hardly move.

About 200 stickers later, I can say this fall hurt my pride more than anything. I've often heard veteran runners talk about taking a tumble while running and saying it's a matter of when not if for a fall while running.  It took me 5 years, but now I guess I would have to agree with this statement!

Halloween 2015

Happy Halloween from our old man golfer and evil Anakin Skywalker!

 Mitchell chose to re-purpose his Mary Poppins attire this year (score for us) and just added a golf club and some funny facial expressions.

Collin also used a previously worn costume by his older brother (score again for us) but had to make the distinction that he was "dark side Anakin Skywalker" .  He even wished we could find a way to turn his eyes yellow like they do in the movie when he turns to the dark side.  His trend of always choosing the villain  as his favorite continues....

Haunted House and Braces

During our weekend trip to Nebraska to spend time with family, we were able to take Mitchell to his first haunted house experience in Kearney.  This brought back lots of fond memories of my own as I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful childhood best friend and family who took me to several haunted houses in Lincoln as well as spooky hay rack rides in their small town of Belvidere.  We talked a lot about my memories of these leading up to our haunted house experience so Mitchell was super excited by the time it was finally our turn to enter the experience.

The haunted house in Kearney was downtown and in the basement of the World Twin Movie Theater.  It was very well done and we had a great time together!  Mitchell thought it was awesome and talked about it non-stop the whole way back to Grandma and Grandpa Bunger's in Hildreth afterwards. Non. Stop.

Of course he told others that it "really wasn't all that scary."  However, when I wanted to take a picture with one of the spooks who gave us one last fright while leaving....he wasn't
willing to do so. :)

In other exciting news, Mitchell finished his first stage of orthodontic work today!!!  He has been taking care of his palatal expand-er in the roof of his mouth and top braces for the last 10 months and has really done a good job with the whole device, but he was ready to have it removed!

What an amazing difference!  I wish I could have taken a picture of all the inside his mouth before and after shots....because they were pretty incredible.  We will now continue to follow up with the orthodontist every few months for the next year or so until he is ready for phase 2 of braces.  However, because we have already done this work, he will have braces only the next time around (most likely in middle school) and if all stays on track, the usual time in braces will be less because of the corrections made in phase 1. 

Phase 1 orthodontics. .  Phase 2 orthodontics coming later.  Cranio facial Surgeries 1 and 2.  This kid needs an insurance policy to cover all the work he has had done from the chin up!  But what a blessing he is and worth every penny. :)

Pumpkin Patch 2015

Today we went with the Bunger Family to a pumpkin patch in Glenvil, Nebraska.

This out in the middle of nowhere pumpkin patch is south of Hastings and was very well done....everyone had a great time!

Collin even got brave enough to take on this low key zip line...with mild bribery.

The cousins had a great time exploring

And interesting results came from the self-face painting station....

Thanks for a fun weekend in Nebraska, Grandma and Grandpa Bunger!

Belt Buckle Medals

Even though it was an ugly game on Saturday, it was a beautiful fall day for pictures!

I've started back running slowly and plan to run 2 half marathons in the spring of 2016. Because who doesn't want a powercat medal/belt buckle from the 2nd Bill Snyder Half Marathon?!

And on the home front, look for pictures of major tree removal in our new future (not fun) and new windows and sliding glass door (sorely needed) at the Bunger's soon!

Furry Alarm Clocks

Say what you want about cats and their generalized personality, but ours are pretty awesome with the boys.

This is an every evening/morning occurence with Ellie and Collin. Not sure who loves it more!

And who needs an alarm clock with Wrigley in the house?! He's persistent Mitchell until he wakes up and gives Wrigley the attention he is demanding.

Last and First

Friday was our last middle school cross country meet of the season.

Our league meet is a beautiful but challenging meet at Milford Lake. The kids ran well and we had two individuals who were league champion in their race!

And today was Mitchell's first meet during the short course swim season.

I haven't done any running outside of meets and practice with the team. Now that our season is over, it's time to start running on my own again. I'm not planning any races until 2016 and I'm curious to see where I am at fitness/endurance wise after taking a break from running on my own.