A change of running scenery

While Chad is still knee deep in our bathroom remodel, the boys and I got out of his hair today and went with my parents to visit my grandmother's in Marion County.  In the afternoon I was able to take a short 2 mile run down Vista Road.  It was one of the first runs I have done without head phones in a long time....just had the sound of the wind, birds and I saw a few cows and horses along the way.  The air smelled great and fresh with the exception of the smell/sound of an oil well as I got closer to the corner where I would turn to go to my Uncle Don's old house.  It wasn't long, but it was peaceful and the cool almost misty weather made it an enjoy run (not to mention helped settle my stomach after that greasy but good hamburger from the Corner Cafe at lunch).  With all the rain we've had recently, the country side was green and beautiful.

The quiet, tree lined gravel road that runs by my Grandma Ammeter's farm

Mitchell and Collin racing on hay bales

A few times during hay bale tag, Collin would fall while Mitchell was chasing him and before I could worry, Mitchell would always be right there to grab him and keep him from falling....then they would both laugh, wrestle and the game would start again.  Mitchell is such a great big brother and Collin adores him.

At the Corner Cafe with Great Grandma Craney

The boys with Great Grandma Ammeter

Sticking with what you know

After 320 miles logged it was time to retire my Mizuno Wave Inspire Running shoes.  They endured training during the harsh winter months, still wear the stains from my war wound from the Olathe 1/2 marathon and then got soaked during the OKC 1/2.  Running shoes typically last anywhere from 300-500 miles but my feet and knees have been telling me that it was time to retire my beloved purple Mizuno's who have served me well since December. 

Ever since I was fitted for running shoes at the Manhattan Running Company, I have stuck with what I have known and works for me.  And today I was pumped to find my shoe, not only in my size but also on sale for 1/2 price!  Back to yellow and black and the price couldn't be beat! 

I included some pictures from Collin's birthday last Sunday.  As you can see, the cowboy rides on....

One of my favorite photos from Collin's birthday...his sheer joy while riding his new bronco rider swing for the first time from Grandma and Grandpa Bunger!

3 out of the 4 looking in the same direction....not bad!

Two cowboys on the bronco rider

Working on adding that third finger into his response to how old he is!

So there is a cowboy hat in the picture.....but it's still one of the better family pictures we've gotten in awhile! :)

First one to graduate

Today was Mitchell's last day of Kindergarten so now we officially have a 1st grader in the house!  It was a very successful first year of school for Mitchell and it is hard to believe that it is over. 

My parents were able to pick up Mitchell today and take him out for lunch to celebrate his Kindergarten Graduation.  My mom told me he talked non-stopped as soon as they picked him up and told them all about how he was the FIRST to graduate into the first grade!

Here are some comparison shots....Mitchell's first day and last day of Kindergarten!

And now it's time for summer!  T-ball, soccer, swim lessons and other summer fun...here we come!

WOF

Last Thursday, I was able to take Mitchell with me as I accompanied 5 buses of 7th graders from JCMS who earned an incentive trip to Worlds of Fun through our Renaissance Program.  This was his first trip to WOF, so he was very excited to miss a day of Kindergarten, spend the day with Mommy and ride as many rides as possible!

5:30 a.m. Mitchell was dressed and ready to go!

Because of the rain we were able to just stay on rides and ride them as many times as he wanted....it was wet, but a great plus to the dreary weather.

Visiting Planet Snoopy in our rain gear

Mitchell's favorite ride....the Finnisher!  He went on this spinning mess 7 times!  Mommy only went the first time however...

It was pouring rain, but our rain gear kept us somewhat dry and we had a great time together!

My parents were flying back into KC on this same day, so they were able to pick up Mitchell early as our school stayed until the park closed.  Mitchell and I rode rides non-stop from 10:30-3:15 p.m. and didn't even stop to eat lunch because he wanted to just  keep riding until Grandma and Grandpa got there.  We had a great time together and it was a fun way to celebrate the end of a very successful Kindergarten year for him.  His last day of school is Thursday and soon he will be a 1st grader....hard to believe!!!

Collin is 3!!!

May 22, 2008 we welcomed Collin Riley Bunger into our family.  Induced two weeks early....he was still a whopping 8lbs 14 oz.  And even though the first month of his life was full of hospital stays, tests and scary times for us.....he is now an amazing, happy, healthy 3 year old!!!

Collin has transitioned to his preschool room and we were so thrilled that he has the same preschool teacher Mitchell had who is incredible!  He is loving his new classroom and asks every morning if he gets to go back to Ms. Melody's room. :)

Mother's Day 2011 at KSU Gardens

Here are some fun facts of Collin at 3 years old:
-Collin still loves horses, but now has broadened to pretend play with all sorts of animals, from orca and humpback whales, giraffes, snakes and now even dinosaurs.  His imagination and pretend play is so fun to watch!

-He is strong willed, has a mind of his own and you never have to wonder what his thoughts/feelings are on something....he is sure to tell you!

-His language skills are unbelievable.  Sometimes he picks up on things a little too well!

-He loves to sit with books, be read to and pretend to read books on his own.  Many nights we will go in to check on him and he is sitting in bed with a book wide open....reading the book to himself (or as he remembers it at least).  It is so precious!

-Any stick he finds becomes a sword right now....perhaps we've watched one too many episodes of ThunderCats on DVD????

-He loves bubbles

-not sure of where he is percentage wise (his appointment is next week) but I have a feeling he is going to be tall like his brother....he is already wearing 5T shirts and 4T bottoms for the summer!

-His laugh, his smile and those big brown eyes melt my heart. 

Happy 3rd Birthday Collin Riley Bunger....we love you!!!

Cowboy Collin and the next 1/2 Marathon

Cowboy Collin...an early birthday gift that we couldn't resist

We couldn't even take it off to water flowers!

After 12 days off from running I finally got a short 2.31 mile run in today in the cool weather.  I averaged a 9:38 pace which isn't bad after that amount of time away from running.  I'm hoping to get back into an easy work out schedule after the time off.

October 15, 2011
My 5th 1/2 Marathon!!!

Anyone care to join us???  Should be a great October run!  And it fits in perfectly with our schedule...no home KSU Football game that weekend. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD!!!!

Mitchell was THRILLED that Chad chose La Fiesta for supper out with my folks on Tuesday night....Chad forgot what happens when you are eating there for a special event and Mitchell was sure to tell them we were eating there for his Daddy's birthday. :)

Today I want to wish my husband of almost 10 years a wonderful 34th birthday!!!  You are an amazing father, loving and supportive husband and my best friend.  And now for the next 3 months and 14 days I can talk about you being a whole year older than me. :)

We love you and hope you have a great day!