My kids have become lake bums. Well, maybe not so much of the bum part because they swim and play pretty hard when we're there. They easily could hit the beach everyday and we pretty much have since the weather (and water) turned warm. I am even sporting tan lines again which I haven't seen in awhile. It's not healthy I know, but I have to admit, I like it! It's nice being so close to the lake. There is even a beach we can just ride our bikes to instead of driving to our usual spot. So when the chores are done at home, we can take a dip in no time flat. It's fun to watch how each one of them is so different in the water...Emerson doesn't stop to take a breath, Madison is a bit more timid and doesn't like to get her head wet. It messes up her hair you know. Brody does the american crawl to the buoys and tries to impress the girls. It's quite the deal to watch and I love doing it. That explains my tan lines! Sunday we all went to the nice beach about 4 miles away with Seth. We took the cooler, floaties and all the beach goods and spent the afternoon in the sun. The weather was a picture perfect beach day. So if you can't find us home working, you'll know where we'll be. Come visit us!

After a busy weekend and unexpectedly getting to spend the day with my fellow bloggirl, Rani...this week has been a nice transition to yet another weekend. We have been to the lake, to the pool and thru the spinklers in hopes of staying cool! I have been trying to get my runs in early so I don't have to battle the humidity as much but apparantly I haven't been getting out early enough. I come home looking like a drowned rat! I got an email saying the Chicago Marathon is 4 months away...I swallowed the lump in my throat. I just can't believe how fast this summer is going and how fast that time is coming. So I guess I'm officially in training. As long as I can fit in pool/lake/sprinkler time, I'm okay with whatever training schedule I have to do!

So back to Rani...it was so cool! I am in Scotland, SD to do a wedding shoot. It was my husband's boss's son getting married. I talked to the bride a couple of times before. Her last name was Gordon but I never thought anything about it. I went to the church to do my pre-wedding church shots when nobody is there. I grab the bulletin to photograph it and see the names Gavin, Maleah, Addison Gordon...my mind thinks for a second and then it clicked. Rani's kids! The bride and Rani's husband are brother/sister! I couldn't wait to see Rani! Not more than 5 minutes later, Rani walks in, sees me and we both just screamed!!! What a small world! So lucky me, I got to spend the day with Rani and her beautiful family. And let me tell you, after seeing her cutie kids in pictures all these years, they are even CUTER in person!! We could not have planned it any better. I love surprises...especially this kind!

Well, enough blogging for now, friends. Must get to some computer work that does not involve my social circle. Although that is more fun! :) Happy Wednesday!

So I went got my new "do" today. I didn't go really short but 3 inches cut off is alot for

me. I also opted to get rid of highlights and just go back to dark. Brody is now calling me "goth-mom". Should I take that as a compliment? I think I needed something new. I actually think I may go a tad funkier for the next cut. I like the color (I think). It may help if my 13 yr old doesn't act scared when he sees me. Silly boy. The girls wanted to take the pics. They of course build my ego when all else fails. Enough pampering for me today...it's playtime with the kids!

I'm in a funk. So I'm playing with these pictures I took the other day of the girls at the lake. It was much too cold to actually swim but playing around in the sand and water was just fine with them. Their smiles somehow manage to de-funk me. But then again...how could they not?! Happy Saturday to you all!

We're back from the beautiful Black Hills and finally out of vacation mode. Amazing how long it takes to get back to reality and caught up with everyday life again. It was a great get away. I love the cabin-life...totally relaxing. And with the beauty of the Black Hills surrounding us, "home" feels so far away. Our rented cabin was very cute and cozy. The owner actually works in the athletic department at SDSU so we quickly bonded as Jackrabbit alumni! Highlights included wine tasting at the Prairie Berry Winery, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Roughlock Falls, Saloon No.10 in Deadwood, visiting a mine in Lead and of course the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Half Marathon. We tried to see some different things than from 2 years ago when we did all the "touristy" stuff in Rapid. It was great to wake up to deer and turkey in the backyard of the cabin. I think those people who own cabins in the hills are so lucky...to have a retreat like that on the top of Deer Mountain would be amazing. Maybe one day, we'll be lucky enough to have our own.

I finished the half marathon in my 2nd best time ever but let me tell you, it was not easy! I think it was all the vacationing before the race, not being totally acclimated with the altitude and having a hard time getting my mental game on. The 2% incline from mile 6-7 really kicked me. It took another mile to get back in to pace! But I kept praying, thinking about friends, thinking about the kids and Seth waiting at the finish line...that all kept me going. I ended up with a couple of blisters and sore quads from the hills but it was all worth it. This was my 10th half marathon and it is the most beautiful, most well-organized race I do. I just love it. Love the people I meet, love the energy, love the volunteers. It's one I'll be doing as long as I can. Another amazing thing...at the end of the race, I'm hanging out slamming down oranges and someone yells "DeAnn.." I turn and here is our college friend Jen Ham coming at me!!! She saw me come in while waiting for her sister! I couldn't believe it. I was so surprised, we chatted and chatted while my mouth was full of oranges. You just never know who you will see when you're on vacation!

So, our family vacation has come to an end and it was a good one. The best part is creating memories for the kids. That's what means the most to me. Summer is just the best.

It was the best weekend ever!

Celebrated 16 years with my fabulous hubby for starters. Hard to believe we've made it that far...honestly, it still seems like year one at times. We laugh, we joke, we reminisce, we still hold hands. It's been really cool. I think he's made me a better me. Can't wait to see what the next 16 years will bring!

After a couple of photo shoots, a run and Brody's mowing job, we packed up and headed to Mitchell to visit the Grosdidier's. I wish I could tell you how much fun we had in words! It was the BEST! Carey made us burgers, dogs, salad and Josh's blue jello rocked! We ate, drank corona and talked and talked. I think the hubby's had more in common than they thought! The kiddos had a blast. Jace and Josh are awesome boys...I think my girls have a slight crush. hehe! Brody thought being with BOYS was the cat's meow (as he put it) I can't wait to do it again. Even the kids are asking when we can get together again. So, Carey, next time it's my turn. We can't let so much time pass before seeing each other! Your house is BEAUTIFUL and you deserve every square foot of it! It's just amazing. I was thinking on the drive home when the kids all fell asleep, how lucky I am to have met Carey. We really are like two peas in a pod. I am in awe how much our thoughts are so similar. We were meant to be friends and I am so incredibly blessed to have her in my life. She makes me feel like a million bucks! THANK YOU, Carey for an awesome evening! It really was the best part of the weekend! I love you!

Then came Sunday...more running, more work around the house and just relaxing together. Seth made ribs on the grill, built a bonfire and ate under the gazebo while it's up and the wind hasn't take it down yet! My dad came yesterday for a few hours to visit and it's always nice to see him. I still get so excited when I know he's coming...just like a little girl! He's the best! And now today, I'm packing for the hills. We leave tomorrow. So anxious to get there and see the cabin. I wish the race were earlier...I'm nervous about it. I always get nervous before races but I'm just sure I'm ready for this one. I'm thankful there are no hills! AFter the last race, hills are the last thing I want to tackle!

So, summer is officially here so far, I'm LoViNg it! I just hope it doesn't go by too fast. Happy June to you all!!