We Are Thankful For ...

FAMILY!

Sam had so much fun at all the Thanksgiving festivities we attended. We had Thanksgiving day with my family, then went to Marshalltown to celebrate with Brian's family on Friday and Saturday. There are a ton of little kids and Sam had a blast. He wasn't even shy about it. He inched his way right into the middle of all the kids and made himself at home.

Now that we are parents we realize even more how lucky we are to have the families we do. We are so fortunate to be able to bring Sam up with such a wonderful extended family. We had a very fun Thanksgiving holiday and feel extremely blessed.

Sam's First Shiner

Mr. Manly received his first black eye on Thanksgiving. He was having a blast chasing his cousins (and grandparents, ahem) around the basement, until he ran into that darn china hutch. Unfortunately, I'm sure there will be worse injuries in his future. Although I hope not.

Two A. Knolls: Part Deux

Yesterday, Andrea Knoll (Matt's wife) and I ran in our second Living History Farms off-road race together. I had also taken part a few years ago with some Iowa Games friends. And, boy, has it grown! There were nearly 7,000 people yesterday and the course has increased from six miles to seven. It was crowded but part of the fun is people-watching. A good number of them wear costumes and/or run as a team. (See the person on the left side of the second picture.) I can't remember everything we saw, but there were the "Dunder Mifflin" rabies awareness runners, Wonderwoman (apparently it was a 'wonder' how she got into her costume), running Christmas trees, high school boys running in diapers & pacifiers, men with red dresses on and/or men wearing tu-tus, etc. Probably the most memorable, though, is the guy who ran completely naked except for a leather loin cloth. No shoes. No nothing. And we were running through creeks, sticks, trees, mud, etc. -- not to mention it was COLD!! It is rumored that he ran the Des Moines Marathon in the same attire.

It was a good time although both of us had forgotten how physically demanding the course is. Good thing there were so many participants this year; it gave us a chance to rest when we all became bottlenecked at creeks and tunnels.

Then we got to relax at Matt & Andrea's beautiful new home. And a hot shower never felt so good!!

Delicious Snack!

Sam has developed a keen liking for every type of pudding. Plus, he has loved bananas from day one. So, what could be better than eating them together!? Yum! I think I see peanut butter and banana sandwiches in someone's future!

A Boy's Work is Never Done

Another fun thing Sam got to do last weekend was help rake our yard. Good times!

Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean

Sam really, really, really likes to clean and organize. (I am hoping this a good sign for the future.) Here are a few pictures of him sweeping the kitchen last week. He was having a great time ... until he noticed a little boy in the oven window and just couldn't resist kissing him! I guess I can't blame him.

Congratulations, Aunt Mary!

Last week, my aunt Mary was inducted into the athletics hall of fame at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. It was a very nice ceremony and I was glad to be able to attend. (This was her umpteenth induction, as she's already a member of the Creighton University athletics hall of fame, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame and who knows what else. Let's just say she is a stud.)

As an only child (and only grandchild for nearly 19 nears) I think of my three aunts and uncle as my sisters and brother. We are a close family and they have always been extremely supportive of me and have taught me many things throughout the years. I idolized them as I grew up, and it's really special when I hear that others feel the same way about them. They are my family and I am so proud.

Congratulations, Aunt Mary!