The Tradition Continues

(Because this summer is so busy, I want to make sure I post about all of my fun things for our sake, if you would like to read as well then go right ahead but it may be boring :))

I was trying to figure out this weekend how many years I have been to the I-70 series in Kansas City. I think I began going with my friends in 2003 but I know I went with my family at least one year before that and probably two. Since I began going with my friends, we have always stayed at Roo's parents house. His parents are wonderful and are the perfect hosts. This year it just so happened that Roo was going to be out of town with his dad (among others) and Debbie still offered to let us stay there. Our typical agenda is to tailgate on Saturday because it is a night game. Well this year both Saturday and Sunday were day games so we had to get there early. Saturday morning Debbie made us a great breakfast and then we were off to the K. Although it was scorching hot, Shelley had a canopy so it was not too bad. There were 18 of us in all and tailgating was fun as always. After the game Saturday, we went back to the house (Debbie had left for the weekend), showered, ordered pizza and just hung out. Some people went to the casinos, some went to bed early, and others played games. It felt like we were high-schoolers throwing a party because our parents were out of town. Pretty strange since all of us have our own places now. Sunday was another game, much milder this time (and disappointing since the Cardinals lost). We enjoyed the game and then headed back to Springfield.

Now its a new week and next weekend there are more fun activities. The fourth of July which is also Ben's 30th birthday. Additionally, Ben is getting baptized and Holly and Shelley are throwing him a party!

Kristen's Wedding

Last weekend, Ben and I headed down to Fort Worth for Kristen's wedding. We got to leave earlier on Friday than normal (thank goodness!) and we went to Brian's house (Oklahoma City). We got to see his house and meet Nicole who he has been dating for a year but have not yet met. It was so great to see them. On Saturday we heading on down to Texas. It felt really strange driving by all the places that were part of my daily life. I couldn't believe that I missed it a little bit! Our hotel was in Hurst and the wedding was in Colleyville. The wedding was beautiful and Ben loved it because it was short! The reception was amazing. Great location, great food, and great drinks. I had not seen a lot of my OSU friends for over a year. I also got to meet Ben and Karen's new baby.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend. I am going to try to post pictures that I stole from Shannon off of facebook. We will see if it works!

Fathers Day

As noted on my mothers day post, this is a reflection of how I am like my dad. I am not sure how he put up with me between ages 13-25 but I am glad that he did. I think a big part of all of our arguing is because I am so much like him (at least that is what my mom claims).

I now realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful father. My dad has taught me so much. He has taught me how to be organized, balance a checkbook, do my taxes, research investments, and document important information (I take notes on every important call). Perhaps most importantly, my dad has taught me how to throw a ball, hit, and shoot a basketball (well I used to know how). This was not an easy task since I was a lefty! He has taught me to love baseball, to be a Raiders fan, to appreciate how much fun it is to chase a ball around.

I have loved baseball as long as I can remember. On our way to Dallas this weekend Ben and I were reminiscing about past players on our favorite teams. I was talking about the 1987 Cardinals. That is the first year that I can really remember anything about the season. I remember watching the world series and learning all the players. I now realize how rare that is for a 6 year old girl to love the game so much. My dad made sure that I understood the ins and out of the game. He ensured that I was a smart player on the field and court. He was at every game and was always wonderful, supportive, and gave corrective feedback.

It may have took me a while but I am so thankful for the personality traits that I have in common with my father as well as the love of sports. I can not imagine my life without it all!

Lately

I hadn't posted in a while so I thought I would update on life lately. Nothing exciting just something short to document life.

I am still working at Fair Grove and do so until the end of June. However, I also started teaching a class at Missouri State. I am loving teaching but it is really intensive while working full time. I teach four days a week so I am prepping every night. I am teaching it again in the fall when it meets once a week....that will be much better.

Additionally, Kathleen had her baby. Cooper James is adorable and I can never wait until I see him again.

We have been to the lake a few times already. I love it as always but it has been extra exciting this year because William and Margaret are going. The first time was quite the adventure; Margaret held her ears because she did not like the noise and William cried because of his life jacket. By take two I think Margaret liked it and although William may not have been happy he thought it was an improvement.

The busy summer months are upon us now. I love summer and all of the activities but sometimes I miss just hanging out at home on the weekends. Next weekend we head to Dallas for Kristen's wedding (can't wait). The following weekend is Cardinals verse Royals and then it is Ben's 30th birthday!!!

My Goal by 30

So I hate to run. I have always hated to run. When I was in middle school/high school, I would think about the sprints at the end of every practice; I would be filled with dread. In softball, I worry that I may hit the ball too far (this NEVER happens anymore) and I would have to run around all the bases. Now in boot camp, I don't mind the lifting stuff, but I worry about the running. Sprints or distance, I hate it all.

Now I am getting ready to have a milestone birthday. I turn 30 in December and I have decided that I want to be a runner by then. Not a crazy runner, who runs all the time, but just someone who can go out and jog a few miles (I don't know 3 maybe?, 5, or 8) and feel good about it. It just so happens that Ben turns 30 much faster than I do and he has the same goal.

So I started a couch to 5 K program. I knew that I was further advanced than week 1 but I decided that just the act of making myself run would be good. It is working, I can't say that I am loving it but I am loving the feeling of accomplishing something.