Fun in the sun!!

This weekend was absolutely beautiful! I mean, you couldn't ASK for more perfect weather.

Saturday Dustin spent the day with the kids and I went on a 19 mile bike ride with some friends...and about 100 other people. I had so much fun and we've already decided that we will be doing more of these this summer. My legs held up just fine...my bottom, on the other hand, is a bit sore. ;-)

Today was another beautiful day so we decided to take advantage of the weather and play outside...and wash my van.









I think it's safe to say that summer is finally here and I can't wait to see what it brings!

Expressions of Ella

People have always commented on how my children all have very animated expressions and Ella is no exception. Tonight while I was waiting for everyone to finish eating I caught a few shots of our favorite Ella expressions.

Let me explain...

Before I start getting hate mail, let me explain why the blog has not been updated in awhile.

On April 6, 2010, I started something: it's called "a diet". And less than a week after that I started something else: it's called "an exercise regimen".

As of yesterday I am down 24 pounds. A few more pounds and I will have lost Ella (in weight, of course).

You can ask just about anyone I talk to on a regular basis and they will confirm that I have suffered a life changing event. On April 5th I saw Lauren mirroring my eating habits and I freaked. Literally. And less than 24 hours later I joined Weight Watchers and swore to never go back again.

Since that time I have...
#1 - dropped two sizes
#2 - found an entire new wardrobe in my closet
#3 - woken up at 4:45 every morning (Monday - Friday) for a 40 minute walk/run
#4 - worked out each night doing Pilates, Shredding, running or a combination thereof
#5 - completed the first three weeks of a nine week program in which I am training to walk/run my first 5k
#6 - surrounded myself with friends and family who lead active lives

I tell people that I feel like this weight is a cancer and I just want it off of me. And while 24 pounds is a lot to lose in a relatively short period of time, some days it just doesn't seem fast enough.

It's amazing how quickly you can change a lifestyle when you change your mindset. The kids have already picked up on the changes and I couldn't be happier. Joel was over at the house last night for dinner and Lauren asked if I was still going to do Pilates before bed. That was a big moment for me. She's noticed her mom is active and knows that it's now part of my routine.

She's been my little motivator this entire time and she doesn't even know it. If she wakes up in the morning and can't find me in bed she comes downstairs and lays on the couch while I walk. And at night she reads a book on the couch while I do my video or run.

I started this because of her and I will continue this because of me.

That being said, I'm trying to figure out a way to work in things like pictures of the kids and weekly updates. I'm still adjusting to my new routine and I will do my best to work the blog back into my schedule. ;-)

Have a seat

Last weekend Josh and Lauren wanted to have a sleepover. I told them that they could go ahead and set up his tent in the family and they could get their sleeping bags. While they were setting up the tent Ella found a new seat...and wouldn't get out of it.

Non-Green Thumb

Of all the things I inherited from my father...his green thumb is not one of them.

We met Dad for lunch when we got into town but he had to go back to the office for a bit in the afternoon so we headed to the house. The kids and Thomas whipped out the crouquet set and I got some photos of the beautiful flowers in Dad's garden. Meanwhile, Cassie stayed where she thought she'd be safe.

Underwater Adventure

The kids and I are up at Dad and Thomas' this weekend. We left by 7:30 on Friday morning and had a wonderful trip up. This was the first trip we took without the DVD player and the kids were great! I'm hoping for the same to be said about our trip home tomorrow. **crosses fingers**

This morning Dad and I got up nice and early and took a long walk around Lake of the Isles. We had our morning coffee and were home by 7:00 o'clock! Just in time to get the kids ready to go to Underwater Adventure at the Mall of America. In all the times we've come up here we've never been to it so it was an extra special treat!

It was AWESOME!









Lauren made a friend while we were there. His name is "Turtle" and he stared at her for a good five minutes all while flapping his arms. It was too cute!










At the end the kids all get the chance to touch starfish. Surprisingly, BOTH Josh and Lauren took advantage of the opportunity. Dad asked Josh what it felt like and he said, "All goo!"






It truly was amazing. I've never seen anything like it and it was one of those things that I enjoyed just as much as the kids! By the end of it Ella was ready to go and more than happy to help us along.