Hopes and Dreams

Today, at the age of three, Grayson declared his Olympic hopes and dreams. While he was watching the preliminary rounds of swimming this morning, he pointed to the television and said, "I am going to swim there when I get older. I am going to grow up and be like them." Those were his exact words. He then proceeded to show us how they were all swimming while sliding on the ground. Little man, I make a promise to you today. If this truly continues to be a passion of yours, I am behind you 100%!

My Heart Continues to Grow...

Griffin: Can we make a pinky promise?
Me: Sure, for what?
Griffin: To always say I love you each and every day.
Me: Of course....(insert tears here)

Final Summer Residency

I am currently in my final two-week intensive course through Bethel for my doctorate. This particular course is completely focused on my dissertation. We are learning about how to best gather and analyze data in order to prove or disprove our hypothesis. We are also given lots of time to work on the rest of our prospectus. Lucky for me since I SWITCHED TOPICS!!! As a result, I needed to find a new advisor and new committee members. I guess I like to make things difficult. Needless to say, I have been working my tail off to rewrite twenty pages of my prospectus and add twenty more by August 16th---the requirement for this particular class. My final prospectus proposal is not due until January or February, and at that point it should be around 70 pages. I will then be approved (well hopefully) to actually conduct my research. I am beginning to understand why so many people remain in the ABD status...

How Does Your Garden Grow?

After studying plants and seeds in school this year, Griffin has been very interested in growing a garden. Because we live in a townhouse, a full garden is impossible, but we made it work. Currently, we have four pots going, and all but one is successful. This picture was taken a few days ago. As of this morning, we have quite a few of these little cucumbers. In the other large pots we have carrots, a sunflower, and a bean plant. Every day the two of us (and Grayson too most of the time) check on the plants to see if they need any extra water or if anything new has sprung up. It's a garden in my book!

A New Bedtime Ritual

Early Morning Forts

Twin Cities Color Run

 

Just like they say, it's the Happiest 5K on the Planet!

Golden Gallop

Griffin and I did the Golden Gallop this year. I ran the four mile race first, and then he ran both the two mile and half mile kid's run. I ran the two mile run with him, but I let the Centennial Cross Country team take over for the fun run. It was hot, and I was exhausted by that point. Griffin still has a definite competitive spirit, so I imagine racing is in our future for quite some time!

Diving Griffin

My Date with Griffin

Today, Griffin and I had a special day planned. Grayson had preschool for most of the day, and Griffin didn't have anything on his schedule...SO WE HAD A DATE! We started the morning with cinnamon melts and hot chocolate (coffee for me!). Because Zero Gravity didn't open until later, we made a little detour to Eagle's Nest for a bit. Our final destination, trampoline heaven. We both had a blast, and we will for sure be back in the near future. I love one on one time with our boys, so I hope to schedule a Grayson date soon!

Nine Years

Brandon and I celebrated our Nine Year Wedding Anniversary today. Per our usual, we scheduled a date at the Melting Pot thanks to Kelsey. The food is incredible, but more importantly, time with just the two of us is priceless.

Something we have done since our first anniversary is make a list of memorable events from the past year. Brandon starts the list ahead of time, and we finish it together. I love reminiscing on how blessed we truly are to do life together. We then stick the list in a sealed glass jar we plan to break open on our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I can't wait until that day, but until then, I will keep making memories with my high school sweetheart and our adorable boys.

Old School Fun

Morning Time Fun

Brothers