2nd Annual Nashville Country Music Marathon & Half

Nashville is a pretty cool city

Cathy, me, and Amy on the pedestrian bridge overlooking downtown Nashville

All the girls! This is all of us out for dinner Saturday night after the race. It was the first half marathon for the two sisters on the left. They did great!

Goofing off in front of the race countdown clock at the expo.

Also at the expo--having fun with the props:)

Well, 2nd annual for me, at least:) Ahhhhhh! This year was soooo much better! The weather, the course, the company--we had a blast! It was my 8th 1/2 marathon, but it was also my redemption race. Last year, this race defeated me. I had run a 1/2 two weeks prior, 2 days before the race I lost my running buddy (who lost her childcare), and the weather was so humid and crazy. I remember coming home not wanting to run (or even think about it) for a few weeks:(

This year, the course--although still hilly and rolling--was slightly altered, the weather was perfect, and I ran with a buddy or two until mile 11. I felt great and was able to sprint at the end. Amy's sisters joined us, and it was fun getting to know them. All in all, a great weekend!

The Perfect Beach

Jack was like a cat on these rocks

Digging and building...

Family photo:)

Sammy loved climbing the rocks

On our way home from Orlando, we headed over to the east coast to try to find a

beach to hang out at for a few hours. Just south of St. Augustine, we found the perfect little beach. It was clean, uncrowded, and had an awesome rock jetty to climb on. We spent just enough time to get our fill of the sun and sand (and escape the threat of a nasty sunburn), and then continued on our way home.

Happy Easter!

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We feel blessed to live in a country that gives us the freedom to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Kennedy Space Center

On our third day in Orlando, Sam was still having some tummy issues, so he and I stayed "home" and relaxed while the rest of our group went over to Cape Canaveral to visit the Kennedy Space center. Sam did not want to go anywhere, so we literally stayed inside ALL day. We watched TV, read books, slept, and ordered room service--it was fun (well, as much fun as you can have in 800 square feet).

Meanwhile, Rick, Jack, and Rick's parents went to the space center. Here are a few of the 100 pictures Rick took.

Rick's in his happy place!

Jack & Papa rode the simulator

Ducky has been to the Kennedy Space Center! Have you?

Where the last shuttle of the current space program will launch in less than a week!

Inside a space shuttle!

Downtown Disney and Caribe Royale

@Downtown Disney

The boys are waiting for one of the Lilo & Stitch characters sitting atop a building to "spit" water at them!

Jack got shot!

Both boys hit!

Buzz!

Tinker Toy fun

On the carousel--so pretty at night!

The g'rents took the kids on the carousel--self-photo op:)

This is Buzz & Woody made entirely of Legos in front of the Lego store

Caught him yawning

Snack break at the pool

:)

What a looker!

Breakfast at the kitchenette bar

Daddy bought Legos for the boys--this is a major building session

Disney!

The castle was bathed in purple light as we were leaving...so pretty!

Inside the Toy Story Ride

Sam, trying to defeat Zurg!

My Boyz...with Buzz Lightyear behind them:)

Howdy, Sam!

That's "Trader Sam" in the background. That's why Sam is confused (well, that, and the fact that he's holding scalps with flowing hair).

Rick's mom, Sam, and I hop on the boat for the Jungle Tour. Sam had an upset belly, but he was hanging with us as best he could:(

Jack and Sam on the Robinson Family Treehouse

Watching the street parade:) in the heat of the day:(

At the shooting gallery...

Sammy rides a fine horse.

For the boys' spring break, we headed down to Orlando for our family's first Disney trip. We brought Rick's parents, who were gracious enough to let Rick and me go out several nights by ourselves! We found a great resort right off the main entrance to Disney that had an awesome pool with a waterfall and waterslide as well as a gated kids' splash park. What a fun week!

Our first ride: It's a Small World

This has to be the original craftwork--I don't think Disney has ever updated this "ride." Very cool to see how clever the design is.

Sam, taking it all in:)

On the carousel...

Rick and I went out the first night we were there just to get the lay of the land.

By car, by tram, by monorail--heading to Magic Kingdom!

At the entrance to Magic Kingdom

The castle!

Happy Birthday, Cheryl!

Happy 36th! (left) Happy 35th! (Right)

Thank you to the staff at Red Robin who sang in such a spirited manner:)

Nanee & Papa

Sam and Rick get their chow on:)


Cheryl's in-laws (at left) joined the rest of us for a birthday dinner!

Happy birthday, Cheryl! Thanks for letting me celebrate for one more day with you!