4th of July

We had one JAM PACKED Independence Day this year.  We started the morning off with the Ladera Ranch Freedom Run.  Jason and I both ran the 5k.  I had started training for a 5k in January but there were a lot of things that kept messing up that training so I pretty much went in to this race not knowing if I would be able to make it past the mile mark.  I was anxious.  We're not talking butterflies in the tummy anxious, I'm talking about sweating bullets, constantly fidgeting and on the verge of throwing up nervous.  To add to the nerves, my brother, who was supposed to be my running partner was late.  He was going to help me find a good pace and he knows just the right things to say to motivate me.  When they started the race and I realized I was on my own I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry.  I don't remember being that nervous before.  My only goal was to finish the race before the walkers started strolling in.  I not only did that but I completed it with a 10 minute mile pace, it's not fast, but it was so much better than I thought I would be able to do.  In the end, I was glad I ran by myself because I proved to myself that I could do it all on my own. 

That is my "I need a xanex" face right before the race started.

My competition

 

Jas heading for the finish line.  Quick like lightning :)

Hallelujah, I'm still alive and can see the finish line!!!

The Freedom Runners

When we were done with the race my family came back to my place for homemade waffles, bacon, eggs and berries.  As soon as we were done eating we headed back out so Ashley could run her 1k. I didn't know what to expect from her.  She likes to do everything at a leisurely pace and to be cautious and careful about everything.  I also wasn't sure if she could finish the race.  Well, this little lady of mine shocked me!  She ran the ENTIRE race with her daddy, uncle, auntie, mommy and Colin.  She looked like a major celebrity.  She was sandwiched between her security guards- Jason and Ian.  She had her Auntie Erin cheering for her as she ran and then there was me.  The crazy mom pushing the stroller, while turning backwards to take pictures the whole time.  As we approached the finish line I felt a lump in my throat and had to fight back tears.  I was so proud of her.  There were times when she wanted to give up and walk but she kept going and it made me SO, SO, SO proud.  I can't imagine what kind of a mess I'll be at her graduations, wedding, etc.

 Starting the race

Ashley's best bud, Maddy, starting the race with her Daddy.

The entourage

 Finishing the home stretch as fast as she can!

Crossing the finish line with her arms in the air...so cute!

 The proud new owner of a race medal (I was wondering where mine was)

Colin was so excited  haha

Showing their medals off

 

What happens after you run a race 

After our races were done we headed home for showers and some down time because we had a fun crew of moms, dads and kids heading our way.  We enjoyed games of ping pong and the kids rode bikes and scooters.  We enjoyed a yummy dinner bbq'd by my hubby- thanks Jas, with the Shwams, Moysas, Rogers and parts of both of our families.  It was so fun to see our kids excited for the fireworks as we got ready to head over to the park.  Once we all settled in to our blankets we enjoyed the most amazing fireworks ever.  The sky lit up in millions of colors while we listened to the crackle of certain fireworks and patriotic music.  There is something so magical about cuddling on a blanket with your family and friends to watch the sky light up with glittery bursts of color.  It makes you feel loved, it makes you feel at peace and it makes you feel happy and grateful to live in this country we call home.  I was reminded of all of those soldiers, past and present, that have protected us, fought for us and sacrificed so much for us to live this life and I just hope they all know we appreciate all that they have done and continue to do.

You make a silly face to mess up the picture and I'm still gonna post it, you should know this by now brother.

     A rare shot of Jason and myself.  Love you babe!

Watching fireworks with my little man.

                                                                                        This crazy girl fell asleep during fireworks!

After fireworks we headed home to enjoy cake and homemade ice cream as we celebrated Nana's birthday.