13.1

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had an out of body experience back in January and decided to sign up for a half marathon in College Station.  Well that half marathon was this morning and the good news is... I made it.  I was hoping to finish under the 2 hour mark and I pulled out a time of 1hour 55 minutes.  Mission accomplished!!  It was the perfect morning for a run - cool temps, sunshine, and no wind.  The course was fairly flat and fortunately when I started out, my legs felt like they were ready for the run and the cooperated with me the duration.
As I sat in the parking lot this morning at 6:15am, I questioned myself, "why are you doing this run?"  I've run this before and know I can do it.  I could still be sleeping and going to church with my family.  Did I really have anything to prove??  Not to anyone else, but maybe to myself.  I think in this crazy life, I sometimes feel pulled 6 different ways and often times feel I can barely keep up. I feel mediocre and need to be reminded that I can do something I put my mind to.  I was reminded of that today. It felt great crossing that finish line!

Meet Jack Elliott!!

 Jack Elliott Kemper, born 2-29-2012 (Leap Year Baby!), 8lbs 5oz, 

 Look at all that hair!

 I love this little man!!

Mom and baby ready to go home from the hospital.

I am an aunt! Wes is an uncle!  A&A&C have a cousin!  Jack Elliott decided he didn't want to wait until his March 8th due date, but instead wanted to bust into this world as a Leap Year baby.  Around 4:30am Wednesday morning both Wes and I received a message from Steven saying they were in at the hospital and a niece/nephew would likely arrive that day.  Toppe and Grandpa made their way to the hospital and we texted all morning with updates.  Just before 2pm the big news came.. it was a boy!!  

Ironically I had a conference in The Woodlands Wed - Fri so I was able to see Jack on his bday.  Looking at his little cheeks for the first time, I knew it was love at first sight!.  It's been 4 years since someone that small tugged at my heart strings.  This little man is adorable and as I held him in my arms I was quickly reminded of the amount of love that can be felt for a newborn.  Everything about him is just right!  

Wes brought the kids up to The Woodlands on Thursday to meet their new cousin for the first time.  Avery was anxious to hold him for the first time.  Austin thought he was pretty cool, and enjoyed holding his pacifier in place.  Caleb wasn't quite too sure of the whole thing and he really didn't like when it got close to eating time and Jack wailed to let us all know it.  

Congrats Steven & Candice on your new family addition.  Jack is a keeper!!!

Parties for Caleb

 We opted for a small cake (Olde Town Bakery) along with cupcakes (Mimi) and cookies (Uncle Jason).

The Birthday Boy

The trampoline was a huge hit for the kids.  

 About to sing Happy Birthday to Caleb... he was quite shy and hid behind the cake.

 Ethan, Caleb, & Jase

Caleb got a snazzy new belt buckle from his girlfriends.

 Avery & Austin had to give their expertise in gift opening.

 Blowing out the candles round #2.

Hot game of soccer at Party #2.

Party #1 Recap:  Saturday morning we celebrated Caleb's birthday with his Bouncing Bear friends at our house.  We pulled out all the outdoor toys and the kids entertained themselves only to break for pizza and cake.  It was the perfect way for a 4 year old to celebrate with his best buds and girlfriends.

Party #2 recap:  Saturday afternoon we regrouped for family and friends.  With the help of Uncle Jason, we put together a taco feast.  The temps were a little cooler than we were hoping for but that didn't stop us from having a good time.  Caleb didn't get a nap in so when it came time to blow out his candles a second time he was a little tired and insisted his dad help him out.  Over all we had a great day celebrating out litt'le man's 4th birthday.

Mardis Gras - Kindergarten Style

 Float Austin Maurer

 Float Avery Maurer

 Excited people along the parade route :)

 Crawfish Dance!

Get off those feet girl!

In the spirit of Mardis Gras, Kindergarten Kingdom puts on a parade followed up by a crawfish dance.  Each kid is a "float" and they had to decorate poster board with things that represent them with a Mardis Gras flair.  With Austin sick Mon & Tues and Avery sick Wed & Thurs, these were not top priorities on our list, but we got them done and everyone one was well enough on Friday to strut their stuff and throw out beads.

Backyard Addition....

 Caleb's 4th birthday present!

Breaking in the trampoline!

We were at a loss for what to get Caleb for his birthday... it's tough being close to Christmas.  From other parties and friend's homes, we knew the kids would love a trampoline so this was more of a group gift, but Caleb got the first jump.

Despite sickness striking our house this week, we've enjoyed a few evenings out on the trampoline.  I remember always wanting a trampoline as a kid, so the gift is just as much fun for me as it is for the kids. 

You will probably note that we decided to forgo the safety net and set the trampoline up without it.  We do have one, just decided not to add it on just yet.  It will probably take that first ER visit for a broken bone for us to put it up....



The Big F.O.U.R.

 Birthday morining... Caleb playing us a tune.  He was all smiles because I let him wear boots to school... his teachers weren't so happy with that decision.

 Singing "Happy Birthday" Bouncing Bear style.  Caleb picked out his own birthday snack - Homeade Vanilla cups, strawberries, and grapes.

 Smile!

 Caleb and one of his best buds, Ethan Ashenbeck.

 Caleb and his favorite girl - Grasyn Hinze.  These two are best buds at school!

These are 4 of Caleb's 16 girlfriends.

Happy 4th Birthday Caleb!!!

Happy Birthday to the little man that makes us laugh every day!