Trick or Treat YMCA Style

I can't seem to keep up on this blog. Again, I am a week behind. I have no idea why I can't seem to do this, but anyway...

...Last weekend I somehow convinced Chris to go with my to the YMCA trick or treating event. They had a trunk or treat (trick or treating out of decorated car trunks), a pumpkin walk (where Addi and Asher won a pumpkin) and a bunch of fun things including a bouncer in the gym. The kids had fun, although tired. Chris, on the other hand, would have preferred to stay at home. It was busy, loud and just not Chris' style. :)

I, on the other hand, may go again. We will see next year...

Insanity

Chris and I started to do the Insanity workout last week. Let's just say, it is quite insane! Chris has continued to do his morning workouts of weights, and I have continued to run when I can, Zumba (which I dearly love), and my new found love of yoga. The insanity is just so insane.

Insanity is "max interval training." It is a mix aerobic and anaerobic intervals done to the most insane level humanly possible. It is seriously killer. On the first day, I was dripping in sweat by the end of what is called the "warm up" and I run 4-5 miles a day! Come on, I thought I was in shape! Um, I guess I was not in that good of shape.

I have learned to do a push up since one is expected to do a lot of them throughout many of the workouts. I see my abs changing already, which is cool. I am way more hungry, too, having to snack more at night to get to sleep (not helping my insomnia unfortunately).

Why are we doing this you may ask? Well, it was Chris' idea. And, I am always up for a good challenge. I love the challenge even if it is a killer one. I wish I would have taken before and after pics of us so we can see if we look any different. Since my last birthday, I have packed on weight so that I can not wear my jeans from last winter. Boo. I need to firm up so I can fit into my favorite jeans again! So...I do have motivation!

I will keep you up on our "Insane" results.

Let the Holiday Shopping Begin

You know, I am crazy, right?! That is clearly not a secret. Well, I am sane enough, however, to do our Christmas shopping PRIOR to Thanksgiving so I do not have to contend with the Christmas Shopper Crazies. Now those people are crazy!

So, I have begun. Chris' parents: Check. The kids: 25% done, my parents: just beginning. Chris wants a kayak, so if you know anyone who wants my kidney so I can buy him one, that would be okay I guess. His second choice is a jeep. Yes, the boy thinks I am Angelina Jolie or something.

Now, I must shop til I drop. I only have a month until Thanksgiving!

Finally, the photobook from the Folly Beach, SC, vacation is complete and ordered!! It will make a great present, too. :)

Enjoy!

FOLLY BEACH PHOTO BOOK 

Sick Addi

Addison has been sick 2 days now. She has a cough, sore throat, and a fever that will not go away (but strep negative). She is pretty lethargic, quiet, and cuddly (Addi is typically not quiet or cuddly at home). She is okay during the times of medicine, but we know as soon as it wears off. Poor thing! Get well soon Addison!

Day off of School

Friday the girls had the day off of school, so we met up with our friends at the Omaha Children's Museum. Unfortunately, many other people had the same idea. It did not seem to bother the kids any. We started upstairs with the dinos, making our way downstairs to play. After a fun filled morning, we packed up and went to the Gene Leahy Mall for a chilly and blustery picnic and some fun on the slides. I was freezing, but the kids did not seem to notice. They loved playing on the slides and playing together.

After the waking at 4:45 (yes, you read that right) and a morning of play, it was naptime. We all took a peaceful afternoon nap until Daddy got home.

At the end of the day, Alivia thanked me for the fun day. So...I guess the chaos and cold was worth it!

Happy Birthday Boppa Bill!

Last Wednesday evening, we celebrated Boppa Bill's birthday with Mama's Pizza and cake. The kids were their wild selves, but Grandpa, I believe, still had fun. We took a walk with our dog after dinner, which was nice. I had always wanted my parents to walk a bit on our trail.

Dad's birthday presents had not arrived yet, but we gave him one of a kind gifts! Chris and I designed a "I would rather be flying my RV-12" T-shirt and a RV-12 baseball cap, too. We are looking forward to seeing him again so we can give it to him!

Happy Birthday Boppa! Hope you enjoyed your day!

Silly Boppa!

Visit to Heron Haven

So on Wednesday of last week, Asher and I visited Heron Haven in Omaha. Really, we had errands to run and were in the area, so it just worked out. The weather was not the greatest, but we wanted to see the changing colors of fall.

It was pretty with the fallen leaves on the trail. However, the water was drained and the birds were gone. Any water there was swampy and gross. We did not see any wildlife except for a blue jay and a couple quick squirrels.

If in the area, I would still recommend visiting Heron Haven but maybe wait until spring.

Swimmer Boy

Asher completed his session of swimming lessons yesterday at Swim Barb. I was ready, too, since it will be getting cooler and the drive is SO ANNOYING!

Asher really had fun. He has taken big strides in water independence, now jumping into the deep end by himself! Now, I have to decide what we should do next.

Picture Day

Yesterday was picture day for Alivia, 2nd grade, and Addison, Kindergarten. Here are my picture from before school.

Joining the YMCA

I never thought in a million years that I would join the YMCA but I did. My friend Albanie asked me to go to Zumba with her and that was it. I was addicted. I LOVE ZUMBA!! Okay, it is not always a huge workout for me since I run 5-6 miles a day, but it is so much fun! On Saturday morning I went to Zumba after running and I was dead. Zumba was a total workout! I have also taken pilates and some yoga there, although I like Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown that I do at home (hard stuff!).  I have been trying to add yoga to my running to help with strength, flexibility and core work. I can't say that it has helped yet, but I am only about 10 days into it. So we will see.

However, we are loving the YMCA. I have taken Addison and Alivia to the family Zumba on Fridays twice now. Alivia loved it, Addison not so much. So, Alivia and I will make a date to go every Friday. It is something fun the two of us can do together. Also, the Y has parents night out once a month. Saturday was our first night out. Chris and I went to dinner and then came home to watch a movie. Meanwhile, the kids played at the YMCA, ate pizza and watched a movie. They can stay from 5-11, but our kids were there from 5:30-9:15, which turned out to be a little long for them. We have, however, already booked our next November date night at the Y, but this time we will not keep the kids there as long. After all, they have fun while Chris and I get some much needed alone time! What could be better than that?!

So, as to why I do not have time to blog? Well, between my normal household activities, my laptop totally not working and joining the Y...I am just too busy! I would totally recommend the YMCA. Zumba is so fun that you hardly know you are working out. I just love it! I love the yoga too. I look forward to trying all of their classes when the weather gets cooler out, too.

Little Tumbling

Asher has started to take Tumbling classes at the local YMCA. Last Thursday was his first class. He is taking it with a little friend of his, so I thought that would help him with his shyness.

At the start of class, Asher was very quiet and shy. He sat there, taking it all in. By the end of class, he was running, jumping, balancing, and tumbling like the other kids in his class. Now, he is asking when he gets to go back!

As a treat, the boys had a picnic at the playground and played after class: L-R Asher & his friend Xander.

Vala's With Grandma & Grandpa

Vala's Take 3!

This time we met Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Bob at Vala's for the fire pit, food and fun last Wednesday after school. We could not have asked for better weather (okay, maybe less wind)...it was a beautiful 80 degrees! What a nice fall evening.

The kids found there way around Vala's, riding the plasma cars, trikes, jumping on the pillows, playing in the corn, riding the train, going down slides...whew, what is for dinner?! So, we went back to the campfire and grilled some hot dogs and had smores...Mmmmm! Then it was back to play. I even went down the slides a few times, giving myself a huge bruise on my arm. But, it was fun the first few times. :) We cuddled around the campfire a while before the kids selected some cotton candy to bring home.

What a fun and perfect night. Vala's never fails to be a fun place!