Stuck on the Tarmac, But Happy at 49 States

Friday and Saturday marked our completion of a race in 49 states. Forty-freaking-nine! In short, Bridget and Greg ran the 1-mile fun run on Friday and I knocked out a half marathon on Saturday. Even won my age group and, oh boy, is that a funny story!

After we get off his Tarmac and home to my computer, I'll write a proper post with pictures. Needless to say, we had an awesome time!

Love this

Columbus Half Marathon, Here I Come

I'm pretty excited about this race.  I've wanted to run it the last few years because many of my running friends rave about the course, the volunteers and the fans.  However, the last 3 years, I've been traveling during the month of October because air fares are at their lowest and I can knock out a few states in one month.  But this year, since I'm closing in on 49 states, I am free during October.  Yay!

I am following a formal training plan (Hal Higdon) because I need focus and discipline, if I'm going to do this right.  So far, all body parts are in working order and nothing hurts.  Let's hope that lasts!

So here's to training for 13.1 miles of fun and a PR!

Austin City Limits

Yesssssss!!!!!! We're going this year.  It's our second time at ACL and I'm beyond excited.  What a lineup - Cure, Depeche Mode, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Muse, Atoms for Peace (I love me some Thom Yorke), Queens of the Stone Age, Franz Ferdinand, too many acts to name! Our hotel and flights are booked.  Now let's hope that we don't have the mudfest that we had the last time!

Hello, Miss 49!

I just registered for the 49th state! I can't believe we've accomplished so many states in such a short period of time.  What started out on a bar napkin as a silly challenge has turned in to some of the best family memories and fun with my husband and two kids. 

Later this month, I'll be tackling Idaho.  I'll be running/walking a half marathon and laughing the whole way as I check off state 49 on a Saturday morning.  The evening before, my youngest will be running the kids 1 mile race, in which she will receive a medal.  I think one of the best things about this challenge has been seeing my two daughters take part in races and actually enjoy running.  I'm one lucky girl!

Now, Hawaii...you elusive 50th state...it's time to start thinking about you!

Chicago Weekend Getaway

I've always said I love living in Cleveland. We are within a day's drive to so many major cities and destinations.  Within 8 hours, you could be in New York City.  Within 5 hours, Washington, D.C.  And within 6 hours, Chicago.  For my birthday, Greg surprised me with 4 seats to the Justin Timberlake/Jay-Z concert.  Not sure who I was more excited to see as I've been a fan of both for a VERY long time.  I saw Justin when he was with N*Sync in Pittsburgh in 2001 and again when he was solo in Cleveland while 9 months pregnant with Bridget in 2007.  I have never seen Jay-Z in concert, but was over-the-top thrilled at the thought of seeing him live.  And let me tell you, both were AMAZING! Absolutely electrical performances. 

Chicago is just a kick-ass town for a weekend getaway.  Plenty of shopping, food, bars, nightlife, you name it.  We managed to get in some Magnificent Mile time and introduced Bridget to her first full experience at the American Girl store.  She opted to pick out her own doll with brown hair, blue eyes and freckles - just like her. She shopped for her doll's outfits and I even sprung for a pet for her American Girl doll. She was thrilled.  Meg enjoyed the shopping as well and managed to snag some great deals at Nordstrom. Even Greg found a new murse (excuse me, man bag) at Tumi.

If you've never ventured out to Kuma's for their burgers, you really must.  May possibly have one of the best craft beer lists in Chicago as well.  Worth the trip!

And if you stay in Chicago, be sure and check out the Kimpton hotels.  They get customer service right. The manager's reception included complimentary Sangria and the morning coffee is to die for.  I love the in-room yoga with complimentary yoga mat and they provide maps with distances for runners.  Greg and I enjoyed a nice 3.5 mile run along Michigan Avenue to the Lakeshore.  Hot, but so worth it.

Great weekend and great family fun!

Meet American Girl McKenna, the newest addition to our family.

 

Right before the concert.  We made sure that B wore the Bose headphones to limit the sound.  She was a trooper hanging in there till midnight.  She was so excited that this was her 4th concert this year - Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, and now she can add Justin and Jay-Z to her list.

 

Ashford Castle and Learning to Fly Falcons

Our Ireland trip started in Dublin, moved south to Cork and the Blarney Castle, headed off the beaten path to the southwestern corner of Ireland to Kinsale, then moved north above Galway.  Since we had visited Galway during our last trip to Ireland, Greg (our trip researcher) decided on Cong as our next overnight stay (well, two nights, that is). I could have stayed much, much longer!

Cong was the sight of The Quiet Man, the 1952 film starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara as well as being home to the 5-star, luxury resort, the Ashford Castle.  We enjoyed Ashford Castle's "servant's quarters" as our hotel at the Lisloughrey Lodge.  This may have been one of the most enjoyable and beautiful places I've stayed during our travels.  With the short walking distance to the town, the amenities, and beautiful morning view, I highly recommend the Lisloughrey Lodge.  The grounds of the Ashford Castle and Lisloughrey Lodge are joined by a path, which we enjoyed walking to find our Falconry lesson. Yes, falconry lesson.  We felt so "Harry Potter" and wondered if Hedwig would be sending us an owl post!

Ashford Castle. This picture is so postcard perfect that it's hard to believe it was taken with our iPhone.

We came across a couple, who offered to take our picture.  As we chatted with them, we found out that the wife went to Ohio State and her brother-in-law was from our town.  Small world! What I also love about this picture is that Bridget, Meg and me are wearing our new Hunter wellies. Love B's pink ones!

Can you tell how intimidated she was to have a hawk sitting on her arm? She was so brave and eventually started enjoying herself. Her smile in this picture kind of says, "I don't know about this..."

After a few minutes with the hawks, this "bird lady" couldn't get enough.  In this picture, both birds decided to land on Meg's arm at the same time.  She was so excited - just look at her smile!

The view outside our hotel, the Lisloughrey Lodge, that we woke up to every morning.