Life as a Starbuck

I just don't know where this year went, and how you are already 1. This has been the most joyful year of our lives. It's also been the hardest year. With Daddy taking the LSAT, waiting for results, not getting into his school of choice, moving to the East Coast and back, and your surgery it's been a wild year. It has been filled with wondeful, fun memories, and I can't wait to share many years ahead with you. You are the sweetest, sassiest, and spunkiest girl I know! We love you, Grace.

The woman who gave Grace her middle name. It was such a good experience to go visit Great-Grandma Jones. Grandma suffers from a condition called Dementia. She doesn't remember much about life, but she does talk a lot, some of which makes some sense. The best part was that special connection Grandma had with Grace. I was hesitant to let Grandma hold her, but she really wanted to, and how can you deny a face like that? Besides telling Grace she was a, "Sweetie, Sweetie, Sweetheart like a bathroom," they really shared many sweet glances. Isn't it times like these that make life so wonderful?

Here's the proof. I actually did this sprint triathlon and I'm still alive. Also, I gained 5 lbs the day I did it.... water weight? I'd say so. Or at least I'm going to keep on dreaming. A sprint triathlon consists of a 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride, and a 5k run. Let me just tell you that I only swam once and biked twice. I don't even think I ran at all. Bad idea. Well, I did finish in 1:46, but still, I suffered from some serious dehydration for the rest of the day. I actually had one of the best experiences of my life during this triathlon. It was 2 hours dedicated to just ME. I didn't have anyone calling my name or crying in the background. I didn't have a diaper to change, or a bottle to make, or school work haunting me. I was able to run and bike the roads of this gorgeous state called Oregon. I had time to clear my head and think about my life. It was pure bliss. So I guess you could say that Oregon is growing on me, but I'll save that for another post.