Morton Arboretum 5K

This past weekend we participated in the annual Morton Arboretum Fall Colors 5K. We love this race, it's so beautiful and now that we have Emma we love registering her for the kids 50 yard dash! I was sidelined this year, unfortunately, but it was still fun to spend the morning at one of our favorite places with our favorite people!

Emma loves her Auntie Trish! Trisha and Ben came to watch/cheer with me and drink coffee and eat donuts.

Brandon ran his fastest 5k ever! 22:46 with a 7:20 pace & 3rd in his division!

Emma had to have a picture with the "Elsa" scarecrow

And of course the whole family had to get together for one. She is going to be so excited for Disney!

Sloane was a little cold, haha!

Emma didn't run this year, she ended up crying at the starting line and couldn't be consoled, so she just cheered with me. Hopefully next year she'll feel more up to it! It was a cold morning and a little overwhelming with so many people, so I understand her hesitation.

Morton Arboretum 5K & Kids Dash

Brandon and I ran another 5K to round out the season. It was a beautiful run through the Morton Arboretum. The course was pretty challenging, with a steep hill right at the beginning. But towards the end there was a lot of downhill resulting in a time that was much faster than I was expecting!

Emma also ran her first race, a 50 yard dash. Brady ran it as well and it was so cute! Emma was last, but she loved running by all the people cheering for her. I think she's hooked.

Dear Emma: This Week

Brandon was in Seattle all week for business, and I have to say this week went by so much faster than I anticipated! I did what I could to fill up the week with new and fun things to do to keep both myself and Emma entertained. Here's a recap:

Monday
We had a pretty low-key day on Monday. We had just gotten home from a weekend in Michigan, and had a graduation party on Sunday afternoon. Then we celebrated Father's Day by having burgers and milkshakes at Smashburger. It was a busy, but really fun weekend. I was hoping to take you to a music in the park across the street but it got rained out, so we had a picnic in your bedroom. I think you really liked it.

"GG" momma, Emma, and Auntie Trish watching the sunset in Michigan

I set up your chair at the table so we could eat together every day this week. I think you like sitting at the table better than in the high chair.

You were watching GMA and dancing along with the musician that was performing.

Tuesday

I sent you off to Grandma and Grandpa's on Tuesday because I was volunteering at Willow Creek for the first time. You had a blast watching the tree trimmers in their backyard. Grandma said you stood at their kitchen window for over an hour watching the men climb the trees and the branches falling to the ground. That is my favorite thing about you, you are so curious!

Grandma snapped this picture, you were having such a fun time at their house!

Wednesday

On Wednesday's we meet with our play group. We have been doing something different every week to make the most of the summer. This week we went to Cosley Animal Farm in Wheaton and you had such a great time feeding the ducks! I think that was your favorite part, besides just being able to roam around and wave at the animals. After that we went to Grandma and Grandpa's again for you to nap while I helped with their basement renovation. You napped for over four hours allowing us to get so much done. I was surprised that you napped for so long considering there was so much banging going on.

A view from inside Grandpa's office

Thursday

This was the day I was really looking forward to because we were going to see Curious George live at the Morton Arboretum! I had a feeling you would get a little scared of him, and you did, but you also had a great time walking around playing with chalk and bubbles and eating popcorn and ice cream. You did get curious about Curious George and would walk near him and just look at him from afar. It was so cute, you were being so brave within reason.

Grandpa gave you some of his old cars and you love playing with them

First Popsicle

Little miss independent with her popcorn

not so sure about Curious George

Cheesin' it up with Grandma and Grandpa

Friday

Today we will go to the Farmer's Market and take it easy. I will pick up dada tonight and you get to spend another night at Grandma and Grandpa's. They love having you over and call you "their little houseguest". I'm sure you'll have a great time.

First Haircut

My dad and I took Emma to get her first haircut yesterday at Jackie's Barbershop in West Chicago. We went there because my dad has been seeing his barber Kathy for over 20 years and I got haircuts there as a kid. I just loved the nostalgic idea of bringing Emma to the same place and person I went to for her first haircut. I thought it would be better than those kitschy kid snips places. Emma did not like it at all. She flinched every time Kathy would squirt her hair with the water and cried through most of the hair drying. But overall, she did pretty good considering she doesn't like people touching her. It is so funny to see Emma's little personality develop, and to watch her do some of the same things I would do in different situations. As I was watching Emma's reaction to getting her haircut, it was like she was on high alert and nothing could distract her or calm her down. I am the same way when I am in new or uncomfortable situations. I'm sad for her that she is like me in that sense, but I also feel better equipped to help her face difficult situations. I just have to think about what I would want done for me.

After the haircut, we surprised my mom at school and that was so fun. Emma ran right up to her in the classroom and then danced for all the kids, much to their delight. Then my dad, Emma and I went to the Morton Arboretum for lunch and play. They have a great kids garden that has a stream running through, Emma loved playing in that.

Overall it was a great day filled with firsts. I love exploring life with Emma, and I hope that she knows how much I enjoy doing so.