Rest of the Week Catch-up

Tuesday and Wednesday I didn't run. My plan for the week included tapering for Big Brad on Sunday while at the same time getting in at least a few runs so the total weekly mileage would be decent come the end of the race. The intent it for BBU to be a solid training run for Fells but of course on the other hand, I do have some goals going in, so you know. We'll see how it all shakes out ;)

But Sam ran on Wednesday, her last XC meet of the regular season for the fall. It was a gorgeous afternoon out in Harpswell and she had a good race, really working the hill at the beginning of this particular course. I'm proud of her for the effort she's put in this season. Running isn't easy and she isn't the strongest kid out there, but she does seem to have fun with it, and really, that's all that matters!

Thursday I was up to run the cart paths at 6:00 am. It was warmer than I had expected and I was totally overdressed in my tights. It was an overcast morning but regardless, the autumn colors sparkled along the edge of the golf course. Heard a Pileated Woodpecker calling out on the powerlines and found him up high on one of the poles, pecking away. Ummm, buddy, that can't taste good, can it?! Mellow 6 miles for the day.

I decided to sleep in a bit yesterday as I had only planned a shorter run. Still, it was 39 degrees when I headed out around 6:20 am just as the sky was beginning to lighten. Brrr! I was, of course, underdressed in shorts ;) Can't seem to get my clothing right for this time of year. Ha! A nice easy 4.3 mile run around the Heath, with a flat pastel sky and one deer seen out on hole #3. Lovely.

Today should be a mellow day with nothing planned except to take Sam to swimming and get myself (and her) organized for Sunday. Sam will be hanging out with Ryan at the aid station all day while I run. Feeling slightly guilty about that and hoping it isn't too cold and that she has fun, but it will be a great boost to see she and Ryan out along the course!

Monday Fun

I started off the holiday with a morning run out in the Cathance. The air was crisp and the sun was bright. A lot of leaves had dropped after Sunday's rain and wind, but there was still plenty of color to be seen in the remaining leaves. Got in a nice 7 miles and even had the chance to chat for a few minutes with Jim G. who was heading back as I was heading down the steps to the ecology center. Always fun to run into a friendly face out there ;)

Ryan headed to work while the rest of us spent the morning working on some of Sam's crafts and getting some grocery shopping done. After lunch, we headed out for a walk around the Heath to enjoy the beautiful day. It was still chilly and quite windy, but the sun was nice and warm and once we got into the woods, we were well protected. The colors were brilliantly vibrant against the blue sky. Autumn is definitely putting on a fine display!

Out exploring

Beautiful leaves

Heath

Brilliant colors against the blue sky

Sam, Neenie and Pip

Me and the kiddo

Reflections and fallen leaves

Fall

Glorious

My sweet girl

She stole my phone and took a close-up selfie ;)

Autumn

Winter berries against the Heath

Colors

Mom and Dad took Sam out to sushi for dinner so that Ryan and I could go out by ourselves to celebrate our 17th anniversary. Thanks guys! Marriage sure is hard and it's not all beer and skittles, but it is also most definitely true that there is no one I'd rather have by my side on this crazy ride called life than Ryan. I am a lucky girl! Here's to 17+ more years of adventure, love, laugher and craziness :) Love you, Ryan!

Of course, in typical Danielle and Ryan fashion, the restaurant we wanted to go to was closed for Columbus Day, as were many of the restaurants in town, but we eventually managed to find an open restaurant and enjoy a nice meal together ;)

Who are these young kids?!

Wedding portrait

Along the Androscoggin

Birthday Weekend Fun

After making birthday cupcakes, soup for dinner and getting some yummy local goodness at the farmer's market, Friday's fun continued when Sam, Mom, Dad and I headed up to Thorne Head for an afternoon hike. A lovely 1.8 mile ramble, picking up leaves, enjoying the Kennebec River views, the trails and time outside together on a beautiful day.

Glorious colors

Picking up leaves

Out exploring

The Kennebec

Trail along the river's edge

Climbing the Stone Steps

Purple shroom!

Partridge berry

Love the veins

Love this kid :)

Along the river

Contemplation

Cute kid :)

We stopped to encourage this gorgeous milk snake across the road

Beautiful foliage

Saturday,  Mom and Dad nicely took Sam up to her morning swim lessons so that Ryan and I could get out for a run together. They were excited to have a chance to watch her swim and we were excited to get out on the trails together. A win win. Thanks Mom and Dad! We got in a lovely 8.5 mile wander out through the Commons and Coleman Farm.

Date run down to the ocean

The afternoon was spent at Sam's crafting birthday party at JoAnn's, watching 7 little girls giggle and create bracelets, decorate cupcake boxes and the cupcakes to put inside, and make a sticky mess ;) Many thanks to Mom and Irene for capturing some photos from the day!

Crafting

Cupcake box decorating

Finished boxes

Cupcakes!

Cake time!

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Blowing out the candle

Time for presents!

 It was a fun day and we were happy to spend it with family and friends!

This morning dawned dreary and rainy, but there was much excitement in the house, as today was Sam's real birthday day. Hard to believe this little kiddo is now 7 years old. Crazy! Time really does fly. Happy birthday, Sammy girl, we love you to the moon and back!

The day was filled with crafts and other fun. Sam got some really cool gifts this year that were put to good use on a rainy inside day!

Painting on her new canvases

Testing out the boogie board!

Making an "extendo flower" with her Craft-Struction Box

All wrapped up ;)