California, here we come – Part 1 of 2

A few days after returning from Jersey, I set out to San Diego for a half-marathon with some friends from college. Two of us ran the half, one of us ran the full (total champ), and we had two of the best cheerleaders along the course encouraging us every step of the way (thanks, Jax and Laura!).

Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego

We stayed in the Gaslamp Quarter, and it was so perfect. I ate my weight in cupcakes, went to a local yoga class (twice!), and oh yeah, ran a half marathon.

Finished!

It was wonderful to reconnect with everyone, and we agreed that we should plan trips like this more often. Races, optional.

 

Why can’t every city be this beautiful on the water?

 

Belated birthday post

So far it seems that 28 is going to be fabulous. It’s hard to believe that a month has flown by already!

I happened to be home in Jersey for my birthday weekend (Memorial Day Weekend), and despite the fact that we were all ready for summer, mother nature was not. It was 40°. I wish I was making this up. Having traveled from Shreveport where temps were already soaring into the 90s, it felt like it was the arctic.

Even in the frigid temps, we still managed to complete the Spring Lake 5 race, an unofficial Memorial Day Weekend family tradition.

Rosalie, Dad, and me, after completing the Spring Lake 5.

Best friends, post-race.

 

Sisters!

Later that night, all of my friends and I got together for dinner for a mini-birthday celebration. The only person missing was Rich, who had to stay in Shreveport for work. Womp. Womp.

The gang.

These girls are the absolute best.

Jersey girls.

It was a wonderful start to the new year.

Home Improvements

Our backyard used to look like this:

The green you see in this photo is not grass. It is an overgrowth of weeds that took over our entire yard and eventually grew almost waist-high. 

So, with the help of Hoogland’s Landscaping, we made some small updates to make this yard enjoyable.

Take note of the grill. We have become BBQ masters. Kind of.

Now, all that’s missing is a pitcher of sweet tea. Happy summer!