Jon's Second Half Marathon

On December 15, Jon finished the Columbia Half Marathon - his second 13.1 miler!  He averaged a 9:37 mile and finished in 2:05:58.  The boys, his mom and I all ventured downtown in time to cheer him on as he crossed the finish line.

We are both running the Palmetto half marathon on April 13.  Let the resolutions and training begin!

Auntie Christina's Visit

Jon's sis and her friend came to Columbia for two days. They arrived Thursday evening and left after lunch today. It was great seeing her and we managed to fit a LOT of fun into less than 48 hours: wii Sports, Guitar Hero, a zoo trip complete with a rope climbing course, late night card and board games, a white elephant gift exchange, and very little sleep! This morning, we all headed to Andrew and Ethan's karate class, then lunch at Red Robin before saying goodbye.

Jon's mom took this shot of the couch cram; 8 is DEFINITELY the most beings ever on this thing.

Christina's friend snapped this one of her with our neurotic boxer and crazy 3-year-old.

Most of the photos that follow are from the zoo.  We spent a chilly Friday morning there, which meant we basically had the place to ourselves and also that the animals were particularly active in an effort to keep warm!  It was neat.

Jon, Andrew, Christina, and her bud did the new zoo ropes course while Grandma Cathy and I stayed below to snap photos and wrangle Ethan.  They were fun to watch.

I think Christina is talking herself into going across here.

There's my completely fearless 5-year-old at the top, being assisted by a sweet, patient zoo employee.

Go, Christina!

A little assist from Daddy

Birdy love

Even when you love the birds, they still sometimes manage to freak you out.

Last night, we had a mini birthday party for Jon and Christina's mom, who has a birthday right around the corner!

We will miss Auntie Christina, but are excited to see her again, along with all the other Burbank peeps in July for a big reunion in Colorado!

Great Wolf Lodge December 26-27

Our day after Christmas tradition has become a trip to Great Wolf.  Just Jon, the kids and I went this year.  As usual, it was fun!

The boys were chosen to lead the cheer at the opening of the park on Thursday morning!  They loved it.

STOMP STOMP

CLAP CLAP

AHOOOOOO!!!

We all had a wonderful time, even Ethan, who we could not get to smile for many photos.