Two Ants, a 5K, and Dinner

Yesterday started out like most, getting up late for work causing the husband to have to take Lynnleigh (after his 12 hour night shift.. oops!) to the sitter so that I can get to work on time, or stop and get a coffee... Yesterday seemed like a good day to be late and coffee seemed like a good excuse ;) Luckily, my students have already taken their end-of-course exams (and ROCKED them!!!), so they are currently working on projects which requires very little prep for me meaning I can get there 30 minutes later than I normally do!

Our PTSA makes a faculty lunch twice every year, and they had it yesterday. They always have awesome hot dogs, pasta salads, potato salads, chips... and OOOOOHHH the desserts! They are always heavenly!

The pasta salad must have been a hit for everyone, including these two ants hauling a piece away that running friend Paula (she is the school nurse for the high school where I teach) was fascinated with.

The vending machine man, Dennis, came to the school as well today. ALWAYS make friends with the snack guys- they will never disappoint! Free cashews for the win!!

After work, I went to go pick up Lynnleigh from the sitter. She apparently had one heck of a day, just look at those flushed cheeks and that hair!

We got home and played a little. Aaron signed me up for a local 5K, the one on the part of the local trail that I really despise I told you about yesterday. It didn't start until 7:30, so we snacked a little (Lynnleigh wanted her usual chocolate-covered donuts and I ate a piece of toast with some hummus on it). We got in some play time outside. She found this ribbon my parents got her a while ago that she hadn't opened, so of course it was the best thing in the world for a few minutes ;)

We also checked on "Momma Bird". Lynny (that's Lynnleigh's nickname- not sure if I have mentioned it yet, but that's what we call her 95% of the time) has a mother bird that has made a nest and laid 4 eggs right on her window sill. She is always checking on her to see how she is doing. "Momma Bird", as we lovingly refer to her, seems to be getting more and more ok with us checking in as the days go by. She doesn't fly off every time we open the window or walk up to her from outside. Gaining a bird's trust is important ;)

After changing and getting all of our thousand pounds of gear ready to go, we hit the road to meet our friends at the 5K!

Lynny was super excited ;)

We go to the trail head, which was SO crowded (as always when there is a race held here-another reason I am not a fan), got our packets, and jogged a bit to warm up. Then we were off! Running friend Paula wanted me to be first female overall (she has high hopes for me! Ha!), but I COULD NOT catch 1st place female. She was so fast. And it looked so effortless for her! I did, however secure second place female and 1st place in my age group, so I consider the race as a whole a success!

Paula got 2nd in her age group! Check out our sick medals!!

After the race, a big group of us (I'm talking 25+ people, y'all) went out to eat at a local restaurant together. We had a tag-a-long on the way there. Sweet Elliot! Lynny is OBSESSED with him, and although is is 3 years older, he always plays with her!We

We got to the restaurant (it was pretty late- after 9) and we were all starving! Lynny is a late night owl, so this was still early for her. I'm the only one in our little family that wants to go to bed at 9. Anyone else? ;)

Lynny demanded to sit with Elliot and her forever-favorite buddy Connor (Paula's youngest son). They sat at a different table and I was sad she didn't want to sit with me. She's too little to choose friends (BOY FRIENDS) over me!

Just look at those sweet pig tails!!!!!

My dinner was AMAZING! This place has the BEST pork chops!! I got a side of rice and broccoli (cooked to perfection- I might add! Not mushy, not too crunchy- just PERFECT!) Paula's husband Billy got me hooked on the sweet Asian sauce the restaurant has- it is so delicious on these pork chops! There was also a roll- gosh I love bread!

Then it was back home for the night! By the time we made it home, Lynny was POOPED! So was I! Aaron put her to bed while I put up some laundry and washed our duvet cover- a cat threw up on it while we were gone- lovely. Then it was off to bed!

Up early this morning (kind of) to get some of the stuff ready for Lynny's party today! My Momma and Scotty have been up ALL night and up early today working on things- they are life savers!!

Time to party! And by party I mean drink ALL the water!! 20 miles with Paula tomorrow! My last long run before my marathon in May!!!

Have you run any 5Ks lately? What is your favorite dinner?

Do you have a least-favorite place to run?