OUC Half Marathon 2013

I completed this same half marathon 3 years ago...in probably the best shape of my life, 2 weeks before my wedding, before babies, when time was my own...and it was such an amazing experience.  My friend Natalie encouraged me and inspired me...and I crossed the finish line with a big smile on my face.  So when she asked me to do this race again with her, it didn't take much to convince me!  It was my goal to get back in shape after Presley and something to do for myself.  I had no idea how hard it would actually be to do this though.  During the 3 months of training, I struggled to get my runs in because it was so hot, I had a stroller to push most of the time (which makes it hotter and harder), I rolled my ankle stepping off a curb with 2 babies in my arms which set me back a week or so, I got sick with a bad cold, my babies got sick with bad colds, AND did I mention that little thing about time??!! But I made some time and was able to get a couple longer runs in and felt half way ready for the big day.  Bummer that it was pretty hot race day (December 7), which made it tough to run such distance.  I kept up with my future sis in law Morgan and her cousin Jenna for the first 6 miles but then I realized that I couldn't keep up that pace so I backed off and tried to get in my own groove.  At about mile 8, I talked to Rusty (yes, I talked to him) and said to him that I wasn't sure how I would finish...my knees were hurting, my ankle was throbbing, I was hot, and felt extremely out of shape!  I mean, who runs 13 miles??  Oh yea, me...3 times, and once pregnant!  It was then I decided that this momma was done with distances like that for a while, maybe forever, haha.  But I pulled myself together, stopped a couple times to stretch, chatted with Amy for encouragement, Nicki by accident but thankfully, and tried to FaceTime my Houston family to wish my niece a Happy Birthday (love my iPhone)....and finished the race in 2:25 ( about 12 minutes slower than my first one).  I think I was even more happy to cross the finish line this time because at one point I didn't think I would make it.  I did it.  Yep, I did it!  It's kind of amazing how powerful your mind is.  Congrats to all my girls that rocked that race!  Natalie, you were built to RUN!  When's my next race you ask?  I am aiming for the Winter Park Road Race, which is a perfect 6 miles! 

This was right before the race started.  We were all pumped.  That quickly wore off for me, haha.  My friend Natalie is the one in the back with her mouth open wide and her sis in law Jamie is in the black hat next to her.  This was her and Jenna's (the cute one in the middle) first half marathon and they both did awesome.  Oh and that's Morgan on the left, she is going to be my new sister in law on May 3rd! Notice the photobomber, creepy.

 Here I come...yay!

 

 Since I was the last one to cross, everyone was there to cheer me in.  I let them know that I was dying with this look (I felt like I was)!

 

There I go...I love how Kennedy is sitting on Uncle Johnny, no bloomers, with her banana!  Daddy did such a good job getting the girls ready and to Lake Eola to see me run!

 

 There's Morgan...or Gorgan as Kennedy calls her.  She finished with a great time!

 

 And here comes Jenna!  16 and doing her first half, so awesome.

 

Excuse the sweat on me but here is my girl Nat...my Pineloch Pal.  The reason behind this half marathon madness.  We have a picture from the last half we did like this, look back on my blog if you want to see! She waited for me just to take this picture and give me a sweaty hug!

And here is her little cutie Miss Brady!  She was there to cheer her mommy on!

 



 We did it!

 

These pictures were taken by Morgan's mom.  I think we were excited to be done!

 

Kennedy photobombed this picture, haha.  She wanted to be with all the girls.  She kept saying "Momma runnin"!

 

I love this picture her mom got!  She is one of the reason's I made it across the finish line...and also one of the reason's I am out of shape!

  

My cheerleaders!

 

 Another medal to add to my collection!  Kennedy looks thrilled...but not as thrilled as I am to be not running!

 

 Taking a sit.  Much needed!  I seriously hurt for a week after!

 

 The happy couple!

 So proud!

 

 The Graf tongue thing...haha.

 

 Posing like we are at the high school dance.  Are we old?  

 

 Morgan and her momma Terri!

 

 I love my family.  P is checking out my medal!  Kennedy is wearing Jenna's!

 

Despite it all, I am so happy I did this. Thank you to all who listened to me complain and still encouraged me!  

Christmas card attempts...

Who doesn't love to get those adorable Christmas cards in the mail of everyone's families?  I know I do.  I am so happy we actually sent out a Christmas card this year.  It is the very first one I have ever done with my family.  My favorite photographer Miranda offered a mini session at an adorable store in Downtown DeLand called Anna Bananas.  I know some of you can relate and understand that it is REALLY hard to get a good family picture with everyone looking and smiling when you have little ones.  Well, it is just hard in general to take photos with little ones.  But I still love pictures too much to give up, haha.  And my husband is always a trooper and plays along!  Thankful that Miranda got the ones she did and that she is always so patient with my family! 

 This one made the cut for the 2013 Graf Family Christmas card!  2 out of the 4 of us were smiling...but hey, kids are always cute!

 

 This one didn't make it, although I love the girls pose in this one!  Look at the lips on all my babies!

 

 Here's the black and white of my blog picture right now.  Love this one so much, perfect!  Kennedy is always giving her sister kisses, probably why they are always sharing sickness!

 

 This makes me laugh!

 

 Clearly Rusty was standing in the wrong direction trying to get them to smile.  So awkward, haha.

 

 I kinda want to eat her here.  I didn't realize until recently how much I love her ears.  They are just like Rusty's and he will tell you (so I can tell you) that I have always loved his ears!

 

 Loving this one so much!  Here, she looks more like me too!

 

And one of us...my big baby.

Festival of Trees

This is the 2nd year we have gone to this at the Orlando Museum of Art.  I love seeing all the creative trees up for viewing and sale and Kennedy loves the kids area...which also includes a special man with a white beard.  He is so awesome too, so great with the kids.  He did have candy canes which worked in his favor with two hesitant 2 year olds.  My aunt was in town at this time so I left Presley at home for some QT with my big girl.  We went with our friend Lisa and Grace and had a great visit!

Here we are!  We took this picture because the girls insisted on switching strollers, they are too funny.

 

We stopped in front of the Dr. Seuss tree for a photo op and Grace was not having it!  She's not a fan of group pictures, haha.  Oh and the little boy to the right is Ben, Lisa's friend Kristen's little one.

 

 Look who else was there?! Photo with JT, yes please!

 

 I loved this Santa.  If you have candy, they will come....  He was also showing them a picture of his pet squirrel on his iPhone.

 

 Grace's turn...

 

 Maybe not...

 

 Sure why not!

 

 Group photo with mommy.

 

 Such a big girl, she went all by herself next.  I think he may have given her another candy cane :)

 

 Kennedy is next!

 

She did it...for a candy cane for sure, haha.

 

 Momma had to tell him what she wanted for Christmas too.  She has been extra good this year!

 

 

Everyone had so much fun!  Definitely recommend The Festival of Trees to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 

 



The Graf Family Christmas Tree Tradition

This is the 3rd year in a row that we pre-ordered our Christmas tree from the Eola Indian Federation through the YMCA in Orlando.  We have had the best luck with this and it is so easy.  Order, pay, pick up!  You are guaranteed a great looking 7-9 foot tree!  We had our hands even more full this year so with a baby on my hip and chasing a toddler and snapping photos (yes I am talented), Rusty picked up a tree to show me, I said "That's it!", and we walked out with it!  Yep, all me this year and I have to say, it is perfect!  Since my mom and aunt were still in town, everyone got to help decorate it too.  I heart the holidays. 

 On our way to get our tree!  Presley is wondering why she is actually WEARING a tree on her head, haha!  That face.  Those lips.  She is perfect.

 

It was a little chilly.

 

Rusty caught this picture of Auntie taking a picture of me and the girls.  She is so funny trying to take a picture!

 

Discussing the tree...this was THE ONE!

 

 

Kennedy approved too.  We had to measure to make sure it would fit in our house, haha.  We don't have those 12 foot condo ceiling anymore!

 

Waiting to have the end trimmed a little.  I love how Kennedy is holding Rusty's hand.

 

The Graf Family Christmas Tree 2013. Look at the sweetness in this picture!!  

Loaded up in the truck, baby and all!

 

 Getting the tree ready to bring inside.  Rusty looks thrilled and Matty was so into it, haha.  Look how perfect shaped it is, thank you very much.

 

 Checking the lights...

 

 Eric was just chillin' listening to the Christmas music!

 

 As I said before...thrilled.

 

 I have to get pics of the girls in this hat.  I have done it with Kennedy the past 2 years, so fun!

 

 Nini and Auntie getting their decorating on!

 

The next morning the girls woke up to the tree decorated and all the fun musical things underneath (I need a tree skirt ASAP).  They loved it and yes, Kennedy took ornaments off all day!