Farm Market Fun

Back on October 12, the family piled into the car and headed to New Era to have a fun day at Lewis' Farm Market. If you recall, the weather was awesome - sunny and warm. The first thing we did was attempt the corn maze. None of us had ever gone through one before, so it was a new experience and we had no idea what to expect. This one was quite large, but the kids navigated through it following my directions based on the map that was provided. It was a blast! Following this, we went through the pumpkin patch, pet some farm animals, rode the pumpkin train, bounced on the giant air pillow, and ate cider and doughnuts. Following all of this, we bought some yummies and headed for home. It was a great time and we are already talking about next year. Enjoy the photos below.

One more soccer game

Tonight was Kyle's second to last soccer game. He scored two goals and played awesome. Here is video from one of his scores.

Grand Rapids 1/2 Marathon

Today was the Grand Rapids Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. Tracey has been training for several months for the 1/2 marathon and completed her journey today. We were a little nervous that she wasn't going to be able to make it due to the fact that on Thursday she was diagnosed with bronchitis and a sinus infection. In fact, even at 5:45am this morning we were talking through whether she should do it or not. She hadn't run in one week. Obviously, she went for it. And, I think she is pleased that she did it. She beat her best time by about 10 minutes! As usual, Kyle, Clara, and I packed up the bike, Burley, and snacks and headed down to the race with her. Since it was 38 degrees we all bundled up. Once the race started, the kids and I rode out 6 miles to Millenium Park to see Mommy at about the half-way point. Plus, we were able to play on the playground. When we saw her, she looked great. There was no indication whatsoever of illness. After seeing her there, we rode back to mile 10, then mile 11, then back to the finish. We saw her at all of the spots. Her race time was an outstanding 2:07:37! Following the race, she told me that she did great until about mile 11, then started to feel quite fatigued and a little under the weather. After the race...and vomiting...she said that she was happy the race was over. And, that this was the last race of the season. Whew....

GVSU Homecoming

This past weekend was homecoming for GVSU. Two of the events were the 5K run and the fun run for the kids. We really like this race since it is so close to home and doesn't start until 9am. Therefore, we are able to sleep in. Normally, races start at 8am and we have to wake up so early to get there. Not to mention, eating prior requires one to eat at least 2 hours before the race. Anyway, I ran the 5K and Kyle the fun run. As promised, the 5K was a beautiful, flat, and fast course across campus and through the new Laker Turf Building. It was a very competitive field. I ran a decent time of 17:51, which was good for 2nd in my age group. I was hoping to break 18 minutes, so I was quite pleased. I think in order to improve at this distance I will need to get more base mileage and speed work in.

Kyle's performance overshadowed mine. As usual, he was one of the smallest kids there. And, he is so skinny that most people underestimate what he can do. Prior to the race, I had observed many of the kids playing on the field and noticed quite a few athletic kids - many bigger than him. I was a little worried that he would be disappointed when the "big kids" finished ahead of him. He is super competitive and always wants to be the best. The race was a quarter mile - once around the indoor track. Kyle lined up in the middle for the start. When the race started, Kyle immediately shot out to the front of the pack behind one other big kid - an 11 year-old. Everyone was shocked! It was amazing to hear everyone cheering for him. I heard people yelling, "Look at that little kid go!" And, "Look how fast his legs are moving!" Further, he maintained his speedy pace the entire way; never slowing down. No one passed him and he was gaining on the kid in front of him. After it was over, he got a medal and came up to me and said, "Look Daddy, my first gold medal!" I had meant to get his lap time, but I was too excited and forgot to check it when he crossed the finish line. We are very proud of him.

Down, Down, Down

Two major items that I have been watching this week have both been going down. The bad news: the market! The good news: gas prices! Thankfully, Tracey and I have a long time until we plan to retire. Although we are not going to look, we know the value of our investments have dropped significantly. However, contrary to popular belief, you do not actually lose any money until you sell, which we will not do for many years. By then, it will be recovered and have had many years of gains. In the meantime, we will continue investing each month as we are buying at a major bargain right now. Yeah! As for the gas, I think it will go down a little more, but our friends at OPEC will get greedy again and artifically reduce the supply. This will send the prices back up. It will be nice when someday we will no longer depend on their oil.

On a less financial note, Kyle and I are racing tomorrow at the GVSU Homecoming 5K and kid's fun run! It will be fun. I am pretty sure Cam and Dria will be racing too. Stay tuned for updates.

And finally, Kyle had another soccer game on Monday where he scored two more goals!!! He continues to impress us with his soccer moves!

Catch Up

I forgot to post that we all went to our first Coopersville High School football game two Fridays ago. It was homecoming. We really had a great time. Kyle was engaged with the game while Clara was entertained by the cheerleaders and the popcorn! The Broncos have a great team and kicked Sparta's butt. It was fun. And, it was cool to see how many people Kyle and Clara knew from school. I was amazed how many friends and teachers stopped to say hi and give the kids hugs. Both Tracey and I commented how friendly the people were at the game. We love living here! I think we are going to try and get back for at least one more home game.


Clara's feeding therapy is going well. She is enjoying it and she is starting to touch more foods. In fact, she is now eating waffles and french fries (not together - gross).


We ordered a new vehicle. It is a 2009 Toyota Rav4 and it will be in sometime this fall. We decided that it is time to retire the 2001 Tribute (130K+ miles). It has been a great car, but it is really starting to show it's wear and tear. And, with the dependence we have on the cars and the miles we drive, we don't want to be in a situation where we are uncertain if it will have an issue. Tracey is excited about the colors and the options, and I am excited about the 270 HP V6! We were originally looking for a hybrid SUV, but the RAV4 actually gets nearly as good and in some cases better MPG (26). By the way, do you know anyone looking for a used car? :)


That's all for now. Have a great week!

Attention Holiday Shoppers . . . . .

I started my Christmas shopping this week! I know it's only October 1st, but if I don't start now, I will be overwhelmed and stressed during the month of December. The wrapping alone seems to take me forever. Plus, I like to shop early and avoid the crowds. Has anyone else started their Christmas shopping yet, or am I the only one?

The only problem with starting so early is I don't know eveyone I am buying for yet. We typically do drawings for the nieces and nephews and that hasn't happened yet. So, please don't be surprised if you get an email from me soon asking if you want to draw names . . . . . . and yes, in October! Is anyone else interested in doing this soon?

Ultimately, I love to shop and this gives me a reason to do so. :) Plus, I really enjoy shopping for all the kids. Toys these days are so much fun!

P.S. - Only 84 more shopping days, folks. :)