Backlog II: Madisyn's marathon

Last fall, as a 6-year old, Madiysn completed her first marathon!  Well, kids marathon actually... but what an amazing feat it was!  I honestly could not have been more proud of her!  To complete the marathon, the kids were to run a total of 25 miles prior to race day and complete 1.2 miles on race day for a total of 26.2 miles (official marathon distance)!

During her training she ran distances of one mile to two miles without stopping!!! Seriously, she may have distance running in her future!  But that's really not what made me so proud and excited for her.  The true test was getting those miles in when it started getting boring and at times was dark outside!  Even though she wasn't always jumping for joy to go out and run, she still did it!  It would have been easy to quit, but she toughed it out!

Nana and Madisyn, pre-race

Beginning of the race!

Nana, Papa, LD & Madisyn, post-race

Madisyn and her proud Mommy, post-race
I'm hoping that lesson taught her more than you can keep running further than you think...  Hopefully she learned that sometimes you make commitments that are not always easy to keep, but it's important and worth it to keep your word and more importantly, that many goals in life are not easy to achieve, but the payoff is always worth the time and effort put into it!  Aside from anything she learned, I think my favorite part was that we got to spend so much one-on-one time together!

And of course, Madisyn's stats :)

Backlog... Landon's Zoo Date

I'm going to try to keep things in chronological order, for my sanity.  Landon got a special day at the zoo with Papa and Nana Dykema last fall.  He certainly loves any one-on-one (or three-on-one) time that he gets with just about anyone!

Here are a few fun pictures from the day...





(photograph by Tina Vink, link on picture as well as below)
We are a busy family of five! I enjoy time with my husband and kids, running, being outdoors, shopping for deals, and cuddling. My wonderful husband keeps busy playing with the kiddos, hunting, fishing, exercising and working on projects around the house. Madisyn is six, in 1st grade, loves being outdoors and isn't one bit afraid of bugs or worms! Landon is four, a spitting image of Daddy, and is the sweetest, naughtiest and funniest little boy, all in one! Tinley was born February 24, 2012 and has already blessed us beyond belief! Here's a glimpse into our crazy and wonderful lives... hope you enjoy!







Tiece of Cake

I've finally decided to make a blog (Tiece of cake) dedicated to cakes... as to not consume the family blog.

(photograph by Mindy Leigh Photography, link on picture as well as below)

Madisyn Grace

Madisyn Grace
"Baby" & "M" (photograph by Melissa @ M Design and Photography, link on picture as well as below)

Landon Adrian

Landon Adrian
"LD" & "Bubba" (photograph by Melissa @ M Design and Photography, link on picture as well as below)