Feasts

Another lovely weekend starting off for us. We made it through the first full work week in awhile, which was a bit rough! We went to dinner last night and then did some shopping and each got our hair cut. Exciting times for us. We were just relieved this time when Tom left with his sideburns intact (the last lady lopped them off without even asking!!) and my eyelids still white (I had my eyebrows done last time and they burned my whole eyelid-Ouch!).

Another long run today...I actually managed 12.5 miles, but was regretting that decision about mile 11. The problem was that we went out for 9 miles, but then I was feeling great around mile 6 and decided to just do more, so with no water or real preparation, I had to finish all 12.5. Oh well, it meant another trip to T.G.I Fridays and their fantastic 3-course meal deal, which is my new favorite. So all calories burned running have now been regained. Thank you Cinnabon Cheesecake!

Tomorrow the feast continues with brunch at Austin Grill with Pamela and Co. which will be great cause it's been a long time since seeing them. Tom is busy reading like a madman trying to stay up-to-date with all his classes and papers, but he's just got 3.5 months left until he's properly finished! I can't wait!!!!

We booked a fun little night away with Dennis and Abby for February 10th. We'll be heading to West Virginia to a little city called Thomas (what a great name!). We're staying at the Ladybug Bed & Breakfast and then spending the next day cross country skiing. We're definitely looking forward to that. It'll be a nice little one night getaway to the mountains.

Foot Tour

We went running today and it was fantastic. Tom ran from our house to Arlington Cemetery (12.5 miles) and I took Metro to meet him. From there we ran across the bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, up the mall past the Washington Monument, The White House, and then to the Capitol Building. After we turned around we went around Haines Point which has an excellent sculpture called The Awakening. Then back across the bridge, along the Potomac River then to Arlington Cemetry for a drink. 10 miles in all for me which I was happy about (22.5 for Tom!!). We made up all the calories at T.G.I. Friday's with appetizers, a meal, and dessert! What an amazing way to see the city though, it makes it all seem so close when normally we'd take Metro from point to point.

Sleeping

Are cats supposed to sleep like this? Is it normal? Sweet though, I love it!

Relax

All continues well for us, just a nice weekend to be home and relax. I got a 4-day weekend, Tom only 3, but it is fantastic. After being gone for awhile, it's nice to just stay put for a bit. I managed to crank out 6 loads of laundry Friday, which was obviously fun. Last night we crashed Dennis and Abby's place and had dinner, Christmas with each other, and some games. Now Tom's out running 20 miles (as you do on a Sunday afternoon) in preparation for yet another marathon in a few weeks. I'm still not sure why, but I've actually just registered for the Shamrock 1/2 Marathon in March, so we'll see how that goes. No record times here, but hopefully it'll be 'fun'. Our plans continue to be molded and changed as we learn about different opportunities. It is exciting thinking about all the options, a little scary sometimes too, but it will work out in the end and we'll be exactly where we are meant to be! I have to trust in that, right? Updates will come as we know more about...well, anything, but for now, it's just a matter of waiting until it is all closer!

England visit

We had another lovely trip to England. Our first day in was filled with a trip to the chip shop for lunch and a curry for dinner with Dan & Sarah in Watford. We rang in the new year from our pillows (although woke up to the fireworks) because we had arrived that morning without getting any sleep! We spent the rest of the week in Hull, which is where Tom's parents have recently moved to. We had lots of walks, a few runs, King Kong, a visit to The Deep (the aquarium), a trip into Manchester for more future job info, and lots of family time. As always, the time goes too fast, but it was so nice to see everyone again.

Walk in the park

We visited Sheffield which is the city the Mathers lived in when Tom was young. Here we are walking through the little park near the church where William was a vicar at (behind us). I'm wearing running gloves, hence the glowing reflective stripe!

Uncle Sam's

What's a trip to Sheffield without a visit to Uncle Sam's...the "all-American" diner! They all say they make the best American cheeseburger, which is strangely found in England. The Mathers have been going there for years and years and tried to get the secret cheese recipe with no luck. Dinner is not complete without a Knickerbocker Glory for dessert.

Playing

William and Boulder got a Hyperdog toy for Chrismtas which is basically a big slingshot that throws tennis balls. Boulder loved it and we all had fun playing with it too!

William and Dan with the toy

Boulder salivating for his new toy

A visit with Auntie Barbara

The whole Mather Bunch