Marathon Club, Rob's New Job

Last night Jack ran the last 1.2 miles of his "marathon". It's a program the elementary school PE teachers in Lynden put together to encourage kids to choose exercise for life. It started in the end of September, and works like this...students can choose to run during their lunch recess two days a week. They have a track set up around the playground at school, and 5 laps=1 mile, 5 miles=1 card, 5 cards=25 miles. Students who complete the 25 miles are invited to the Lynden High School track to run under the lights and receive a medal for completing a whole marathon. When Jack first started, I was concerned he wasn't going to make it to the "final mile" at the high school. He started pretty weak...running only 4 laps at first. We gently reminded him that if he wanted to make it to the high school, he'd have to run at least 5 laps each time. Boy did he show us what he was made of! His average was 6 laps a time, but twice he did 7, and once he even did 9 laps (almost 2 miles). We thought that was pretty impressive for our laid back 6 year old. Fitness-type activities have never really been Jack's strong point, but in the last few months, we've really made this more of a family goal, and he's turned into quite the active boy. He's leaned out a bit, and it seems like on the days he runs, he's happier, which I can certainly relate to. We're very proud parents.

As for the latter part of this title, yes, starting in January after our Maui trip, Rob will have a new job! He was offered a job at LarsonGross, a local accounting firm. He was hired on as a staff accountant, and has said goodbye to Semiahmoo! They part ways on December 16! We are so excited, and feel so blessed for this opportunity. The hard work Rob has put forth to finish his accounting degree has paid off with this job offer. Rob is very excited...in fact he's been giddy with excitement since he got the news.

Spokane, Wenatchee, Friends

I could post these all separate, but come on, let's be honest. That would take me over a month!

To continue on with my "October Trips" here is Part II...

A fun-filled family trip to Spokane. Rob had a Seminar there, so we all packed up one Friday afternoon and headed out. We got to the Davenport hotel at 1:00am Saturday morning, but it was well worth it! The kids and I just laid around the hotel room and swam while Rob had his seminar at the WSU Spokane extension. Then later when he got done we hit up River Park Square for some awesome shopping and PF Chang's for a yummy dinner. The only pictures I got the whole weekend...the kids outside of PF Chang's enamored with the huge horse statue. I love downtown Spokane. So laid back, people are friendly...nothing like Seattle! Rob and I miss it from our college years. We'll definitely be going back to the Davenport again soon.

On the way home from Spokane, Rob and the kids dropped me off in Wenatchee for my annual Washington Association of Family and Consumer Science Educators conference. In other words, I get to take two days off of work, stay in a hotel, and catch up with all my awesome teacher friends. It's always a great time. No pictures.

I got home from my conference Tuesday evening, and began preparations for our friends Jason, Sydney, and their baby Tate to come visit. To say we had the most wonderful time with our dear friends would be an understatement. Words cannot describe how happy my heart and soul is after a weekend visit with them. We packed in all sorts of fun and tradition. Sushi, games, a Halloween horror film, and lots of great conversation and playing with the kids.

What a month! It was so nice to reward ourselves for our hard work. Even though October seemed crazy at times between work, school, flag football, weekend trips, friends, pumpkins, halloween...and the list goes on...it was such a fun month for us!