I survived the 11 mile run today. We “toured” parts of the marathon course in downtown Cleveland, which made me realize just how far 26.2 miles really is. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s one mile at a time, one foot in front of the other, taking me one step closer to the finish line. I wish you could see the smile on my face as I drive home after these long runs.

My Grandma and Grandpa Kraus stopped by today. They were in Westlake for the weekend at a Lions Convention, so it was a nice surprise to have them over. Kade got EVERY toy he owns out to show them (and this kid has got a lot of toys). I’m tempted to sneak a few of them into the basement to wrap up for his birthday. If he wasn’t so OCD, he probably wouldn’t notice, but he actually keeps inventory of each and every toy and has a specific place for all of them (it reminds me of someone, but I can’t quite put my finger on who). He was pretty sad when it was time for them to leave, but I bribed him with the promise of a trip to Costco tomorrow and he calmed down. That kid and Costco…weird.

Kyle taught Liv to shake her head back and forth when you say no. Great…she’s 6 months old and already knows how to tell me no. Why couldn’t he teach her something useful, like how to say mama, or take a bottle (yes, I’m still nursing her and she still refuses anything that’s not me), or sleep through the night?