Update on the Avon Walk Training & Preparation

Well, the Walk is less than a week away now and I'm feeling a bit nervous and anxious. My walking partner Melissa and I did a final endurance walk on Friday -- 22 miles in about eight hours! I have to admit we were feeling a bit beat up by the end of it but after a hot shower and a good nights rest we both bounced back pretty well by Saturday.

Thanks to many of you, I've exceeded my fundraising goal so a big "thank you" to all. Below is a picture of some the words of encouragement that a few of you sent along with your contributions -- thank you for those also.

If you'd still like to make a contribution, it is certainly not too late. Just click on the link below to go directly to my "personal page" to contribute.

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/WashingtonDC?px=3855872&pg=personal&fr_id=1430




This week I'll spend some time packing my gear -- hoping not to forget anything but I'm feeling pretty well-prepared. Not much left to do but hope for good weather. It would really stink to have to walk 40 miles in the rain! I'll do an "after the Walk" post as soon as I get a chance. Stay tuned.

Catch Up Post -- Beware -- Long Post!!!!

The first and most important thing to update on is that Christian celebrated his 5th birthday on March 14! Wow, how fast those five years went by. As most of you who are parents know, birthday celebrations aren't only a day anymore. The celebration seems to go on and on...

The festivities began with a bowling party with 19 of his closest friends! And while the bowling alley customer service left much to be desired, the kids never noticed and all seemed to have a blast! I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed and felt a bit stressed early on, but after a beer or two I was having a great time (it was a bowling alley after all -- isn't beer drinking mandatory!)

Christian loved his Star Wars cake and I have to say, it tasted as good as it looked.

Christian was very happy that along with many of his friends from his current school that some of his friends from his previous school were able to come too. It was really nice to see everyone.

After bowling and cake all the kids got to play in the little arcade at the bowling alley and mostly just run around. And, as luck would have it, that weekend there was some kind of Junior Achievement event going on at the bowling alley too and they had a professional dee jay there playing "rockin" music the whole time. Really helped the party atmosphere. I don't think Christian's feet touched the ground the entire time we were there!

And the evening ended earlier than usual with the birthday boy falling fast asleep well before 7:30 and sleeping straight through until 8:00 the next morning!

Grandma GoGo arrived the day before the actual birthday for a week long visit. On the actual birthday "day" we just had a mini celebration at home and opened presents from Mom & Dad and Grandma GoGo. We bought a mini strawberry cake -- Christian's favorite -- and surprised him with it after dinner.

Mommy with the birthday boy!

During GGG's visit we went to the park a few times since the weather was so nice. This picture was taken on one of our walks to the park. Christian loves his Grandma GoGo!

The final phase of the birthday celebration was the Saturday after. Shane, Grandma Bailey, Granddad, Grandma GoGo, Christian and I all went to Red Robin for a family birthday dinner. Christian loved it -- very kid friendly place -- and was surprised after dinner when several of the servers came over with an ice cream sundae complete with birthday candle and sang a rockin version of Happy Birthday to him! He really had a great 5th birthday. I don't know what we'll do to top it next year!

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Then, before we knew it, it was Easter weekend. It really came up fast this year. The Easter Bunny was very good to Christian this year. He got lots of candy and little goodies but he also got his very first "car". It's a jeep and I have to say it is one sweet ride.

So, there you have it, I think I'm pretty much caught up. Life is good in BaileyTown! Hope it's good in your town too!