Martin Nature Park

Nick had a family photo shoot at Martin Nature Park this morning. It sounded like so much fun, so Mase and I decided to tag along. It's a fabulous, quaint little place. We're in love! 

Mason and Steph on a nature trail.

Mason driving his car on a log.

Posing for a photo.

What's in this log?

Stopped to draw a photo of the scenery.

Twig, branches and sticks, oh my!

Tree hugger.

Nick and Mase

Recycling his plastic truck?

The family who we took photos of offered to take a photo of us. We're rarely all three in a photo at the same time. Thanks, Kyle!

If you haven't checked out this hidden gem, do it! It's located off of Memorial Road, just west of Mercy. 

- S

Happy Halloween!

Mase was trying to take a bite of my grapes!

Grammie and Mase

Wishing he were cherries instead.

It's hard to be a photographer and a bunch of grapes.

We hope you had a safe and fun-filled Halloween!

-S

Dreams Come True!

Last night, basking in our we-just-ran-13.1-miles glory, Nick and I were Disney nerds (again). As serious Disney researchers and planners, we found that you can never look at too many photos or talk about your trip too much. So, we started looking at past WDW marathon photos. Oh my, the fun and excitment!

In our research we ran across a video of the 2010 Donald's Half Marathon. The video started and my excitement was through the roof. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy counted down "three...two...one..." Then there were fireworks, cheers and the giant crowd of runners started moving forward. And in the background you could hear the classic Disney Parks song blaring "It's the time of your life, you don't want to miss out on the here and now." I teard up, I did. I really, really did.

I think I teared up for a couple of reasons. First, I'm so proud of myself! When I started running, I could barely run 30 seconds without gasping for breath. But yesterday I ran 13.1 miles with only a few gasps (who invented hills anyway?). Second, damn Disney if they don't have a hold of my heart. I DO think dreams can come true, and I DO have the time of my life there. The song gets me everytime and don't get me started on the song from the Dreams Come True parade.

I can't say that I've always dreamed of running a half marathon, because I haven't. If anything I've always thought 'those people' were a bit dilusional. (Some days, on long runs, I still believe that to be true.) But, I have always wanted to be a runner. And here I am a runner. I'm not fast and I lack form most of the time, but I'm still a runner.

Below are a few photos we found (they aren't ours), can't you see why we're so excited!?

In January, I fully expect to cross the finish line, grab my Donald medal and cry. Cry because I love the songs and because I finished. Nick and I will have made Disney awesome, again.

- S

Mason's First Field Trip

Mason had his first school field trip this week - a trip to the zoo! Nick and I even let him ride the school bus with his friends instead of strapping him into a five-point harness in the car.

Nick took the day off and hung out at the zoo with the kiddos. I was sad I wasn't able to make the trip, so Mason and I did a little pre-trip crafting together. We made lunch bags for the two of them!

 
We have about 5,284 photos of Mason being the last one eating at school events. Bless his heart, he's the slowest eater I know.

How do you get the whole class to look the same way?

Haning with his two new buddies.

This bear fur is freaking me out.

Mason measures his hand against the paw of a black bear.

 Whee!

 How do we get out of Cat Forest?

Looks like a sick, tired boy if I ever saw one.

-S

First Batch

I know you'll find this surprising, but we're up to something again. This time it's spicy, hoppy and seasonal. We, along with our usual partners in crime, brewed our first batch of beer! 

Mmm...a giant bag of wheat (or some other grain).

Everyone needs a sanitizer.

The smack pack of yeast.

A coil contraption built by our head brewmaster.

Thermometer and spigot.

"Mmmm, smells like bread!"

One of our brewmasters adding in the malt extract.

Cooling it down.

D.A.L. Brewmasters

The beer now is gurgling and fermenting in the garage of our brewery. Spiced Winter Ale will make its debut at our third annual gingerALE party. Stay tuned.

- S

Zoo Brew II

Zoo Brew was chimply amazing. I'd be lion if I said we didn't have fun!

Zoo Brew is a fundraising event hosted by the Oklahoma City Zoo. Since we all have kids (aside from John and, I'm assume, Allen, the kilt guy) we felt it our obligation to donate our time and money to help fund the museum.

Nicole, Brooke and I enjoying our first baby mug.

 

Allen (the kilt guy), T, Evan and Nick enjoying their first mug.

The lovely Langs.

Cheers!

Cheers to our cuteness!

T, I think you spilled a bit on your shirt there, buddy.

Mr. and Mrs. Beagle

Better known as the leach kiss.

Someone REALLY loves car seats.

"A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though he knows you are slightly cracked."

-S