Main Street Mile

Each year, the Westminster Road Runners Club, sponsors the Main Street Mile, a one-mile run down Main Street in the heart of Westminster. This year, Casey joined the new running club that met after school starting in early March. They learned about stretching and participated in games and activities that made running fun (in addition to the laps they ran). She was raring to go for the Main Street Mile last Wednesday evening. Not to be outdone by her big sister, Emma, too, was anxious to run the mile as well. We were fortunate that my wonderful in-laws were able to come out and enjoy the evening with us too. The weather was beautiful!



The plan was for me to run with Casey (so I could sprint ahead at the end and take her picture crossing the finish line), Chris to run with Emma (because surely she'd have to be carried at some point), and Bill and Kathleen to walk with Jacob in the stroller. Then, we'd all meet up at the end. Sounded good. (Mind you, we parked at the end of the race and walked the mile to the start. I didn't think it was a good sign when Emma complained a bit about being tired walking up to the starting spot.)


We saw lots of friends and neighbors at the race as well. Casey's school had the most kids participating out of any other school by more than 30 (they had 114 registered kids, I think)- go William Winchester Elementary!


When the race began, Casey ran at a consistent pace with her friend, Molly. I kept pace with the girls and Chris and Emma were just a tad behind us. It seemed as if Emma alternated between sprinting/running and a bit of walking (but never for too long- she really wanted to keep up with the big girls). Casey's goal was to run the whole mile without slowing to walk.


First we came to the 1/4 mile marker- still going strong. Then, the 1/2 mile marker- going strong but having some leg "tightness". Then, the 3/4 mile marker- still going. And, wouldn't you know it, right about this time, streaking by us goes Emma and Chris. Emma was unstoppable! I had to run and catch up to give Chris the camera so he'd be ready at the finish line! Emma finished in about 12 minutes and Casey at about 12:20 (it was hard to know for sure because they started toward the back of the pack so the time wasn't completely accurate for them). Emma was first to finish (in our family) and Casey met her goal of running the whole mile! Way to go, girls! I was so proud of them!



We finished off the evening with some ice cream sandwiches at the fire station with all of the other race participants. The girls are already talking about doing it again next year!

The Greatest Show On Earth

Last Saturday was all about the girls. During the day, I took them to Carroll County's Peep Show (an art show with art of all kinds made out of marshmallow Peep candy). It's our third year going to see all of the creative ways people can think of to make art from Peeps. We voted for our favorites, including some made by friends, and enjoyed some chocolate dipped Peeps and Peep ka-bob treats. (The girls and I were going to submit our own Peep art this year but this mom got her dates mixed up and missed the registration deadline. So... we have some great ideas ready for next year!)

This was an obviously 3-D Peep "sculpture" of the character from Where The Wild Things Are. It was my favorite.

Later that day, we had a visit from Poppy and Pop-Pop. The girls enjoyed some belated Easter treats and some joking around with two of their favorite guys (along with Daddy and Papa). Then, Chris and I loaded the girls in the van for their surprise night of dinner at Red Robins and the Ringling Brothers circus in Baltimore. Dinner was fun and yummy (minus the hair in my first burger) and the girls were dying with the suspense of where they were going next.

This was our second year at the circus. We had such a good time last year that we splurged for Celebrity seating this year. It was worth it. We got escorted to front row, cushioned fold-out chairs right under the high wire. You know the seats were good because I sat next to the mayor of Baltimore and her daughter (who truly got "celebrity" seating when she was brought cocktails and funnel cakes, etc. right to her seat). The clowns and ringmaster interacted with us throughout the show. For the first half, we even got to sit on seats right on the circus floor! The clowns and ringmaster came right up to us (one clown even "blew" his nose on Chris's shirt) and they performed a bunch of really cool magic tricks right in front of us.

Casey, who loves anything patriotic, really liked this elephant who walked the floor while the national anthem played at the start of the show. (Unfortunately, I could not figure out how to get good pictures with the limited lighting inside the arena. Very few turned out well.)

Chris and the girls showed off their "Circus Celebrity" passes...

Our friendly clown who entertained us during intermission...

Of course, the giant elephants put on an amazing show.

And, the tigers were a sight to see as well. The tiger trainer was amazing, although I have to say, I stayed poised to cover the girls' eyes in the event this act went awry (visions of the Siegfield & Roy tragedy were flashing through my mind). There were beautiful white and orange cats and the trainer was flamboyant and entertaining.

In addition, we all enjoyed the high wire act, the clowns, the magic, the disappearing elephant, the acrobats, the dog show, and much, much more. The extra expense for the upgraded seats and snow cones and souvenirs were worth the permanent smiles on the girls' faces that night that lasted even when they fell asleep in the van on the way home. It truly is the greatest show on earth!

An extra special thank you to Poppy and Pop-Pop for entertaining Jacob until late that night!

Easter and After (Catching Up On Some Pics)

The Easter Bunny brought Jacob a big Rocket (from Little Einstein's). He's a boy of few words (not few sounds, just few intelligible words) and "Rocket", said with enthusiasm, was on of his first. He loves Little Einsteins and shouts "Rocket, rocket" whenever he sees it. (Of course, this toy was on clearance at Target for WEEKS for pennies- before Jacob liked it. Then, when the EB decided to bring it to him for Easter, he had to go on ebay to get it at triple the price. But, the EB knows it was worth it. Jacob smiled ear to ear and couldn't put it down all morning- "rocket, rocket, rocket....")



Hunting for Easter eggs at Grammy and Papa's house...

Jacob was so tickled to find them on his own...



All the Jillson cousins! (too bad I couldn't get them all looking at the camera at the same time!)...

Emma and Louie, the stinkbug. She really enjoyed her little pal, despite the look captured on her face in this pic...

Jacob's preferred method of eating an ice cream cone...bottom first!

His new "cheese" grin...for when he sees a camera!

Pop-pop and his girls...
Poppy, Sweetie, and Toots...

Happy Easter!