Brothers don't shake hands...they run marathons together...

One last picture from the marathon, and it happens to be my favorite.

Running shoes - $110

Dry-fit clothes - $75

Glide (nothing worse than chaffing...) - $7

Crossing the marathon finish line with your brother-in-law - priceless.

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (and Dump Trucks!)

Traveling with a toddler is never easy, but I have to say that this trip was pretty stress-free for us. Eric was SO good on the plane both there and back (which I was SO thankful for since I flew with him by myself). We were lucky to have a full row for him to play in there and back. Someone was looking out for me!

For anyone that has been around Eric, one of the first things they notice is that he is an observer. He has to see how everything works and once he figures it out he has to do it over and over again. This was no different with the dump truck that Grandpa Wisch has been saving for him. He loved putting stuff in and dumping it out... ...but he was even more excited when he found out he could ride inside! Better than any amusement park rides and it kept him super busy. ;O)

Eating, Southern Style

Like most toddlers, Eric has his hunger strike days. Days where we dread meal time because it always ends up in alot Eric shaking his head "no" and food getting thrown to the wolves (well, not wolves, but Pokey circles the high chair like a wolf!)

While in SC, we seemed to have turned over a new leaf. Not sure if it was the Southern cooking or what, but if hush puppies, sweet tea, french fries, and animal crackers can change Eric's mind on eating, I am all for it.

Before tasting the goodness...

And after...

Now, meal time is fun again... ;O)

Why do the Birds not like Me?

One of Eric's favorite activities is chasing birds. Like Pokey, he is pretty confident that he can catch them, but then as he gets closer to them, they of course fly away. He always looks pretty confused when this happens and looks at us like he is saying "Why won't they play with me? What did I ever do to them? "

He loved chasing all the seagulls at the beach, but still doesn't quite get it...

Uncle Nate, the Natural

Looking at the picture above, you can tell that my brother is a riot! He keeps us laughing non-stop and always comes up with the best one-liners. You can tell that Eric appreciates his sense of humor as well, not to mention the personal pool that his Uncle Nate built for him.

I can't tell who liked it more, Eric or Nate! ;O)

Fun at the Beach

Back to our regular scheduled programming, already in progress...

The beach is such an awesome place for a toddler. Not only is the biggest sandbox around, but there is water, sticks, shells, and endless people to play with. All of this translates into sound sleeping to allow for some fun adult time.
Eric had such a great time with his grandparents and aunts and uncles that he didn't really need mom or dad for much (which was great!!).

Eric with Grandpa (PiPa)

Eric jumping waves with Auntie Kim

Taking a drink break

And after a long day, Eric felt it was necessary to start stripping down (with help and prodding from the gallery). Long story, but one thing led to another, as you can see below....

Little bums are the cutest, aren't they?!

We interrupt the program already in progress...

...to bring you this very important message....

THE RACE RESULTS!

Before

After

As you can see, everyone finished. No ambulances, no stretchers, we all walked (or hobbled rather) back to the car when it was time to head home to the hot tub. And the exciting news is that everyone achieved their personal goals.

Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
Dougie Fresh - 4:09:39 (avg pace - 9:30 min/mile)

Matty - 4:09:39 (avg pace - 9:30 min/mile)

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

Dianne (the power-walker/runner queen!) - 3:18:23 (avg pace - 15 min/mile)
Val - 1:46:00 (avg pace - 8 min/mile)

We already have some commitments for next year, including Eric who started training this weekend for the toddler run next year. :O)

Wisch Family Vacation

The Wisch clan took a much needed Family vacation last week in Myrtle Beach, SC. It has been many years since we have all gotten away as a family and it is past time for us to do so. We were blessed with beautiful weather; low 80s in late September/early October is not too shabby.

So, as you can imagine we spent most of the week sunning ourselves on the beach, playing in the sand & surf, laughing, eating fried food, drinking (did you know that happy hour starts at noon in SC?) We had a blast and it was great to see everyone.

Of course the paparazzi was out in full effect and I have to admit, we got some great shots. So, I will be highlighting our trip over the next few days. A preview of what is to come...

- Fun at the Beach

- Uncle Nate, the natural

- Eating, Southern Style

- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Dump Trucks)

- Why do the birds not like me?

Enjoy! I know we all did!