More May!

Building Giant Towers.

Abu climbs the tower.

Erik knocks the tower down.

Snack Time: Ants on a Log.

"Friends" TV Show Trivia Night.

Foodie 5K with South School Teachers.

Reindeer races in pjs.

Norwegian Day Parade.

A pre-dinner pick-up game of father-son football.

Zoo Race 2015

Sunday we met Erin and Amy at Lincoln Park Zoo for our 3rd or 4th annual Zoo Race. Unfortunately, around mile 2 there was a complete downpour. We got totally drenched and ended up running to the car instead of getting to hang out and enjoy the zoo longer. Hopefully we'll have better luck next year!

Pumpkin Roll and Bash!

Saturday afternoon, the Park District hosted a Pumpkin Roll and Bash to teach kids about composting. Kids were able to climb the giant sled hill, roll their pumpkins down the hill, chase after them, smash them with a shovel or bat, and throw the remains into a wheel barrel to be composted. Kyle LOVED running down that hill and chasing his pumpkin :)

Zoo Race!

This past Sunday was the second year in a row that Chris and I ran the 5K Lincoln Park Zoo race with our good friends Amy and Erin. We finished in under 30 minutes. Amy and Erin joined us about a half hour after that (they walked most of it!), and then the four of us went out to brunch - our favorite part of the race :) Last year it rained during the race, and everyone was dodging puddles. This year we couldn't have asked for better weather. What a beautiful morning to run around the lake front.

Will Run for Chocolate!

Sunday morning, Chris and I got up way too early (thank goodness for fall back!) for a nice little 3 mile run around the city of Chicago. Despite the early wake up call, and the chilly weather, it certainly was a beautiful fall morning. The best part of the event: each finisher was rewarded with a delicious mug filled with chocolate sauce and all sorts of goodies for dipping (think bananas, rice crispy treats, wafer cookies, pretzels, etc.), as well as a warm cup of hot chocolate. Yum, yum, YUM! Best race ever.

Zoo Run!

Last Sunday, Chris, Erin, Amy, and I ran the Lincoln Park Zoo 5K. It was raining, but we finished, wet and all. Sometimes the only reason I think Chris agrees to run races is for the post-race brunch ;) Can't say I blame him. Pancakes are highly motivating.

U of I Race

Lauren, Chris, and I ran the second annual I-Run on Sunday. We made pretty good time running along the lake and had a lovely brunch to celebrate.

Turkey Trot

This morning, while Ky caught up on some sleep at Grandma and Grandpa P's, Chris and I ran in the Edison Park 5K Turkey Trot for the third year in a row. We finished in under 30 minutes with about a 9:44 minute mile pace ... not our best, but pretty good considering we've been slipping to more of an 11 minute pace as of lately. We were lucky to run into Heidi, Joe, E, JD, Mark, Ellie, John, Julie, Augie, and Trixie ... what a great turnout by the Loyola crew. In fact, what a great turn out by the entire Edison Park and surrounding communities ... a record breaking 5,000+ people participated in the race this year. It was such a beautiful, unusually warm morning (think upper 50s?) for a run ... great fun ;)

Hot Chocolate Run!

Uncle Kevin, Cousins Sarah and Matt, and, as we found out later, Auntie Jan and Uncle Mike, all ran the famously delicious Hot Chocolate Run in downtown Chicago yesterday morning. We wanted to go cheer them on, but it was so early in the morning - and pretty chilly as well - so we decided to make them a sign and send them our good thoughts from the comfort of our own home. Way to go guys ... We're so proud ;)

Pumpkins in the Park 5K

Saturday night, Chris and I dropped off Kyle at Grandma and Grandpa P's, then headed back downtown to run the 13th annual Pumpkins in the Park 5K - Chicago's Official Halloween race for the whole family! Due to some miscalculations on our part, and some crazy traffic on Chicago's, we were nearly 20 minutes late. The last to start, but not the last to finish! Impressive, huh? We averaged roughly a 10 minute mile pace, which is actually a little bit faster than our typical post-Kyle speed. All 5K participants enjoyed a winding course with 3 "Fear Zones" through beautiful Lincoln Park then celebrated at the post-race party, which included food and drink, a Movie in the Park featuring the 1984 classic "Ghostbusters", and costume contests for:

• Best Original Costume
• Best Zombie Costume
• Best Dead Celebrity Costume

Even though everyone seemed to love our costumes, Chris refused to enter the contest ;( Nevertheless, there was a full moon in the sky, warm fires burning throughout the park, and lots of energized people, genuinely excited for Halloween.

Illini Run!

Sunday, Chris, Katie, Sarah, Matt, Sean, Kelly, Lauren, and I all joined forces and ran the first annual Illini Run in Lincoln Park. Although we all signed up to run the 5K, Matt got a little carried away (or a little lost) and ended up running an 8K. Actually, most of us got a little lost. The signs weren't very clear, and the help was a little lax given that this was the first year for the event, so several of us ended up running a little under 4 miles, making it more of a 6K if you ask me! Overall we really enjoyed the race despite all the confusion. The sun was shinning along the lake. There was a nice breeze going. The U of I cheerleaders were there rooting us on as we crossed the finish line. And there actually weren't that many participants so it felt more like a family affair than a big race. Afterward we celebrated with brunch at Orange ... the perfect place for Paint the Town Orange!