2009 Road Trip, Day... ? We're Home!

My best intention to blog every day on our Road Trip was left at a wayside in rural Pennsylvania. But here are the highlights!

After spending two extra days with my lovely cousins Lisa, Sue, William and Amalia in Hartford, we had to say goodbye and push on. Our next stop was Niagara Falls, from the Canadian side. The falls were beautiful, especially from our room overlooking them. The rest of the town is a cross between Vegas and Wisconsin Dells. Seedy and strange, but humorously so.

Next we headed to Toronto. It was kinda rainy and overcast, so we hit a couple gluten free restaurants and then decided to head home. The drive was long, but mostly uneventful. The Fit put on about 2500 more miles. And here we are! Glad to be home.

Niagara Falls, Toronto

2009 Road Trip, Day 8

One great day in Hartford has lead to another great day. We got up early on Sunday to make it to the baptism of William and Amalia. We had a great party for them and decided to hang around and spend some quality time with my cousins. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality, Lisa and Sue! Getting back in the car has not been terribly appealing, but tomorrow we will be on the road and headed toward Niagara Falls. In the mean time, here are some pictures.

Wedding, Baptism, and so much more

2009 Road Trip, Day 5

We celebrated Saturday not on the road, but at the beautiful wedding of Carl's cousin Lisa to her long time partner Sue. What a beautiful wedding! They had a traditional wedding at a stunning and historic congregational church followed by a fabulous reception at their friend's house. Carl and I were honored to help decorate for the reception to pay Lisa and Sue back for their help decorating our reception. We toasted and danced in the grand style such an event deserves. Enjoy the photos of the brides as they were pronounced partners for life and as they share their first joyful dance.

20 weeks: 1/2 way done!

 Yesterday, I celebrated 20 weeks of pregnancy.  To this point, things have been going very well.  I've certainly come very far and have enjoyed more than a month of feeling great without nausea.  I'm still craving fruit and have noticed that I like my food saltier than before.  The baby is very busy, which is awesome.  At night I've started to suffer from aching abdominal muscles, but I always feel better in the morning.  The baby has kicked hard enough for Carl to just barely begin to feel it.   I, on the other hand, knowing exactly when I've been kicked, can see my belly vibrate like the ominous glass of water when the T-Rex is approaching.  Typically at this time we would have an ultrasound of who's in there, but the doc's really wanted to wait until I was exactly 20 weeks.  And being we were on vacation, that will have to wait until we get back in June.  I'll keep you posted.  

2009 Road Trip, Day 3

Today was a short 2.5 hour drive through NY to CT. We arrived at Lisa and Sue's house, and enjoyed a relaxing evening with them. It was so great to have some home cooked food! With more people arriving over the next couple days, I enjoyed spending time holding Willy and Molly with little competition. At the same time, I can't wait to spend time with family and enjoy the party to come!

Here is the cockpit of our road jet:

2009 Road Trip, Day 2

We put on even more miles on Day 2 of our road trip, but we only managed to make it through Pennsylvania. It is quite a wide state! I may also find myself in the same state if I don't find a salad to eat at some point. We have a short drive today on our way to Hartford, CT. Can't wait to be in one place for a couple days!
Here's a picture from the open road, in the hills of PA.

2009 Road Trip: Day 1

We finally got everything wrapped up this morning and got on the road by 10:30 am. Our goal today was to put a bunch of miles between us and Madison, and I think we did a decent job. Katherin's highlight for today was the velvet Indian painting crafted into a dream catcher at the Illinois Travel Plaza. My highlight was the Virtual and Real pinball machines I drained quarters into along the way. I need some more pinball practice...

Time to look at the map and plan for tomorrow!

2009 Road Trip: Day 0

The suitcase is filled to the brim. The Fit is washed and the gas tank is topped off. The kittens are off to Uncle Justin's house. The GPS is has new maps and waypoints loaded.

Its time for the long awaited Road Trip. Our destination is Hartford, CT, but our route is unknown. Check back and see what we find on the way!

Cellcom 1/2 Marathon

 
 Carl and Katie ran the Green Bay Cellcom 1/2 Marathon bright and early this morning.  The race started on the road in front of Lambeau field, wound around the city, and ended after a lap inside the field.  Both did a fantastic job and met their goals for time.  Based on their success today, I'm sure you'll be able to catch them in another 1/2, or perhaps a full, marathon in the future.  

Good Job guys!
 

May 2009-Kath's visit to Leavenworth

Willy, Eron, Leif's House May 2009

Round and Round

On Tuesday I completed my farthest training run in preparation for the Cellcom 1/2 Marathon. I had planned to run to the Capitol and back, but mid stride I decided to see if I could make it around lake Monona.

I remember the exhileration I felt the first time I biked around the lake, maybe 10 years ago already. Madison was very small at that point, consisting of my dorm room, a few classrooms, and State St. The lake loomed large, but I remember thinking that if I just kept the lake to my right, I wouldn't get lost. I probably didn't take the most direct route, but I eventually made it back to campus. The sense of determination to keep going and joy when I knew I succeeded was overwhelming.

Now Madison is a much larger place as life has taken me to every corner of the city. I've collected a degree, a real job, a house, a wife (and soon a baby) in the 10 years I have been here. I'm not sure where life will take me next, but it always feels great to make it around the lake.