Hilton Head

Summer is barely here and the Burches are blessed to have already been on a vacation. We hit Hilton Head early last week and stayed for five days. It is amazing how many people I have talked to that vacation there. I can see why it is so popular. We had never been there before and had a great time. My parents have had a house at Sunset Beach since I was in high school. Since it is free, that is where we always go to the beach. I do really enjoy it there, but it was fun to explore a different beach.

We used Hilton points to stay at the Hilton Oceanfront resort in the Palmetto Dunes section of Hilton Head. The resort was part of what made it fun. They had organized activities each day for families/kids. One day Claire got her hair braided, and one day the kids made tie-dyed T-shirts. They also participated in pool and beach games a few times. It was VERY nice having a pool at the beach. We didn't spend nearly as much time at the beach as we normally do because of the pool but it was a fun change.

HH has tons of bike trails all over the island so one day we rented bikes and rode 11 miles (roundtrip) down to Sea Pines. Mike and I really enjoyed this, but for the kids it wasn't their favorite part. Claire ended up falling off her bike right after we got into Sea Pines which forced us to turn around and go home. The whole story is that her tire got caught in the groove of the sidewalk/road and she fell, and then Mike ran over her leg with the tire of his bike. I didn't know any of this was happening because Taylor and I were in front, so when I looked back and saw Claire's bike lying in the road, her on the ground, and a car stopped (they were making sure she was okay), I thought she had been hit by the car. It scared me to death. She was a trooper and got back on her bike so we could get home.

I got several runs in while we were there. It was nice having a shady, flat place to run. We had several great meals while we were there, too. A few of them were shared by some sweet friends that happened to be there, so that made it even more fun.

Here are a few pictures:

Claire is playing bingo poolside


Taylor and Claire in front of the statue of Neptune at Shelter Cove


Taylor and Claire playing in the trees at Harbor Town


I hope we can go back one day, but our next trip to the beach will be later in the summer to our sweet Sunset Beach.

The Saga Continues (among other things!)

Well - we found out today that now we are in. Apparently Mike knew the right strings to pull. Not only are we in, but we are now Toyota's "guests," and we don't even have to pay to be tortured for 26 miles. That seems fair, don't you think? I mean who is stupid enough to pay almost $200 for 4 1/2 hours of agony. Seriously we will be running the New York Marathon on November 1. That is in 145 days. The funny thing is that I had a HORRIBLE run this morning. I set out to run only 3 miles since I am following this training schedule. It was about 10 a.m. and already 78 degrees. It was MISERABLY hot. I could only half run half walk. I ended up alternating between walking and sprinting. Forest, I mean Mike, called it speed training and said that it was perfectly fine to do that. Either way - I felt like I sweated off 10 pounds. After I was done I was very thankful I wasn't going to be training for a marathon in the summer, and then what do you know - I got the e-mail. So - from here on out I am doing this for real and will need all the prayer I can get!

Moving on now - right before school got out we celebrated Taylor's fifth grade promotion at school. I can't believe he is moving into middle school. Here are pictures of him on his first and last days in lower school.




He is so ready to go to middle school. When I asked him what he is happiest to leave behind in lower school he said he is happy that he won't be bored anymore. I am not quite sure what that means - I think he is just done with not having a little freedom and flexibility in his schedule. You know - having to walk in a line to lunch and sit in a certain spot. Even though he doesn't go straight to having off-campus lunch - he enjoyed getting to make a few choices when it came time to picking electives for next year.

I just can't believe it is here already, but I am happy because he is excited. Here are a few pictures of him with some friends after the promotion ceremony.







Here is Taylor with his kindergarten teacher. Although she has been a teacher for a while, Taylor was in her first class at Charlotte Christian. We LOVE her!



I am loving summer. Since school got out almost 2 weeks ago - we have already been on a family vacation. That will be my post tomorrow - Hilton Head with the Burches! Stay tuned.....

Where to start?

It is has been way too long since my last post. I feel like I am at confession - "Bless me friends for I have sinned, it has been almost 3 weeks since my last blog post." Ha, ha! Anyway - I have too much to write in one post, so I'll spread them out over the next few days.

Let's start with running since that is where I left off. I had to take my shoes back because they were rubbing blisters on my feet. Let me, again, sing the praises of the Run For Your Life store on Park Rd. They took my shoes back (I had worn them twice) with no questions asked and let me work on finding another pair that works. I think I found one seeing as I have been running in them for about 2 weeks now. I have different blisters now, but Mike says it is because of my socks. I feel like Forrest Gump when I relate Mike's running advice. "Mike always says running shoes are not about a fashion show" or "Mike always says bad socks can cause you blisters." Anyway - he says I need to get some of those double layered socks since I have been increasing my mileage.

That brings me to my next point. God has really strengthened me to be able to run further and often faster. I have now run 6 miles a few times which for me is a miracle. I say run, but really it is run with a little walk. At the beach on Thursday I ran 6 miles in 69 minutes with 64:30 of them running and 4:30 of walking. Today I ran 5.2 miles in 58 minutes and I only walked 2 of those minutes. I can't believe I can do that. I still have a looonnnggg way to go to be in marathon shape, but I am making progress. Mike always says slow and steady wins the race.

Which brings me to my final point for this post - neither Mike nor I got into the New York Marathon. We found out Thursday after they held the lottery. He was bummed, but I was relieved. I was starting to feel very overwhelmed at the prospect of running 26.2 miles. Even though it is getting easier, it still isn't easy. The thought of training all summer in the heat and increasing my mileage kinda makes my stomach hurt! Plus, I feel like I have already succeeded. I am running, getting in better shape and becoming healthier. If I continue just 4-6 mile runs 4-5 times a week I feel like I will be doing exactly what I wanted to get out of it.

Now - the door isn't completely closed yet, because Mike is trying to get us in through a sponsor exemption. Apparently marathon sponsors get so many race entries they can use however they want. He happens to know someone at Toyota (a NYC Marathon sponsor) who thinks he might can help us. So, the saga continues. I definitely want to do this with Mike, and I know I will be happy to have done it once I have done it. It is just a little daunting, that's all. So- stay tuned for part 2 of the New York Marathon Chronicles!

I Need All the Help I Can Get

Here is my Mother's Day present, my new $100 running shoes:


I would never spend that much money on a pair of running shoes which is why I asked for them for Mother's Day. Mike, who has run five marathons, assures me a properly fitting show is crucial to running success. For this much money I expect to set a world record in the marathon. Seriously, though, I knew I wanted to spend that much money the first time because I bought them at Run For Your Life where they watch you run and then find a shoe that is specific to the way you move. Apparently, I am a pronator which means I run/walk with the outside of my foot hitting the ground first then rolling inward.

I got them on Wednesday and told Mike that I was going that day. His last words to me as he walked out the door were, "Remember this isn't a fashion show. The way the shoes feel on your feet is more important than how they look." That was great advice that was actually hard to take.

The first pair of shoes the guy brought out were awesome. They had pink accents and were really cool. Unfortunately, though, they were a little narrow across my "toe bed" as the guy put it. So, they next pair were the ones that I ended up buying. Although they aren't as pretty - they feel great. Now that I have been professionally fitted and know which shoe is right for my foot, I can buy the same shoe online for a cheaper price.

I haven't worn them yet because I had already run on Wednesday when I went, and Thursday is an off day because of work. I can't wait to try them out tomorrow. I am expecting GREAT things. Unfortunately I won't get to run until mid-afternoon since I have to work. It will be hot which will slow me down some, but hopefully the shoes will feel good. I'll let you know.

Mother's Day 2009

What a beautiful day Mother's Day was! We had a great morning at church with two special guests. The Sounds of Liberty from Liberty University led our worship and were AWESOME! I even bought their CD after the service. Mark Mittelberg, co-author of Becoming a Contagious Christian, was our speaker. He challenged us to make an adventure out of telling others about Christ. I really enjoyed him.

Following church I got a quick run in. I am being pretty legalistic about making sure I run. There are 172 days until the New York Marathon, and even though I don't know if I am in or not, I am training like I am. Yesterday I got a little discouraged when I was on the marathon's website and found out that I should have a baseline ability for one to two months before I begin a training program. I am not there yet, therefore I am nervous in thinking how I am going to accomplish this. Mike was very helpful and keeps reminding me that slow and steady wins the race. I am definitely (slowly) improving, so I will just trust him on that one.

After my run we jumped in the car and headed to my parents for lunch. My brothers grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs and it was such a nice day that we even ate outside. In addition to my parents, siblings (& their families), and immediate family - my cousins, grandmother, aunts and uncle were also there. Here is a picture of four generations of women in our family:



Following lunch we went home and the kids wanted to give me their presents. Both of them had made me something and they were both beautiful and useful! Here is a drink coozie Claire made me with the help of my brother, Zach:



Apparently she had been out with him and had seen one she wanted to buy me. My very talented and creative brother convinced her that they could make one instead. They painted a canvas and then stretched it over a pre-existing coozie. Then they decorated it. I am so glad they made it because this one is way more special than any store bought one could ever be.

Taylor made me note cards at school. Look at the beautiful way he packaged them.



The bottom right hand corner of the cards has my initials and a heart. I LOVE both of my gifts. They also gave me a gift certificate to go get new running shoes and running clothes. It is exactly what I wanted! I am going to get "professionally" fitted to make sure I am wearing the right shoes for my feet. Anything I can do to make this training thing more fun!!!

I am so thankful for all of my family and had a great mother's day. My only regret of the day is not getting a picture of me with both of my kids together. Taylor was DYING to get out of his "restrictive" church clothes and Claire had gone straight to my parents' house, Therefore I wasn't with both of them when everyone was dressed nicely. Here is the best I could get:

To Charleston and Back - in a day!

Friday I had the extreme pleasure of going with Taylor on a day-long field trip to Charleston.  I say that in all seriousness because even though we left at 5:45 a.m. and I didn't sleep the night before for fear my alarm wouldn't go off; and even though I rode on a bus with 50 loud fifth graders; and even though it was really hot down there; and even though the 3 1/2 hour bus ride back felt like 10 hours - he was excited that I went with him - so I was, too!

We left bright and early, or actually I should say dark and early.  On the way down we stopped once at a rest stop and then got back on the road.  Here is my friend Shannon and I at the rest stop.



and here is Taylor and a friend in the back seat of the bus:


The bus ride down was great.  I sat with a few other moms (and dads) and we just talked the whole way.  I was a little nervous about it because I don't like not being able to stop, if I want to, but it went by really fast. We got to Charleston and went straight to the U.S.S. Yorktown, an aircraft carrier.  Though it was hot inside the ship in certain places (outside, too) I really enjoyed it.  We even went on a submarine which was very interesting.  First, I was proud of myself that I even went on it.  My claustrophobia usually prevents stuff like that.  Second, I cannot even begin to fathom spending more than 5 minutes on that thing, much less living on it.  It was crazy!  I wish we would have had more time on the carrier - we pretty much rushed through it.

Here is Taylor's class on the deck of the U.S.S Yorktown:

After that we ate a Chick-fil-A boxed lunch on the bus and then headed to a museum.  I am not sure which one it was.  The kids did a Civil War scavenger hunt while they were there. Everyone agreed that the museum was probably not our favorite part and could have been left off the tour.

From the museum we headed over to take a carriage ride.  That was a lot of fun.  We toured for about 45 minutes and saw some really pretty homes, churches and heard some interesting historical tidbits along the way. Here is Taylor and some friends on the carriage:

After the carriage ride we headed straight to the market.  Of course the kids loved this.  They all had a little spending money that was burning a hole in their pocket.  Taylor ended up buying candy, ice cream and a Charleston hat.  

From the market we got back on the buses and headed home.  We stopped at a Wendy's on the way back. I am sure the kids drank soda there, and coupled with the candy and sugar they had had throughout the day, they were a little wired for the last two hours. I was dying to get off that bus! 

We got home at about 10 p.m.  I wish we could make it an overnight trip and visit Fort Sumter or a plantation while we are down there.  It was a long day that could be easily broken up into two.  But - we did have a good time and I was glad for the opportunity to go with Taylor on his last lower school field trip.

I am off to the Columbia Zoo this Thursday with second grade.  I get to drive myself on this one!! 

Great Wolf Lodge

The Burch family visited the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord last week and had a great time.  They were having a convention & visitor's bureau event, and since Mike works in Concord he was invited.  Part of the event was a FREE night's room!  If you haven't heard of the Great Wolf Lodge, it is a resort with an indoor water park up near Concord Mills.  There are about 10 of them across the country. Admission to the water park is free with the room, and you cannot go to the water park unless you are staying there. Not only does it have an indoor water park, but it has a HUGE arcade (you need tokens); putt putt course ($4.99 - kids; $7.99 - adults); kids' spa; adult spa; a kids club (I think this is free); MagiQuest (a medieval themed virtual scavenger hunt - not sure of cost); and a room for teens with Guitar Hero, karaoke, Wii and more ($9.99).  Did you notice that everything except the water park costs extra?  They also have story time in the lobby in the evening.

At first just Mike and I were going to go up by ourselves.  Then we decided to surprise the kids and take them with us.  They had already heard about Great Wolf and REALLY wanted to go.  I packed a bag, picked them up from school and told them I had a surprise for them.  We drove towards the speedway, and I told them what we were doing.  They were thrilled.

We got there about 4 p.m. and Mike had already checked in.  He had a little work to do, so the kids and I quickly got our suits on and headed down to the water park.  We had a blast!  There is a wave pool; an area for really young children; a fort/treehouse thing was a few smaller slides; a pool with basketball goals and floating lily pads that you try to cross; an outdoor pool, and then there are LOTS of slides.  There are a few that five people can ride down together, and a few that you can ride down with a partner and then several that you can ride down by yourself.  The water park is open from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Right now they are running a grand opening special that for $179 you get your room and then, of course, admission to the water park.  I believe this lasts through early to mid-June.  Once the special is over rooms will begin at around $300.  The rooms are VERY spacious and there are many layouts to choose from.  Some even come with built-in forts or cabins with bunk beds in the rooms.  We got to go look at all the rooms and the kids loved the fun rooms.

There is a main restaurant, a Pizza Hut Express, a Dunkin Donuts, a snack bar in the water park and a delicious-looking ice cream;bakery/candy/fudge shop.  We stayed at the park until about 8:30.  We were very tired when we left.  The slides are pretty high up and require a lot of climbing.  You definitely get a workout just going up the stairs.

I highly recommend this for a fun family "vacation."  The rooms aren't cheap but when you throw in the water park admission, it becomes a little more reasonable.  My kids are still talking about how much fun they had!  You can check out the website by clicking here.