Edisto Island 2011

It's been a little busy here the last week or so. After my last post we were getting packed up and ready for a 3 day weekend at Edisto Island. My in-laws rented a house for a week but due to time off from work and such we opted to just do a three day weekend. I typically use up most of my vacation during the summer. I took a week back in June and wanted to save the rest of my days for the Holidays and in case Sophie or I get sick. That's bound to happen and we aren't in the heart of sick season yet. Fingers crossed that we make it through at least until after my marathon.

When I arrived Thursday evening after work it was sunny and warm out.

When I woke up Friday morning it was cloudy, windy and cool.

Still I managed to get my 3 mile run that I missed on Thursday. I was a little bummed that the weather was so crappy but still determined to make the best of it. I did not want to be trapped in a house all day. We bundled up and went for a stroll on the beach and collected shells. Sophie manages to find the tiniest broken shells and she's so proud of them.

Sophie and Addison looking for sea shells.

Ready for a walk on this fine and cloudy day.

The sun was trying desperately to shine later in the afternoon so we sat outside in the sand for a bit till it was time to get my little heathen child to take a nap and then get ready for dinner.

Saturday morning was not much better but I was fine with this since I had an 11 mile long run to do. My in-laws watched Sophie while Ricky and I set out on the Island (Ricky with his bike). It was cool and windy, perfect running conditions if you ask me.

I felt pretty good overall, I started out a little rough because I had not slept well the night before but once I got to mile 4 and 5 I started to feel better and I guess got my 2nd wind. I ate some Sharkies and really have no idea if they work or not. At one point my stomach started to hurt and I just don't feel like I can eat stuff like that when I'm running. I wonder if good old candy will do the trick. I'm just not sure.

So 11.04 miles later and almost getting hit by a car I was done!

Finally after lunch the sun started to peak out ever so slightly. It was warmer too so I grabbed my bathing suit and we were out on the sand.

Sophie went down for a long nap (girl was tired!) and I got a good 3 hours in the sun to read a book. Bliss! Still a little cool but comfortable and relaxing.

Right before dinner we set up the camera and did some family pictures.

Then Sunday it was time to pack up, clean and head home. Weather still wasn't 100%, sun came out for a little while here and there but by the time we were ready to go it was cloudy, cool, and windy again.

Morning sunrise

Wish the weather would have been better but we had a good time overall. Looking forward to next year!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from the Bell Family! We are getting ready to head over to our good friend's house for a pool party and cookout. Sophie is taking an early nap so just waiting for her to wake up....hopefully in a good mood!

Last week I was on vacation. A much needed vacation. The first part of the week was spent taking little bit to the beach and doing some shopping. Then Thursday we packed up kid and dogs and headed to Edisto Beach, SC. We found a small rental on the third row that had nightly rates, that weren't too shabby. It was nice to get away, if only for a few days. Yes money has been tight this past year but Ricky and I both work really hard and darn it, we earn a break too right?

A few pictures from the weekend:

Ready for the beach!





Our porch, great view of the road and a slight view of the ocean

Wylie people watching

Mommy and Sophie

Attempt at a family picture with the timer. Not too bad.

Me after a very hot morning run. No breeze but ran past a ton of pretty houses.



Daddy and his girl.

So tomorrow it'll be back to reality. Work and daycare but I think she'll actually enjoy being back with all her friends. Mommy and Daddy can only be so fun. She'll definitely need a sibling.

Last week I officially wrote out my Marathon Training Plan. It's Hal Higdon's novice 2. I chose this one because it coincides perfectly with the two half marathons that I have registered for in the fall. I have a few weeks at the end of December that will be sort of "open" so I might do another 20 miler or 22 miles but not sure. I'm planning on registering the end of July.

Hope everyone has a happy 4th. Eat and drink lots!