This past weekend consisted of a fun filled Cook sibling hang-out/catch up session. Seth and I had an enjoyable, much needed, relaxing weekend. It was not hectic or overbooked, which was delightful! Our life is finally starting to slow down just a tad it seems as we get settled into being back in the South and living in Camden, so we are hoping it stays that way!
Friday evening Emily and Trevor came into town. We stayed up a bit later chatting with the two of them and Zach, until finally we couldn't hang any longer and went to bed.
Saturday morning, Emily and I ran a 5k with Sue.
Now let's set the record straight. I've probably mentioned before that I do not enjoy running. Not one bit. I only run b/c overall it is a good workout: I want to stay in shape for my health and I want to always look good/fit for my man. Races make running a lot more doable for me. Even though I haven't been quite consistent in my running lately and even though I haven't ran three miles since the Haiti run in October, I decided to run for fun with Emily and Sue. The Wednesday before the race I decided I'd try and run three miles in the afternoon when I got off 'babysitting'. It was in the upper 70's/lower 80's and boy did I have to walk a good bit, but I did make it in about 37 minutes. I was okay with that time, and hoped that I'd do a little better the morning of the race due to it being cooler. Emily on the other hand is more of a fast paced, no music, hardcore, run for fun type of runner. I knew I wouldn't be able to hang with her. At the first of the race (that took us through beautiful downtown Camden) Emily ran at my pace. As I listened to my headphone music in one ear, I could tell she was definitely holding back and that made me nervous. Now, I enjoy running by myself more than running with other folks. When I run with others I feel like I have to entertain them, talk, or run faster than I intended too. I told Emily to go ahead because we both knew that I was a snail compared to her. She finally broke loose and was going to see what she could accomplish.
I enjoyed my pace and felt good during the run. I didn't walk at all. I even passed a few people, which I would smile in my head while doing :). Towards the finish line I began to run a bit faster b/c I knew I was at the end. There were also two people in front of me, so I definitely wanted to pass and Beat them at the finish (which I did of course) :).
Emily finishing up around 28 minutes.
She is a bit more of an elegant, properly formed runner than I.
Huffing and puffing to pass this guy. As you can see I'm sucking in the air and do not have proper formation :). I finished in 33 minutes (which I was actually pretty content with since my best time is 30 minutes).
Emily got first in her age group and won a horseshoe type medal. Now, if she would have stayed with me she would have totally missed out on being a winner :)!
Back at our place after the run.
After the race we went and got Nana and took her to Camden's Farmer's Market.
Where we took a muscle woman picture.
And then a normal one.
After the market we all went to Grandmother Cook's house and watched the guys do yard work. While they were working Emily and I left to get things ready for the cookout/grilling we had planned at Zach's house.
Zach was a great host and had brats and hamburgers for us all. We all very much enjoyed hanging out on his awesome porch, eating dinner, chatting, and just being together.
The Cook family minus Mrs. Cynthia, Trevor (Cutsinger rather than Cook), me, and Karla!
Seth trying to look as big as his younger brother :).
Emily has recently found out she has to go gluten free with her diet. I decided to do dessert for our cookout. After talking with a friend from Utah (whom we miss very much! As do we miss everyone in Utah!!) she suggested to make a crustless Cheesecake. It turned out pretty good (at least I think/hope), and I had strawberries and crushed graham crackers on the side for those that wanted them. While the siblings were chatting and hanging out at Zach's, Emily was still just a bit hungry and decided to eat a little cheesecake. We all knew she was doing this, but we just didn't know to what extent it was occurring. When we were about to leave, Zach requested to keep the cheesecake at his place and he would gladly finish it. Zach is appalled once he opens the fridge and sees the remainder of the cheesecake.....
Now mind you. It was already half eaten before Emily started on it. But then...she leaves just a slither of it behind :).
Cook kiddo's + their better halves :).
Sunday morning we had breakfast with Nana. Boy oh Boy was that a FEAST! There were lots of food and a huge variety of options!
The Fellas.
Nana. Look at all the goodness!
Emily and Trevor left for church with Trevor's family and Seth and I went back to our place to get ready for church as well. Seth has recently acquired a suit and a few blazers from his grandparents. The poor kid didn't have ANY before! He wanted to dress up Sunday for church (shocker at that!) and tried a few on.
My man looking sharp! Hope he never looks at this to see this picture on the blog :)! We took this to send to Trevor and Emily that goes along with a song they had been singing over the weekend.
As we wrap up we can't go without a picture of my favorite nephew...
Now, that is just sweet. Looking like his daddio in this picture so much! He's adorable!
And also a picture of another cute little guy in my life...
He is smiling so big, I know I'm just going to hear him cackle soooon! He's such a little cutie.
What an awesome weekend we had and are looking forward to all the fun ones that are upcoming as well! We are visiting our Utah/Southern friends Joe & Gina soon--Can't wait :)! We'll get to spend Mother's Day with our own MOTHERS! We'll get to see many many friends at Leanna & Billy's reception mid May! My man turns 25 in May and after many years of not being with family, we'll get to celebrate it with family this year :)!
Thankful for it being mid-week and warm today!
Isn't he such a cute one ? I DEF think so!
The sharp looking Cook's :).
