erica danielle

Here is how we feel. We’ve PACKED it in these last few days of summer!! And we have VERY tired children to speak for it.  I ran a half marathon and it was so terrible. I fought hard for every single mile. The weather was not optimal (rain and humidity), I didn’t fuel well, we celebrated a friends birthday the night before, and I went out too fast. My goal was sub 1:30, and although I did get exactly 1:30, the way I felt made me seriously reconsider my marathon goal for October. I have 5 weeks to go and I’m hoping with some good rest and better nutrition/sleep/strength training I can still at least PR.  On Saturday, we celebrated Hailley’s birthday on the Gilbert’s boat docked at the marina to combat the rain… it was still super fun and such a gift to celebrate a friend so deserving!  I love making charcuterie boards.  I took a job at Bethel Preschool and will be doing after school care. As a team building activity we kayaked the kinnickinnic and it was SO fun! Volley...

It’s always a treat when Dan and Pam come and visit in the summer.  We all jumped off the boat into the “refreshing” water and we fished A LOT, swam A LOT, ate A LOT and laughed A LOT!  Love these 2 special peeps.  Nelson’s Ice Cream= a must.  Adult dinner at Wild Hare.  Uncle Dan is the BEST! Makes me so happy to spend time at this place together.   I don’t want summer to end!!! xo. edc. 

a week in the books at Bay Lake! it sure was good for the soul.  We arrived Sunday after church and immediately got swimsuits on and headed to our favorite shallow spot.  Me and Stenny… being our best Bay lake selves.  Put in a LOT of miles. Even ran around the lake one day  Stack o pancakes in Friday morning! Waiting out the rain on the pontoon with a show! Haha Such a monkey Went to Grandview one day to switch it up and swim in the pool! It was glorious! Best pic of the week! Auntie M’s!! 5 miles with my favorite running buddy.  Mini golf…. Not our best activity of the week, but checked it off the list!  Oh Bay Lake, you are so special to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  xo. edc. 

Last week Sten played his first gig at 45th Parallel! It was so fun to watch him practice, prepare and execute a very successful night! He sounded awesome and everyone loved him (obviously).  I recently listened to a podcast where they talked about re-igniting a childhood (or lost) hobby and how this can be so good for our sense of self. It brings back a little whimsy into our daily routine and rituals and adds an element of interest and intrigue. Sten did this without even knowing it! He added a hobby back into his life that brings him joy and brings the people around him joy. It got me thinking what my lost hobby would be. I used to color and doodle and wrote letters much more than I do now. Is that it? I also used to love fashion and design— both of which have completely taken a backseat to motherhood. But it really has made me wonder. I want to stay an interesting person and I think hobbies make you interesting.  I am going to ponder this more and work on it!  Way to ...