I Have a New Nephew!!!

Before I get into a weekend recap, first things first.  I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!!!

I had mentioned in my last post that my sister was overdue, and I was hoping she would go into labor while I was home this weekend.  And she did!  My nephew must have sensed from the womb that his favorite aunt was in town!  The 'little' guy was born on Saturday, all 9lbs 14 oz of him!  (<----yes really!)  I can't wait to spend more time with him this summer.  I am now Aunt to FIVE nieces and nephews.  I hope my sisters never stop reproducing. 

It's hard to top a new addition to the family, but the rest of my weekend was not too shabby either.

I made it back to PA Friday evening just in time to head to a birthday party for a dear old friend:

We clearly love each other

 

Many moons ago, before I moved to Baltimore, I used to work with this crazy ginger!  She is one of the funniest, wildest, spunkiest, and also loveliest people I know. She was probably one of my favorite people ever to work with.  Every day at the office was a party with her.  She is the kind of person who makes friends everywhere she goes and I feel like she missed her calling as a comedic actress.  I hadn't seen her in probably 10 years?!?!  And we picked right back up where we left off!  I'm so glad I made it to this. 

 

I woke up the next morning to cooler temps and wanted to take advantage of the great running weather.  I wasn't sure how I'd feel after that night of debauchery, but I actually felt GREAT!  Fueling up with cocktails will be on my next training plan.  I got 6 miles in around my parents neighborhood, which is the longest I've run in weeks, since I've been focusing on more strength and cross training lately.

 



One thing that's always a certainty when I go home, is that there will be 10x more food there than at my place.  My dad's garden was in full bloom so I'm pretty sure I ate several pounds of these over the weekend:

My sugar snap pea picking strategy goes like this:  Pick one, eat one, pick one, eat one.  Like a 5 year old.

The reason for my trip (other than subconsciously willing my nephew to make his appearance) was to spend Father's Day with my daddio.  I spent some time in my parents' basement over the weekend going through old photos which was really a good time.  There is nothing better than reliving moments like this:

The 80's were a great decade.  Everything was bigger back then.  The cars, the hair, the glasses.  It's pretty clear to see where I got my striking good looks and sense of style.  My Keds and crop top are on point there.

I biked 13 miles Sunday morning and then we had dinner at my parents' house with my grandparents and Aunt before I headed back to Baltimore.  You think I'm kidding when I talk about the quantity of food my parents prepare, but I do no such thing. The list of items consumed include: salad, grilled veggie kabobs, asparagus, sweet potatoes, garlic bread, shrimp cocktail, bacon wrapped filets, and angel food berry shortcakes.  HELLOOOOOO.  Do any other families still do Sunday dinner?

I hope you all had great weekends celebrating your Dads and the longest day of the year yesterday.  YAY for Summer officially being here!


What were you up to this weekend?

Did you enjoy the 80's as much as I did?!

What's your favorite summer produce?

10 Reasons Why My Dad ROCKS!

It's Father's Day here in the US today, so I'm dedicating this post to my Pops.  I feel like for most of the year, Dads definitely do not get as much play as Moms.  I don't know why that is, but I know I wouldn't be who I am today without that guy in my life.  So without further ado, here is a little listy list of just a few of the ways my Dad displays his awesomeness.

1.  The man possessed the only XY chromosome in a house filled with estrogen, including my two sisters, my mother and our female toy poodle.  I don't know how he did it.  He deserves a medal just for that.

 

2.  The man wears cutoff jorts and knee high tube socks to cut grass, and rocks it.  Probably one of the few men alive who can pull off that look.  Or at least he thinks so ;)  [JK Dad, I love your grass cutting outfit]

 

3.  He fostered a love of sports and being active in us from a very young age.  There was no sitting around for us kids - he encouraged us to get out, move and play.  We were also attending PSU football games since before we could walk.

 

4.  He is one of the hardest workers I know.  I credit him for teaching me the value of hard work, no matter the endeavor, doing your best, and not leaving things unfinished. 

 

5.  He is one of my biggest supporters.  My dad worked full time, but still made it to every one of our Little League games, band concerts, track meets and anything else we were involved in, to cheer us on, win or lose.  Even now, he still comes to every race of mine he can.  Heck, he met me at 3 different points of the Runner's World Half last fall just to see me pass by for a split second!

 

 

 

6.  He shows he cares by doing, and goes out of his way to do so.  He still sends all of us kids Valentines!  He changes the oil in my car, or fills the tank when I'm home for a visit.  He cooks my favorite foods when I'm home, and sends me emails every now and then just to say Hi.

 

7.  He may or may not have single-handedly made my Styrofoam airplane for middle school science class, which subsequently won the distance flight test.  I plead the fifth.

 

8.  When I was homesick in college, he drove an hour and a half each way every weekend to come pick me up and take me home. 

 

9.  He loves being a Grandpop.  I hope one day I can add to his growing brood.

 

 

10.  For some reason, he loves me unconditionally.  Still can't wrap my head around that one :)

 

 

 

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

 

 

What makes your Dad awesome?!