Football Season

Football season is Kyle's favorite season. I, however don't think 5 months constitutes a season as it starts in summer and doesn't end until well into winter. But what do I know? Well, I do know that football is something that Kyle and his dad bond over, so I hope A can have that too. 

Enter UVA and our season tickets... We may not have gone to UVA, but 2 of the 4 grandparents have higher degrees from it and it is a good school with a legitimate athletics program. Also, it is often heralded in Southern Living and elsewhere for its football fanfare and customs so I can wear my sundresses and the boys madras as we tailgate in style :)

So last year we made it to one football game and did not buy season tickets. This year we decided to go in with some friends and get real seats so it's actually worth it to go to a game. 

You think we have a good view of the home team coming out?

A seemed pretty happy about the game and was quite enjoying himself. 

Unfortunately, the weather did not comply and we had to leave after the first quarter and saw the victory from the comforts of home (and not soaking wet). But that's ok...A got to see Cav man and dance to the Good Ole Song, so I think that is a pretty good start to the season in his opinion :)

My Cheering Section

Next Saturday I'll be running the Women's 4 Miler, a race in Charlottesville that raises money for the UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program. It's the largest all-women's runs the state and the course is along the rolling hills west of town. This will be my 3rd of the races; we've lived here 4 years and I've only missed one due to being 7 months pregnant! Anyways, it's an awesome race with a whole mile decorated in signs of dedication to those who have battled breast cancer.

This year I've made it a goal to improve my time. I've never thought of myself as fast, but thanks to some interval training I've shaved a minute of my pace and hope to run at about 8 minutes per mile! I'm pretty excited about that as I've never run that fast in my life! 

I'm also trying to raise a little money for the cause, so if you want to cheer me on in that way, I would greatly appreciate it :) A big thanks to those of you who already helped out! Just be sure to give it to me...I'm the only McNew in there :)

 http://www.dominiondigital.com/womens4miler/donations.asp 

But I couldn't do this run without my cheering section. Number one of course is Kyle. He helps me make time in my day to do my run. I don't have pictures in here of him, but that's because he's usually at home or at work while I'm out running.

And a close second are my running partners. They help me get dressed (Fella had been playing with my socks just moments before!)...

...and happily ride along. 

So next Saturday mornign around 8am, can you cheer me on too?

River Life

This past weekend we went and visited my brother and his family's new home, which is at a new (and, in our opinion, more awesome!) state park. We had a blast spending time with everyone and exploring the grounds at the house and Boardwalk. A especially had a blast with his cousin, but somehow I managed to get no pics of that! I think Dad got some, so I guess he'll have to send those around! In the meantime, check out a few good ones taken on our ever convenient iPhones :)

John swooped in and high jacked a picture Dad was taking on his big camera and got us this family shot on the steps of the house. A was clearly laughing at his silly Uncle.

At the playground later that day, A even decided he was big enough to try out the big boy slide!

After the playground, we wandered to the river's edge and A went crazy in the water. Clearly the kid loves the water (it only took a very persistent mom all summer)!!

We missed Kyle's family though...we had to channel some Pop :) Maybe next time they can join!

Ain't Skeered

If you've seen A lately, and maybe you can tell from some of the recent posts, but he is getting fearless. The most recent exhibit of this is below when I took him to my office's family day. I decided to see if he wanted to go for a pony ride...well guess what...he did. I was quite proud of my little cowboy. I put him up there and grabbed right on to the horn like he knew what to do! 

We made a few rides around the ring and then of course, he saw something shinier and wanted to do that :)

We also had to visit the pigs of course (he was jealous they got to play inn the mud and water).

And there were more animals too...including pheasants (below), a cow that licked his cheek (and gave him a good surprise!), sheep, baby goats, and cows. We had a great time and hopefully I'll get some pictures of him with the cow and goats from the photographer soon!

Wisconsin comes to Town

A finally got to meet his Great Aunt Kathi this weekend! Unfortunately we have yet to make it to the Cheese State in the last 21 months, but luckily they came to see us! Here are a few shots from the time spent together. We'll have a few more after this coming weekend too :)

 

Dancing Machine

A loves to dance these days. We find it hilarious and he clearly enjoys it, so I won't hide that we ask him to dance for any reason we can think. (Click on the links to see the videos...Blogger was having a hard time tonight!)

Thus, the cookie dance.

Tonight it was with a Popsicle. 

Go ahead...thank us for your evening entertainment :) Oh and it's not always for food...we promise!

Summertime Outdoors

Every weekend I make it a goal to so something new or extraordinary, but most importantly I try to find fun things to do outside. It may not be something you would think is exciting, but to our  20 month old, outside is the best place ever. He literally will steam "outside!" if that's where he wants to be.

I decided to add a few random fun pictures we've taken this summer that show how much fun we've been having here in VA. The first two are just ordinary fun times, the last is one of my attempts to do something out of the ordinary. But to A, they're all fun outdoors time.

Who doesn't love watermelon? Clearly not this guy :)

A is obsessed with bees and butterflies. He wants to touch every butterfly, and then says goodbye when they fly away. How adorable?!

The inspiration for the post...we went peach picking today. A clearly loved it...and the gigantic peach Daddy found.

What have you been doing out of the ordinary this summer? If you need something to do, come visit us :)