Fun at the Orchard

On Sunday we headed to the Orchard in Fort Dodge. Brady got to see some animals, we got to browse through the awesome gift shop and Brady also got to have a little dessert. After the orchard we went to Taco Tico in FD for lunch. Then it was time to head back to Gowrie so Brady could nap. All in all it was a great day!

I've Been Tagged

Ashley has tagged me to answer the following questions...so here are my answers!

1. What was the last book you read and what did you learn from it?
The last book I read was called 'At First Sight' by Nicholas Sparks. For a couple of months I was on a Nicholas Sparks kick and read probably 6 of his books in a month! They are SO good! I just get wrapped up in them! What I learned is that you can NEVER take things for granted...love those close to you and enjoy your time with them because you never know what your greater plan in life is.


2. Where in your home do you like to go to relax and unwind?
Hmmm...good question since Brady follows me everywhere I go! :-) I would have to say that I unwind the most when I'm out for a run. Sounds crazy but it's one of the few times that I can concentrate and just think.

3. If you could relive one day in your life, what date would that be and why?
Oh...a tough one! For sure our wedding day. It was amazing! I'm not one that likes a lot of attention on me and it made me nervous to have so much focus being placed on me but it was such a fantastic day! A close second would be the day Brady was born. We were so excited/nervous and since we didn't know what Baby Cathcart was going to be, it was SO exciting to finally find out after 10 months of speculating! It was the most amazing feeling I've ever had seeing him for the first time.

4. What is your favorite movie?
Well I am the queen of liking romantic comedies and movies of no 'real' substance! Ha ha! So a couple of my favorites are: The Hangover, P.S. I Love You, Bridget Jones's Diary movies, etc...

5. Would you rather lose a friendship because of honesty, or keep a friendship because of a lie?
Definitely honesty

6. How long does it take for you to get ready in the morning (from the time you get up, to the time you walk out the door)?
Well if I have some training sessions in the morning and I can go in workout clothes...we're talking 20 minutes including my shower. If I am dressing up for work, it's closer to 30-45 minutes

7. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas for sure! There's just something about Christmas traditions, seeing family, staying up late to watch Christmas movies, hanging out with family, snowfall, yummy food and goodies and Christmas Eve Candlelight Service!

Front Page News

While we were out and about trick-or-treating uptown last week, I was asked by a photographer of the Ankeny Press Citizen if he could take Brady's pic...I thought 'why not' and figured maybe his picture would get in but secretly thinking it probably wouldn't...well low and behold, he made the front page of the paper. Check him out! I think he looks pretty cute!

Worldess Wednesday

Our little cutie pie...posing at the Orchard in Fort Dodge

VROOM...VROOM...

On Saturday afternoon we headed up to Gowrie and Brady had a blast 'driving' the mini-coop that Nana and Papa have. He was so excited to play with it, soon I'm sure he'll figure out how to move himself around, for now he relied on us to push him around...either that or he's figured out that he doesn't have to do any work, we're suckers and will push him around!

Friday Night Out

On Friday night, all 3 of us headed downtown for dinner at Dos Rios. We were able to sit outside, which was a blessing since Brady was with us and the weather was great...I wish I could say so was the food...but it was pretty disappointing. We got some guacamole which was pretty good but our entrees weren't all that impressive but at least dessert was a little better. After dinner we ran some errands and did a little shopping. All in all it was a great Friday night!
Here are some fun pics!

A Cow Says Mooooo....

Last night Ankeny's Uptown was having Trick or Treating at the businesses. So we got our little cow all dressed up. Our friends Luke (giraffe), Jackson and Joel (monkeys) also came along. It was fun walking updown and getting some goodies. The boys had lots of fun and looked sooooo stinkin' cute!

Fun at the Park!!!

On Saturday we took Brady to the park for a while and then on a nice walk around the park. He LOVED it as you can tell from the pics below!

Wordless Wednesday

Fun with Friends

On Friday night we headed over to the Fuhrman's to sit out on their patio. We brought over our fire pit and we all sat by the fire. It was a great night for some S'mores! The boys had lots of fun playing in the dark! For some reason I stopped taking pics before the twins came over so the pics below are the Luke and Brady show.

Des Moines Half Marathon

Sunday was the big race day. We really couldn't have asked for better weather! Mollie, Gina and I ran the whole race together, saw lots of people we knew, chatted and caught up the whole way and before we knew it, we were at the finish. Our main goal was just to finish and have a good time..mission accomplished. We ended up finishing in 1:51 and we were all really happy with our time! Andy and Brady came down to watch me and I got to see them at the finish. It was a lot of fun and a beautiful day. After the race we headed home, I showered and we went to West Des Moines to run a few errands. Then Brady took a nap and then we went for a nice long walk and checked out some more open houses. It was a great day!


Action shot...Mollie (in blue), me and Gina

Gina, Me and Mollie

Brady and I after the race...he's wearing my medal

Grandparents and Great-Grandma

Brady got to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa and also got to see Great Grandma Jo. I know she really enjoyed seeing him and he was more than eager to be the entertainment for the night. On Saturday night we had a great grilled dinner with steak, chicken, potatoes, zuccini and stuffed mushrooms on the grill! YUMMY! It's hard to believe that this time last year we had snow on the ground! Lovin' this weather!

Brady's Favorite Word...'BALL'!!!

While we were back at my parent's house, Brady was glued to all of the balls my parents have. He took a special liking to this large blue one...he loved kicking it, throwing it and pushing it with his head while he crawled on the ground. I'm thinking his birthday party theme will definitely be a sports/ball theme as those are what he loves most! Whenever he sees anything round, he yells 'Ball' at the top of his lungs!

Wordless Wednesday...

...Silly Monkey...