A 5K and a Party

Sami with her shirt honoring her daughter Lizzie

Saturday was a beautiful day! I ran in my first ever race, a 5K. I was going to run in a half marathon last May, but then got a stress fracture and had to pull out. Maybe that was the way it was supposed to be because my first race was a memorial run for my friend's daughter Lizzie who died of cancer last October. It was a perfect morning and I was able to run the whole thing without walking, which was my goal. It was an emotional run since there were posters with pictures of Lizzie and some of her favorite Bible verses posted throughout the route. Anytime I wanted to walk, I just thought about that brave little girl and how much pain she endured. That was more than enough motivation to keep me going. Thank you Stratton family for letting me be a part of your family!

Sami, Ryan, and I hanging out after the race

That afternoon was Alex's birthday party for her friends. This was her first one with just her friends. She loved it! We did a little Build a Bear activity at a local toy store. The kids were so well behaved and cute. It was so easy having it there and not at my house. I think she will be talking about her party for a long time.