Mother's Day

Busy day! First thing this morning, Megan and I took off and ran in the Kirkland Mother's Day 5k. I didn't think it would be too difficult, but that was partially because I had misread the online map and thought it was along the Kirkland waterfront. When I realized it was at Juanita Park, I had the foresight to buy Gu for Megan... but promptly forgot it at home. (photo left: the half-marathoners queuing up to start)

We carb'd up on bagels and hot chocolate for Megan (coffee for me) enroute ... so I was hopeful that she would be fine. She wasn't. After the 2nd (and last) hill, she bonked, hard. Fortunately we were 2 miles in so the worst was over and it was a matter of encouraging her on to finish strong. The promise of a doughnut of her choice provided the second (and third) energy bursts required and she and I crossed the finish line at 39:37 - I think we made it through a little faster than our first, flat run two weeks ago. I know now, never to forget the Gu again. (Photo right: Megan, getting ready to roll)

Megan's ranking in the race - not bad, especially given the division is 01-19 years! (first name, city information edited out; full results available here)

Happily finished with the run, we made our stop at QFC for the long anticipated doughnut and then towards home to start getting ready for brunch.

Brunch schedule was agressive - got home at 10; had brunch (mostly) ready to go at 1:30 ... and had to shower and dress in there. Our folks got here around 1:00 and we feasted on all kinds of yummy, homemade stuff. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the afternoon - fun to have long lingering meals and conversation.

Menu:

• Omelettes (mushrooms, ham, leeks, red & green onions, garlic, shredded cheddar)Strawberries & Whipped Cream
• Ham & Mini-Rolls with Stone Ground Mustard
• Cranberry Black Walnut Coffee Cake (disguised as muffins with blueberries instead)
• Cheddar Apple Bundles
• Maple Smoked Bacon
• Coffee & Iced Tea

Dan played short-order cook, making omelettes to order - which is a fun way to handle the group, but meant we were mostly finished before he had a chance to sit down and join us. Afterwards, our moms and Dan cleared the table and ran the first (ahem, 3rd?) batch of dishes.

Here's the food, where are the people?

After everyone left, I literally crashed - long nap has never felt so good! I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such a loving family. Surrounded by loving girls, their Mother's Day artwork, roses and chocolates, I'm in heaven.

Ciao!