Our Little Harvest

Our garden has produced some fruit and vegetables.  Here is a sample of some of the things we had.

Zucchini, Cucumbers, Green Beans, Carrots, Raspberries

The raspberries have been the best surprise.  I thought we missed their "season" but we have had about 10 - 15 raspberries every day for the last few weeks.  They are so tasty.

Sayler's 1st Birthday Party

Yesterday was Sayler's 1st birthday.  Jessi had a birthday party for her on Sunday and we were able to celebrate this adorable little girl.

Our cousin Cameo gave this outfit to her.  Sayler looks super cute in the outfit.  Even though it would drive me crazy to be dressed like this. 

Jessi had a big cake for her and she loved it.  The boys had their own cake. 

Ollie and his cake.

Future Wolverines?

It's hard to go to Michigan and not buy something with Michigan on it.  

Brody specifically asked for a hat and pants.  This was nice because it gave us a little direction when we were shopping. There were so many Michigan things you could buy. 

The boys love their new Michigan gear.  Brody wore it for 3 days straight and the only reason he took off his shirt is because he finally had a huge stain on the front. 

Ollie was so tired he was not excited about wearing any of his Michigan stuff.  Maybe I can get a picture later. 

Welcome Back!

In all honesty I am always excited about the chance to have a little break from being a full time mom.  I love my boys but it is a great way to "recharge".    I especially love it when I get the opportunity to spend time with Brad since finding that time can be challenging.  This time I was just as excited to have a weekend away and especially to be able to enjoy this time and this honor with Brad.  

This time I was quite surprised by how much I missed my boys.  It seemed to be in a different way.  I would often think about what they would be doing if they were experiencing the same things we were; the flight, meeting people, the banquet, watching Brad speak, the football game, hanging out with the Barnetts.   (I know some of these things would have been hard with them around, but I especially think Brody & Colt would have had a blast).  

Needless to say I was so excited to see them again and they were excited to see us.  (We are so thankful they were in great care) 

When we arrived home Brad had this sign at our front door.  I took a few pictures.

The boys were excited to wear Brad's medal.

Hanging out in Michigan

After the football game we went to visit The University of Michigan campus.  We went with the Barnett family and it was so great to hang out with them.

Brad wanted me to take a picture of him next to this sign because he thought it was funny how the sign was partly covered up. 

Hanging out in the DIAG.  (I guess that is what it's called)

This is called the Tappen Oak.  Apparently there are some stories related to the tree.

The morning that we left Brad was able to meet up with his coach (who is no longer coaching there).  It was great for me to finally meet him because I have heard so much about him. 

Michigan Football

On Saturday we went to the Michigan football game. I have never been in a place where there are so many fans for just one team.  Usually there are at least a sprinkle of fans for the opponent, but they were hardly seen.  It was Michigan everywhere, even in town. 

Outside the stadium with the Barnett Family (minus Jeff).

Brad in front of the crowd walking into the stadium.

We were able to buy our tickets from these lovely people.  He ran track at Michigan and is still a supporter of all Michigan sports. 

Brad was recognized on the scoreboard and I was able to get a quick picture. 

The Hall of Famer

After we got back to our hotel room I realized I didn't have any pictures with just me and the Hall of Famer.  So I insisted we take a few of those self-portrait style pictures.  I did a pretty good job but Brad was being a little uncooperative.  What a goof!

Hall of Fame Banquet

The Hall of Fame banquet was on Friday night in the indoor track facility.  It was a nice event and started off with a few songs from the Glee Club.  I loved this part.  I wish I would have taken some video.

The current coach introduced each inductee and then the inductee was able to get up and say a few words.  Each inductee also had a "presenter" to give them their medal.  Brad actually chose me.  I was honored because he could have easily picked one of his college running buddies and instead picked someone who never witnessed any of his competitive running.

Here we are listening to Brad's introduction.

Putting the medal on Brad. (yes you can see a little bit of my belly in this picture)

One of the first things Brad was supposed to do was introduce his presenter.  I knew he had been thinking a lot about what he was going to say so he started to say "umm, this is umm," he looked at me and I honestly thought he might have forgotten my name.  He continued "I met her in the parking lot a few hours ago and invited her in for dinner.  What's her name? Oh, yes Janelle."  After a few laughs from the crowd he gave me a proper introduction. 

Brad was supposed to keep his talk to 10 minutes. We think it went a little longer.  I don't think it lasted much longer than that but Brad thinks it might have been as much as 30 minutes.  He definitely doesn't mind talking.

The inductees.  The two ladies in the middle are the mom and daughter of an athlete who died in a car accident.

Most of the distance runners were captivated by Brad and peppered him with questions afterwards.  This is where Brad shines the most.  He loved it!

One of Brad's good friends from Michigan, Jeff Barnett, and his family came down for the weekend and for the banquet. It was so much fun to have them here and I know Brad really appreciated it.

Jeff, Tracey, Sadie, Riley, Chase, Brad, Me

It was a very fun and special night for all of us.  I'm so proud of you Brad!

Michigan Track

Back in June or July Brad was sent an e-mail informing him that he was being inducted into the Michigan Track & Field Hall of Fame.  We were so excited for this recognition and quickly worked on plans to get out to Michigan.  The only bummer was that Brad was going to have to miss one of the top cross country invites for his high school team.  Despite this conflict we had a great trip.

We dropped the boys off on Wednesday evening.  Ollie went with my sister who took him over night and the next day.  Brody & Colt went to Karl & Lori's.  They took Brody to preschool on Thursday and then my parents picked Brody & Colt up.   They then drove Brody to the ferry so he could spend the weekend with Fafa & Grammy.   We are so thankful for our family and friends who were able to help us out with this trip.  (We decided to not take the boys because of the cost and the long flight but a short trip). 

We also have to give a huge THANK YOU to the Montgomery family.  Brian (Brad's good friend) donated some of his frequent flier miles so we could fly out there at no cost.  This made the trip a little less stressful since we didn't have to count the cost of those tickets. 

Our flight was uneventful (except they switched our seats at the last minute so they could have a prisoner escort in the back of the plane....a little unsettling).  I was able to read quite a bit of a book which was very enjoyable for me. 

We met one of Brad's friends for dinner and had some absolutely delicious, authentic Thai food.  

After dinner we went to the indooor track.  We took some pictures next to Brad's plaques.

This is the inside of the indoor track & field.  Brad had many memories he shared with me of some great races he was a part of.

The next day we took some pictures at the outdoor track.

I have been here before but it was still so enjoyable to see it and hear all the stories Brad had to share.