Running a 5k

I'm not a runner, I never have been. It just always seemed so pointless to run just to run, with no purpose. Well several weeks ago, I decided to sign up for a really popular 10K here in Richmond. I even convinced some friends and my sister to run with me. Now when I say "run", I mean a jog/walk combination. That 10k is coming up in just 2 weeks and I'm really excited about it.

To help prepare, I ran a 5k that was a fundraiser for Leland's school. Leland and Layni (my lil sis who was visiting for the weekend) ran in the kids 1 mile Fun Run. The girls had fun doing it and did really well. Leland was the first place girl for her grade level. She was so excited.

The 5k was fun for me. The course had more hills than I expected. I finished under my goal time so I was pleased with how I did.

I for sure had the best cheering squad. Thanks for all the support.

Celebrating Lucy

Since Lucy's birthday is after her school ends for the summer, her teacher asked if we could celebrate her birthday in her class back in February. We took in heart shaped cookies and jell-o to share with her friends.  They still sang Happy Birthday and had her blow out candles. She was so excited about her "pretend" birthday party.

Chuck came in to her class too. That's a huge benefit of "living where you work" and her preschool is 2 mins from Chuck's office. He can come do fun things in the middle of the day with the girls. He read the kids 2 of Lucy's favorite books - Spiderman and Here Comes the Shapes.

Lucy's preschool also recently had an Art Show. She was so excited to show all of us some of the fun things she made at school.

She is still growing like a weed and catching up quick with Leland. Any day now, she will be taller than Leland. People are always amazed to find out she is only 3 years old. She still loves all things Spiderman, but wants to only wear skirts or dresses. Lucy loves to collect rocks, and will say "this is for my collection" any time she wants to bring a new rock home. She is learning to read and is doing really well. She loves looking at/reading books. All day long she asks to play games on my phone or play games on the computer. Lucy has such a cute sense of humor and keeps us laughing all day.

Info on Blue Heron Rookery at Pipeline Rapids

A number of people have asked how they can go see the blue heron rookery on the James River. I have posted some links y'all might find helpful below this great video from NBC12 (my favorite Richmond local news).


On the Blue Heron Rookery:

James River News Hub's has lots of posts tagged "blue heron", but I recommend "Best Times to See Activity at Pipeline Great Blue Heron Rookery" and "Sex on the James as Great Blue Heron Return to Rookery for Spring".

On Pipeline Rapids:

Richmond.com site description | video of the Pipeline Rapids

Richmond on the James | Pipeline Rapids: Downtown Richmond’s best kept secret? - Great "travel book" description of the Pipeline Rapids walk.

Map of Pipeline Rapids location:

View James River Park System in a larger map

Blue Herons at the James River

A few Saturdays ago, we took advantage of the beautiful spring-like weather and went to check out the blue herons nesting on an island in the middle of the James River. We checked out the blue herons in this same spot last year,  but, with a better camera and older children, we got better pictures of the birds and our family.

The birds are best seen from the area known as Pipeline Rapids .Unfortunately, as we were walking to the pathway, Chuck rolled his ankle pretty bad and was uncomfortable the whole time.

The girls had a blast playing in the sand while Chuck and I had fun playing with our camera and taking pictures.

Enjoying the first warm Spring-like weekend

Chuck "icing" his ankle

Why we came - the blue herons

It's always fun to watch trains go by

Pipeline catwalk and the beauty of the James River

Me and my girls

nice family picture attempts with Charly searching for and enjoying a "snack" 
(click to enlarge)

Family Pictures

The blue herons should be around till April or May, so if you are in Richmond, go check them out.  At about 12th and Byrd St there is a small parking lot by the flood wall. Park there and walk along the dirt road until you see the the steps to the ladder going down to the pipeline catwalk. There is a large sign about the blue herons and it is there that you can duck under the rails to the sandy beach area to check out the rookery. You could also continue down the catwalk to the end and, if the water is low enough, walk out on the rocks.