Girls Weekend in Arkansas!

 I think one of the hardest parts of having adult friends is finding the time to hang out with them. I am happy for this season of life, (kids are older, job has annual leave) where I can take little trips with my friends. We have to plan about six months in advance, but it is worth it! 

With three of us in Topeka, and one in Oklahoma City; Rogers, Arkansas was an ideal location for a meet up! We got outdoors, did a little shopping and worked on our crafts and books Friday through Sunday. It was just what the doctor ordered, and the weather was awesome! We even learned how to play Mah Jongg from Karen, once you get the hang of it, it is pretty addicting. Thinking about investing in tiles.....

I am so grateful for these lovely ladies for making our weekend happen. My heartful thanks to Jeff and the kids for taking care of everything at home and not making me feel guilty for going away. I have a great support system inside and outside of the house. <3

Big smiles after eating way too much Mexican food!

The view from our deck

This was a great place for me to get in my 4 mile run and the other ladies to hike! This month I ran in Illinois, Manhattan, KS and Arkansas. Ready for my half next weekend! 

Paved trail around a lake with only one hill? Yes, please!

Placemats 80% done, just need fusible interfacing and a back!

My very first Mah Jongg! 

Land of Lincoln, Work Conference

 Last week I headed to Springfield, Illinois, with my work bestie Jenny to the National ESP conference. It was a nicely done conference, and connecting Extension work by to our history, including Abraham Lincoln was brilliant. I have been in Extension for 14 years, and that grounding was just what I needed. 

On top of lots of professional development sessions, we got to visit the Lincoln museum and the Lincoln family home in Springfield. Our hotel was located downtown, and I got to run by these things in the morning too. Very cool town, and on Route 66 to boot! 

Alex's last football halftime show was on Thursday, and I made it back in time to see it. Their show all season has been Route 66 themed because it is the 100th anniversary of the famous highway. I ran along the route and sent a picture to Al! He thought that was pretty cool. 

Thanks, Jenny, for being my travel buddy! 

I even got to meet the guy!

The Lincolns' home that we got to tour. 

On my morning run was the Capitol of Illinois and the historical capitol. As well as the Lincoln law office and home in Springfield. Very cool!

Last home football game of Freshman year!

It was fun to watch the halftime show get better and better!

Spooky Month

 I am really excited that I decorated for Halloween by Oct. 3rd this year. The front porch and entryway are ready for the season! I also got some mums that should take us all the way through fall. 

The weather has been beautiful and that has really helped me get out in the morning and get my exercise in! I knew I hadn't missed any runs last week because my knees started to ache, so this week I took a couple of days off. LOL 

Yesterday, was Alex's first Marching Band festival. They will get a rating from the festival at Washburn University so that will be good feedback for them! At the awards ceremony they got one trophy for their percussion (IYKYK). Fellow 501 school Topeka West swept all of the award categories. So, if my 501 school can't be the outstanding band of the night, I'm glad it was our 501 neighbor! 

Jeff was out of town for a work conference this week but made it home in time to go watch marching bands, I will be out the next two weeks for work conferences and am relieved he will be keeping the home front taken care of. October is usually a blur and this one will be no exception. Ready, set, go!