Home From Colorado.......

As you can see the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves at Auntie Allison's and Uncle Will's!! Especially in their dogs crate =o) We had a great time visiting and getting away for a few days. The half marathon was an interesting event, and a very good learning experience. Aside from the uncontrollable elements (temperature began at 85 and by the end of the race was 90!) and the road, which I didn't know was a dirt/gravel road almost like running on sand in some parts, which I was not conditioned for, and of course the altitude (which I knew about!); this was also NOT a flat course but had more hills than I would like to remember!! That all beign said the race was not run well, but that is on the promoters and organizers, and with all those things we all did really well!! I came in just over 2 hours at 2:01 and am very happy with that for my first half marathon. I am also very happy to have another chance in just over a week and a half, and should have a much better experience with that one (never thought I would say those words!)!

Berry Picking in Colorado

Yesterday the kids, Allison, her son Charlie and myself all went to this fabulous berry picking farm with my sisters Mommy group. The kids had a blast picking strawberries straight from the vine and William enjoyed eating as we walked along. I think he ate more than we picked, so we definitely made out in the end. The farm was incredible with all their fruit and vegetables as well as flowers, herbs and animals! It was also all organic to boot! Enjoy the pictures and I will post more when we get back to Oklahoma!

Lake Elmer Thomas and Mt Scott

Today we took the kids to Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Park which has a lake, swimming area along with a water slide. Lillian shocked up wanting to go down the slide, and then again by not wanting to stop going down the slide!! William eventually began to enjoy the water slide, but nowhere near as much as his sister!! After a few rumbles of thunder ended our swiming we headed to the top of Mt Scott and walked around for a few minutes until the rain began.

Here is a link to some more pictures from this past week and weekend:

http://lexiandbillsoucie.com/photos/main.php/v/family/Oklahoma2009/?g2_page=3

USMC Devil Dog 10k Run

Saturday morning the kids, Bill and I ventured onto base for the annual race the Marine Detachment puts on aboard Fort Sill. Bill graciously pushed the kids in the double jogger so I could put my 110% effort into the race. He was my pace car and set a pretty fast pace, but we kept it and I finished with a personal best and was able to reach a personal goal finishing with a time of 47:54!! I also finished 4th female overall (running against other Marines and Soldiers) and 4th female in my age group. So, I am super happy. This is a picture of the final sprint to the finish compliments of a good friend of ours who had already finished her 5k. Now we are gearing up for our half martathon in Boulder Colorado in less than two weeks!!!

Bill Checks Into FACCC and William Gets A New Bike

This past Thursday Bill began the check-in process for the Field Artillery Captains Career Course here at Fort Sill. He was able to get most everything done before everyone left for the Labor Day weekend 96. He will officially begin classes this coming Wednesday! William we decided needed his own bike and helmet after tiring of the numerous fights over Lillian's very pink and purple bike (Bill felt William needed a "boy" bike). William is very much enjoying his new bike and helmet! More pictures and posts to come!

Children's Wildlife Refuge Hike

This morning the kids, Bill and I went to the Wildlife Refuge bright and early and participated in their weekly nature hike. It was great! Both kids were able to walk on their own, although William needed a little help on the hilly/rocky parts and the whole hike was about a half a mile long. Lillian was a pro doing it all on her own and enjoying it all the way! Afterwards we enjoyed a great breakfast at a local diner and then everyone had a nap!

This week we got a lot done with unpacking boxes and settling into our new house. Things are really coming together out here. Unfortunately we had some significant things damaged (home computer, Stickely jewlery box, kids trampoline, easel and others) and a few items including our silverware, Christmas ornaments, and the iron are missing. But, I have taken a few deep breaths, and got our claim submitted to the moving company so hopefully sooner than later they will send a claims adjustor out! Lillian had a great first week of school and thsi week she has a book fair and school pictures. I have also found a great pre-preschool program for William that offers a curriculum structured program with songs, arts and crafts, playing and more, 3 times a week for 2 and a half hours each day. I am super excited and when we visited he just wanted to get down and play with the kids, so I take that as a good sign!

Give me a few hours and there will be pictures under the link below! Enjoy!

http://lexiandbillsoucie.com/photos/main.php/v/family/Oklahoma2009/

Lillian's First Day of School

Lillian had a GREAT first day of school. She was dropped off without tears, FABULOUS. Had a full day of learning, tracing her name, playing, eating lunch and loads of other stuff. She was so excited when we picked her up and couldn't stop talking about her day. It made me smile from ear to ear!! Here are a few pictures o her and her classroom and cubby. Enjoy!

Bill, William and I got the house put together with everything we brought with us as well as got electricity and water today, yeah! We have been told we will have our household goods this Wednesday so I am very excited about only 2 more days without furniture! We are borrowing a pack and play, crib mattress and air matress from our friend January (Thank you!) until our things arrive. Tomorrow I think we will venture onto base and get our insurance switched and do some commissary shopping! Bill is VERY excited about all of that!