September 26, 2009 - Will's Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game

The Akron Marathon wasn't the only family activity we had on Saturday - Will also had his Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game a few hours afterwards. This was a major fundraiser for his Cleveland Cavaliers team, with a portion of the proceeds going to the creation of a Junior Wheelchair Sports Program for children. This will be the first wheelchair sports program for kids in Ohio.

Will is chatting with his teammate Larry Nance. Larry is a retired NBA player and is best known as the first winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984, earning him the nickname "The High-Ayatolla of Slamola." He is also a 3 time NBA All Star.


Tip Off.. the guys joking around...


Larry and Danny Ferry are doing the jump ball.

Danny is the General Manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers team. He is also a retired NBA player and has a NBA Championship.


Danny shooting a free throw. Also on the line, next to Will is Jack Squirek. He is a retired NFL player who used to play for the Raiders (and the Fighting Illini). Paul Schulte, our good friend, and one of the best players in the world, is next to him.

Sydney has the best seat in the house.

Sydney is all smiles on her Daddy's lap!


It was a great time had by all (they even had face painting much to Sydney's delight). Always a pleasure to watch their Daddy to play ball!

September 26, 2009 - Akron Marathon

On Saturday, I ran the Akron Marathon (26.2 miles). I finished in 3:39:57.. and qualified for the Boston Marathon! I had to get a time of 3:40:00 to 3:40:59 to qualify so I cut it really close. But it was a huge stretch for me, especially on this hilly course, and I really gutted it out to do it. So happy!

Here I am post-race with my babies!!! Didn't Daddy dress them cute???


Our pace group leader gave me the sign after the race.


Family shot!!!


Family shot with Sydney hamming it up!


My mom and her neighbor/running partner Teresa also did the race - they did the Half Marathon (13.1 miles). They did great and loved the hills (I kid).

Popping our medals!

September 25, 2009 - Chase's 2nd Haircut!

Chase got his beautiful locks trimmed again. We found someone in town and she did a great job.

Chase, show them your hair!


Now show them your teeth!


Side view - Curls are still there!


Oh and let's not forget Sydney's beautiful hair!

September 20, 2009 - Last Long Run Before the Marathon

With the Akron Marathon approaching quickly, I had to get one last long run in. I decided to take the kids on a beautiful 8 mile run along the Towpath in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Before we started, Sydney wanted to check out some of the little waterfalls.


My kids are lounging on their ride.


One of the highlights for the kids was going through a tunnel. Syd liked to yell "Hello! Hello!" when we went through.


The path runs along the river underneath the toll road bridges. Uh-oh - looks like I have a couple of sleepyheads on my hands!


We come back on a long wooden bridge through the marshy area that runs next to the river.. (still passed out 1/4 Terriers)


I love it. My babies never complain on our long runs.. never. They just chill, enjoy the scenery, and when the time is right, take a nap.

September 13, 2009 - A Night at the Wallers

We always have a good time getting ready for bed. Sydney loves the fact that she and Chase match tonight!


Sydney helps her baby brother "read" a book...


Next its time to brush teeth!

The first thing Chase does when he walks in his bathroom every night is stand right on the monster rug and then look up at me and smile. I am so happy to have a photo of this!

We brush Chase's teeth every night, but tonight, Sydney wanted to help.

Here, Chasey, let me brush your dogs for you...


No, thank you, Sydney!


Here Chasey, its easy. See, I can do it just fine!


Okay, have a crack at it, sis!


After brushing teeth we drink some water to rinse.


Now that Chase is in bed, its time for Sydney to clean up. First up, floss!


After I give her a good scrub, its her turn to clean her teeth. What a good girl!


Now its time for bed... wait a minute, Sydney got new bedding!
And she loves it!!!!


And loves to jump on the bed (no matter how many times I read her the "Five Little Monkeys Book.")




Okay, now I am ready for bed! Where's Sammy? (Um.. he left when you were jumping all crazy!)

September 1, 2009 - Sydney's First Day of Preschool

Sydney had her first day of preschool on Tuesday!!! She picked out her own outfit - she is a much better fashionista than me. Preschool was just for an hour, but it went well. Full time preschool starts next week (twice a week for 3 hours).

She seems like she might be a little apprehensive...


But really - she is thrilled!!!!!


Here we are picking Syd up after her first day! Her teacher, Mrs. Grudenwald, walks each kid to and from the car each morning. Its a good deal for moms and dads. She had so much fun on her first day and already came home with some art projects. Fun! Fun!

August 30, 2009 - Sydney's First Dentist Visit

Our little girl is growing up!

Sydney had her first visit to the dentist last Monday! She did so well and had no cavities!!!! She didn't fuss at all and the dentists were very impressed with her. Great job, Sydney!

The hygienist is showing her that it won't hurt, just tickle :)


Here we go! Open up!


Sydney got a backpack for being part of the "No Cavities Club"
She also got several stickers and a toy from the treasure chest! Woo hoo!


Somehow, Chase got a toy from the treasure chest, too! All for sitting on the floor and being a good boy while Sydney had a cleaning.