Fremont Fun Run

 Clare officially entered the ranks of runners in the family.

 This past Saturday was the annual "Fun Run" in our hometown,

and she wasn't going to miss it!

She had quite the cheering section: Buddy and Grandma, Papa, Isaac, Ms. Marcia, and her cousin Laura.

Mommy, undoubtedly her #1 Fan, got to run with her.

The race was a half mile, yet Clare continually called it her "marathon."

She ran the entire thing!  She wanted to "wear music in her ears like Mommy and Daddy," but that only lasted a couple of minutes.

She was bound and determined to earn a trophy (awarded to the top three in every age division), so she kept her eye on the prize.

I was really proud of her, and it made me excited to think about the years of running that we have ahead.  I didn't start running until college, and Phil didn't start running until he turned 30, so she has a leg up on us.

Almost as exciting as the potential of a trophy was the other "prize" at the end.

POPSICLES!!!

It was a really fun morning!

 Drum Roll...
She was 2nd in her age group...thus earning a TROPHY!  :)

She was pretty tickled with the whole event.

Mommy was pretty tickled too.  :)

I'm thankful that it was such a positive experience because she's already asking when she can run her next marathon.

Special Days in Michigan

Today was special because our newest niece, Sarah Bernadine, was baptized this morning. 

It was a beautiful celebration with the extended family...

Here is the Brian Hillary Gang

(Marcie, Brian, Sarah, Jeb, and Grant)

Here are all of the cousins...ranging in age from 1 to 8.

The afternoon consisted of much-needed naps and then some outdoor play time.

The weather in Michigan has been FANTASTIC:

Cool in the mornings and evenings with the high temp reaching in the mid-80's.

The kids had fun in the sprinkler and lake.

Don't know if I've said this before, but WE LOVE BEING IN MICHIGAN...

...in the summer!

Dr. Clare at our 24-Week Appointment

We had our 24-week appointment today, and Clare got to be the helper girl.

Every time I get on the table, the kids become immediately concerned that something bad is going to happen to Mommy.  The midwife was really great about allowing them to be a part of the appointment, and she even let Clare handle the doppler to find the baby's heartbeat.  Ninnie was also at today's appointment.  Pretty special.

This is what my belly looks like when I'm not horizontal.

* I'm currently feeling very good.  Second Trimester is the BEST! 

* Baby is moving a lot, and Clare loves feeling her brother or sister move.
* Clare currently wants a BROTHER, and Isaac wants a BABY.
(Those are the answers everyone hears upon asking what they want.)

* Most people say it looks like I'm carrying a boy.

* Phil and I still kind of think it might be a girl.
* We're really excited about the surprise factor this time around.
* I've been craving cold grapes, peanut butter, MILK, and my daily cottage cheese.

It will be October before we know it, right?!