February brought about more snow than I have EVER seen in my entire life. Michael, whom has never seen snow, liked it until we were burried by Snowmagedon. Manga too thought the snow was an excellent source of playtime until she couldn't even hop over it because it was too deep. We ended up trailblazing her a path so she could wander around and play. The snow was well up onto my thighs so imagine Manga trying to get through it. Needless to say, we had a VERY tired puppy after a day of playing. Michael is quite possibly one of the best snow drivers. He was the official car-getter-outer. As for me, I kept us feed with pizza and brownies.
In addition, I became the godmother to my best friend's son from high school, Catherine, and her wonderful husband, John. Jack, my godson, is wonderful. He is so easy going, fun, cute, and just a joy to be around. I am so blessed/honored/proud to be his godmother and to forever be connected to him and his family.
March, April, and May gave us a beautiful spring. I had forgotten how everything just pops with green and flowers. The Cherry Blossoms in the DC area were gorgeous! It was so exciting to be here for the change from winter to spring. Michael thought it was really cool how the trees went from bare to full. Our bird feeder kept the local birds fed and happy. We even have/had a bird's nest up in the rafters of our porch. I sound like a real nature nut at the moment, but I really forgot how much I love the change of the seasons. Manga loved the onset of spring as it the woodland creatures reappeared for her to chase!
Throughout those months, I finished up some classes, Michael's job continued on, and my sister Erin completed her first year of college with a very successful crew season. Her team, the Wahoos are the Women's Collegiate National Crew Champions. We went down to UVA quite a few times to watch her row. It was really wonderful to be able to take part in those kinds of family activities.
In May, Michael and my brother, Joey, each completed the Marine Corps Half Marathon in Fredricksburg, VA. It was the first time for each of them and they did really well! Joey finished at 2hours and Michael finished at 2hours and 32minutes. I was/am really proud of them both! Michael has just started training for his first marathon in October which will be the Marine Corps Marathon in DC. All of Michael's running has made me realize how much I love being an athlete. My goal is to complete a sprint tri, half and full marathon, and maybe a few more tris. I may get the competing bug again which will be good.
Michael and I also celebrated our 3rd legal anniversary with a trip to the cutest little inn in the country of Loudoun County. We had the most relaxing time. Manga thought it was wonderful because all of the other guests loved on her. She got soooooo much attention that she was exhausted for a few days. I learned about the dynamics of the chicken world. I had no idea they were so complex. Every animal really does have it's pecking order, sorry for the pun.
June has been a good month. Rather uneventful for the most part, but the exciting part has been celebrating my godson's first birthday. I came down to Charlotte, NC to visit the Wiesehan's and for a 1st birthday! Jack has been crawling up a storm and is fun to play with. He is into everything and loves throwing things. He has learned how to pull himself up but isn't quite standing on his own yet. When he wants to stand, he kneels and flails his arms about. Jack is very fascinated with the puppies. Manga travelled down here with me. I have been pleasantly surprised to see how good she is with Jack. I figured she would be good with babies, but I always wondered as she has never been around them. Things a going well and we are having fun!
I believe I have caught everyone up with what has been going on around here!
