Holy toys and 5k runs!

This weekend we hosted Laney and Alie's 2nd birthday party. Lots of people came and squished into my rather small living and dining rooms. We had lunch and cup cakes, then opened presents. Thanks to our generous friends and family, the girls received lots of toys and books (and clothes and accessories)...and all of this two weeks before christmas. The girls are currently obsessed with their new baby dolls, baby doll carriers, and winnie and tigger dolls. The Eloise theme didn't work out quite as planned, but I think eveyone had a good time; I know the girls did!
Yesterday, Carl (with Laney and Alie in the stroller), Greg, Wen, Cirucci and I ran the Jingle Bell Run raising money for the arthritis foundation. There were LOTS of hills, which made it quite difficult on my knees. Cirucci and Greg both ran quite quickly, while Wen and I decided to be slow jogging partners. We ran the first mile and a half and then alternated between speed walking and running...our finishing time wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Much to my suprise, Carl rocked pushing the jogger! I realized later that afternoon, when I couldn't get off of the couch, maybe my arthritis has reached the point where it doesn't want me to run 5ks anymore! We had a great time anyway, and I'm hopeful that it will become our holiday time tradition!