It was one of those nights

where you can't stop smiling. I love those nights. I'm smiling still because it was so much fun.
We had girls over to our apartment for Kayla's birthday last night. I was stressed, as usual, that there wouldn't be enough food (there was), or that people wouldn't have fun (they did). I should have known it would all turn out fine. Better than fine, actually. We played three crazy rounds of Catch Phrase (my all-time favorite game). Our living room was filled with sixteen girls screaming, laughing, waving their arms and fingers (that was my team), and chattering loudly. It's always interesting to see the personalities that come out when we play lively games.
The energy from the game spilled over into our conversation afterward, ending the night in a cheerful way.
We need more nights like that. Especially with winter approaching.

Personal Trainers and Blind Dates

Not together, no way. He was really cute though.

His name was Seth, and he was my personal trainer. I got a session for free after joining Bally fitness (which is really cheap, compared to other gyms).
So yesterday I worked out with him and found out just how wimpy I really am. I couldn't even last a full hour. My legs were like jelly afterward. And they're burning today. I kind of like that kind of pain though, if it means I'm getting stronger.

At the fire at the guys house last night, we decided we were going to set people up on blind dates. It seems like you never hear about people going on them anymore. I wonder how many have actually worked out? I know my grandparents got set up on one. If I could find what they have, I would go on a blind date in a heartbeat! Actually I probably would go on one anyway, as long as I trust the people setting it up.
We thought of three couples we could set up, and now we just have to convince them. In general, it seemed like the guys were more for it than the girls. I think they would have fun if they just gave it a try :)

5th Annual Kyds 5k Run

What a beautiful morning for a run. Until it heated up, that is. This year we had two water stands, because we allowed 3-person relays, and we definitely needed the extra water.
Before the race...
Team Crinkle. Relay time of 23:11.
Sisters. Two did a relay, and one ran the whole race. Thanks for running!
I just like this picture because it looks as if I'm keeping up with Kurt. Really, I only ran a mile, and Cor was about to take over for the last leg of the relay.
First place for girls (time of 22:31), second and third place girl finishers. Third and second place finishers for the guys (first place finisher, with a time of 18:38, left early).
Group pic. First one we've taken. Not sure why, it's so cute. :) Kind of reminds me of the typical sweaty, hot, smile-grimace, detasseling photos.
Overall, the run went well, the barbeque that followed was fun, and the weekend ended with some spectacular soccer and ultimate football.

Kids, Kids, Kyds

My brother Shane and his wife Brittany, and their baby Mya, came up for a visit. Bro Darren and his gfriend came along too. It was nice to have almost the whole family together. And lots of people showed up for their wedding reception. Shane seemed really touched that so many people were there.
Viv and Mya met for the first time. Mya kept reaching for Viv, and when we put them on the floor together, she would steal Viv's pacifier.
Viv was sick, poor thing. Totally not her usual smiley self at all. If you look closely at this picture, she has a tear in her eye. :(
Adria and Daylen came to our apt so Cor could babysit. No high chair, no problem. Probably one of the only times we've ever used our phonebook...
Another hot Sunday afternoon spent at the lake. We sure enjoyed the last days of summer.

Farewell to the Dome

My last game at the Metrodome. :(
It was an awesome game though! The Twins were down 0-3 to the Indians, then scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to win.
This is the girls and Neil cheering after a Twins homerun.
We were all sad to leave. Except Maria, she could care less, coming from MI and all...

CKydsWeekend

is here again. Wow, the year flew by!
Hopefully lots of people here this weekend. I get to completely enjoy it this year, since Kayla is doing all the planning. She is impressive. Not even stressed. When it was me, I was a mess.
Anyway, I'm off work now, so here's to a fun weekend!

Kwood

This is a neighborhood of the city where the standard is to have lawncare service, and a nanny. Or both. As well as a gardener and a cleaning lady.

I happen to be one of the nannies. And every day that I work, I see the lawncare guys. By now, I recognize their vehicles, and I'm sure some of them know mine (it's quite recognizable, after all). We usually exchange waves and smiles. It's almost like we're a club (not the Mickey Mouse club), and now we just need a handshake. Oh wait, we have that too. :)

I enjoy seeing the guys. And even if I don't know them personally, it feels like I do. Because I see them at church all the time. So I smile inside and out when I pass them in Kwood.

And, in a roundabout way, one of them is even responsible for me finding my job.
And yes, I'm writing this at 5:30 am. I can't sleep.

Finally some pics!

The reason I haven't put any pictures from my trip on yet is because most of them are still on R's computer, and our internet hasn't been working until today. These are the ones that were still on my camera, all from Maine when we were nearing the end of our journey.

Pemaquid Point, ME. I wanted to see a lighthouse, so we came here specifically for this. Totally worth it!

St. Ann's church in Kennebunkport, ME. So small and quaint.

The elder Bush's summer home in Kennebunkport. I think I saw George! Ok, jk, it was probably a lawn maintenance man.
Kennebunkport Beach, ME. The sun was beating down on us, until we lay down. Then the wind cooled us right off. All the houses/cottages along the beach were amazingly awesome!Once I get my pictures from R, I'll post more...