Run For a Wish

Last weekend Abby was in her 1st 5k, Kendall Tenney's 5K 'Run For A Wish'. As you can tell by the name, the proceeds go to the Make a Wish Foundation. It is a GREAT cause but not so great of a run.

To no fault of the run organizers it was pouring down rain but...a little rain has never stopped us. Even though Jim is recovering from being sick the 3 of us ran the race in 34.17. It definitely NOT our best time but like I mentioned...it was raining and Jim was getting over being sick. It was also the first race that we have pushed Abby. There were also over 5,ooo people running this race so the course never really cleared out. I know, I know...excesses excesses. Our time definitely motivated us to run some more races to get our time back to what we are used to.

The real problem that we had this run is that the parking was not organized very well. It took us 2x as long to get out of the parking lot then it did to run the race. The race took place at a local outdoor mall and the race participants parked int he mall parking lots. There was NO parking attendants helping control the 5,000+ cars. IT WAS A MESS!!

Even thought he parking was a huge issue we are looking forward to future races. Our next race is March 13th the Come Catch a Leprechaun 5k.

Abby's Birthday Weekend!

I can't believe that we have a 1 year old! This has honestly been the fastest/slowest year of my life!

The sign above was made by my dad. I had a sign exactly like it growing up. Every year we add a new balloon on top of the old one. The last time I used my sign was for my 21st birthday but I think I will pull it out again in a few years on my 35th.

My parents came to town last Thursday to help us celebrate.

While my parents did come to town for the sole reason to be with Abby I was able to drag my mom away for a hike up Lone Mountain. Ok...it was not hard convincing her but that was only because Abby was taking a nap.

While mom and I were hiking dad got straight to work building Abby a toy box.

On Abby's birthday we headed to Bonnie Springs. Bonnie Springs is a replica of an old west town that also has a petting zoo.

I am glad that we decided to go to Bonnie Springs because now we know not to go back. I expected it to be cheesy but it was cheesy to the max. I was really looking forward to going because of the petting zoo but the zoo was really sad. The animals had very small messy pins and a lot of the animals were pacing in their misery. The most interesting part of the zoo were all the chickens roosting in the trees.


Regardless...we still had a good time being together!

After Bonnie Springs we headed home for Abby's birthday dinner and party. Jim made a pot roast. The adults all thought it was delicious but I am not sure if Abby felt the same...

What Abby was really waiting for was her CAKE and presents!

Abby thoroughly enjoyed her cake!

She enjoyed it so much that she had to get a bath before she could open her presents.

On Sunday it was off to one of our favorite places...the t. Charleston Lodge for lunch. It continues to amaze us that we can drive 45 min and be in the snow...

It was a great lunch and a beautiful drive!

On Monday before my parents had to head back to Seattle Abby and I took them to Red Rock Canyon for a hike. We hiked the Children's Discovery Trail which actually ends at a waterfall. It was a great way to close out the weekend festivities.

We had a great time with my parents and look forward to their next trip here in April.

Jim's 39th

Jim is now 39! Only 1 more year until the big 40. To celebrate we had a nice dinner at home. I know...not very exciting but next year will be different. Even though the night was low key I hope Jim had a very happy birthday!

Manuela in Las Vegas

Last week Manuela came to visit us. We had a great week full of visiting, outings, and playing cards. The week started off slowly. Unfortunately we had some errands and household items that had to get done but, on Wednesday, we headed up to the Lodge for lunch. It was another beautiful day up at the lodge with a fresh layer of snow. We had a great lunch and very tasty coffee drinks.

On Thursday we headed to the aquarium at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. It was a small aquarium but it was full of great displays, there was free parking, and we even got the local discount.

Friday was our busiest day. In the morning we headed to the half price ticket booth to find a show to go to that evening. We ended up with ticket to Zumanity (more about the show later). Unfortunately, I found out later that I could have gotten better ticket prices as a local if I would have gone directly to the shows box office, whoops, next time.

Later it was off to Red Rock Canyon for a hike. It was a great day for a hike and we had spectacular views.

Friday evening it was off to dinner and a show. Dinner was great we went to Il Fornaio inside the New York New York hotel. The melanzane al la parmigiana was mouth watering! After dinner we did a bit of slot play. I walked away with 10 extra dollars in my pocket. Then it was time for Zumanity. I knew this was the most riskay Cirque Du Soleil but...it was a bit uncomfortable! I was actually easily able to look past the female nudity but the sensual scenes were a bit to much. I wanted more Cirque and less sensuality. At least I can say it WAS an experience!

Saturday morning, after a final hand of cards, Manuela was off to the airport. We had a great visit and we can't wait until we get to see Manuela again!!

Happy New Years!!

This New Years, like last, was very low key. Jim and I made a nice dinner at home and then watched a movie. As usual, I fell asleep on the couch. I did wake up in time to see the fireworks. This year there were 7 casinos that had fireworks flying off of their roofs. We thought that we would have a great view from our house but they were a bit lower than we were expecting.



I am still glad we saw them though! I hope everyone has a happy and healthy 20-10!

Christmas '09

In preparation for our trip to Seattle for Christmas Abby got her very first hair cut. She got to sit in a race car and she was very cooperative. The hair place even gave her a certificate with a picture of the event and a lock of her hair.

Our trip to Seattle was fantastic but VERY busy. It was Abby's first time to Seattle so there were a lot of people to meet and places to see.

We flew into town on the 22nd and as soon as we got of the plane we were on the run. We headed over to my Aunt Ellen's house for lunch with my Aunt, Uncle, my Grandma (Abby's Great Grandma) and a few of my cousins. It was the 1st time Abby met her Great Grandma Suhler and Cousin Chad.

On the 23rd we headed to Seattle for some good food and visiting. First off, it was off to meet Auntie Remy for some Thai food. Next, a bit of shopping in Freemont (otherwise known as the center of the universe).

Next, it was off to meet Ethan. Jim and Ethan were off to meet the old Seattle Squad at their old dive bar, Bernards. While Jim was busy with the boys Remy and I continued our visiting...off to see Corinne at her office and then to the Gaslight to see Trevor and Bennett. Abby had not met her uncles yet and I was anxious for her to meet them! While we were at the Gaslight Jackie met up with us. It was also Abby's first time meeting Jackie and I have been waiting 11 months for them to meet...
The final stop for the day was 6 Arms for a Ruby...a very yummy beer...and to meet up with the boys. Here is a shot of Abby and Uncle Ethan...

Christmas Eve brought us another busy day. First it was off to the 5 Spot for a delicious breakfast on top of Queen Ann Hill. I still say that they have the best hash browns. We did a lot of walking around but the highlight of the day was the Pike Place Brewery. The Pike Place Brewery has been a Suhler tradition ever since I was 21. The great thing about this year was that, not only was Abby there, but so were Uncle Joe and Aunt Remy.

As you can imagine...Abby had a lot of presents to open on Christmas morning!

There were so many that she had to take a nap in the middle of all the action.


After a good nap...Uncle Joe and Aunt Remy arrived and it was time for more presents.


Later on in the day it was off to the Gaslight for Christmas dinner. We had a great time and of course a great meal!

The day after Christmas Jim, Abby, and I headed to one of our favorite micro-brews, Hale's, to meet-up with Ethan, Elin, Joe, and Remy for lunch AND of course to have a cream ale!

After Hale's, We headed to Alki with Joe and Remy. It was a beautiful day in Seattle so we could not pass up the beautiful views.

Sunday was our final day in Seattle. In the morning we met up with Animal, Bennett, Jackie, and Remy for coffee at Vivace's and then for a nice walk around the Arboretum. I am ashamed to say that this was my first time walking to the Arboretum. I should have done it years sooner!

Sunday night my Aunt Ellen, Uncle Larry, Cousin Chad, and Grandma come over for dinner. It was great to see them all again before having to take off the next day. Here is a picture of Abby with her Great Grandma Suhler:




Thank you everyone for a great Christmas!

Weekend Adventure

I would not have believed it if I was not there myself but these pictures...

...where taken in Las Vegas. The last 2 weekends in a row we have headed up to Mount Charleston. It takes us about 45 min to get there and once you are there you are in a completely different world. On Mount Charleston there is hiking, camping, and even SKIING!




On top of Mount Charleston there is a great little lodge with an excellent little restaurant. It must be good if we went back 2 weekends in a row =) I have no doubt we will be back again very soon.


Last weekend we also took Abby to meet Santa Claus. Jim and I new right away that we would have to sit with her to try and avoid a melt down. Well...the melt down was averted for about 20 seconds. We were able to sit down and then slowly Abby realized that there was a strange bearded man next to her. This is when the crying began. I quickly moved Abby so that she was not facing Santa and we were able to get a picture off.

Better luck next year.

Abby has also discovered a new pillow...
Thank goodness Billy is a good sport!