Long time, No blog

Hi, friends and family!

So sorry we have neglected our blogging duties...it just seems like we can't sit still long enough at the computer to update! Since our last update: we've been to Austin, Texas to visit Lauren and James, I went to Charleston, South Carolina with my friend Melonie to run in a 10k race (6.2 miles) and we went to Michigan this past weekend to celebrate the 8th birthday of our niece Madison, have Easter dinner with family, see some friends from high school and visit my parents' new church--which they are SO EXCITED about (and we found out why-it was AWESOME!!)

AUSTIN, TEXAS

James was able to hook us up with some awesome SXSW badges--SXSW is a music festival with 1,800 bands--and the badges got us into any show we wanted to see!! Thanks James! We had a great time with Lauren and our doggie nieces :) The weather was perfect and it was so great to see where they live and meet some of their friends...the only bummer was not spending more time with James, but of course he was busy working!

Lauren and Justin--a couple of good lookin' kids :)

Tara and Lauren--enjoying the Texas sun :)

CHARLESTON, SC

This was the second year I ran the 10k Cooper River Bridge Run. I had a fantastic time again this year and even beat my time from last year! We finished the race (Melonie and I stayed together the whole time) in 1hour 10 minutes...we were pretty happy with this! We also spent some time hanging out and shopping in Charleston and relaxing by the pool at our hotel! I hope to make this trip for many years to come!
I was terrible about taking pictures...this is before Melonie dropped me off at the airport

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI

We had a great time, despite the "detour" on the way home! We were able to enjoy time with family and friends over the weekend. I am grateful to still have some really great friends from high school--we missed you, Laura! I think the highlight of our trip was visiting the church that my dad and step-mom have been attending. It is called the Potter's House and I just can't put into words how moving the worship experience was...different people came forward sharing their testimonies on either side of posterboard--one side was what their life was before Christ including alcoholism, divorce, rage, etc. and on the other side was what their life is now sobriety, reconciliation, and happiness with Jesus as their Lord.

Sweet Madison--8 years old!

Madison, Jacob and Uncle Justin before the Easter Egg Hunt