The Hampton's Half Marathon (New York)

I just ran my first Half Marathon (13.1 miles!) in September with my friend Kim and my sister-in-law Karen. We had a blast! My friend Kim found us a home to rent out for the weekend. On the home description it was called "Modern Minimalist"(you can tell how minimal in the pictures). None of the windows had curtains. Matter of fact, they had NO coverings! It was kind of spooky at night. With that said, it was alot easier to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

My finishing time was 2:00:52. I was just 1 minute shy of my goal. Maybe next year!










The backyard. It had a pool.










The living room. Everything was white and the people that own it have little kids.



















The kitchen with a mural of Spiderman on the wall. This the as fancy as it got.










This is Karen and Kim post race.










From left: Me (Austin), Kim, Darlene, Karen










This is the group that stayed in the house. Notice the man in the back row? Just like all Relief Society activities, my friend Kim thought it would be nice to have a priesthood holder. Just kidding! He decided to tag along with his wife and came along for the girls only weekend! It was great, he was actually hilarious.










After the race we went shopping and ate dinner in South Hampton. The street are lined with cute shops and restaurants. We actually saw a Tiffany and Co. when we were driving in.










This is an original South Hampton's home built in 1668.













OK- the funniest sign I've ever seen. What does the town of South Hampton constitute as proper attire?










Kim, Karen and the brave Gavin










Kim in front of the prettiest flower field.



















This is the what you pay for on the east coast...CULTURE!










After our long day, some of the girls gave themselves pedicures and we watched Australia - the movie.

EAST HAMPTON









The beach in East Hampton










This is what most of the real estate looked like in East Hampton. All the homes were surrounded by 9-10 foot hedges and were on multiple acres of land. We actually went on a hunt for Ina Garten's home (aka Barefoot Contesa from FoodNetwork). We're pretty sure at least one of the home we saw had to have been hers!

The Airport









It had to come to an end. My brother Steve and nephew Cameron went on a cruise and they happen to end the same day we were leaving. So, we met up at the airport and waited together. Tender!

Saying 'SEE YA LATER!'

OK- this was the REAL goodbye. I was strong, I didn't cry until I got in the car!!! I once heard "Friends are family that you pick". It was definitely true for the Martin's. They are a great family. We will miss having them so close.

One last party before the Martin family moves...

Our friends the Martin's just moved to Indiana. Our girls have grown up with their family. We are SOOOO sad, but this only means we have somewhere cool to visit now!

Family Pictures 2009

Kennedy turns 5!

Hard to believe our family used to be just the 3 of us.










Kennedy's 1st birthday










Kennedy's 2nd birthday










3rd birthday - First day of Joy School













4rth birthday - at Peter Piper Pizza













5th - More beautiful than ever!

Kennedy's First Day of Kindergarten

Kennedy and her teacher Mrs. Cifelli.













This was the hardest part of the day. I watched her walk all the way from the play ground to her classroom. I even went a little too far and peeked inside her classroom after school started!

Summer fun at the Flower Park

This park reminds me of Willy Wonka's chocolate room. The whole park has a colorful theme with giant flowers and butterflies all over.















Kennedy and her best friend Emma. She actually has been calling Emma her cousin lately.










Kennedy and Emma.



















My good friend Sarah is always ready with the camera. She has probably taken more pictures of my girls than I have.