A Marathon Visit...

So this past week, my heart was full again. Alli, my twin sister, was in town. As soon as her flight touched down last week, the cold I had been coping with for three weeks suddenly started getting better. The rain we had had all day let up. My world became brighter, better, more inspiring, more fun.

And then the week passed. We filled our time together playing with Riley, going shopping, snacking on peanut m&m's and kettle chips, watching HGTV and Survivor, playing games with Shawn, going for walks, and chatting.

Our two big activities for the week were marathons, literally and figuratively. First, we reupholstered my dining room chairs. What a fun and fulfilling project! We picked out fabric and, with Shawn's help, assembled our tools. Then, we took apart the chairs, added new stuffing, and stretched and stapled the new fabric on. All in all, we spent eight hours shopping and working on the chairs - and, only 40 dollars. Gotta love internet how-to videos!

Sunday morning was the week's main event: Alli running in the Gainesville marathon! It was awesome to be there cheering for Alli almost every step along the way! We seriously saw her every three miles! This marathon was especially exciting because I ran Gainesville last year, had a blast, knew the course, and wanted to share the same experience with her. Also, this was Alli's sixth marathon, and I've never had the chance to cheer for her yet. Hey, if you're pregnant and not running, the next best thing is to be cheering for your twin sister running!! Watching Alli inspired me in so many ways. She never really seemed nervous beforehand, she smiled every time we saw her, and she ran a really great time: 4:24 (especially since she had a fever the weekend before and hadn't trained as well because of all of the snow in Charlottesville!). Plus, she's in her first year of residency and still running marathons! How cool is that? Alli, I am so proud of you!!

And today, after dropping Alli off at the airport, I realized two key things about our relationship. 1) I am so lucky and blessed to have her in my life as a twin sister and best friend. Sometimes, I do not think I deserve to have someone like her in my life. And spending time with her helped me to remember that whenever things are not going well, I have this amazing person to cheer me on in life. 2) Alli inspires me. Even this vacation, with her here, we accomplished my first major craft project. And, we spent some time researching upcoming races because I cannot wait to run my next marathon in the fall after watching her run! She challenges me to seize every opportunity and be a better person. Thank you, Alli!

And without further ado, the pictures...

Alli about to finish!


Super cute Riley!


Alli at mile 23!


Us at the start at 6:45am.


Alli at 17...


Minutes before the start and so calm!


The new chairs!! Fresh and modern!


The old chair pattern...