Christmas Card Attempts

I thought I would share with all of you my attempts at getting just one good picture of my kids for the family Christmas Card this year.

You might notice a recurring theme in all of them.

(Hint: It's the two year old.)

Why do I even try?

Santa Run 2008

Have you ever wondered what a bunch people dressed as Santa would look like running up and down the "Vard" in downtown Ogden (aka Washington BLVD for all you non-'vard-dragging people)?

( Hint: I'm the one in red.) ;)

( That's me! #1542 and Jen #1601.)
(P.S. Don't you just love Jen's socks!)

This weekend I had the opportunity to run a 5K in Ogden where everyone who ran had to dress up as Santa. And may I say that I had a blast?! It was so fun to see how everyone looked and how they had dressed. Aside from my red top and red sweats, I (everyone) had a Santa hat, and a beard (yes, it itched.) Earlier that day I made a little green backpack to fill with candy and throw out to the little kids along the route. I also pinned in a couple of cute little stuffed reindeer in the bag so that it looked like they were getting a free ride. (Get it? Santa pulling them instead of the opposite? Ingenious, I know..) Mom bought me some big jingle bells and I sewed them onto a sash that I hung over my shoulder, and my friend Jen, who ran with me, bought me some red flashing Christmas light earrings. Don't forget the festive green i-pod strapped on my arm, and the outfit was complete.


I have run a handful of 5K in my running career, but I have to say that this one was the most fun that I have ever done. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time (even though that flipping beard kept flipping up in my face). I ran with my two friends Jen and Jen, and we had a blast running along, throwing out candy, and waving to all the people along the route.

The highlights for me:

*walking through Home Depot with both Jens in the Santa gear before the run and counting the comments that were thrown our way, both verbal and non-verbal.
*winning a new pair of socks after the run for being one of the "most festive Santas."
*seeing my kids and Mike, Mom and Dad, and Liseanne and Jeff and their kiddies there cheering me on and begging me to throw some candy at them. (Mom's handing out free candy!!!)
*watching Cam roll his eyes at me when I ran by. (Did I really look THAT ridiculous?)
*seeing my reflection in the windows as we ran by and realizing that, yes, I did.

It has all the makings for a great Master Card commercial, don't you think?
*Cost of registration for the Santa run: $35
*Red running clothes to turn into a Santa suit: $18
*Seeing my two year old roll his eyes at me when he saw me: priceless.

I can't say enough what a fun run this was. So for any of you who run, or are thinking about running, (I can name names if needed...) I extend a festive invitation to come and run next year! It is definitely going to be a tradition! The more the merrier!!!

"Be glad. Be good. Be brave."
~Eleanor Hodgman Porter