M.O.L.A.

The Museaum Of Living Art at the Fort Worth Zoo is FINALLY open! A year and a half after when it was suppose to open. I had no plans on packing up the girls opening day but as zoo members we got to go in early before the crowds. OR SO I THOUGHT! What I failed to consider is the zoo has many members and the place was packed full of pushing kiddos and kamakazi mothers with strollers...I, of which, was one of them. The M.O.L.A. is an amazing new exhibit and the animals were cooperative as well. The girls and cousin Nathan had a wonderful time. Even Rebekah, who is afraid of ladybugs, enjoyed herself but kept her distance. She suprised us a few time by actually touching the glass.

Madeline and I ran in the Fort Worth Cowtown 5K this morning. It was a chilly start but we warmed up quickly once we began moving and the sun rose over the buildings. There was literally a sea of people lined up for the start. We were about 10 yards back from the starting line, I felt like cattle waiting to be herded.This was a first for both of us, running in a 5K. I have been told not to run seeing that the majority of the cartilage is missing in my right knee.I did anyway and my knee made it all of 5 minutes before it buckled and lost most of its strength. I was able to continue to the end but slowly which was not a bad thing. At first Madeline had a hard time running at an even place. She wanted to sprint the whole race but quickly realized that it was longer than she had expected and slowed to a more even pace. We ran most of the race only walking for 3 short distances.
We crossed the finish line with a time of 1 hour 7 minutes 56 seconds and I thought "WOW, that hour went fast." I looked at my watch and realized we had only been running for 25 minutes. I later learned that either the "kids 5k run" was marked off wrong or a "course monitor" sent the whole lot of us on the wrong route. We ACTUALLY only ran a 2.5K (1.8 miles). Again, this turned out not to be a bad thing and my knee was very appreciative. I know the 2 weeks of pain I am going to have in my knee is all worth the GREAT time spent with Madeline today.
Crossing the finish line ~ YEAH
All smiles before the race

Spring is Coming!!!

What a beautiful day it was today after a record breaking snowfall for the DFW area one week ago. There are still snow patches here and there but they are quickly dwindling in the mid 60's temps. I noticed today that my lone rosebush Madeline gave me for Mother's Day last year is showing signs of spring with budding leaves. This was a shock to me seeing that I neglected to cover it during several cold spells. BUT thankfully it survived and I excited for the beautiful roses that will don our dining room table this year. I also noticed the trees around our neighborhood are also budding. I am excited for this spring and especially for the warmer temps.

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè
Happy Chinese New Year!!!!!
Have a wonderful Year of the Tiger

The Fort Worth Stocking Show & Rodeo ~ With the weather report saying it was going to be in the mid 50's we all ventured off to the stockshow only to discover the weather report was way off. The cloud cover never broke and needless to say it was very chilly. Becasue we waited to the last weekend to go, all the animals were gone except for the rabbits. Spotted Giant Rabbits are HUGE!! Madeline picked out many new rabbits she would like to have.What is it about tractors and kids. Madeline had to climb into every tractor & horse trailer she saw. Rebekah was content to remain in the stroller where it was warm.

Madeline has turned out to be a bit of a dare devil riding some big girl rides. Tilt-a-Whirl for one. She and I rode the Scorpion and I got sick and a migraine, Madeline just laughed. Rebekah on the other hand was content with the petting zoo. She stayed away from the bigger animals but the baby goats she was all over.The day ended with both girls worn out and asleep within minutes after getting in the car.