I forgot how uncomfortable static-y hair feels

 I told my grandpa that I shot a gun for the first time, and that it was a pellet gun. You would not believe the look of disgust he shot me. Apparently pellet guns are not "real" guns. 

 I spend so much time prying my hair from his little iron claws.

 Sorry, this is the best shot I got of both--Noah happened to have scary eyes.

Dad using his cutting tool of choice--a 30 year old electric knife.

 

 Grandma was loving life.

We had a great Thanksgiving in Boise, which is saying a lot because we almost turned around and came back home when we encountered 10 car pileups and ice sheets on the way. I was a mountain pass away from a complete meltdown. But we were safe and learned that familiarity with tire cables before you leave is worth the effort (we learned that lesson by not making that effort, of course). We ate so much, ran a leisurely family 5k, and saw Harry Potter (so good!). Almost two months younger, Noah has already taken the lead in baby growth against our little baby borne of average-to-smaller-than-average genes. We even came home with some sugar cookies, and beef. My parents bought half a cow, and when the boxes arrived--well, let's just say anyone is always welcome at the Naylor house for some grillin'. And I will actually use beef to make something for the first time in our married life... (it's not that I don't like meat, I just don't like raw meat. It's easier for me to avoid it entirely.)

Mugs instead of medals! Good idea, Eugene.

 My friend Marissa and I made a goal to run a half marathon crazily while we were still pregnant. I had no idea that recovery for me would be so slow and that anemia can make you feel like a blob of unmoving jelly. So when our race was canceled I was ok with it, because I was only prepared to be extremely slow. Then a few other friends found another half marathon--so we were stuck with one, but with an extra month to train. Behold, a window opened to not be extremely slow, but just kind of slow!

So Jon and I rolled into Eugene, found a good pizza place in a city we have never been to before (always a plus--thanks Yelp!), and Jon motivated me by telling me he didn't think I could beat his mom's time (2:12). So of course I was determined. He also said if I did beat that time, I could buy any boots I wanted. (Jon had NO faith I would finish faster than that time. Absolutely none. And if you knew my training times, neither would you.) We were all prepared to run in a downpour, so of course it was sunny, and the course was beautiful. With the help of my faster friends I ran and hurt and ran and never walked and sprinted to the end... 2:11:59! A much better time than I had anticipated from myself. I had done it! Cheers! Hooray! All was well!

Then Jon checked later and told me he was mistaken, and his mom's time was actually 2:11.

So I am still buying a pair of boots. And Jennifer, I will win. Someday.

For those who think I am lame for trying to beat my mother in law, I must inform you she has about 35 extra years of running experience on me and I have at least 25 extra pounds more than this tiny woman. And she always beats me! Extreme competition with your mother-in-law is ALWAYS healthy and normal. Right?

And after on the Smith Homestead I shot a gun for the first time and hit a water bottle. What a great day.

last place still gets a t-shirt

 Two surprises: The rain and Katie's suddenly brown hair

 The race in its entirety--walkers in background, organizers and Rocky theme song singers in the middle, another runner foreground, frozen turkey on the ground.

My friend Katie sent out an email today that basically said "Do you want to run a Turkey Trot today? Show up at 11:30." I take any chance to run without a stroller, and thought it would be good practice for my half marathon Saturday. I haven't been my typical type-A training self--I registered Monday and my training has been made up as I go along.

It was cool yet sunny, and a whole 6 women showed up, 4 runners and 2 walkers. There was a raffle for a turkey at the start. A one in six chance to win a turkey? Never will any race I enter have those odds. Still lost. And of course it started raining as soon as the race started. The two taller girls got away from us at the start but a confused volunteer sent them the wrong way, and so Katie had an asterisk first place finish with me close behind. She won a Lewis and Clark intermural t-shirt, which I was a little jealous of since I never scored one at BYU. But I should do all my runs with her because I ran my fastest pace since pre-Theo times.

After this race on Saturday I am gearing up for the Naylor Turkey Trot. Main goal is to beat my mom.

twin hangover

Top photo taken by Kenz, last photo taken of aftermath, large yarn pile included.

I don't know much about substance related hangovers, but I know about emotional ones. Kenzie's week here was crazily filled with preparing for her show and trying to fit in the stuff we wanted to do--of course we have a list we never got to but are saving for next time. Little Winter was so much fun, and it was a great opportunity to meet so many new people.  I even dorked out once, saying "Hi, [name] right? I read your blog." Kenz was right, all these crafty people are the nicest people ever. So yesterday (and honestly, today too) I have been wearing my robe late, cleaning my room by wearing the clothes on the floor, and doing a lot of baby snuggling. I haven't done anything with the huge pile of garland leftover from the show on my counter, but the smell is taking the edge off the musty old apartment perfume our home can have.

I picked up a few things from the show, like a tiny house ornament from My House Party (tiny is involved--therefore I am involved) and a winter/Christmas print I loved from Shanna Murray*. Having her booth next to Kenz was a highlight--she is so much fun and Theo loved her too.  Of course I am wearing a new scarf around, paid for by hours of hand sewing, staying up late wrapping a branch in yarn (thanks Katie!) and making a bazillion muslin bags. All of which I loved doing. Sigh.

Luckily I have a couple more guests to prepare for this weekend--I am scouring the internet for the best gluten free options Portland has to offer, and I am pleased with the results so far.



*also responsible for making amazing wall decals that don't make me want  to gauge my eyes out, and my favorite quote stated regarding the awesomeness of the show in general--"people are shizzing themselves on Twitter right now." So true, so true.

serious twin faces

Kenz is here (yea!) and we have tried to fit in as much food carting, waffle windowing, Japanese candy eating, and baby holding while doing the finish work on all her wonderful scarves before Little Winter starts tomorrow. (Please come visit!) I'm so excited for her. She also got a new "french little boy" haircut which is very cute, and I got chocolate all over my face while eating a waffle. What a good week.