Grow Grass Grow

So our new home has a backyard that is not so nice. The home we moved from had a great backyard with a pond, a perfect yard and trees (but way to small for four kids). I must admit the backyard is getting better. We had the waist high weeds cut all down and a few trees removed, but we found underneath this all just a little bit of grass left and a whole ton of weeds. Now my dream is to get a design for the backyard that includes a pool, a nice deck, and a nice manicured lawn and all the stuff that goes with it----but until the 150,000 hits my bank account I am going to have to make do. So how am I making due?

I drove to a little small town that is 45 minutes from our house and bought some fescue, some rye, some fertilizer and some rakes and I went to work in the backyard today. I tried to rake the whole backyard before putting down the seed, but I soon realized that was not such a smart idea as the backyard is about 1/2 acre and filled with leaves, undergrowth, dead roots etc. So I borrowed a very powerful and very cool blower and blew away all the leaves and much undergrowth to find the dirt underneath it all. (I was having such a good time I even did 1/2 my neighbors yard). Then Ava and I spread the fescue and the rye and we started the watering process so that our seeds will sprout! It was quite the fun day. I am hoping that the backyard begins to fill in and that next year I can do the same thing and we can actually have a normal backyard lawn. That is until I get my 150,000 dollars to have someone else make it really cool.

Here are some pictures of Ava and I hard at work!

My date

Today Ava and I went on a date. How do I know you ask? Well, Ava told me 30 times on our date. I couldn't stop laughing about it. "Dad, we are on a date aren't we?" "Dad, does mommy know we are on a date?" "Dad, we should hold hands, we are on a date!" I never realized how important a "DATE" with Dad is for a four year old.
So what did we do for our date? We ran to Kinko's to make some copies and send a Fed Ex. We had to go buy some envelopes and then we went and ate at McAlisters Deli. We talked about kindergarten, coloring, kids in her class, lunch, mommy (yes, Ava wanted to make sure mommy knew we were on a date and that Dad loved Ava--we had to call mommy 4 times to tell her that). We also got dessert at McAlisters Deli. Dessert at a restaurant for the kids means true love and cements the date deal. I am officially in hero status after the chocolate molten cake with ice cream on the side. I think every Dad should take their little girl on a date and buy her chocolate molten cake and that every girl should have a Dad take her to lunch and hold her hand and look into her eyes during the whole lunch. (I didn't even answer the phone) I think Mommy is jealous.

Chloe's Rainbow

Just in case you didn't know our eldest daughter Chloe is a leprechaun. She was born on March 17th. Just a few weeks ago I took this picture after a rainstorm which caused serious discussion in our family that went something like this.
Elle: Dad, is there really a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

Dad: Yes, but you have to ask Chloe, she is a leprechaun and was brought to us by leprechauns. She knows all the ins and outs of where the gold is.

Elle: Does she have a pot of gold?

Dad: Yes, but she hides it from us.

Elle: Are you serious?

Dad: Have you seen Chloe's room? It is the perfect place to hide a pot of gold which would never be found.

Elle: Your right!!

I feel a bit bad for deceiving my child, but such dreams are so fun!

Target and Runway Models

I needed to go the grocery store and get some things so I announced to the girls I was heading to Target and did anyone want to go? Yes, Elle (7) and Ava (4) screamed back just give us 5 minutes to get ready. Well, this is how they looked when we went.



Crazy thing is this is how they always look when I go run errands with them. Me in my ball cap and shorts, the girls decked out as fashionistas!! I'm doomed.

Chili and Tums

We had a party up at school and to give you an idea of the age of the people I associate with I took this picture. Can you take a guess? and yes it was set up like this. Priceless! The chili was great...didn't partake of the tums.

I'm a Star! At least in my own mind

I have fans. They may only be my family and friends, but it is great none the less! Check out an email I received from one of my students today. I am a legend in my own mind thanks to my family and friends.

"Chris, I have my final for Monday night finished (yesterday) and had all my Foundations posts done had a whole day today where I didn't have to do anything for school. So I decided it was a great day outside and went to Lake Hefner Park to walk the walking trails. I saw at least 5 different chalk writings with your name on them. I especially like the "We love you Chris Bray! You're our hero!" and the "Chris Bray is awesome! (Heart shape) Chris." I just can't seem to get away from you! Good thing I like you. :0)"

An Ironman on 4 Peanut butter and Honey sandwiches

Well, I did it. I completed an Ironman. I swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran 26.2. To be honest I really can't believe I did it. A lot of people have asked me how I did it since finishing the race. I tell them anyone can do it with 4 Peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

I love Peanut butter and honey sandwiches, but this post isn't really about that. It is about how great they are to eat while you are biking or running. Everyone around me had fancy goo's, gels, bars, space nuts and all other kinds of high dollar, high falutin' stuff that was supposed to propel their bodies to the finish line. I had 4 Peanut butter and honey sandwiches made with love from my wife. I ate one after the swim. I ate another one half way through the bike, I ate another one near the end of the bike and I ate the last one during the first thirteen miles of my run. I made it just fine. I think that was the secret of my finish. 4 peanut butter and honey sandwiches made with love at 4:30 a.m. the morning of my race. Maybe add in a bit of training and then you can run the ironman also!

To be honest the one thing that I took away from the race was the experience of it. I am finally realizing (late 30's is better than never!) that experiences are what life is made of. I had a phenomenal experience racing the ironman and having 13 hours and 18 minutes completely by myself to think, reflect, and pray (lots of that! ) It was incredible to have such quiet time to contemplate. I am now more than ever seeking after experiences for me and my family. Experiences and memories not things.

Check out some pictures from the race. Okay so I couldn't help adding the swim one. The poor guy who forgot his wetsuit.