Life on the Runn...

Every July 8th, Brian's Google calendar marks +1 Year.  That simple reminder is, in many ways, the epitome of my husband.  He never demands attention yet his presence necessitates it.  He's simultaneously understated and unforgettable, and I am truly honored to have spent the past decade as his partner. Today, as we wake up in France and prepare for another Brian-inspired adventure, I'm all the more thankful for that chance meet-up at a graduation party in the summer of 2001.  Where and who I'd be today would surely be entirely different.   I've seen and done so much more than I ever could have imagined, and I'm happier than I ever believed possible. I truly am better for having found and fallen in love with arguably the coolest climbing guy on the internet :) I haven't a clue what the next 10 years will bring, but I am sure many grand adventures await us, and I know they will be made all the better because I get to experience them with you, Buddy. ...

This past weekend, spent in Egg Harbor, was a true celebration of the family that Dwain and June built.   I doubt either of them could have imagined what this family would come to be, but what it is today is absolutely the epitome of love. That was perfectly clear as all 42 of us gathered together on our last evening in Door County to take pictures and watch the family continue to evolve (it's not every day or every gathering where someone proposes!). The Runnells mantra, it seems, is come as you are. And everywhere I looked this weekend, that is what I saw, people who were happy, simply happy.  There were no pretenses and no expectations - it was the best and simplest kind of fun.   stopped for a first night treat photo shoot?? the rest of the crew went lighthouse exploring Art Barn  - our Thursday morning activity getting crafty one of many sunsets we watched  Katy really captured the essence of everyone  A...

I've spent a lot of time looking up to this man.  Nearly a decade ago, on the biggest day of my life, alone in a tiny room, I looked up to him again and asked, "Promise I'll always be your little girl?" I'll never forget the look on his face, the words that passed between us without a sound. All those moments along the path of life, the ones we shared together, the countless talks we've had, the lessons I've learned, the example he's set, the laughs, are and will forever be cherished.  I don't know what I'd do without my dad; I don't know who I'd be if not for him, so thank you, Dad, for being you, and helping me be me.   From our first day together until my last day, Dad, I'll love you. I'll be your little girl! 

This past weekend was the epitome of summer - time with friends, time outdoors, time free of stress! On Friday, we joined our Adventure Rock crew at Craig and Sarah's for a Mexican feast and then a trip around Bayview for Bayview Gallery Night.  Each time the gym crew gathers, I find myself appreciating just how lucky I am to have found a place within their community.  Some of my greatest memories are of times spent outdoors, those drives to Kentucky, those sweltering hikes through Muir Valley, the trips to Yosemite, the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier.  None of those things would have come to be if not for the people of AdRock (and one in particular, who happens to look quite handsome in his newly acquired and perfect-for-Europe hat!). On Saturday, we got together with Scott and Steph to begin planning for our French adventure.  Over lunch, we hashed out the details - at least a bit - for hikes, bike rides, climbs, and wine drinking.  We may even have a pl...

Our holiday weekend - a long weekend, yay - was full of lots of fun.  While I only have picture of one of the many exciting events that filled our three work-free day, everything we were able to pack into this past weekend was a great time and a great way to kick off summer! Friday, Brian joined me at the gym to give my Acadec kids a tour de Adventure Rock.  We missed our annual outing last year but reinstated the end-of-season rock climbing trip this season.  It was a blast to see the kids try out climbing.  There certainly was a lot of laughter and, by the end of the evening, there were also a lot of sore kiddos.  After climbing, it was time to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday.  We built up quite the appetite climbing all afternoon, so her choice of Capri was a great one - you never leave there wanting more food! Saturday, while Brian made laps around Devil's Lake, a crew of seven made its way to Racine for The Color Run.  While my knee cont...

We spent the weekend at Devil's Lake camping and climbing, and it was great!  We even busted out the big and comfy tent for the occasion.  It was sunny and warm, really warm, all weekend long, but it cooled off nicely for evening hikes and campfires - heck yeah, smores!  Our friends Dawn and Chris joined us for part of the weekend, which meant stops at our favorite restaurants were also in order.  The time outside was great, and it made me very, very excited for our summer adventure. Thanks, DL, for delivering once again.  A little bit of climbing and a lot of sun! and a lot of cribbage, too sights from our evening hike Another day of sunshine 

As Sunday was Mom's birthday, it was the perfect time for some good, quality family time.  Dad and Mom have made a bit of a tradition of taking a trip to Door County for a weekend away over Mom's birthday; this year, Dad asked Brian, Brian, and me to join him.  When Mom walked into dinner Saturday evening, her kids were there waiting.  I think we did a pretty good job of surprising her.  Then, after dinner and despite the chilly temps, we got in a family round of mini golf.  To say it was entertaining would be an understatement.  And while poor weather - go away, rainy days - thwarted our plans for a hike Sunday, we did manage to make the most of our time before heading home.  We went for breakfast, took a drive to Peninsula State Park, and sat in front of the fire at Mom and Dad's.   In all, I'd say it was a lovely weekend, one fit for a wonderfully lovely mom, my mom!  Happy birthday, Mom!  The Bs and me  I foun...