Bake Sale

It has been a tradition almost every year since we moved here (2011) that the girls have had a bake sale with Ellie and Annabelle (the neighbors).  For a couple years they collected money for the humane society in a paper cup.  Last year, they donated half of their profits to Jeremy’s VelaSano ride (cancer research).  They decided to continue that tradition this year.  Jeremy even got a steal of a deal on t-shirts for them to wear!

Ellie baked about 2 weeks ahead of time with my mom to make 72 cinnamon rolls. 

Then, the rest of them put in a lot of time baking on Wednesday – chocolate chip cookies, raspberry cream cheese cookies, brownies, funfetti cupcakes, double chocolate muffins, gluten free cinnamon muffins, gluten free brownies, double chocolate chip cookies and sno cones (not baked, but part of the sale).  It was a spread!  Then, Jeremy’s aunt, Marianne, contributed granola bars, more muffins, and a puff pastry treat, since David, Jeremy’s uncle will also be riding with him. 

We found that day 1 (Thursday) of the Buy-Way sales is the best day.  The tent and the signs went up on Wednesday night.  The girls set up shop on Thursday morning.  I had to go to my first day as a teacher, so I missed this year’s sale.  We had no idea if they would manage to sell it all.  But the flow was steady despite the clouds.

They raised over $400 for Jeremy and they each made some spending cash as well.  It is so fun to see how they continue to do this and take on more responsibilities every year for it to happen.  So proud of this team!

Musical Fun

We had two different musical experiences this summer.  The first was the Alive music festival.  The girls went with Jeremy last year and loved the day there.  This year, one of their favorite artists, Josiah Queen, was the headliner on Friday night.  So, we bought tickets, took off immediately after volleyball practice and made it in time to see Strings and Heart first.  We looked at merch and colleges set up under the tent.  We stood in line for an incredibly long time for some food at a food truck. 

Then, we settled in for the night. 

Ellie, Madison and Jeremy wandered down front to see if they could get closer. 

The girls stayed there for the rest of the night after finding some friends from Dalton, Riley and Gloria. 

I enjoyed my view from the back – and the sound level.  We didn’t get home til almost 1am. 

The second musical experience was a surprise.  We told the girls there was a special event on the calendar, but we didn’t say what it was.  We gave them some direction on how to dress, but that is all they knew until we parked the car and they started seeing all the indicators

    

that we were going to see The Lion King musical at Playhouse Square. 

    

We had great seats on the lower level so we could see when the actors came down the aisles as all the animals in a couple different scenes.  To be honest, I had heard really good things about it, but had low expectations.  I couldn’t imagine if I would like people dressed as animals.  But I will admit, it was pretty incredible what they did on stage! 

We had a great night together.

Fireman’s 5K

We have a new position in our district; they are the athletic trainer, but also a “health and wellness” coordinator.  Her name is Audrey Zuercher.  She proposed at the beginning of the year that staff meet at the park on Mondays to use the trail and exercise together in whatever capacity that meant for them.  She also sent out a couch to 5K training plan and let people know about the Fireman’s 5K that happens at the beginning of November.  I decided I would participate in the Monday club and use the training plan to prepare for the 5K.  The last time I did a 5K I didn’t really train for it, but I completed it by walking and running intervals.  This time, I wanted to be ready.

So, I went on the first Monday in September.  It was just Audrey and I.  Audrey is a runner; I am not.  She was gracious and ran the first day of the training program with me.  I fit in two more training sessions on my own each week.  Then, every Monday, she and I (no one else came) would run.  And I felt tired of training, but also ready for the 5K. 

Madison and Ellie both wanted to run it, too.  So once volleyball ended, they both ran off and on to prepare for it.  Jeremy signed up, too, in support of the Firemen and to get the free hoodie.  He didn’t train, but he already did a 50 mile bike ride none of us had done.

Saturday morning was cooler than it had been, but the sun was shining and the wind wasn’t blowing.  It was actually great running weather.

    

There were about 300-400 people running from the high school down on the bike trail and then back up.  We all said we would run at our own pace.  Madison and Ellie started out together and at some point, separated.  I just plodded along, only stopping for about a 10 second breather at one point.  Pretty proud of myself.  Madison never stopped running.  Ellie took some walk breaks when needed.  Jeremy ended with a run.  I would say we all did a good job for where we were at. 

               

I would say we all did a good job for where we were at. 

And because I can’t stop laughing at the ridiculousness of this picture, I am putting it in.  I look like I am either out for a little skipping down the street or I am a turtle.  Not sure which, but enjoy a chuckle at my expense…

It was a lot of work to train, but it definitely paid off.  We will see if I am as motivated next year…

Wayne County Fair + Birthday

These things always go hand and hand for Jeremy.  In fact, he often just wants to celebrate by going to the fair.  We surprised him by decorating his office hallway.  Another year around the sun for this guy – 49! 

    

At the fair, we enjoyed all kinds of tasty treats from donuts to ice cream to gyros to kettle corn to fancy drinks.  No lack of food, just lack of money to buy it all!  (I think Ellie is missing some from pictures because she spent one of the days with her friends at the fair instead of us.)

    

Sam and Lilli did not show goats this year, which is always fun to watch, but Sam showed a turkey and placed (but I don’t remember what..) We did see Lilli get a scholarship award.  We did see the girls 4-H projects on display.  We did find the 4-H bench.  We took a walk down memory lane at the tractors Jeremy’s grandpa Bricker would enjoy. 

              

Velosano

Jeremy has participated in this bike ride, Velosano, Bike for the Cure, for a good number of years.  This year, he rode the 50 again in honor of a list of people too long to fit on his race bib – those who fought and lost their battle with cancer, and those continuing to fight.  Last year, he was pelted with rain and wind.  This year, his trek was much more pleasant. 

The girls and I decided to drive up and meet him at the finish line.  And we did… getting to the finish line with our sign about 1 minute before he rode in!  Whew, that was a close one! 

   

He met his mark with time and seemed no worse for the wear afterwards.  We sat with him as enjoyed the food they provide for riders.  We also looked around at all the sponsors stuff.  There was a vehicle wrapped with all the participants names, so we found his name.  He added his name and others to the wall. 

    

I am glad we were there when he came in.

Bricker Wedding

There was a wedding in a courthouse after years of dating.  There was a celebration on a farm with friends and family.  Congratulations to Luke and Kristen! 

It was a gorgeous night at the end of August to gather together after much hard work cleaning up and setting up by Jeremy’s aunt and uncle.  We reconnected (and hosted) some of the family that were able to come for the celebration!

We took some nice family pictures.

    

The food was good.  The toasts were spot-on.  The dance floor was busy.  We went out with a sparkle.