Zmolkowie

Rocky Raccoon--4-5 February 2012

2012-02-10T16:40:00.003-06:00

I knew the weather wasn’t going to be perfect and I knew that the course wasn’t going to be in tip top shape. But I was still very excited for the race to begin.

I woke up early that Friday so I could continue my 44-day running streak since December 23. Amy and the kids picked me up from school at 3:00 and we left for Huntsville State Park. It rained quite a bit and I wasn’t looking forward to setting up camp in the rain or spending the whole evening in the tent. And I was hoping that it wouldn’t rain too much so Amy wouldn’t get stuck in the tent all day Saturday with three kids. After about 15 miles the roads looked dry and the rain had stopped. Maybe it’d be dry up there. We got camp all ready and not too much later it started raining for awhile. The rest of the evening and night were just fine and quiet.

I woke up at 4:40 to start getting ready and to make sure I could find a ride from our campsite to the start/finish. (I didn’t want to have Amy wake the kids and all just to drive me over when I knew lots of people would be heading over there anyway.) While brushing my teeth (which ended up being the last time for two whole days), it started drizzling. That was fine. I could handle that. Back in the tent and changing into my running clothes, it started raining pretty hard. This is definitely not what I wanted, at least not right now. I’d have been okay with it if it started after the race began. But I don’t get to choose what the weather will be. I looked out of the tent and across the street to the restroom and saw a car was parked there with lights on. I got my drop bag and a half loaf of French bread for my breakfast and ran through huge puddles to get into the bathroom to ask this guy for a ride over to the start/finish. “No problem.” Ultra runners have got to be some of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my entire life.

My feet are already rather wet and there’s a quickly growing crowd underneath the tent at the start/finish. Just 30 more minutes until starting time. 10 minutes. I’ve been standing next to a couple guys; one’s from England and the other from Portland, OR. Since this is my third 100-miler, I’m not very nervous- just excited to get running. 3 minutes. I think the rain has stopped, but who cares. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO! And we start shuffling out of the tent and walking up the path that all of us hope to be coming back on within the next thirty hours (of course with all 100 miles finished).

After a few minutes I see the guy from Portland that I was talking with earlier. “Jon?” “Yeah.” “Matt.” “Oh hey.” We’d end up spending the next 55 miles side-by-side talking mostly about running, but also about lots of other random topics and sometimes there were stretches of silence. It’s not every day you get to run with somebody for nine and a half hours. The only times we were apart was when we returned to the start/finish at the conclusion of every loop, and that was only for a few minutes before we headed back out for the next loop.

Despite the amount of rain, most of the course was just fine. There were, however, several large and unavoidable mini swamps that used to be trails. When I reached to first of these I wanted to try to avoid it. But considering how far out I’d have to wander, it was a better and quicker idea to just go straight through it. This ended up being just fine. Sure my feet would feel like they were drenched (which they were) but after a few minutes they’d feel “normal” or maybe I just didn’t notice it anymore. So this became my strategy throughout the rest of the race. And when I saw others trying to avoid the mud pits, I’d jokingly tell them that they were missing out on the best part of the race or that there were no points for finishing clean.

The hardest thing was after sundown and all the muddy parts became nearly invisible even with a flashlight. Anticipating this, I tried to memorize where the muddy spots were on the downhill parts and where the best spots were for avoiding these troublesome areas. However, a lot of the time they all meshed together and I’d have to re-figure it out as I got there.

Being my third 100-miler and having already run this course before, I was hoping to greatly improve my finishing time (despite all the rain). I wanted to make sure that I started out a bit slower so that I’d be able to still have energy to finish strong instead of lots of walking intermingled with some running. There were nearly 400 starters and I had no intentions of running someone else’s race. Just start out with an overly slow pace and know that I’d be happy I did after 60 miles. I finished the first lap in 3:48:09 and in 138^th place, which was nearly 20 minutes slower than last year’s first lap. But I was okay with this as it still put me on pace for finishing just over 19 hours (even though I wanted to finish sub-19). One thing I definitely wanted to change this year was to not spend as much time in the aid stations, especially the start/finish. I had to take a bit of time and lube my chaffed nipples before my shirt rubbed them off my chest. I decided against lubing up my groin which was not a good idea. So I made sure both sensitive areas were lubed each time I finished a lap.

The second lap proceeded just as the first. As we were now past the last aid station and ready to meet up with the two-way part of the trail, I noticed that we were probably gonna be a bit faster than last lap. I had never had a negative split and was really excited to have one now. We finished the second lap in 3:40:22 and in 78^th place. 40 miles and almost 7 ½ hours of running completed. The best part of the third lap is that you reach the half-way point. A few miles after this was when I began my solo trek for the next 29 miles or so. The third lap finished in 3:42:19 and in 50^th place. Slow and steady wins the race. Well, not really wins it but it sure beats a lot of the rabbits.

The fourth lap is great because you only have one more when you finish it. The only problem is: it’s one whole entire 20-mile lap to still endure. But I was prepared and took my mp3 player along for the lap until Josh Udy paced me for the last 20 miles and I’d have someone to talk to. I listened to a book (Next- a Michael Crichton novel about genetic engineering) for the whole time except a few spots when I was talking with a fellow runner. About 7 miles into this loop was when I needed my lights again. I was feeling fine, considering I’d already run 67 miles. It was a very uneventful lap though I did notice I was walking a bit more on some of the smaller hills I was running earlier. But oh well. I did notice that on the 6-mile loop from DamNation back to DamNation I was running a lot (at least I considered it a lot). The same thing happened on the long straightaway before the Park Road aid station. I was feeling great mentally and physically as I finished the fourth lap in 4:07:21 and in 31^st place. Seeing Josh I said, “I hope you’re ready to run!” since last time (at Cactus Rose) we ended up taking 8 ½ hours to go 25 miles.

Just 20 more miles. An entire lap. I don’t want to do another lap. I just want to be done. It was difficult getting started on this lap and we walked/ran for the first couple miles. But then, just like I did on the previous lap, I was able to find it in me to go strong on those backside hills (or speed bumps if you live somewhere mountainous) and continue that through most of the rest of the loop. I warned Josh about the mud “puddles” also. He seemed to enjoy striding through them as it reminded him of Fiji- traveling in the dark on muddy hills.

We left DamNation for the last time and I thanked them for their super work, love and support, and bid them farewell for the last time. Eight more miles to go. “I’ve walked up most of this hill each lap, but I need to run parts of it.” Josh never seemed to be bothered by my ‘let’s go’ or ‘okay I need to walk’ instructions (especially when it was time for walking). The best part of having a pacer isn’t to have them push you along and tell you that you’re doing great, that if you just run this fast you can get this time, or to try to compel you to stop walking so much and get running. The best part is just having them there next to you. They don’t even have to say anything (though 20 miles would be a long time of silence). Just being there is so refreshing. What else says true friendship like running for four hours in the middle of the night with no reward but the company of your friend? Pacers don’t get T-shirts or trophies or the sensibility of having finished any race. They get a hug and a big thanks for going far beyond what normal people would call a favor.

Having left the last aid station, I only had about 4 miles to go. Ninety-six percent of the race completed. I can do this. No problem. I could start feeling the finish line pulling me in with its tractor beam. There were a few times when my legs forced me to walk for a bit, but I still had control of the override button and was able to relatively soon. With about a mile or so remaining, the time was 1:24 a.m. I wasn’t going to even beat my last year’s time. “Sure you can. You have 11 minutes.” Then whatever energy I hid away for this moment was found and we started running. There was no point in walking anymore because I didn’t need to run once I finished this loop. I felt bad for each person I passed as I knew that had at least one if not two more laps to complete and that they knew I was about to finish (why else would someone be running up these hills?). But that feeling would soon pass after a few seconds and I’d be back to focusing on getting to that finish line. We were now out of the forest and next to the main road. Just a few more side streets to cross and then one final left turn onto the last straightaway to the finish. I was picking up the pace to the point where Josh was starting to fall behind. But a couple points about this: 1) Josh is not a 20-mile runner. He really only does about 5 or so when he does run. 2) Even though I had already run 99 miles and Josh only 19, Josh was just going to cross a line and go home while my body was going to be drenched in happiness because of what I had just completed.

I didn’t bother turning around as I came up to that last corner. “Sprint it all the way in!” He didn’t have to tell me. My legs were already doing it. I flew down to the line like I was about to get out-kicked at the finish. My final time: 19:36:24 and in 26^th place. Not too shabby considering the less-than-favorable trail conditions. I also felt a lot better about how I ran this race (less time in the aid stations and lap times that were closer together). Out of 218 finishers, I was in the top 12%.

Having congratulated me over and over and telling me how amazing I am, Josh was ready to drive me back to the campsite and then go home. I, however, wanted to wait for Jon, the Portland guy I ran over half the race with. “Are you sure?” I was. I needed to. It was the right thing to do- to congratulate him on his finish and then to thank him for the fun 9 ½ hour companionship. I got my drop bag and Josh left. Changing into warm and dry clothes was a must. The top half was easy; I could do that by myself. It still took awhile, but I changed into warmer clothes. Getting my warm up pants on was another story. Lucky for me, the volunteers are even nicer people than the ultra runners. One of them helped me get my pants on. I felt like Drew (our 2-year-old) when he’s less-than-cooperative in getting his pants on. He even offered, multiple times, to change my socks for me. But since my clean and dry shoes were in my other drop bag, I declined the offer. Plus I didn’t want to see how bad my feet were. So I sat in a chair waiting for Jon to finish. “If you see/hear runner 150 come in, could you let me know?” I asked a couple of volunteers. I must have fallen asleep or missed him when he came through because I never did see him. But he made it to the end in approximately the time I remember him saying that he wanted. So I sent out my ‘good for you’ vibes and asked a guy that was about to leave for his hotel if he wouldn’t mind taking me to my campsite. “Where is it? Sorry. Of course I can.”

I got back into our tent around 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning, about 24 hours after I woke up. Amy was worried, as she was expecting me to have returned much earlier. When I woke up around 8:00 a.m., I knew I needed to shower. My legs from my knees to my ankles were caked in dry mud and my feet had been wet for over 24 hours. I hobbled over to the showers and proceeded to attempt the removal of my socks. The mud had dried and as I pulled on the toes, the socks ripped a bit. When I finally got them off my pruned feet, I noticed that the socks were beyond repair and just threw them away. I also discovered that on my left foot, the big toenail appeared slightly elevated from where it should have been. I had never lost a toenail before but was pretty sure that this one would be lost. Maybe I’ll put it on a chain and where it as a necklace. Yeah right. I hate jewelry. The hot shower was very nice and relaxing. Though I could have stayed there much longer, it seemed that the hot water was starting to run out. Amy packed up camp by herself as I walked around with Lena. We picked up my other drop bag and we left for home. The boys got their first nap in 2 days and I enjoyed a lot of relaxation in a bed. And I can’t wait ‘til October when I can do another 100-miler and kill my body all over again.

I know I hardly mention Amy and the kids at all during this. It’s my selfish version of the race. But Amy single-handedly took care of three kids all-day Saturday while I played psycho runner man. I owe her so much for her dedication to and understanding of the weird need that I have in this unusual hobby of mine. She carted the kids around to a couple points on the course to cheer me on and just to see me for a little bit. A little girl at one point asked her mom, “Why didn’t you bring the other kids?” “Because I’m not as brave as her.” I truly have a wonderful companion and am so thankful for her unselfishness.

Halloween and Turkey Trot

2011-11-13T14:25:00.002-06:00

Matt and his runners. Matt's school district every year puts on a race called the turkey trot. For the last 4 years Matt has run. The boys really like all of Matt's medals. So this year we decided to enter the boys so they could get their own medals. They were both excited to run and get a medal. But at the last minute Drew decided not to run. So Zack ran with all the other kids entered in the 6 and under age group. Zack ran the whole 1/2 mile by himself. We were both very proud of him. Drew still got his medal since we payed his entrance fee. Maybe next year Drew will decide to run.

Showing Matt their medals.

The boys and their medals.

Zack and his medal.

Zack crossing the finish line to get his medal.

The boys ready to start.

Madelena was a cow for Halloween.

Zack was batman and Drew was superman for Halloween. They put their costumes together themselves.

Start of the race.
The boys and their medals.

Big Helpers and Fun

2011-11-13T12:44:00.008-06:00

Madelena's second big girl bath. Zack was helping scrub her hair.

Zack wanted to hold Lena. So Amy had him sit on the couch and hold her while Amy helped Drew go potty. When Amy came back Zack had moved them to the front of the couch .

Nap buddies.

Celebrating Amy's birthday late. Since we were at Matt's race for Amy's birthday. We celebrated it late with an ice cream cake.

Fun in the mud. While Grandma Allen cleaned kitty boxes the boys decided to play in the sand boxes. When ask were they got the water Zack replied "Grandma it rained". Which it had a few days earlier.

Zack and Drew collecting shells while waiting for Matt to come into one of the aid stations during Matt's big race.

Zack and Drew watching TV on their Wall-E chairs.

Grandma Allen massaging Madelena's belly.

Their favorite thing to do together.

Lena all dressed up for mommies 2 week apt. So she can see all the girls and Dr. Hulme.

It is tiring being a big brother.

Look Drew is big enough we are going to let him change the air filter next time.

The boys took a break for punching to give Lena so attention.

Fireman Zack

Fireman Drew.

Zack decided to share his and Drew's bunnies with Madelena.

While Amy and Lena relaxed at home Matt and Grandma Zmolek took the boys to what Zack calls the daddy park.

Cactus Rose 100

2011-11-01T16:45:00.010-05:00

Having discovered the amazingness of ultra endurance runs, I found another 100 miler semi close to home. This was the Cactus Rose 100 in Bandera, TX (Hill Country State Natural Area). I had previously ran the Rocky Raccoon 100 back in February and had such a great time that I couldn't pass this one up.

I read everything that was posted on the website . It mentioned that it was "a nasty rugged trail run" and that it was "a race for veteran trail runners." So I thought (as though I am still 18 and invincible), "I can still do this. That doesn't apply to me."

Rocky Raccoon provided a lot of food and drinks and everything else you could ever hope for in a super long race. I was informed that this race would provide water. I needed to bring any other food that I may want. And unlike any other trip I've ever been on, I started packing a whole week early so I didn't get 4 hours from home only to find out that I needed to buy some running shoes (which still almost happened).

A great friend (Isaac) lent us his camper which he parked at the start/finish line. I slept there and woke up at 3:45 am to check-in. It was about 36 degrees that morning. A great change from the 60-80 degree plus mornings that I was used to for the last 3 months.

The course was a 25-mile loop. The 1st/3rd loops were run clockwise and the other 2 counterclockwise. It was cool because you got to see all the people in front of you But at the same time, the last 10 miles of the 1st/3rd loops were hellacious only to be repeated in reverse right away on the 2nd/4th loops.

I had convinced Matt Hoyt (a high school cross country buddy) to come down from KS to run this with me (though he only wanted to do the 50 miler). We spent the first 12 miles or so catching up on 15 years and had a great time spending 2 hours of non-stop talking. After that, we started getting more and more separated. Luckily, I saw him right before he left to say thanks for coming down and running this with me.

I spent miles 13-50 "running" with random people as I caught up to them or vice versa. I say "running" because this was not a running course. I wouldn't even say it was good for hiking (at least certain parts of it). I mentioned to some that my goal was to finish in 24 hours. I knew that it was going to be difficult as I had seen the previous years' results (and hardly anyone got under 24 hours). But I was still determined to do it. An older man with long white hair on his head and face kinda scoffed at me. So I added that it might be more likely that I finish in 30 hours. But I still wanted 24.

The first lap finished fairly uneventfully. I crossed the finish at 5 hours and 28 minutes, took a break (with a lot of Mountain Dew and M&M's), and headed back out for the reverse lap and knowing just how awful the next 10 miles would be.

I mentioned that those 10 miles were hellacious. There were rocks and boulders and sizes in between that were scattered all over those 10 miles of trails. I think that was the reason that my legs went out faster than I expected. There was just so much trying to run/walk and not step on big rocks or slipping rocks or going up/down really steep hills.

Finishing mile 10 on lap 2 (overall mile 35), I was pretty happy. I knew that the next 15 were nowhere near as horrible (though still not easy). After a few miles, my legs allowed me to "run" and I more or less continued this for the next 10 miles. However, the last 5 for that loop were walked. When I first traversed them earlier that morning, they seemed easy (or I just forgot what they were really like.) This time around, however, this giant bouldery gravel mountain appeared. I was not gonna look forward to repeating this right before I finished. Luckily, Josh Udy would be running with me as my pacer for that last 25 miles.

I'd have to say that the best part of the day was my wonderfully amazing wife and how she drove from one aid station to the next to make sure I was ok, to take some pictures, to let the kids see me and cheer me on ("This way daddy! Over here, over here!"), and to have some warm soup for me (which is so yummy at this point in the race). She did this from about 9am til 9 pm. Luckily she had her mom here too to help with the boys and Madelena (yeah, we brought the 3-week-old on the trip).

I finished lap 2 in 11 hours and 15 minutes. When I headed out for my 3rd lap, there was a man who started just before me and I caught up with him. We were both content with mostly walking and then running on the flatter parts. I lost him after a mile or so and thus began my lonely 24-mile trek. I hardly saw another person until I finished that lap at 18 hours 30 minutes. There was still hope to finish in 24 hours! I just needed to finish really strong, and I was feeling great because Josh drove all the way out from Houston just to support me.

Right when Josh and I left, I told him, "We're walking the next 10 miles. You'll see why. Then we can run the rest of the way in." Famous last words.

As we meandered through those hellacious hills, I remember Josh asking, "How can you see the trail?" "I don't know. I know it's a bunch of rocks, but they're different from the other rocks." We had to look a few times to make sure we were on the trail, but we never did get lost. We speed-walked through those awful 10 miles and now only had the "easy" half of the loop remaining until the finish. I figured I was easily in the top 10 or so and was excited to finish at least close to my 24-hour goal.

I ended up seeing that white-haired man who earlier scoffed at me. "Hey. I just came in lap 3 at 18:30. I'm still close to making 24 hours." He wished me luck and maybe he didn't think I was such a dummy after all.

We headed out on the last 15, but my legs didn't want to go right off. "It'll just take a mile or so of walking and trying to run a bit and they'll kick in. That's how they've been all day." About the time my muscles were supposed to kick in, my brain, which had up to this point been very awake, decided to fall asleep almost literally. Josh had to walk right next to me and hold my arm as I stumbled along like a zombie. There were points where I couldn't even keep my eyes open (luckily it was dark!). All I wanted was to go to sleep. But with the temperature in the 40's, I couldn't just sleep on the trail. I needed to get to an aid station where I had some pants. That was 10 miles away. So the chivalrous Josh held my arm and led me for those 10 miles. I was walking on my own power, but that was about it. I was not picking up my feet much and my eyes were frequently closed, so I tripped over the many "pebbles" in the trail. And I was babbling like a drunk. Josh said he wanted to get his phone out so he could record what I was saying, but he felt like holding me up and all was more important. Oh well. At one point I said, "I'm so glad you're here to help me out" and then started crying. And I do remember telling him that I needed to sleep and that I didn't want to do the last 5 miles like this. Plus there was that giant rocky slope that I didn't want to fall down a mile before the finish. Josh let me sleep. He asked how long I needed. "15 minutes." 15 minutes on the dot, I was woken. But my mind was fresh and we took off.

It was 6:45 am Sunday, almost a full 26 hours after I started this race. I got to see 2 sunrises during this race, even though I told the sun good-night earlier and that I didn't want to see him until I woke up after a few hours' rest (after I finished the race too). But that didn't happen as planned.

We ran and walked right off. As the path got steeper, we walked a bit more. Then an older man (looked in his 50's) started catching up to me and the high school kid in me said, "Don't get out-kicked." As we came down that awful hill, I told Josh, "See. I told you that you wouldn't want to guide me down this hill." We made it down and then we started running. "What is this thing we're doing now?" "I'm helping you get that workout that you came all the way out here for, even if it means we only run one mile out of the 25 we were supposed to do." But the trail kept going, and going, and going. Only I didn't let up the pace. The I'm-at-the-end-of-the-race endorphins were kicking in and there was no way I was going to stop til I crossed that finish line. We finally made it to the spot where the two trails combine and stepped up the pace even more. I wish I had started a timer when we started so I'd have known the approximate pace for that mile. But it was fast, especially since 99 miles had just been completed.

I could see the Lodge and around the corner, the finish line. As I sprinted across it, I was practically in tears. I was so happy to be done with that race. No more going up those murderous hills. No more getting Sotol kisses (google 'sotol' and you'll see how it might feel to run through herds of these plants over and over). No more wanting to get to that next aid station to drink some soup. It was really over and I was so elated. And the best part is: I can't wait for next year.

Madelena Zoja Zmolek

2011-10-14T20:12:00.004-05:00

Madelena's first hair bow.

Madelena took over mommy's bed.

Madelena in her first outfit. It was a big day.

Zack showing Madelena his new helicopter.

Zack and Drew with their new be-good-in-the-hospital toys.

Zack holding Madelena.

Drew holding Madelena for the first time.

Zack holding Madelena for the first time.

Amy with all the kids.

Amy holding Madelena for the first time.

Matt holding Madelena for the first time.

Our big girl. Good thing we were induced at 38 wks. Madelena weighed in at 10lbs 1oz and was our biggest child.

Painting fun

2011-10-14T19:27:00.005-05:00

Zack painting his jar-o-lantern.

Drew and his jar-o-lantern.

Amy found an idea in a magazine on how to make jar-o-lanterns. You take a mason jar and use masking tape to make a face. Then you paint the jar orange. When finished, remove tape and use tea light to light it up.

Zack and Drew playing in the rain with Grandma Zmolek.

Zack and Drew's finished paint projects.

Drew painting his dinosaur.

Zack painting his train.

Ready to paint.

Zack decided to get into the Halloween costumes early. Drew wearing the 2T-3T elephant and Zack wearing the 18-24 month lion costume. He refused to trade.

Zack put it on all by himself.

Sasha sleeping.

Zack and Drew with their new Lightning McQueen backpacks.

Matt and what is the official running outfit. He ran a half marathon around town in it.

Batman and Drew playing in the sand.

Zack decided since he could not find a paper to write on he would write on himself.

Kit sleeping.

Zack and Drew eating PB&J sandwiches in their tent on their wall-e table.

Summer fun

2011-10-12T20:09:00.009-05:00

Zack made his own city of blocks.

Sasha and a funny sleeping position.

Zack and Drew pretending to be chickens.

Drew eating cereal in the hammock.

Zack and Drew reading their library books.

Zack and Drew watching TV in the hammock.

This is the cool way to go down the stairs.

First baseball game of the year.

My super cool pirates.

Drew as iron man

Zack as iron man

We are iron men.

Zack likes to hang out on the roof of the play house.

Zack and Drew playing punching at Josh and Xan's house.

Drew cannon balling into the baby pool.

Zack and Drew sporting their new Lightning McQueen swimsuits.

Watching cat in the hat.

Zack and Drew using the couch cushion as a blanket.

Katie trying to lick out the bottom of the yogurt container.

A very hot day at the Zoo.

Touch a truck night.

Jumping down the stairs.

Zack's sidewalk chalk monsters.

The boys were super tired after a long hot day at Huntsville State park.

Drew playing in the water putting sand on his foot.

A very dirty boy. I think he had a little bit of fun.

Lots of fun.

2011-10-12T19:24:00.007-05:00

Sleeping in the play house.

Silly boys

Matt and 2 bugs we found on a walk around the water way.

Playing at the fountains in the Woodlands.

Zack swimming with the noodles.

Mr no fear jumping to mommy. Sometimes he would not even let me get back into position before he would jump.

We got an iguana.

Amy evicted all the boys' toys from the downstairs. So now there is room for little boys to hang out where the toys used to be kept.

Jumping is the best.

Watching TV together.

Zack acting out Marty playing the guitar on Back to the Future.

Flying underwear boy.

Oreo enjoying people hanging outside with him.

Our fun spring gardening project. It was a lot of fun trying to dig in hard clay. So on days we were going to dig, Amy would soak the ground for 20 minutes in the morning so the ground would be soft enough for us to dig.

The shirt says it all.

Playing at the park in Huntsville at the ward camp out.

Zack playing with the new water toy.

Potty and a snake

2011-05-10T16:38:00.002-05:00

We are trying to potty train Drew again. Now it is summer he can run around the house in just underwear and Amy doesn't have to worry about his freezing. I had to take this pic it reminded me of his big brother.

Zack back when he was first getting potty trained looking at the cat book.

Matt's decomposing snake in the back yard. It was one of Kate's pet snakes at school till it died and Matt brought it home as a joke. HaHaHa

3 Birthdays and Easter

2011-05-10T15:09:00.007-05:00

Drew turned 2. He has grown up so fast. He tries to do all that Zack does.

Zack helping Drew open his presents.

Drew's birthday cake on his birthday. Watch out for the ants.

We went to the park with the Arredondos and Drew loved riding the dinosaur and chasing the bigger boys around.

Rose missed the boys birthday party so she took them to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate. Drew with one of the crazy straws and icing on his face.

Zack and his best friend Ethan.

Amy texting people the pic of Zack under the table.

Zack hiding from Chuck E Cheese under the table. He loves to go and play at Chuck E Cheese. As soon as Chuck E comes out he will hide and cry.

The Arredondos came to celebrate with us.

Zack and Drew eating their pizza.

The boys playing with the swords and shields that Kate gave them.

We celebrated both the boys birthdays with friends together. Here are the egg cupcakes. Only a few people would eat them because they weirded them out.

Or you could have had Blueberry or cherry pie. Apparently we did not take any pics of the party its self.

Coloring Easter eggs.

We put the eggs in whisks so they would be easier for the boys to do on their own.

One of Matt's clever hiding spots for Zack's Easter eggs.

Zack and Drew looking for their eggs.

Drew found an egg.

Zack trying to get to another of his eggs.

Zack and his Easter basket.

Zack's superman birthday cake.

So tired from camping and kayaking Zack needed a quick nap before all the birthday fun.

Zack's birthday fell on Easter weekend and Matt had good Friday off so we went camping. Zack playing in the lake. We kayaked from our camp site to the swimming area.

Drew playing with a stick he found in the water.

Zack finding some garbage in the lake.

Drew was content to just sit on Amy's lap and watch Zack and Matt play in the water.

How far can Zack go out before the water is over his head?

The boys ready to go kayaking.

Enjoying playing in the lake on Friday.

Zack decided for our walk he was going to wear Amy's hat and Drew was going to wear both Zack and Drew's hats.

Matt's birthday cake.

Matt's presents with home made cards from his boys.

Singing Happy Birthday to Zack.Zack opening 1 of his gifts.
Singing Happy birthday to Drew.
Zack helping Drew open one of Drew's presents. I love the little gasps in amazement as they open it.

Constant entertainment

2011-05-10T14:40:00.003-05:00

Zack wearing Amy's shirt.

Cricket does not think the basket is to small.

What a dirty face.

The boys playing with their sand toys in their new sand tubs.

All 3 boys watching the new aquatic turtles. We got 2 red eared sliders and 1 soft shell turtle.

My cool boys ready to go for a run with Matt.

Kit hiding under the blanket.

A cool place to watch a movie after running with Matt.

The boys decided that the laundry baskets would be fun to play in.

Jumping down the stairs.
The boys out for a run.

Thomas and Ice Cream

2011-05-10T13:52:00.006-05:00

Drew and his James tattoo.

Zack and his Thomas tattoo.

How many trains can Zack hoard?

On our way.

Drew watching out the the car.

Zack in front of Thomas.

Drew drinking and playing.

Zack sliding down the moon walk.

Drew sliding down the moon walk.

Looking out as we go.

Waiting for the train ride.

Drew playing.

Matt and Drew watching Zack play.

Zack playing.

Zack watching a movie on our way to see Thomas.

Drew napping getting rested for Thomas.

Drew eating a cupcake like a little piggy.

Missy decided to try and a hitch a ride with Matt in his work bag.

First Ice Cream cone of the year.

Drew's first ice cream cone.

Playing nap time in the kitchen.

Watching a movie in mommy and daddies room.

Who should we send him to?

Boys sliding down the moon walk.

Spring Break

2011-05-10T13:07:00.005-05:00

After watching The Incredibles the boys always end up play fighting the air or the TV.

Who watches a movie on the couch anymore. This is the new cool place to watch.

We went to the Rodeo. We always do all the free stuff. The boys thought the trackers were the best part. They would have played on them all day if they did not have to share with other kids.

They had a butterfly exhibit. This was the only not free thing we did. There were so many that they would just come and land on you. Amy had 2 that stayed on her hand the whole time we were in there.

We even got one to sit on Rozi's head. You like her truck hat. That is what you get when I don't have any girl stuff and her mommy didn't send one. You get to use cute little boy stuff.

Zack and his butterfly.

Drew really wanted to touch it. He really likes to touch bugs.

More tractors to play on.

Drew was to short to reach the udder so he climbed up under the cow.

Zack milking the cow.

Amy feeding Rozi and helping both Drew and Zack plant and water their carrot seeds.

Zack planting.

Boys getting ready to farm.

Zack petting the lambs in the petting zoo.

Drew petting a sheep in the petting zoo.

Getting our second fish tank up and running.

Matt getting Drew to say "Man". Drew can not say superman, spider man, or batman. So he just says "Man".

Fun around the house

2011-05-10T12:28:00.004-05:00

Drew decided that he was big enough to climb to the top of the cat tower all by himself.

Zack decided that Rozi needed all the baby toys at the same time. He is thoughtful that way.

We have a thing that when you are pretend drinking you always say ahhhhh at the end. So here is Drew finishing his pretend drink.

Zack decided that he can use his pillow case as a cool bag to sit or jump in. There were a couple times he would put Drew's pillow case over his head also.

Batman came to the house.

This is the boys fighting over dump trucks.

The cats enjoying the warmer weather.

Playing in the backyard for the first time this year in short sleeves.

Drew watching a movie.

Matt made the boys a tent to play in while Amy was at work.
We were watching Bed knobs and Broomsticks and the boys decided to dance along.

Firsts

2011-05-10T12:00:00.003-05:00

Amy got her first pedicure as a Christmas gift from Kelli. The next day she was vacuuming and ran over her toe. Luckily she did not chip the paint.

Matt with his belt buckle for running 100 miles in less then 24 hrs. Also the nice jacket they gave him.

The boys playing on a big tree trunk that was next to our camp site. We decided that since Matt's race was in Huntsville State Park and we have passes we would just camp the night before there. That way we did not all have to wake up at 4 am to get there in time for the 6 am start.

Drew enjoying not being bundled in a blanket to keep warm. The race this year just happened to be on one our coldest weekends of the year. The days warmed up to be in the 50's but the overnight lows were in the low 30's. We were in a camp site with electricity so I brought an extension cord and my electric blanket from when we lived in Utah. The boys and I slept on the queen mattress under 4 blankets plus our electric blanket.

Nothing like PB and J for lunch.

Matt ready to run almost all night long.

Matt after 40 miles. Getting fueled on soup and coke.

Drew napping after we went to find Matt after his first lap and found out we missed him.

Zack learned that he is big enough to jump down 3 stairs.

Pirates, camping, park and monster trucks

2011-01-31T16:39:00.014-06:00

The museum had a exhibit on real pirates so we took the boys to check it out. Boys had fun running all over.

Went camping for a night with friends. It was nice. Bought a t-ball set for the boys. I think we need to work on just hitting the ball.The t went flying more then once.

Fun just running around.

How much pancake can Drew put in all at once?

Zack already has a fan club. Drew and Mia cheering him on.

Soccer practice.

Amy and Drew cuddling to stay warm.

Everyone enjoying the warmth of the camp fire.

Zack warming his hands by the fire.

Big boy eating.

While at the park we found a baby frog. Drew's turn holding.

Drew wanting his turn.

Zack's turn.

Zack caught Drew in the tunnel.

Drew watching Zack climb the slide.

Both boys can climb this now. To big.

Zack catching Drew.

Drew found Matt.

Zack decided he was big enough to try and climb the cork screw. He made it all by himself.

Drew loves the slide.

Teenage mutant ninja turtle truck catching some air.

The had some motorcycles that were doing to jumps also.

Zack not really happy about taking pictures.

All three boys watching.

Zack with his burp rag down his shirt. Silly boy.

How much can he fit?

Speaks for it's self.GhostbustersMotorcycles at Monster Jam.Monster TruckBaseball star.

New Years

2011-01-31T14:52:00.003-06:00

Ruff housing around. Waiting for our New Years party at Rose's.

While Amy was at work Matt made a tent for the boys out of the couches and blankets. He even let them sleep there. They had so much fun.

Setting off fireworks at Rose's house.

Fireworks

Christmas Eve and Christmas

2011-01-31T13:45:00.005-06:00

So this post is a little out of order. All the pics of opening gifts were on Matt's school camera and I did not know how to transfer them so. Here it is . Zack opening his first present.

Zack holding up the book that Matt got for Christmas from his parents.

Both boys opening up gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Zmolek.

This year the boys got mostly gifts to share. The only gifts that were little boy specific were Zack got Lightning McQueen Geo Trax car and Buzz Lightyear. Drew got Mater Geo Trax car and Woody.

Drew holding his Mater.

The boys got a tool bench.

Thomas the train carrying case with 15 trains inside.

Boys playing with Thomas.

Chunky enjoying an empty box.

Drew playing with Bertie the bus.

Drew with the leap frog barn. You get to mach up both halves of the animals.

Man what a mess. I think they had fun.

In the boys stocking Zack got Buzz Lightyear and Drew got Woody.

Drew racing Mater around the tracks we had set up.

Zack driving the car that they plug into the TV and drive.

Matt was mopping the kitchen floor. So Zack and Drew were playing on the kitchen chairs. The boys were pretending that they were their rocket ships.

All set up for the boys.

Geo trax all set up for when they open up their Lightning McQueen and Mator cars.

Buzz and Woody protecting the nativity scene.

The first thing the boys saw when they came downstairs.

Watching for Santa. I think Zack has Skyped a few times. He kept on trying to talk to Santa.

Getting ready for the holidays

2011-01-31T12:27:00.007-06:00

Getting our Christmas tree.

We found the one for us.

Zack and Drew playing with the little people nativity scene.

Wrestling with the Christmas bears.

Some of our Christmas decorations.

Amy's motto.

Watching a Christmas movie.

Ready for a run with Matt.

Ready to run.

Drew's favorite place to play.

Deep into reading.

Cricket playing in the wrapping paper from opening presents with Amy's family over skype.

It is such a hard life.

Playing with Homer.

Boys waiting for Santa to come to the neighbor hood.

Zack running back with his candy bag.

Santa came to the neighbor hood on the firetruck.

Drew thought it would be fun to put the ball in the rocking chair and sit on it.

Zack trying to get his count down chain.

Santa came.Drew singing with Homer.

Thanksgiving

2011-01-31T12:00:00.004-06:00

Drew and Zack were really big helper. Thanksgiving was moved to our house last minute. Amy worked Wednesday night so she got home at 7:30 am and we started on getting food made and the house cleaned. Amy was only awake for 38 hrs. She did an amazing job. Dinner was great.

Drew and Zack helping mix the batter for the cupcakes.

Zack and Drew taking a break from helping.

Drew helping Matt sweep the kitchen.

The turkey cupcakes.

The table all set and dinner ready.

Had to bring down a second table to fit everyone. The kids table.

Drew helping Carl feed Rozi.

Brotherly love

2011-01-31T10:47:00.005-06:00

Drew loves to push things around the house. His two favorite things are the shopping cart and the baby stroller.

Amy sent Matt to CVS with the boys to get some medication. When you take the boys anywhere with a toy isle it is a requirement to walk down the isle. They found a play dough fun factory.

Drew getting frustrated with the play dough.

Drew loving Rozi. Rozi didn't think Drew's fingers taisted very good.

Zack decided to make a potato head with only tongues on it. All it does is spit.

The Master negotiator at work. Can he trade Drew a car for the ball popper? "Here Drew you want a car?"

Drew dropped the car meaning the trade was unacceptable.

The car is in Drew's hand and Zack has one hand on the ball popper. This could be it.

What Drew with both the car and the ball popper? Amy must have stepped in and Drew made out good. Poor Zack no car and no ball popper.

Zack being a big boy carrying Kit around.

It got a little cooler so it was time to pull out the jackets, hats, and gloves. Ready to go on a run with Matt.

Wrestle Mania. This is why you need to have at least two.

Zack being a big helper and holding Rozi even though she was crying.

My boys really love each other and enjoy having the couch cushions off.
The spitting potato head.

Fun and Boo Boos

2011-01-31T09:11:00.006-06:00

Drew was running through the kitchen and slipped. He just happened to hit the pointy corner of the wall. But after a good cry and some ice he was all better.

After Halloween we went to Walgreen's and hit up the clearance Halloween isle. Zack found some pirate stuff and we had to get it. What cute pirates we have.

Zack with one of the 3 Mister Potato heads we have. He loves to take them all apart.

Zack sharing his cookie with his little people puppies.

Zack decided to try on Rose's mile high high-heels. Amy only has 1 pair of high-heels and they usually only come out when we are going to a play. Leave it to Rose to educate him on all stuff really girlie.

He put them all on by himself.

Helping Matt make cookies. It is a good thing we have such good helpers.

Two big helpers on one stool.

Matt had a conference for school downtown. he brought back sword that light up for the boys.

Matt brought Amy home amber bug earrings. Here is the beetle pair.

Amber ladybug earrings.

Gracie taking a nap on Matt's work backpack.

Halloween

2010-11-10T17:33:00.007-06:00

Amy and the boys went to Walgreens the day after Halloween to get discounted decorations. Amy found a batman costume that was size 5-7. So Amy figure that we would save it for another year. Zack decided he needed to wear it and refused even to take it off for bed.

Amy and Zack and Drew. Zack was Thomas the tank engine and Drew was James. Zack's Thomas was missing it's hat so he wore Drew's James hat. Drew did not care. Zack also had a Thomas the train trick or treat bucket.

We forgot to take pictures before trick or treating. So at 9 right before bed we took their pictures. Drew was so tired.

Our pumpkins. Matt did the smiley face and Amy carved the skeleton.

The boys really liked it when we put candles in the pumpkins.

Drew pulling the guts out of the pumpkin. Zack did not want to.

Last year at Walgreens we found thesereally cool things. They are on stakes that you just push into the pumpkins. The boys thought they were really cool.

Count Mickey.

Drew and most of our pumpkins.

Zack and Drew both ended up sick. Drew getting the worst of it. So for a week we did not do much more then sleep on the couch.

We took Rozi with us to the pumpkin patch. The boys had fun picking up and seeing all the pumpkins.

Drew was pointing to an airplane that was passing over head.

What a cute scarecrow.

Mean bug

2010-11-10T16:23:00.007-06:00

So the boys are like their father and not afraid of bugs. The only problem is that they don't know what bugs not to pick up. Drew found this bug and picked it up. It is a member of the stink bug family and there for it's defense is spraying. So when Drew picked it up it sprayed him. He started crying and then would wipe his eyes with the hand that the bug sprayed so It made it worse.

What a shirt to be wearing when the bug gets you.

Poor baby.

One of Amy's friends form work had her son's birthday party at a play gym. When we first got at the gym there was a person dressed up as a monkey so Zack freaked out and did not want to play. So Drew went and played and Zack sat on the sidelines next to Amy. Finally after the monkey left and a lot of telling him the monkey went to bed and was not coming out again he decided that he could play.

The ball is as big as Drew is.

Drew holding Rozi on the second day we took care of her. He really loves his Rozi. He just needs to learn how to be gentle.

Our first day watching Rozi. It is like first day of school pics.

Drew sad that he can not ride spider man more.

Zack's favorite way to ride his spider man scooter.

Zack and Drew playing swords.

The boys fighting spider man and having a lot of fun doing it.

Drew pushing Zack on spider man.

Craziness we call life.

2010-11-10T15:52:00.005-06:00

Zack wanted to hold Rozi on her bed.

Sir Zack playing dress up at Roses house.

Drew still thinks he is small enough to jump in the jumper we bought Rozi for her baby shower. He will crawl in all by himself. That is why both his legs are going threw the same hole.

Sir Zack looking for a damsel in distress.

Both the boys fell asleep in the car after a busy morning running errands.

Playing tug of war with Zack's Lightning McQueen blanket.

Amy is now ready for Christmas. Now we all have homemade Christmas stockings.

Ride em Cowboy.

The boys were having fun playing on and running down the slide.

Zack made a Birthday cake out of his blocks and then sang Happy Birthday to himself.

Fun around the house

2010-11-10T15:31:00.003-06:00

Matt's bugs. After 5 long years they have been taken out of the freezer and displayed the proper way.

The boys being funny.

Zack with his fleece Lightning McQueen. He would not even let Amy sew it for a week.

Amy tickling Zack.

Zack and Drew playing with their sunglasses being so cool.

Playing with each other.

Rain, Cleaning, and Bug catching

2010-11-10T14:58:00.004-06:00

Photo time for the boys while Amy is at work. Look even box needs to be in the picture.

The cuteness I get to live with everyday. I love these 3.

After playing in the rain and getting warm dry clothes on Matt was lying on the floor and both the boys came over and lay down by him.

Poor Drew cold and tired of the photo op moment.

Amy had to go to work and once the boys were done saying goodbye they decided to play in the rain. They had a blast sailing their shoes down the gutter.

Matt had been vacuuming when Zack ask to help. So Matt relinquished the vacuum to him. Zack and Drew are such big helpers.

Zack getting annoyed with Drew for being in the way.

The boys watching Matt catching bugs. The boys had been feeling pick on since Amy would not let them go down in the drainage area. It had rained a couple of days earlier and it was wet and muddy. They have such a mean mommy.

Matt catching bugs.

Off to catch bugs.

Fun and Chuck E Cheese

2010-11-10T14:09:00.007-06:00

Zack wanted to use the pencil that we keep on the fridge by the shopping list. When ask what he was going to do with it he then stated "I want the Handy Manny pencil." So the pencil is tucked behind his ear like Handy Manny does.

Drew trying to find cats behind the couch. One of their safe places to hide from him.

Zack playing on one of the games at Chuck E Cheese. He loves to go there and play the games but don't let him see Chucky. That boy is scared out of him mind when he sees that mouse. We spent the first 20 minutes sitting at the table while he cried and and watched out for Chucky.

Playing on the game by himself. You move the joysticks and the whole simulator will move.

Matt and Zack playing the game.

Drew loved riding the fire truck.

Drew loves his kitties. Sometimes they don't like all the love he gives them though. So here is Drew trying to give Max hugs.

Drew loving Chunk.

Zack wanted to play with the orange sports cones. Once he got them he decided that they would be great to use in fighting each other. Drew did not understand what Zack wanted to do so Amy told Zack she would fight him. He thought it was a lot of fun. He has such an imagination.

Matt made Zack a very simple train track to play with and so he decided to see how many train car he could hook together for one engine to pull. Man that has to be one strong train to pull all of those.

Drew walking down the stairs by himself.

Rozi, paint, and park

2010-08-23T16:25:00.006-05:00

Chunk, Kit, and Gracie doing what cats do best.

Rudy and Katie

Drew lay down under the table and Zack came to lie next to him.

The boys playing geo trax together

Drew in his "car." Drew tipped Zack's stool over and sat down. Zack pushed him around for a little while.

Zack in a box.

Zack was playing in the cozy coupe and asked for Drew to get in with him. Only problem was their little bums were too big, so the door would not shut.

Amy looking up through the tires at the boys.

Amy and Drew went down the side and Zack came after. Zack thought it was really funny when he bumped into them at the bottom.

Drew trying to climb up the slide.

Drew swinging

Zack swinging

Drew is more fun to paint on than the paper.

Nice hands Zack

Even Drew thinks it is more fun to paint on him.

Three words: Chocolate chip cookie.

Zack holding our friends' new baby, Rozi. He loves Rozi and always wants to go over and see her.

Houston Zoo

2010-08-23T15:55:00.004-05:00

We decided to visit the Houston zoo for the first time since we moved here more than 5 years ago. Here is T-Rex and you would have thought my boys would have loved him. And maybe they would have if he did not move and roar at them.

Matt and a crying Drew in front of T-Rex

Zack refusing to walk past the dinosaur. He had not let up till we took him to see the dinosaurs. Then he was too scared to go near them even though Amy promised him they were not real.

Drew playing behind a bench.

Holy horns. How can they even walk with those on their heads?

Zack and Drew playing on an elephant.

A baby elephant

Zack was more distracted by another little boy's car stroller and did not care about the giraffe.

Giraffes

Drew playing with everything that he is not supposed to

Drew having fun crawling around the little tunnels they have there for the kids to climb through

Drew just followed some kids through the tunnel while Zack refused to go through even after he saw Drew do it.

The boys riding the dinosaur at the Zoo entrance

Misc

2010-08-23T15:18:00.005-05:00

Drew wearing the kitty string around his neck. He likes to walk around with it and if it hangs long enough behind him, the cats will follow him.

Zack's favorite place to look outside.

Zack playing with his Percy and tracks.

Drew playing with Sodor's train wash.

Zack in front of our new hibiscus plants

Zack in front of our poor magnolia tree

Zack, Amy, and Drew in front of one of our new trees for the backyard

Zack and Drew in front of our other new tree in the backyard

A butterfly in Josh's back yard

Zack's first ride on the extreme coaster

Drew's first ride on the extreme coaster

The boys in Matt's hammock

My love with craigslist. I found all these geo traxs on craigslist for only $50. And since they were in Katy, we went and visited Uncle Doug at the same time.

While in Katy, we found this train car and knew we had to go see it since both the boys love trains.

It was at a train museum so you could climb on it. The boys had a blast.

Zack wanted to "touch" the track. This translates to walk the track.

Drew climbing on Zack's stool. Drew likes to climb on everything he can get his little body onto.

When we got home from our vacation we needed to clean our carpets. Drew was so tired that he fell asleep on our bed with the extremely loud carpet cleaner not even 5 feet away.

Camping at Brazos Bend

2010-08-23T14:07:00.007-05:00

Drew has to climb up everything. He is one talented little boy.

Zack swinging super fast

This was our first time using our dutch oven that Josh and Xan gave us two Christmases ago. Amy made peach cobbler. It was really good.

Zack and Drew trying to catch the smoke

Drew being silly and Zack having a nap

Drew checking to see if Zack was sleeping

Some of the beautiful nature we saw

Nap time. Looks like they are having a "good one."

It was over 100 degrees each day. That would not have been that bad if they had somewhere for you to swim (without alligators). Good thing we thought to bring the baby pool. It was great to sit in and cool off.

Our camp site

One of the alligators we saw

Amy and Drew petting a milk snake in the nature center. The nature center had a/c, so we spent about a half hour in there cooling down.

Zack would have nothing to do with the baby gator. But Drew pet the baby alligator in the nature canter.

An alligator we found on the path

Another alligator we found

Zack looking at an alligator we found in front of a tree

Close up of the alligator Zack is looking at

Albuquerque

2010-08-23T13:56:00.003-05:00

Our last stop of our trip was to see Matt's grandma. We took the boys to a park to get them some exercise before we went to lunch with Babi. They had lots of cool stuff.