After my recent two eventful runs – bug attacks and lost keys – I determinedly set out for an uneventful run this morning. For my seven mile long run of the week I visited the running trail (to avoid the bugs - which is ironic, huh?), wore my Spibelt (to avoid key fiascos), and had my music all charged up. Talk about a feat for me!

I even stopped my belly aching and got myself up earlier in the morning to eat my standard pre-run fuel so I could be out the door by 7:30 am.

Is there anything quite as delicious as the peanut butter and jelly combo? Wait. Hold that thought. There is. Peanut butter and chocolate. What were we talking about again? Oh! My run! Although peanut butter and chocolate would certainly a great conversation make.

With all the components aligned properly, I did in fact manage to have an uneventful, calming, and good long run for the week.

7 miles. Average 9:20 pace. Check week # 3 off the training plan! 

I celebrated with my still cold drink awaiting me for when I got back to my car!

Under Armour has joined forces with Thermos for a stainless steel water bottle (they call it hydration bottle, but I’m not quite so fancy). Friends joke that I always have a water bottle attached to my hip because its true. I love having water with me. But my water has to be cold. I can’t do lukewarm water. Blech. Apparently that’s a good thing, because according to some studies cold water helps keep core temperature down so athletes (or fitness freaks like myself) can keep up performance.

I don’t know if cold water really affected my performance this past week, but I will say I love the bottle.

It does keep my water really cold for a long time. It also lives up to another important standard of mine – large enough to hold a decent amount so I’m not constantly refilling the thing but still fits into cup holders in my car and in my strollers.

Don’t laugh. That is quite important and the biggest issue I have had with most quality water bottles I find that actually hold more than 2 cups of water without leaking. It’s a big deal to me. So, thanks Kristin and Thermos and Under Armour for a great product!

• What item do you always have on you?
• Any features you look for in a water bottle?

** I received the Under Armour hydration bottle from Thermos free for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Morning and Happy 4th, friends!!! Although it appears many of you are up to your own activities. The blog world has been rather quiet this weekend – and I like that! In my mind it means we have filled our schedules with loved ones, a chance to unwind, and outdoor fun. I know that’s what a quiet day from me meant yesterday.

I spent the day here…

I love the lake! Our friends’ parents have a lake house which they open to our crew every year for a summer lake party. And what better weekend than the 4th of July weekend?!

We gathered with our friends and their families for a full day of lake fun. I spent the day chatting away with everyone. I bet that doesn’t surprise any of you.

Laughing and catching up with good friends relaxes me. It’s like a mental release. Probably why I love blogging so much. 😉

The day also included lots of play with our many children in the lake swimming and floating.

I love the lake. We live only 5 minutes away but don’t have a boat or dock to really use it beyond visiting for a walk, hike, or picnic in its beautiful scenery. Getting to actually use the lake was so fun. I only wish we had a boat big enough to fit all…30??…of us for some tubing or skiing fun all together. We did get to go out in waves though.

All of that playing worked up an appetite…which didn’t pose a problem with the ample amount of food to fill our bellies. Including hummus, veggies, pita chips, mini pigs in a blanket, and buffalo dip.

For dinner we had a potluck style meal with the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs. I filled my plate with a hotdog, a scoop of macaroni and cheese, a scoop of a baked potato casserole thing, and a scoop of a bean salad (which was phenomenal).

Once we finished dinner, the time for dessert came. I know the suspense is killing you on which dessert I decided to make and bring. Well…

I made Katie from Dashing Dish’s cheesecake bars. I followed her recipe almost exactly besides using regular sugar over the sugar substitute. It turned out so well. I got my sweet fix with some of the bars in addition to a slice of to die for homemade key lime pie.

Sweet tooth = satisfied.

Once dinner came and went, we took another hour or so to relax together before we all needed to head out. We all said our goodbyes around 9 pm. The life of parenting young children. At least we all pretty much relate and can still have a heck of a good time. I know I met my holiday fun quota! 

• Do you like the lake?
• Favorite kind of pie?