My week so far...

My Monday began at 5 a.m.  Gross.  But going to Body Pump at the gym made me happy.  I followed that with 31 minutes on this awesome, beastly machine:

Monday afternoon, I shuttled my babies around town, getting Maddie to Tae Kwon Do, and Maia to her swim club workout.  We took some time to take silly pics in the car:

I especially love Tess' silly face:

Tuesday began with an easy four-mile run.  This was my view at the end of my run, from my porch:

It was SO humid that day!  I was ridiculously sweaty, especially considering how short and easy my run was.

Later that morning, our sweet friend, Tina, invited us to go on a walk with her and her dog, Chevy (Olly's "bro-friend").  We stopped at Tina's house (she only lives 0.38 miles from us - thanks Garmin!) for a chocolate treat (Tina is an endless source of chocolate, candy, and love) and water for the doggies.  My older girls were poohs that day, picking fights with each other (I am ready for the far-off first day of school...), but it was still nice to walk and talk with Tina. 

Maia playing with Tina's hose, Chevy beside her:

Wednesday morning began with a ride on my stationary bike, and then we headed to the church to drop Maia off for her first experience at the annual Girls Camp (through our church).  She was bouncing about with excitement, and once her best friend arrived, they raced off to their ride.  I had to call her back for the quickest of hugs, and then she was gone.  I'm glad that she was so happy to go, and that she feels confident enough to leave her family, but a tiny, tiny bit of sadness on her part would've been alright, too.  ;)  

Maia and some of her fellow first-year friends:

Daphny and Maia, best buds:

After Maia left, we took off to the amazing South Center mall, near the SeaTac airport.  Mom and Dad went with us, and we enjoyed exploring the mall, and then having a delicious lunch at The Cheesecake Factory.  I'd never been there before, so I was rather excited.  Food does that to me.  :)  Tess' favorite part of the day was this magic mirror (below) in the Disney store at the mall.  I had to carry her out of the store weeping.  It was only slightly irritating, and mainly endearing.  

After our mall adventure, we spent some time at my parents' house, and Tess had a lot of fun snuggling Grandma.  She did NOT want to go home, but instead kept telling me that she wanted to snuggle Grandma and her "meanie" (blanket).  I'm so grateful that my babies and my parents adore each other.  

After almost sleeping in and taking the day off, I ran six miles this morning in the glorious sunshine.  I'm SO glad I didn't sleep in!  This run was balm for my soul, and made me feel very happy.  

 My eating disorder has wreaked havoc in my life recently (the first two weeks of July were nightmarish), but I feel now like I am moving in a slightly more healthy direction.  I will have my first evaluation at The Emily Program next Wednesday, and I'm excited to see how they can help me.  It is a facility that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders.  I'm hoping that that appointment will be the beginning of my saying goodbye to this beastly mental monster once and for all!  I will still be seeing my therapist, Lillie, and I continue to be beyond grateful for her help and support.  

Off to play in the sunshine with Maddie and Tess!