26.2 and 30!

Yay for leaves and fall colors!

November is quickly winding down, and we’ve had quite an eventful month. But when we look back, some years from now, there are a couple events I’m sure we won’t soon forget. On November 2nd Jaci and I ran a marathon (26.2 miles), and on November 4th I turned 30!

Some of you might recall that I ran a marathon last year, and others of you might recall that I said “never again.” But Jaci was in need of a training partner and I wasn’t about to let some other guy do the honors. So in September we began an expedited training program that kept us quite busy throughout the fall. The race was in South Seoul, and we went up the night before to get a good night’s rest (it was our first time leaving Jacob). On race day the weather was nice and cool, and the course was scenic as well as historical (it started and ended in the 1988 Olympic Stadium). There was quite a turn out as well: 23,000 people! Jaci ran the race in 3:24:51, and I ran it in 3:41:35. Both of us exceeded our goals and Jaci even placed 3rd in her age category! Overall it was a good experience, but we’re glad to have a little more time on our hands now that it’s over.

Our good friend Christie came up to support us during the race and afterward we all traveled back to Taejon together. What I didn’t know was that Jaci had assembled our friends to throw a surprise party for me. So, was I surprised? Definitely! I had no idea what was coming. In fact I am pretty sure this is the first surprise party I’ve had in my life! Jacob wasn’t as thrilled as I was and he showed it by balling through the loud rendition of “Happy Birthday.” It was an honor to have so many great people show up to wish me a happy birthday.

Many of you are thinking: “This is all great Mike, but what about Jacob!?” Well our little man has really mastered walking, and has become an accomplished stair climber as well. He is also quite into dancing (check out the clip below). In addition he’s become a more picky eater, and has decided he hates bath time (specifically hair washing). Some of his favorite things to do are: play at the park, play with any sporting ball, watch / chase birds, carry small a small broom or stick around, and eat out of the garbage. Although he can be a handful, he’s certainly a cute handful and a true blessing from God.

The Marathon:

At the 12km mark.

At the 12km mark.

Can you see Mike crossing the finish line?

Mission accomplished!

Christie: cheerleader, photographer & friend.

The Big Party:

Below are some of the many decorations made by our “dorm daughters” who are very creative and like to tease Mike about his age. In order to get the message you have to read from bottom to top. The first phrase you will find a little humorous if you know Korean.

Mike before entering the party: Notice the instructions on the sign.

Mike and Jacob at the party.

Out enjoying the colors at Geryeong Sung with Brian & Julie:

Our little family.

Jacob and Jaci posing in the colors.

With Julie & Brian