Old Town Ashburn

If you blink you'll miss this place. This is by far the smallest "Old Town" designated area I've ever seen - it's literally about a block in size. Nonetheless, it's a major stop on the W&OD trail where bikers can rest up and pick up a snack at Carolina's BBQ Brothers.  Along the trail is the Old Ashburn Mill which is now an antique furniture store.  There are also a couple of other stores and a historic fire station and post office to check out. Here are some photos I made below. 

Brunch at the Maralit's

Just when you thought the Holiday's were over, the Maralit's kick it up a notch with a killer spread and some good times!  This was probably the first time I never had to ask folks to say "cheese" -- it was smiles all around!  Thanks Marlan and Leslie!  Check out the photos below.

Sunday morning breakfast

Sunday mornings are the best -- I get a chance to enjoy breakfast with the family rather than rushing out the door to get to work.  Here are some photos of the little guy making multi-grain and banana Belgian waffles with maple syrup...real maple syrup (it makes a difference).  I shot wide open at 1.8 so you'll notice a really shallow depth of field, especially of the waffles...still a habit I'm trying to break.

Anyway, I'm already thinking about what to make this Sunday.

So long Christmas...Family Secret Santa

Here are some photos from our annual sibling Secret Santa gift exchange.  This year our friend Eric B. (honorary Munoz sibling, I've known him since pre-school) offered to host.  As you'll notice below our gatherings have turned into wine and sippy cup nights.  Everyone usually brings over a hodgepodge of dishes and wine and go to town.  I made spicy shrimp and ginger pork steamed dumplings, Eric made pot roast, Mae and Dennis brought over bread and cheeses, and Jason and April brought over so Korean rice wine.  And of course everyone brings vino.

Need. to. run...

These shoes (Nike Vomero +5) are dying to get out of that door. They've been through a couple of 10Ks, 10 milers and a half marathon...they're barely broken in.  They just need to a runner to get them going.

With the cold weather it's been a challenge for me to run outside. I tried doing the treadmill thing at the gym but that gets boring. I'll need to plan out my races for the year to get myself motivated? What races do you have planned for this year? What shoes do you run in?