These Shoes Are Made For Running

Ethan and I have a long tradition of not getting each other anything for birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas.  This started back in college when it just got to be too much.  February 4th = Dating Anniversary, February 6th = Ethan's birthday, February 14th = Valentine's Day, and March 16th = Jenna's Birthday.  It was just too much celebration in such a short amount of time...and our bank accounts just weren't big enough.  Also, if we weren't going to get each other anything for those days, then we might as well throw Christmas in there, right? 

For whatever reason, this year I got an itch to get Ethan something for his birthday.  I see how hard he works in the gym (and outside of the gym) and noticed that this shoes were in sad shape.  I honestly couldn't remember the last time that Ethan bought a pair of BRAND NEW shoes.  He often received shoes from Evan through the Iowa Sports Teams that he worked for, or more recently, the Indianapolis Colts.  These shoes were in good condition, but they were not BRAND NEW.  I had the perfect idea!

On the Saturday before Ethan's birthday we went to the gym as usual.  I had a big surprise for him after the gym though. I took Ethan to a running store to get fitted for the proper shoe and learn a bit more about running.   What an experience!  They took pictures of his feet, studied his arch (or lack of) and had him walk on a treadmill so that they could pick a shoe that would give him back everything he puts into a workout.

Taking a look at all the shoes!

Ethan ended up with a pair of Brooks and some insoles...and a whole new motivation for working out and running.  A brand new pair of shoes...the first in over 2 years I had been told.  Well deserved!

The next weekend, Jan and Mark came into town and surprised Ethan by bringing Evan with!  What a treat!!!  We decided on a Piano Bar/Bowling Alley in Elmhurst for dinner on Saturday night and it was a BLAST!  We both agreed that we would be going back for more dueling pianos and shuffleboard :-)

 At Fitz - Enjoying the Dueling Pianos!

I am not sure if this will continue, I still enjoy getting him random gifts "just cuz" rather than because of a particular day.  But, I must say, giving Ethan gifts on his birthday was a joy.  I loved watching the surprise in his face and the graciousness in his voice for the gifts he received.  What a great birthday and many more to come!