Racing Weekend(s)

This has been a good summer for running. I always feel so much better when I can run on a regular basis and participate in some fun events. Last year my friend, Dana, and I both had babies and she convinced me to train with her for the Freedom Run; a 15k on July 4th. I had done this run once before and it was a good one, tough but good. This spring was quite the challenge getting ready for that race. I didn't think I'd make it. Thankfully, I kept going and Dana, Marisa and I were able to run together. In the process of training for this event, Marisa mentioned that she was training for the Top of Utah half. So, of course Dana and I thought that was a great idea, but sadly, the race was full. We found a half marathon down in Bountiful for Handcart Days and we all signed up. Marisa was sick so we missed her on the run, but hopefully we'll get another chance to run together again. Dana and I drove down to WX on Friday and went shopping for matching running outfits. You can't believe how difficult that task was! We finally got something close enough and I loved it! (except my pants ended up one size too big and were falling off during the run!)

We had great weather the next morning and the course was great. I felt kinda bad for pressuring Dana into doing the run, but she did GREAT! It was so fun to do it together. Louis and my sister-in-law, Heather brought Caleb and met up with us a few times during the run. It's always nice to have a cheering section. My favorite moment of the run was passing Dana's family and hearing her daughter say, "Can't you run any faster, mom?" Priceless. I would LOVE to do that race again next year. It was small and the course was great and the shirts were awesome, plus everyone got a finisher's medal and free breakfast! Yummy!!! The most hilarious part was that I last minute decided to race in the Athena category (yes, I can prove that I am in that category) and because there was such a small number of racers, I took first in my division! Ha Ha Ha!!! My kids were totally impressed! Gotta love technicalities!



Then on Monday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law ran the Desert News marathon in Salt Lake City. Louis, Caleb and I spent the morning chasing around the route to catch some pictures and cheer on the herd of runners. I just LOVE marathon events! So much energy and excitement. It is so cool to watch people doing hard things. Totally inspiring and now I'm really pumped for my own marathon in September! Here's hoping that all goes well in training!

Summer Vacation Part 2

On Saturday we ventured out to Lagoon. In order to maximize our fun, we drove down to WX on Friday night to stay at my mom's so we could get to the park early. Fortunately my friend (Thanks, Ann!) came across some coupons to Lagoon from her family and it saved us a truckload! Hurrah!!! We invited Daniel and Karla to join us for the day, and they were kind enough to pick up the coupons for us since we had already left Logan. They had something going on in Bountiful Saturday morning, so we tried to meet up with them later. Sadly, it didn't really work out. But they probably had much more fun together than hanging out with us. I was so impressed with Kaylee and Charles. They rode all the rides they could! They both loved the white roller coaster and Kaylee went on Wicked and Colossus. Charles would have as well, but we just ran out of time. We had to do some juggling since Caleb was with us. It worked out pretty well, though. He took a couple good naps and was a really good sport for most of the day. He loved the carousel and he tolerated the sky ride and skyscraper. We never did make it on the train, but that is ok. He rode the baby boats with Charles and LOVED it! I should have put him on it sooner. Kaylee got to do a few more rides because she went with Daniel, Karla and Chris for a while (thanks for letting her join you!). We were all pretty wasted by 6:00. Actually, I was pretty tired around noon, but we kept going. We took the kids to get some dinner and a movie and they stayed with my parents so Louis and I could go back and go on some rides together. We had hoped to meet up with Dan and Karla since we were now free to roam, but they were heading out. Louis and I were able to go on quite a few rides before we collapsed from exhaustion. I think my all-time favorite is still the White Roller Coaster. It's just a classic. Louis thinks it's too scary. He's certain it's going to fall apart one of these times. He's probably right. We both agree that Wicked it the most awesome, thrilling ride there. It was great! I'd love to take my dad some time. We had a great time, but I did find that my desire to go to Disneyland is waning. Even though it was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed watching the kid's faces on these rides, I had a whole lot more fun at the zoo and on Memorial Day. I suppose simple pleasures are best.

Yes, this is empty, Kaylee and I were on this ride together, but it was going so fast that Louis couldn't get a good shot. I am certain all the rides go faster than they used to. Thank goodness for dramamine.

Baby Animal Days

It was so much fun to join Tressa and Jake and family at Baby Animal Days this year. We have always loved this event and have missed it a couple times. It was so much more fun this year than last. Lots easier to walk around when you're not ten months pregnant and in a heap of "imaginary" pain.

I loved watching Eric. He wasn't too sure about touching the animals, but at the end of the day I convinced him to hold one of the baby turtles, for half a second. Pretty cute! Caleb tried to grab the duck, that was exciting.
First stop was Lee's to gather treats on the Bunny Trail.

Queen for the Day

I must say that I never really enjoyed Mother's Day. I still had to do all the same things as any other day, but it felt worse because I was sure I shouldn't have to be doing them. Then I have to go to church and listen to all the things I should be doing that I'm not. Nothing better than a nice heap of guilt.
Well, thankfully the last two years have been really swell. Really. Last year Kaylee made me bath salts and a bookmark with her picture on it. I was so excited! I just love those little handmade gifts from the kids. Charles had a flower and each petal was something like "a hug" or "set the table" or my favorite, "be quiet for five minutes." He still lets me use those! Louis made me a super yummy breakfast too. However, it was also last year that Steve got hit on his motorcycle. Thank goodness that this year was completely wonderful with no mishaps! The morning began with Louis getting up to get Caleb and telling me to go back to sleep. Heaven! The next thing I know, Kaylee is standing at my bedside with a tray of delicious food.

Stuffed strawberry french toast, fresh whipped cream, strawberries and juice. It was divine. Oh, and there was even a beautiful rose on the tray. She is good! I enjoyed my breakfast in bed with Kaylee and Charles chatting with me and bringing in the gifts they had made at school. They also made cute cards at church. Then Donna spoiled me with her amazing dinner that she makes each year for her mother. She is so sweet to include us and I love her dinner! She always jokes about how she only cooks twice a year, but if I cooked food that good, maybe I'd only have to cook twice a year too!
Thanks everyone for a great Mother's Day!

Summer Vacation Take One

The first installment of our summer vacation was May 14th. We took the kids to Hogle Zoo with my parents and Heather and Lily. It was a blast! The weather was great, not too hot or too cold. A little windy, and a bit overcast, but the rain held off until we were ready to leave. I was surprised at how small the zoo seemed. I remember it being so much bigger when I was a kid. And, I was very sad that so many of the cool animals were gone, like the polar bears and the hippo, and the otters.

A funny story about the tigers. I was trying to take a picture of the tigers, and while I was aiming my camera at one, the other tiger wanders over and starts bugging the first tiger. Just as I was getting ready to snap the picture, they started fighting and growled. Oh man! I about dropped my camera and screamed! It was pretty funny.

Caleb LOVED the carousel. I was surprised. I figured he'd scream, but no. Lily wasn't too sure about it until they sat down. Charles also prefered the seat to an animal. At first I had Caleb on the ostrich and he was enthralled, but I moved him back so I could get pictures of everyone. He still had fun, but he really wanted to see that ostrich again.

We also went to the bird show which was really a lot of fun. Caleb was getting a bit restless, and I was worried I'd have to interrupt the show to take him out, but he entertained himself quite well. Kaylee and Charles loved it. Charles is a big fan of birds. Heather had some cash she lent to the kids to donate to the bird. It was pretty fun to watch all their tricks.

Best picture of the whole day!