My First Marathon

After years of running, I finally, finally! did it!! I don't know what I was so scared of? The time it takes to train? The distance? My body being strong enough to do it? Probably a little bit of everything. Whatever the reason, it took me 7 years to get to doing the full marathon. Let me tell ya, it was worth the wait!

I ran the Ogden Marathon which I thought was a perfect course for my first full. It was well organized, not to mention absolutely gorgeous!! Winter training is not my favorite, and every time I went out into that bitter cold I swore that next year I would not do this to myself again. We'll see. It's like having a baby, you forget all the hard parts, and just remember the good- that's what keeps you goin' back for more.

I ended up running with my sis-in-law Erika and a group of her running buddies who were all trained up and ready to qualify for Boston. I, on the other hand, was trained to "just get across that finish line," but couldn't help but daydream of possibly qualifying on my first race. As we started running I was feeling really good, and we were holding strong at around an 8mm, that glimmer of hope was starting to turn into more than just a glimmer. I was setting new goals, and unrealistic expectations. As I hit my half way point things were still looking good. I was on pace, and still feeling strong. My longest training run was 18 miles, and that was about the place I 'hit the wall!' Darn it!! Those newly established goals just went flying right out the window! I slowed down and started walking through the aid stations, trying to replenish my energy, but it was too late. At this point I just wanted to feel good at the finish line, and walk away injury free. I came across my friend Jill who was also trying to qualify, and she and I walked and talked, and cheered, and made it through our last 7 miles together. I finished in 4:01 with a smile on my face, and a desire to definitely do it again!! Mission accomplished. Maybe next time Boston... maybe next time.

Nic was down in St. George with half our ward competing in the St. George triathlon. He said it was a tough course, but felt good about it. I wish we could have been there to cheer each other on, but it turned out to be a great day for us both! My sweet parents helped me with the kids, and my Dad snapped these great pics of me finishing the race! My in-laws were also there to cheer us on. It feels so good to be loved and supported. I have the best family ever! Thanks guys!!

Finally holding my babies!! All I could think about those last few grueling miles was getting to the finish line to see my babies and family!! XO

Strawberries at the Farm...

There is nothin' better than a lazy day at home, interrupted by a trip to the local farm to pick fresh strawberries with your cousins...

Look at those gorgeous berries...
My sweet niece's...
Parker was in heaven just wandering up and down the rows, picking and eating...

I think we consumed more than we took home... and when I say 'we' I mean Parker.

It felt so good to be outside, enjoying the sunshine and goodness of the earth.

Now what to do with all of these berries?! I'm sure we can figure it out!

Kindergarten Graduation

Are those a couple of stud muffins or what?! Kaden and Stockton on the day of their big graduation... kindergarten graduation that is! All I could think about as I watched Kaden and his little buddies was how fast I'm going to blink and they will be graduating from high school. I'm not sure I can handle that.

Rylie is Kade's #1 supporter! She sure loves her big brother...
There he goes... walking up onto that stage...we were pretty proud of that boy.

He sang the words to all of the songs with the cutest little grin on his face...

Kaden said his part perfectly!!

"We know how to read, and how to write. We've worked and worked with all our might!"

Kaden with his sweet teacher Mrs. Underwood. We just adored her, and are so happy she will be back again next year!!

Great job on your Kindergarten Graduation buddy!! Can't wait to see the things you learn and accomplish next year!

Rylie's Preschool Graduation

This little Rybug of ours finished her first year of preschool. It was such a fun experience for her. She made lots of new friends, designed lots of darling new bracelets & necklaces(such a girl) in her free time, learned lots of new letters, numbers, colors, etc. etc. Here she is with her Gramy on her big graduation day...

Rylie and her cute little goodie bucket Miss Bonnie made for her, that she clammed up and would NOT walk up there alone to get, so I carried her like a baby. Oh boy, hopefully this shyness will wear off soon. Until then, we love you just the way you are Rylie...
And the beloved Miss Bonnie. She is such a great teacher and example to us. We are so happy that Rylie will be part of her class again next year!

Great job this year in preschool Rylie.

We couldn't be more proud of you!

Blue Blankie Gets a Makeover...

Meet 'Blue Blankie'...

He was made with love by Kaden's Mimi when he was on his way here to our family, and as you can see, he has been thoroughly enjoyed... when it got to be that 'blue' had a strangulation hazard going on, that's when I stepped in and said, "Enough is enough, it is time for a makeover."
I salvaged all I could... there was sweat (at one point I thought- oh no! what have I done?!), there were tears (Kaden was thinking- oh no! what has she done?!), lots of frustration and orneriness, one last trip to the fabric store, 8 hours of labor (yes, I don't sew a lot), and Voila!! The new and improved 'Blue Blankie'!! (don't look close)

And the smile on Kaden's face as he said, "It feels just the same!!" made it all worth it! Man I love that boy, and he sure loves that blankie!

Next on the docket: The Sis's blankie!!

Oh man, it is in serious need. Stay tuned!

Soccer Man

This last year Kaden played soccer once again. He improved by leaps and bounds, and it was so much fun to watch him get into it. Kade played so tough, and was not afraid to get in there get that ball! He even took a kick off straight to the face, and didn't even flinch! (it was a good thing I missed it) Here are a few pictures of our soccer man out there doin' his thing...

Kaden and Stocko... these two have played together for the past 3 years. They have had a blast!!

And the team picture...
minus Davis (he was absent)

Thanks Johnny for coaching. It was a great year!!

Fieldtrip to the Zoo

Kaden's long awaited kindergarten "Zoo Day" field trip finally came. They had been talking about it all year, learning about animals and such. Here they are in their classroom with their sun screened faces, handmade name tags, hats, sweatshirts, and brown bag lunches. Nothing could top this like a ride on a real life school bus! En route to Utah's Hogle Zoo...

Back at the school there were clouds, and threats of rain. Once we got down there it was nothing but beautiful blue sky. Such a nice surprise.

When me, Parker, and Rylie got down there we found Kaden and his group enjoying their lunch, and sat down to join them.

Kaden and a group of his classmates and friends. They were having such a fun day!

Kaden and his good buddy Zander...

Rylie and Parker enjoying a ride in the wagon... and some Cheetos!

Kaden was doing some serious monkey business...

More monkey business...

Man I love that boy right there

This monkey was talking up a storm... I think we spent about 20 minutes watching him.

Pumba? Is that you?

Another group picture. This time with Kaden's sweet teacher Mrs. Underwood in the front. We sure did love her this year. Kaden is going to be sad to say goodbye to her.

Swinging on the Monk-mer bars...

Rylie and Parker had such a great time.

I was so glad we got to share this experience with Kade. It was so much fun to see him having such a great time with his friends from school. Oh, and the baby elephant... too cute for words. I can't believe I didn't get a picture- I guess I was too busy taking monkey pictures...