5K Madness!

Bright and early on Saturday morning, I rolled out of bed, got dressed in my favorite running outfit, brushed my teeth, slicked my hair back, and started stretching. At around 6:45am, my cousin Bonnie and I headed over to the race. We were very early, but she still needed to register so we figured it wouldn't hurt. It also gave me extra stretch time.

Bonnie - ready to run!
Bonnie and me - she is 12 years younger than me. Do I look that much older?

A little while later Melissa and the boys arrived. The boys tortured potato bugs while we waited.

Melissa, Bonnie and me

At a little after 8:00am the race begun. Melissa and I started off running for as long as we could. Make that as long as I could! She was so patient with me. Then we alternated between walking and running, taking advantage of as many downhill segments as possible. I waved Bonnie on ahead because I knew she was way faster than me.

Bonnie finishing the race with Grace and Tucker.
About 8 minutes after Bonnie crossed the finish line, it was Melissa's and my turn.

I had had a tough time at the end. I was losing energy and I desperately needed water. I'm the type of person that needs to drink water and stay hydrated throughout, and we had only had one water station. I will have to remember that for the future and make sure that I have enough!

Crossing the finish line almost five minutes faster than we thought we would!

Melissa is the best cheerleader and the best person to run with. She kept me motivated and helped me get past the tough parts. I know three miles doesn't seem like that much, but it really is for me. I am hoping to continue training and work up to longer distances, but I'm happy that I finished the race and did better than I had planned.

At the end of the race!
Part of the trail - it was beautiful! 70 degrees and cloudy. Perfect for running.

This is what I will somehow be wearing on my shirt on Saturday. It signifies that I will be meandering three-point-one miles along the south end of the Jordan River. This is my first 5K - hopefully one of many! I'm doing it with my BRB (Best Running Buddy) Melissa, and maybe Laurie if we can talk her into it.

Next up: Swiss Days 10K

Island Park, Idaho

A few weeks ago we went up to Island Park, Idaho for a family gathering. We stayed in a cabin and this was the view from the deck. It was beautiful! We went to Big Springs, which is a clear water river that comes from some lake that was a volcano or something like that. I was clearly paying attention. It's beautiful and I would recommend it!

Clara holding her grandparents' hands while walking on the trail. Probably one of my favorite pictures of Josh right now. He's such a cute kid. Even when he isn't being one. One of those rare family pictures!
Ama Ancy and Papa Rick at Big Springs The next day we headed to Yellowstone where we were just in time (after lunch) to see Old Faithful blow. Those are people below. It's pretty big! Josh and Clara with Old Faithful in the background. Should have given them the lollipops after taking the picture, right? Part of the Grand Prismatic Spring. It's fantastic! I would love to go in a helicopter and fly over these pools of water. My sister, Carly, and her kids came up for the day to visit Yellowstone with us.
Sometimes they like each other.
Artists Paintpots. Jacuzzi anyone?
Another family picture! With the waterfall in the background that you can't see.
TaTonka
Beautiful Yellowstone Lake!

Anniversary

Seven years ago this week Dave and I got engaged. Seven. With no itching going on. We have had an eventful seven years with lots of love, joy, laughter, and not a lot of turmoil. Thank Heaven!

I love you, Shmoopie!

Independence Eve & Independence Day

And this is why I love Utah!

Clara (in her swimming soup) hanging out with her buddies
Setting up for fireworks with friends
Allison and Lou Lou
Keysha, Natalie, Rachel, Randall, and Marcy
Randall, Marcy, Alicia and Jason
Cooper, Ally, and Gabi
The kids ready for the show!
I love watching these kids grow up!
The fearless pyromaniacs - Collin, Justin and Chad
Allison and Bella negotiating. I love this!
Dave and me - looking a bit tired
Lou, Michelle and Jeff
Carsen and Damon
Josh has sparkler fever!
Lou Lou shows her patriotism
Clara - up and ready for a yummy breakfast at the Peck's house!
Ryan and Lou - staring off into the horizon at...?
Marcy and Rachel post food consumption
Our fabulous hostess, Keysha!

Block Party 2009

Every year my neighborhood has a block party to kick off the summer. It usually happens at the beginning of June, but because it rained the whole month of June, we had to wait until the end. We always start off with a bike parade for the kids, and follow it up with bring your own meat and something to share. It never disappoints!

I usually take way more pictures, but this year I will just give you a few.

Bike parade!
Clara - ready to rumble
Josh revving his engines
Princess Lauren - always looking lovely!
Our resident storyteller and otter pop distributor. Michelle always has a crowd of kids surrounding her. We will know who to call when our kids rebel down the road!

So Behind

Can you be patient? I have lots and lots and lots of pictures to post and stories to tell. But, I also want to watch a movie with my Shmoopie. I'll get back to you.

Coming Soon:
Neighborhood Block Party
Independence Day
Island Park, Idaho trip
Yellowstone