Summer Happenings Part 1

I won't try to catch you up on everything that we've done this summer, but a few highlights:

The last week of June was our Stake's Pioneer Trek. Sydni and Kenzie are old enough to attend, and Don and I were called to go. Don was over Transportation, and I was called to be the Activities/Program Director. It was hot, cold,dirty, windy, exhausting, with tons of bugs, but it was also one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I'm so grateful for the chance I had to go. I don't have any of my own pictures, but as soon as I can get some that were taken, I'll post them.

Before that, we were able to travel to St. George for my little brother's wedding. He's sixteen years younger than me, so I've always thought of him as my baby brother. It's strange to think he's old enough to be married, but Cassie is a wonderful girl and we're so happy to have her join our family.

Provo City Half-Marathon

Yesterday I ran my second ever half-marathon; the Provo City Half. The race organizers did a great job and it was a great course. Unfortunately, I've been training in cold and snow, so the warm weather really got to me. I was so excited every time I reached a water station.

But I was still able to beat my last time by 9 minutes! My goal was 2:24, and I got 2:25:02 - darn those 2 seconds. I'm still happy with the results, though.

The best part about it was "running" it with my brother, sister, bro-in-law, sis-in-law, and her brother. I put running in quotes because they were all faster than me, but it was fun to be at the starting line and finishing line with them.

As tough as it was, it is such a sense of accomplishment to finish those 13.1 miles and I love that feeling. I definately plan to run this one again.

Competition

Syd performed with the Hunter High Silhouettes at her first drill competition yesterday. It was the Jordan High Invitational and there were schools there from all over the state from 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A divisions. I had been "warned" by other drill parents about what a different world it is, but didn't really understand until spending the day there. It's certainly different than when I was on drill team in high school.

These girls are so talented and it was so fun to watch them perform. Sydni did an incredible job (I'm not biased or anything) and I was so proud. The Silhouettes performed three numbers and took 4th in military, 7th in dance (got a big penalty for an illegal lift -darn), and 2nd in kick. Way to go girls! Now on to Clearfield competition, Region, and State!!!

They all wear matching makeup and it's pretty intense, but Syd is still beautiful!

This is at the beginning pose at the start of their kick routine.

All of the teams sit in circles on the floor waiting for awards. You can see in the background that Santa was there to give out awards.

Here are the awesome Silhouettes with their awards. Syd is on the bottom right end of the group. What a group of amazing beautiful girls!

Cookies With Grandma

Every year at Christmas time my mom invites the grandkids to her house to make sugar cookies. My kids look forward to it - even the teenagers. We had a great time and brought lots of cookies home; except for Britton who ate all of his before we even left her house.

25 Days of Service

Well, it's gonna be more like 20 days, because I've been a little slow, but I'm still excited. My good friend, Emily, got me a snowman advent calendar for Christmas this year, and gave it to me early so I could use it. I've been trying to decide what to put in each pocket to pick out each day. I didn't really want to put in candy; how do you decide which kid gets the piece and there are plenty of other treats this time of year. I finally decided to put a small act of service in each pocket. Each night, we will pull out the paper, read the act of service, and have the following day to complete that act. It is something each member of the family should be able to accomplish. For example, tomorrow's service is "Say hi to someone new." I am excited to hear from the girls each day on how they did and hope it will help them think less of themselves this holiday season.

Halloween

C'mon...is Britton not the cutest Tigger you've ever seen?

Emma's version of Paris Hilton.
You just thought Maddy was cute and innocent...

The Dirty Dash

To follow up our half-marathon, Stacie, Kristol, and I signed up to do "The Dirty Dash." It was advertised as a 10K mud-run, full of obstacles and fun - and it did not disappoint. It was held at the beautiful Soldier Hollow in Midway. We started by running up a small hill that had a giant sprinkler running on it so that there was lots of mud. After that we ran up a canyon right into a snow-making machine. Since it was warm, there wasno snow, but it was like running into a Hurricane. When we started coming back down the canyon there were humongous hay bales to jump over and big plastic tubes to crawl through. Next up were the walls with mud pits before and after.

The course then went out to the banks of DeerCreek reservoir where we ran through the black, swampy mud. Then we headed back to Soldier Hollow and up the hill to the top of a gigantic slip-n-slide, with lots of mud at the bottom.

Then it was on to the finish line. But to get to the finish line you had to crawl through a "pool" of muddy water.

It was one of the hardest races ever, and I definately didn't set any PR's, but it was the most fun I've had in a long time. I've got several large, lovely bruises on my legs, but it was worth every bump and scrape. Thanks, Kristol and Stacie - can't wait for next year!