The Great Race

Sorry it's been so long everyone. It's been SO crazy around here. With Joy moving and all the happenings of life in general it's been pretty hectic. We did take a little break last weekend and we went to Utah. Elise has been training for and planning a half marathon. Joy and her kids, Elise and her kids, and I went to Utah this past weekend so Elise and Joy could run in the marathon and I could faithfully watch (and drive). I provided an excellent support vehicle. Running and me do not have a very good relationship. It's been rocky in the past but right now we are not speaking to each other and it doesn't look good for any time in the near future.

So, I will post some pictures of the true runners in the family. Sorry, they are a little out of order. I was so proud of Elise and her accomplishment. Way to go sis!

Our Weekend in Brian Head

We had a fabulous time in Brian Head this past weekend. A great big thank you to Erin and family for the invite. We had a fun time in the snow. The boys made snow tunnels, had snow ball fights, went sledding, and went tubing. I even tried tubing. I have to admit, it was way fun; especially the part where I didn't have to climb back up the hill but got pulled up on my tube. The boys want to go back tomorrow, I have to admit it sounds pretty fun to me too. We had a great time with Erin and Jennie and all the families. We played games and stayed up late (very late) a few nights, but it was worth it. I have about 200 pictures from the weekend but a lot of them are of the kids coming down the hill on the tubes. Here are just a few of the fun pictures. Erin took a bunch also, I need to get some of hers too. She took a really great one of Zach eating snow. It's going to look awesome in black and white.

A shout out to my sister

OK - I know that I am way overdue for an update but I just have to give a shout-out to my sister, Joy. We moved here about a year and a half ago to be next to Joy and Steve and their family. We have loved every minute that we've been here next to them. Steve was able to receive his master's degree a little while ago and due to some difficult circumstances at work has decided to take a job in Seattle, Washington. Joy has been my lifeline in times of stress and adjustment. She is my built in map, the person who bails me out of a jam, who loves my kids like I do and helps me tremendously on a daily basis. I am going to miss her SO MUCH! She and I have become even closer in the time that we've had to spend together. I respect her and love her with all of my heart. Thanks for the memories, Joy, it wouldn't have been the same without you. I wish you only the best in Seattle. A piece of my heart will be with you always and forever.

our fun weekend

We had a great weekend with my parents and little brother, Ben. We saw Johnathan and Alex play in basketball games, got to ice skate, my dad got to golf, Joy and my mom shopped, my dad and I went to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, and as an unexpected surprise, my dad, mom, Darrel and I were able to go see Mama Mia! at the last minute Sunday night. It was way fun. Here are some pictures from our weekend (sorry they're a little out of order).

Indoor Soccer

Darrel, Steve, and Joy play on an indoor soccer team. I do not play because other than being overweight and out of shape, I have a deep seeded fear of people running at me (fast) for any reason. Someday I'll have to tell you about my eighth grade basketball experience. Anway, I am very proud to go and be a cheering spectator to the games (such as Friday's game). It was awesome - they stomped the competition and I got some pretty cool shots. I really like the first one because it has my brother, Ben's reflection in the plexiglass watching Darrel and Joy. My parents were also able to watch this game. We've had a great time having them in town. They came on Friday afternoon and they are leaving tomorrow after church. We had two basketball games today, went ice-skating, my dad went golfing, and the adults were able to go to a nice dinner at Outback tonight. It's been a very fun day. Enjoy the soccer pictures...



This is Steve, by the way...it was a very nice kick towards the goal.

The haircut

Yesterday I decided that my boys needed a trim and Zachary needed a full blown haircut. It was late in the afternoon and Zachary had not napped. He was very upset about getting a haircut, he usually is. He is not so fond of haircuts. Just about two minutes into the haircut this child of mine fell fast asleep. I wrapped a towel around his neck for support (like a pillow) and tried to keep cutting. It was soon abundently clear that if I didn't do something else Zachary was going to fall off the chair. I called Johnathan over to help me. He was not so gentle with Zach's head. He was holding him under his chin and letting his body fall forward. It was not the most ideal situation but I had to finish cutting Zachary's hair. I want you to know that I only picked up my camera after I had finished the cutting with scissors and was about to turn on the clippers. You can tell by Johnathan's expression (and the fact that he's holding his aching arm muscle) that he was tired by this time and wanted to be done and the official holder of the head. When I did turn on the clippers Zachary woke up, not so happy, but we were able to finish the haircut and get him into the bath. I just got a kick out of the fact that he fell asleep during his haircut.