Utah is too pretty right now

I've really enjoyed riding my bike this week:) So green, blue, and white!!! Warms my soul.

Ya, I Run Marathons

Technically I can say that now that I have run two marathons.  Although I don't know if I can say "run" when my pace was about 10:10??!!  Slooowwww, but it still such a great experience.

I've been planning on running the Timp Trail half for quite awhile, but a marathon wasn't on my radar for this summer.  But about a month ago, my friend unexpectedly got pregnant and was unable to use her spot in the Utah Valley Marathon and asked me if I'd buy it.  So without much thinking I said, "Sure!", not having ran on a road for months.  So I did my trail half and then started to hit the roads.  Somedays I felt great and other days I couldn't go more than a few steps because my hip has been bothering me.  I think things didn't settle correctly after having my kiddos.  But I did manage to get an 18 miler in.

So I didn't have any expectations going in other than to finish and hopefully run without my hip pain.  And that's exactly what I got.  The day was beautiful, the morning was cool with blue skies, green mountains with white caps, and the river was running fast and deep.  It was perfect.  I nursed my hip all week and started healthy.  I think it was Divine intervention because it didn't bother me the entire race.  I felt good and happy the entire time.  I didn't have much motivation to run fast (maybe because I didn't use caffeine till the last 6 miles???), so I just relaxed and enjoyed it.  I never hit a wall or ever lost it mentally.  Sure my legs got tight, but no pain.  Plus I got to hang out with my SIL Lisa most of the run and even ran into a good friend that I haven't seen since high school.  That sure helped the time fly by!

This was such a different experience from my first marathon.  There were so many unknowns and fears with the first.  It was hard and painful and challenged me so much physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Not that this time was easy, but I had more confidence because I've done it before and because I hadn't trained appropriately, I didn't push it.   The course was a lot harder I thought this time, but far more enjoyable and the climbs were a good diversion for my downhill muscles.  

All in all it was a great experience and a fun challenge.  I loved the course, although it's not a super fast course.  But I'd highly recommend this marathon.  Plus they handed out otter pops at mile 23 which was heaven!

This is the data that my garmin recorded which is kind of fun to look at.  I guess I lost 3 minutes during the 5 times that I had to pee.  And the course has over 1300 ft. of climbing which is significant I think.

Me and Lisa.  Those creamies hit the spot at the end.

Lisa, Ray, Angela and me.  All the crew.

Ben chased me on a scooter for the last 4 miles which was a lot of fun and great motivation

Coming in the last block.


Until the next race...who knows when.  I'm planning enjoying the rest of the summer on my bike and playing with my kids:)

Grateful for Cousins

Lately I am incredibly grateful for my kids cousins.   They are surrounded by cousins who love and adore them, and hence my kids feel like the world is a safe, wonderful place, where everyone thinks they're great!  Not a day goes by that they get to see and play with at least one cousin.  They are loved, picked up and hugged and kissed multiple times a day.  They go to church together, school together, they babysit, and lately our door seems to be revolving with cousins going in and out.

I'm especially thankful for Kollin, this cute 12 year-old pictured above.  Even though he's six years older than J he's so sweet and good to him.  He and J's other 6th grade cousin  sat by him everyday on the bus.  How cool of a kindergartner did that make J?  He'll entertain J for hours--not to mention all the other kids too. He's so sweet and kind, he always tells me he loves my food and he eats a lot--which boosts my kitchen confidence!   He also clears his plate and puts it in the dishwasher which isn't bad either.  In short, I wish he was mine.  He's the perfect big brother in our house.  I'm crossing my fingers that he's the buddy in our house for awhile.

Braydon, my cool, 16 year-old football playing nephew came up to me the other day and said, "I hope you know that I love Wyatt more than anything."  He confessed that he even loves him more than his parents;)  How cool is that for a 2 year-old that thinks his big cousins are the best?  The minute we walk into church Wyatt starts looking for Braydon's lap.

The stories of love and friendship could go on forever.  My kids love and admire all their cousins, and we love and adore all of them too.  They really are such a blessing in my kids lives.  I hope they are always close friends.

School's Out!!!!!!

School is officially out for summer and I'm loving the change.   Sure I'll miss the few hours of just having one baby at home, but I welcome the change.  No schedules, life is laid back and relaxed, and if the weather ever gets nice, we'll be playing a lot outside.

To kick off the season we headed to my brother's ranch near Bryce to camp for the holiday.

The weekend was filled with cousins and more cousins, RZR rides, mtn bike rides, hikes, games, jacuzzi time, bracelet making, and campfires.

If you've never been to Bryce, you need to go.  It's breathtaking!  So much beauty and endless trail systems.  Seriously one of the most beautiful spots I've ever been.  Red rock, hoodoos, pines, streams, and blue skies--can't be beat.

Matthew was on the cleaner side of the weekend.

Truman and his hair blowing in the wind--which was  ferocious all weekend.  What's up with Utah being so windy lately???

J and Faith taking a spin in the mini.  So cute.

Laur came too.  It was great having an extra set of hands to help out with the kiddos

We rode the Big Thunder Trail--that the Disneyland ride was made after.  Unbelievable trail and scenery!  So much fun despite breaking my chain and having to strider the last 3 miles back.  

Ridiculous scenery.

Hiking with cousins.

This tree had no roots and was just propped up against the cliffs.  Sorry, picture no bueno, but trust me it was cool.

Favorite Uncle Ray had the pleasure of carrying Wyatt, who gave up hiking after about 3 steps.

Horsey Rides

Adam and Emily, thanks for a fun weekend and letting up crash your place:)