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:)

GNO

The boys went to Thor last night, so the girls went to the mall and got Hanner's ears pierced.  

They look so cute.

She cried a little.

Then she cried a lot.... 

when I took her lollipop away.

Such a cruel mom.

Timp Trail Half

When people find out I'm doing a race they often ask, "Why?"

Why would I want to want to pay $65 dollars to wake up early, strap on my gators, and run up and down over 4300 vert. ft, across 13.1 miles of mud?

Well, the mud part I wasn't hoping for, but the rest was a lot of fun.

You don't believe me?

I'll give you some legitimate reasons.

1. I love and cherish being a mom and wife more than anything else, but a woman needs a break! It's so nice to get out and just have it be quiet--hence I don't even like to listen to music when I run.  Too much noise and commotion already in my life.   There is something that is so soothing to just hearing nature, and the rhythm of my breath and feet.  Plus all those endorphins from running makes me come home a happier mom.

2. It gives me a chance to think.  Having 4 little ones and a house to keep up gives me little time to think my own thoughts.  I think about things I am grateful for,  I work through issues in my life in my head, I do a lot of self evaluation, I think about my kids and my relationship with them, what I am doing well and what I could do better, I debate current issues in my head, I think about church stuff...you name it, I get a chance to really think about it.

3. I'm a believer that nature is truly soul feeling.  Cheesy, I know.  But getting off the pavement and into the mountains just feels wholesome and good.  Not to mention beautiful!  Today the sky was so blue, Timp was so white with all the fresh snow, and the grass was so green.  It was amazing.  One of the most  beautiful spring days ever.

4.  There's something exciting about race day.  First signing up and paying for a race commits you to train.  It makes you get out and move long, fast, and far even though you're not in the mood.  And the actual race and all the other racers brings so much energy to your run.  I am always amazed at how much faster I can run on race day.  That extra adrenaline gets you moving!  And lets face it, the people watching is almost the best part.  All the fit bodies, the different outfits and gear, and I have definitely learned to never judge a performance by someones body.  It's amazing what people can do.  Plus it's always fun to meet and talk to new people who love to do what you do.  Lots of inspiring people out there.

5. And last, running races is like going through little artificial trial.  You start and it hurts and its painful,  you wonder if this "Is really what I signed up for?", but you keep moving along and pushing as hard as you can.   Then when it gets to point where I think I've reached my limit, I always have to call on a higher power to help pull me through, and somehow you triumphantly cross the finish line and it feels awesome, knowing that you're done and you were strong enough to do it, leaving you more prepared for the next challenge.

Are you convinced that trail running is a good time?  Who's doing it next year?

Me and my brother Matt at the finish.  P.s.  He ran the full and won the entire race overall!  And set a new course record!  I want to know why I didn't get that share of the gene pool???

Ben biked the last little bit with me and kissed me at the finish.  I need a picture of my parents and sister who were also cheering and the end!

All and all it was a great race.  My first trail race and I am hooked!  I finished in 2:37 with taking a wrong turn and having to stop and take my shoes and gators off so I could get my compression sleeves off because my feet went numb because they weren't getting any blood!  I thought I would come in around 3 hrs. so I was happy with my time.  I placed 15 out of the overall and 9th in my age group.

Good times people...maybe tomorrow when I can't move I'll be telling a different story.

History

I am sure that when my kids get older and learn about the events of 9-11 and Osama Bin Laden being captured and killed, they'll ask me what I remember about it.  I think President Bush's statement reflects my own sentiments.

Former President Bush released the following statement shortly after President Obama spoke tonight:

Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001.

I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude.

This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.

I hope and pray that our nation never sees another tragedy like this, and my heart goes out to those that lost loved ones on that day...

8 Years!

Crazy Right???? No longer young, fresh newlyweds.  Well, Ben decided to keep it fresh and surprised me with a trip to Sausalito and SF.  We lived in SF for a few months right after we got married that felt like an extended honeymoon.  So we tried to relive it!  The week consisted of:

1. Lighthouse pancakes

2. Meat Pies

3. Union Square Shopping

4. Mtn Biking

5. Meeting up with friends and family

6. Trying to sleep in

and

7. Ice Cream--lots of it.

We actually stayed in Sausalito was a perfect, romantic spot, close to all our activities.  The view of the city out our window was amazing!

  We had such a fun time riding.  I think my favorite Mtn Bike ride ever!!  Tamarancho is awesome.  Fabulous single track through redwood forests and lush green hills.  Prettiest ride ever.  I loved it despite beating myself up. Yes I'm covered in scabs and bruises, but it was so worth it.  We also rode some old trails in the Marin Headlands--such a pretty spot.

Such a great way to celebrate.  Thanks for a great trip babe, and thanks for 8 great years and for everything I love most.  I'm a lucky girl to have such a great family:)

Lollipop, Lollipop

Faith had her Spring concert and she loved it of course!  She was beautiful and did great.  It's always fun to watch little girls dance.

This year the did their dance to the Lollipop song. 

Pretending she was holding her lollipop

After the show with her best friend Emma.  Cutest lollipops I've ever seen!

Beauty queens

Daddy with his girl!

My favorite part...The morning of she said to Ben, "Dad, it's a secret, but I know you are going to get me roses."  I'm glad this girl can rely on her daddy to deliver.  And that he did!