Half Marathon Completed!

For a little over 4 months now I have been running with two friends from my ward, Jen and Diana. We started training with the goal of running a half marathon - something that only Jen had done before. Actually before this year, I had never run further than 5 miles at one time! Part of our training included running the Orem Fest 5K in June and the Provo Freedom Festival 10K in July.

Well, Saturday Jen and I finished the Park City Half Marathon in 2 hours and 16 minutes! It was a beautiful race with very little incline and lots of scenic, shady trail. The last two miles were torturous for me, but Jen stuck by me the whole way and we even sprinted the last few yards.

It feels great to have achieved a goal and I am looking forward to more great races!

I know this isn't the most flattering picture, but hey, I'd just run 13 miles!

It made me so happy to have my family there to support me - even if my kids wouldn't look at the camera! Bryon, Kari and my mom were there too!

So, who wants in for next year?

Ashlyn is 3!

Today our precious Ashlyn turned three years old! She wasn't feeling very well, but we still enjoyed swimming and shopping and eating together. We love you angel!

Smile

Each time I asked Ashlyn to smile she gave me a 'special' face:

This one is my favorite. What is going on?!

An Eventful Weekend

This year we planted our first garden, and by garden I mean tomato patch. We put in 5 tomato plants and this is the first of their fruits:

I'm very proud. I don't think I would have been at all surprised if our plants didn't produce a thing because I have the opposite of a green thumb. The tomato tasted alright - pretty strong. I didn't mind once it was cut up and put in a salad.

Every year our ward has a pioneer day party that starts with a children's parade. We decided to participate for the first time this year and here are the kids in the wagon ready to go.

Sunday we celebrated Ashlyn's 3rd birthday with her cousin, Brigg. Here they are in grandma and grandpa's backyard all ready to open presents.

Brigg had his present open in no time.

Ashlyn was struggling with the ribbon, but she persevered . . . and it was worth the wait!


Carter got into the action.

Daddy put it together.

After the helmet was securely in place,

Ashlyn started scooting away!

Q&A

During our Family Home Evening lesson last night:

Brad asks Ashlyn: What are some rules mommy and daddy give you?

Ashlyn: Umm . . . cinnamon rolls.

July Update

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way, but I love watching my husband with the kids. He loves them and they love him. Last Sunday Carter and Brad were just chillin on the couch together. What could be better?

Carter sitting still like this is pretty amazing - it only happens when he is tired or sick. So, he was probably about ready for bed.

Last week Ashlyn went to her friend's princess party. The invitation asked them all to dress up, so we pulled our her Snow White costume. This is what I was hoping she would wear for Halloween this year. I think she makes a pretty cute Snow White! She had a great time at the party where she decorated a crown and a wand and searched for a poison apple!

We've been enjoying doing stuff with the Jennes and Smiths this summer. Just last week we hung out in Jen's back yard and played in the pool and the sandbox and on a blanket.

Last night the kids fell asleep on our bed. Is there anything more precious than sleeping kids? Melt my heart.

It's Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! However, this post isn't going to be about that . . .

Sunday night we were at Brad's parents home for dinner and the kids were playing outside. Ashlyn loves the slide and swings.

Carter was perfectly content sitting in the grass and playing with balls.

I know this picture isn't the greatest, but I think it's cute.

Happy boy. Strong boy.

Mason and Lorie have been at our house this weekend. Mason broke his fibula and he has a walking cast, which Ashlyn loves.

We bought a bench/ottoman for our family room and Ashlyn likes to "sleep" in it. Carter and her could probably play in it for an hour!

Thursday morning we went to Jamba Juice to take advantage of the Buy One, Get One Free coupons. I've tried quite a few flavors, but I still prefer Peach Pleasure. Here's the crew:

We love when Mason and Lorie are in town! Family on the Fourth is the best!