Sunday, June 22, 2008

School's Out for Summer!


We are (at least I am!) enjoying having no where that we "have" to be. This will be a long update, but hopefully you will enjoy the pictures!

First off, our trip to the beach was fantastic!

Good friends, beautiful weather, and a great marathon. What more can you ask for? I ran the race with SuziePetunia and our other good friend Smith, and my really good friends Melissa and Aaron came down to cheer me on.

I still have not qualified for Boston, but I am within 8 minutes!! My plans right now are to relax, train for a triathlon, and then maybe next year try for Boston again. A more detailed race report is on Marathon Mommies.

We built sand castles on the beach, watched baby seals, walked on the rocks and just enjoyed nature and being outside.





























































First on the list after finishing school- a family race! We ran in the Nike 5k for Kids, which gives the money back to the PE program of your school. I had planned to run the 5k, with Dallin, Jeff and Emily running the 1 mile kids race. Well, at the last minute Jeff was given the chance totake part in the "Blackberry Challenge" a kind of 1 day amazing race. So, we had a friend of ours come help with the kids while I ran in my 5k. Then I ran in the 1 mile with the kids, pushing Bryce! We had such a good time. It was so much fun to run with the kids. My race went really well also. Amazingly enough, my time was fast enough to get 3rd place in my age division. The best part was the look on Dallin's face when they called my name. I went up to get my plaque and Dallin yelled, "Yea Mommy!" When I asked Dallin his favorite part of the day, he said it was when I got my award. So sweet! And so you know, Jeff had a fun time in his race also.















Dallin graduated from Kindergarten! He had a great year, and I am so glad that he enjoys learning so much. His teacher was phenomenal, I just hope she is still there in 3 years when Emily is in Kindergarten. The bad news is my camera ran out of batteries, so the only picture I have is from the end of year party.






















Our first big adventure of the summer was a camping trip. It was raining and cold the weekend before, so we were a little nervous. It turned out to be beautiful weather. It was a little cold at night, and the water in the lake was freezing, but we had a great time!! What beats s'mores, waterskiing, bike riding, and just hanging out- no TV, internet, etc. I love watching the kids just be kids. Also a nice surprise was how happy Bryce was. It was a very enjoyable Father's Day Weekend with great friends! We also celebrated Suziepetunia's birthday! She was such a good sport. Camping has not been on the top of her list, but she was willing to give it a try. I think (hope) she had a great time. It was fun to spend her birthday with her and her cute family.


















































Finally, we are caught up to this weekend! Friday was spent at the park and then strawberry picking. Dallin was a man on a mission, picking only the biggest, reddest strawberries. Emily had a great time filling her bucket, and Bryce just enjoyed the fruits of their labor! I spent Saturday morning making jam, and we were given a freezer, so I finally have somewhere to store berries!Oregon is the best place for picking berries!

































Friday night, we ventured out to the drive-in. I was a little nervous, but I thought it was worth a try. We met up with 3 families, who actually live on our street, and we set out chairs and just hung out until 10pm when the movie started! (That's what we get for going on the longest day of the year!) We saw Kung Fu Panda, which everyone loved, and then the kids (and me!) fell asleep during Indiana Jones! We got home at 2am, but we had a great time. Bryce even slept through both movies!

































Yesterday, after making jam, we just cleaned up around the house, and then Suziepetunia and her family came over. It was an impromptu get together, that started with a little idea that we take turns going on a run. So, Taylor and Sarah went first and then Jeff and I went for a beautiful run through the country back roads. It was hillier than both of us are used to, and it was hot (which I am not used to!) but it was a great way to spend time together. When we got back Jeff grilled awesome burgers, and Taylor made this scrumptious strawberry shortcake! We also played a little guitar hero!





























Well, wow, I am tired and I am sure you are tired from reading this. I am ready to go back to relaxing. We are looking forward to a quiet, fun summer.

13 comments:

Suzie Petunia said...

What a fun life you have!! I'm glad your summer is off to a great start. I'm so happy I've been a part of it. And just for the record... I had a GREAT time camping! Even on my birthday. No, ESPECIALLY on my birthday!

Chelle said...

Your families are making the most amazing memories together.

And oh, Oregon berry picking!! Some of my very favorite memories or our days in Oregon was doing just that! : )

Rach said...

What a great update!! Sounds like you are having a lot of fun! Summer time is so fun.

Molly said...

It was good to see your comment on my blog! After all the help you and Suzie P gave me getting mine up and going I never really gave you the official invite. Even though I see you a lot it's fun to see what you do besides run(and swim and bike). You and your fam are so cute!

Brittany said...

Wow! You have been busy! Looks like you are definitely enjoying the summer! Congrats on only being 8 minutes away from qualifying... you are awesome! I love all of the pictures... They make me miss Oregon, the beach, and strawberry picking... so fun! Glad your enjoying it all!

Emily said...

You have a talent for making everyday fun. I wish you a great summer! (Dang I miss Oregon berries!)

ped crossing said...

You are way too busy. But keep having fun anyway!

Kristyn said...

Wow----you have so much going on. Good for you guys! We've been quite boring lately (Adam gone for a week, Mason in swimming lessons for 2 weeks, etc.). Those things really put a stop to going out and doing much. But....we are anxiously awaiting our trip to Cali. It's good to read up on you!

Angi and Jared Cowley said...

I tagged you on my blog, time to be insightful!

Diane said...

Very Very fun! I could almost taste the strawberries! Thanks for sharing your fun times....Love seeing those grandkids loving life!

Tifferbob said...

Great idea to take turns running and then having dinner afterwards. I want some friends like that. I need to start making some in this new ward.

Jadie said...

You have so many blogs! So is this the one that I can regularly check in on?

Hallway Express said...

It is nice to know that you are loving summer. Ours has been super busy as well, but the busyness is what makes life fun sometimes. I plan on a relaxing August, then school, soccer and a new baby! Wow, I am so inspired by your running ability. I am anxious to get this baby out and get on track again.