First Family Camp Out

We went on our first family camp out. I don't know why but we never took James camping last summer. We love to camp so I'm glad we got to go before the weather gets too cold. We went with the Tibbs family. James and Camden were entertained by rocks, sticks, and bugs.

It was cold after the sun went down. We enjoyed sitting around the campfire.

Lynnlee was bundled up the whole time. She did really well camping.

We started out the night with James in the pack n' play and Lynnlee in her travel bed but by the end of the night the kids were both in our sleeping bags. It was fun to snuggle. Saturday morning Marshall and Brandon made a yummy breakfast.

Then we went for a walk. The trees are so beautiful right now. Here's the Tibbs family.

After our walk we cleaned up camp and then went fishing at Tibble Fork Reservoir. It was a fun and memorable first family camp out.

Marathon

Saturday I ran my first marathon. Here's a little summary of how the weekend went:

Friday afternoon we drove to Logan. When we got there we drove the last 8 miles of the race so I could know a little of what to expect at the end. Later we had a big spaghetti dinner with Miranda's (Marshall's sister) family. We slept at Marshall's Aunt's house that night. Saturday morning at 5:00 Marshall drove me to the bus stop. It was 55 degrees in Logan. From there I took a bus to the starting line at Hardware Ranch which is up Blacksmith Fork Canyon. I was so nervous the whole way up. I don't know the exact temperature at the starting line but it felt freezing and I could see my breath. My toes were literally numb while I was waiting for the race to start.

The race started at 7:05. I was excited to start running so I could warm up. At mile 2 I finally got feeling back in my toes. I was so tired and cold the first few miles. I just tried to stay focused and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

I got into a good groove from about mile 5 until I hit the half way mark. It had been mostly downhill so I ran a faster pace than normal since I had the downhill helping me. Miles 14 through 18 went by fast and I was looking forward to meeting up with Marshall. Luckily his Aunt and Uncle suggested someone run with me the last few miles of the race. That was the best advice!

At mile 19 I started to get a cramp in my calf. I had never had this before in all my training so it freaked me out. I kept trying to stretch it out while running. Marshall met up with me at mile 21 and by then I started to have leg cramps in both my legs. It was bad. I had a hard time keeping up a good pace. He told me how to stretch it out while running and also I decided to eat a banana at the next aide station and within another mile all my leg cramps had gone away! Marshall really had to push me the last few miles. (Thanks Miranda for watching my kids so Marshall could run with me!) I was so tired but he got me through it and ran with me to the end. My official time was 4 hours and 2 minutes. I couldn't have been more happy.

I had 2 goals for the race. First goal was to run the whole race, no walking and second goal was to finish as close to 4 hours as I could. So I'm glad I was able to meet both goals. Thanks to everyone for your support!

This is right as I'm meeting up with Marshall at mile 21.

This is after the race. I couldn't stand to have my shoes on anymore!

The Cabin

A few weekends ago we were able to go to a cabin in Oakley with Anthony, Beckie and Lily. We had a really good time and it was nice to relax the weekend before my race. Although we stayed up late talking and playing games every night so I think I came home more tired but it was worth it. Here are some pics from the weekend:

We went three-wheeling. Don't worry, we went super slow with both kids riding with us and were on private roads.

James and Lily had fun playing together.

Anthony and Beckie in front of the cabin.

Saturday morning we went fishing at Smith and Morehouse. We took their pants off so they wouldn't get them wet in the water.

Lynnlee hung out in her car seat while we fished.

Hanging out on the swing.

Thanks Anthony and Beckie for a fun weekend!

Labor Day

We had a fun Labor Day weekend. We went to stayed at my parent's house most the weekend and went to Swiss Days. It's nice to get away and stay at my parent's even though they don't live too far from us. I feel like a kid again. We stay up late, play Dr. Mario, and watch movies.

Friday night we played outside with the kids.

James loves Grandma Ruth's swing!

Then we went on a walk around the neighborhood. James insisted on pushing Lynnlee.
Monday we celebrated Lydia's birthday in the morning. Then that afternoon we went for a hike up Battle Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove. Here's the view from the trail.

We were happy to have Charlie, Angeline, Ashlyn and Lydia join us!

It is only about a half mile to this beautiful waterfall. It is a great hike for kids!

Family Reunion

We went to a family reunion up American Fork Canyon a few weekends ago. It was going to be our first family camp out since having James and Lynnlee. (I don't know why we never took James last summer because we love camping!) It ended up being really cold and rainy so I took Lynnlee home to sleep but Marshall and James got to camp. James did really well and loved sleeping in the "tunnel" (tent).

Our campsite was right next to a little creek. James and Lilly were entertained all morning throwing rocks into the water. Tyson made a game out of it. He lined up rocks on the bridge and then Lilly and James pushed them in.

It was so fun to have Lynnlee spend time with her Great Grandma Collier!

The Boat

This is the best boat ever! It's been in the family for about 13 years. We have had many good times on this boat! This picture was taken about 10 years ago at Lake Powell.

My parents took their boat on Deer Creek a few Saturdays ago and we got to go with them. James and Lynnlee were required to wear life jackets the whole time but they didn't seem to mind.

Marshall and I had fun jumping off the top into the water. I don't look as cool as Marshall does jumping in.

James had fun watching us.

James and Marshall went on the tube behind the boat. James didn't like that so much. I think James thought he was being left.

Here's my Mom. Sorry Dad I didn't get a picture of you too!

We even got to see the Heber Creeper. James loved it!

Thanks Mom and Dad for the fun day!