Mud Run 2007

Before....
...and after!
Our team crossing the finish line.
Celebrating (at Pinkberry- YUM!) afterwards.
So who is in for next year?? We did the Mud Run this weekend and decided it will definitely be an annual tradition! So start your training NOW. We had the greatest time. In all seriousness, we are going to be putting together a huge group for next year, and everyone is welcome, so think about heading to So Cal next June and join us! We had 4 out of 6 kids and 3 out of 6 spouses. It was such a blast! We spent the rest of the weekend watching the kids and their cousins destroy my brother's beautiful house in Temecula. A great time was had by everyone. Thanks Todd and Jen!! We missed you Ben and Nate. Next year: no excuses! If I can do it, anyone can. Let me know if want in!!

On another note, my mom is back in the country and we are all gathering in Idaho tomorrow (even my dad) for my grandmother's funeral. So while it was a great weekend, it was somewhat bittersweet. It was great to be with my brother and sisters, I can't wait to all be together tomorrow in Twin Falls at my grandparents farm.

Ella and Alex: reunited!

Our good friends the Scoresby's are in town and we were so lucky to meet up with them this morning. Ella was one of Alex's best buddies from our days in Dallas, and it was so great to watch them reconnect with each other. Seeing Lynette was so great- she is one of the strongest, most positive people I have in my life- I love her and am constantly amazed by her. Thanks for making some time for us today guys!! We love you!!

Meet Papa

Sometimes I think this man was born in the wrong era. He is shown above roping a homemade bull (which was made by him) in the middle of June in suburban Tempe Arizona in the year 2007. Can you feel the joy from the look on his face?? Love him.

A couple from tonights swim party...

I love Will's confidence in himself. He was totally sure that he could figure out a way to get that basketball in the hoop.
Alex was in the pool from 4:30-8pm, when we dragged him out (screaming I might add.) There is nothing this child loves more than being thrown around in the pool by his dad.

This is how we keep it cool in AZ.

What to do on a Saturday when it's over 100 degrees outside? We took 'em ice skating, and they loved it! Alex has been twice before in Texas, and Will was an enthusiastic first-timer. We found out that they offer skating lessons starting at age 3. Looks like Alex will be adding another activity to his extra-curriculars come fall! (Excuse the quality of the pictures, they were taken through the glass.)

Nana Camp!

This week Nana (Julie-Alan's mom) held her annual Nana Camp for all of the grandchildren age 4 and up. Whew, we barely made the cutoff this year. She organized 2 days of non-stop fun-filled activities for the crew (total count: 8 kids ages 4-9.) I don't have many pictures because I wasn't there- this camp is run by Nana herself (with some help from Papa and a few aunties who joined for parts of the fun.) The did all kinds of activities: made t-shirts, swam, had a barbeque, played with Papa's assorted inventions (like stomp rockets as pictured above), went to a water park, had a cake decorating contest, decorated hats... and I can't remember what else. Alex had a great time being with his "big cousins." He looks up to them so much and they are so good to him, always looking out for him and helping him keep up with the crew. Sometimes when we are with them I think about how lucky my boys are to have these spunky, funny, smart, kind, "big-kid" examples around on a regular basis. Had we decided to live anywhere else they would be missing out on the relationships they are developing with each of them. I'm really, really glad they aren't' missing out.

Summertime

Umm, I think we need to teach Will the proper way to eat an ice cream cone. He was definitly going his own way tonight as he chowed on a drumstick at nana and papa's house. As long as he's happy, I guess it works for me!
Alan's parents had us all over tonight for a yummy summer dinner and swimming for FHE. The boys love being with their cousins. I loved watching Alex be braver than usual and jump off the diving board holding Sam's hand and not looking the least bit afraid. They were exhausted after our crazy day (first day of summer camp, trip to the library, errands, swimming lessons) and both feel asleep on the car ride home from Nana's. As I was carrying Will up the stairs he looked at me and said "Bed." And as I was carrying Alex to his room, I told him I loved him and he said, "I love you too. And Mommy? You take good care of me." Thank you child, for making it all worth it by sharing a moment like that with me.