The Big Race

So I have some good news, and some bad news. I will be positive and give you the good first. I did it! I finished by second full marathon this year. I ran the Saint George Marathon on the morning of Saturday October 4th. I ran the 26.2 miles in 3 hours 41 minutes and 1 second. Finishing is always good news, but now for the bad, I missed qualifying for Boston by two seconds. Yes, I know what you are thinking, anyone can push for two seconds. Well maybe I could have, but I thought I had it and therefore I did not feel the need to destroy by body any further. Needless to say I now would give my right foot for two seconds. I must add that it did rain the entire time that we ran. It has only rained during one other Saint George Marathon ever, but sometimes that is just how it goes. I developed some severe blisters on my right foot at about mile ten, due to the fact that my shoes and socks were full of water. I am not making excuses for myself, after all it was only two seconds, however I am looking for sympathy if you would like to send your condolences. I am done now with my sad story, but if you would like to check out my detailed results you can click on the link below.
It is not raining today, and probably won't again for a month so we are off to the park. Have a good day.

http://runpix.name/stg08/42/finord.php?LastNameEM=4909

Fall California Trip

The Best Family took a whirlwind trip to California for the sealing of Mike and Margi. I didn't get any good pictures of this wonderful event, but I am sure if you check out their blog they will post some. We were so happy to be there with them, and spend time with family. While there we did make it to the most magical place on earth, at the most magical time of year.
This was a one day Disneyland extravaganza. Needless to say we ran from ride to ride and character to character at warp speed, and loved it. I was most excited about the Halloween decor, I love everything Halloween and it really did make the adventure for me.
Here we are on Minny Mouse's very hard and uncomfortable couch. The kids loved playing in the character' houses, and I must say Minny's house was so cute.
Brad would have spent the entire day in the character's cars if given his choice. We would pull him out and he would take off on a dead run back as soon as he thought nobody was looking. In fact he spent most of the day trying to run off, and/or crowd to the front of very long lines. Many a time he was body surfed back to the family by the nice people in line in front of us.

Crewela Deville was the first character that we came across at Disneyland, and my favorite of the day. She did such a good job, and was a real treat to talk to.
Autumn was very happy to meet Cinderella, but it did not quite make up for not seeing Ariel. She will forever tell people that she went all the way to Disney land and didn't get to see her favorite princess. To make up for the disappointment we had to buy her a stuffed Ariel in the gift shop (problem solved!).
Brad love love loves Mickey Mouse. When we finally got into the private room to see Mickey he began singing Mickey Mouse Club House. Mickey was dancing and every time we thought Brad was done he would just start over singing the same two lines again and again. It was really very special to see him so excited about this classic character.
Gotta love Goofy! It was so much fun to take our kids to Disneyland. Brad and Autumn are the perfect age to fully enjoy the experience. We will have to return in a few years for a more extended visit when Drake can have an equally magical time.

Hanging in BEAVER

Things can always get a little weird when we go to Beaver for a visit. I think it must be the small town atmosphere, it messes with your brain.
First we let Drake take a bath on the driveway with a bucket of water. He stuck his head in the bucket twice to wash his hair, before continuing on to wash the rest of himself. For those of you who find this a bit scary, he was under constant supervision, and no worry of drowning is necessary.
Being a competitive family, like we are, no gathering is complete without a little friendly competition. I won this hand stand competition after four rounds, and some cheating on Ruby's part. We also held a long jump, hand stand walk, and gymnastic competition. I think I won just about everything.
The kids found time to take a little ride on the elk that Grandma Jan will not allow in the house. This beast hangs in the garage, and I think that he is Brads new best friend after Grandpa.
We ended the night with a fashion show. Ruby pulled out Grandma Ruby's selection of old dresses and we modeled them for our adoring fans. Don't we look fabulous?

GOOD TIMES!

Grandpa Brad has a secret weapon when it comes to gaining the love and admiration of his grandchildren. Sadly, for Grandma Jan, it is very effective at winning over the little ones. My kids would walk all the way from Saint George to Beaver if it meant they would be rewarded with a motorcycle ride.

Six Wonderful Years

I can't believe that it has been six years already. It seems like just yesterday I was rocking her to sleep at Primary Children's and now look at her. Autumn really wanted a mouse for her birthday. Everyone was so fascinated (as you can see) UNTIL it scratched Autumn's face and bit her hand. This little guy did not stick around very long, Autumn gave up Minny for a new leapster game.





Grandpa Brad provided rides at the pre-party lunch free of charge. He is all the entertainment my kids ever need.

Piggy piggy piggy.... As most of you know Autumn has a fascination for them, so we made some cake ones to eat and of course Grandma and Grandpa got her a brand new piggy bank.

Then it was off to The Bear Mill for the real celebration. Autumn and her friends had so much fun playing games and building stuffed animals to take home.


I Love you so much Autumn. You are such an important member of our family. You are such a good big sister to your brothers, and they look up to you so much. You have such a talent for music and I love to hear you play your violin every day after school. You have so much confidence and I love that about you. I am the luckiest mom in the world.