3 Sisters, 13.1 Miles

Occasionally I find myself looking for a good excuse to get away with the gals for a weekend. I've discovered that "running events" are a sure ticket to that kind of freedom and fun. Since it seems that in life, nothing is free, then this is a sweet deal. Sure it's a lot of work to train & prepare, but the rewards are so worth it. The Painter's Half Marathon in St. George is one of my favorites. It was my inaugural run in January 2006- the one that started it all. This was my fourth time running it. Luckily I had good company- Cassie (who ran her first "Half" here last year) and Amy- her Inaugural! We all crossed the finish line alive and upright. It was so fun to spend time together: pasta dinner, the movie and junk food, the late-night chat, the celebration lunch and shopping. All in all it was a great get-away! Thanks- ladies for all the fun and encouragment! Thanks, Sean, for keeping the kids- at home- and for supporting my training.

How Sweet it is to be 7

Celebrating someone's Birthday has always been big on my list. To celebrate Jerett= 100% DELIGHT! He's been so very excited about it--- the countdown, the planning, the reminding- and then Birth Day arrives and he IS the party! One thing I loooove about this boy is his enthusiasm for life! He just emulates happiness and gratitude for the even the very small and simple things. I can't help but feel such a deep love for this fun-loving, sometimes crazy, always tender boy! So glad you're in my fam Jer-Ber! 7 never looked so good!

We had Jerett's party at Chuck E Cheese in Las Vegas.

Jerett's best buddies/cousins made it- Jakob & Stewart.

The Petersens joined us too. Jerett was stoked Colten & Paigey could come!

One Decade

It's crazy how time just flies- then all of the sudden a moment of reality hits and you realize what seems like should have be a long amount of time- really isn't. That's what happened on Duston's birthday! We've been parents for 10 years now- one very crazy, wonderful, busy decade. And now that I've stopped to think about it- there isn't anything I'd rather have done with all that time! Just wish i could slow it down a bit. We're sure grateful for this kid- he's funny, smart, happy, helpful and handsome. He adores his siblings and they all love him! I'm so glad to have him in my life and in our home. Love you big D! Here's to another really great and adventurous decade!

We had a flag football game after school for Duston's friend party. Everyone had a blast!

Even Jerett and Mikelle got in on the action.

Family joined us for a pizza party to top off the big day!