Still Alive...

I finally got the nerve to post a couple of pictures from the Mesa Falls half marathon last Saturday. I have never done something so hard. My last race 3 weeks ago went great and I even had juice to finish strong! This race was a different story...we moved...I didn't train as much after my last half and my eating was not up to par. Needless to say I didn't improve my time. I had a challenging, but great experience though. Mark ran it with me and it was awesome to do something like this as a couple. We had a good time, and it was rather humorous having sore muscles together. My mom was at the finish with the kids and boy was it a welcome sight. Our kids ran with us the last 50 yards to the end, they get so excited for us! It is awesome seeing their enthusiasm about us exercising.

Four Bullies and a Guinea Pig

I looked out the window and saw Brooks playing in the water.

I noticed the water would fluctuate and go on right when he bent down to drink it. And then I saw the BIGGER picture...
The other kids were kinking the hose and then releasing it when he came around. I almost died laughing. Things these kids come up with. I couldn't believe they were all in on it. Picking on the runt. Brooks wasn't complaining, and the other kids were loving his reactions. Kids are so innocent...or are they?

It Has Come!

Abbi loved her first day of 1st grade. It just so happens that the neighbor a couple of doors down has a daughter in the same class. They have been playing together since we moved in and it was a great surprise when they found each other with the same teacher. Abbi was relieved to have a friend for all day. Thank heaven for tender mercies!

It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Abbi starts school tomorrow (8hrs 47 minutes).

I'm not sure how to feel.

My baby is going to 1st grade.

School the whole day.

We'll see how it goes...new post and pics to follow.

Mischief

It is no surprise where I find Brooks anymore. I first started worrying after finding him on the table hanging from the light. Brooks has been showing his adventurous spirit with climbing in the diswasher, and over the couch arms. He did climb up the dishwasher with those prickly, pointy things in his feet, and it didn't even seem to bother him. He is so flirty and playful, it's super cute!!!

Troll Bridge

The Girls loved seeing the Fremont Troll that lives under the Aurora Bridge. They asked if he was going to come to life and eat them. It was really cute to see just how scared they were of him. They are so sweet and innocent! He has a hubcap for his eye and is crushing an old school VW Bug. I thought it was pretty cool!

The Locks

This was a great time to see the Salmon as they make their journey. There were some monsters in that water, and all I wanted was a fishing pole!

This post is a catch-up one from a week ago. We took the kids to the Chittenden Locks between Puget Sound and Lake Union. It is here that the boats get raised or lowered to match the level of either the Pudget sound, or Lake Union.

It was great getting to go out with Brando and have some fun. He is great at wearing them out, and is just fun to have around. Thanks Brando for the fun we had this summer!

Blackberry Surprise

We have wild blackberry bushes in the parking lot of our apartment complex. They are EVERYWHERE. Just driving down the road you see them wherever you go. For me this is a new thing, but for those who grew up here it isn't a new concept. We decided to go blackberry pickin' on Sunday morning so I could make a Blackberry Crumble. (recipe below) The kids loved every minute, and each time we park the car they run to the bushes to pick a few to eat.

BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE
3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter
Vanilla ice cream
Directions: In a greased 9-in. microwave-safe pie plate, combine the blackberries, sugar and cornstarch. Cover and microwave on high for 7-8 minutes or until thickened, stirring twice. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, almonds and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over blackberry mixture. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2-3 minutes or until butter is melted. Serve with ice cream. Yield: 4 servings.

After picking berries we found a slug. The girls loved poking at the eyes, and feeling the slime on their fingers. They were content playing with it for a half hour! Where is a slug when I need one for entertainment purposes?

Smokin' Deal

23 Movies for just $22!!!

I went to the local pawn shop and bought some great movies! I am stoked! Not only did I find all the Harry Potter movies, but I found classics like Flight of the Navigator, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, The Little Rascals, o.k. so I could name them all. Great deals like this make me so happy!

RACE DAY

The race was perfect! The weather cooled down and it was foggy with a little mist up through mile 9. It was amazing! We got to cross the Tacoma Narrows bridge which is like the Golden Gate across the Sound. It was a great experience, and I can't wait to try out the Pocatello half in about a month to better my time. There was so much pride in having my family waiting for me at the finish line. Thank Mark for all your support during training and all the time it has taken me to fulfill this goal. Love You!