{heat wave}

I don't know what happened.

Last week we were rolling along in the 60's, and then all of a sudden we were hit with 90 degree temperatures overnight!  The last week has been hot, hot, hot, with no relief in sight.  I told myself (very strongly) that I wouldn't complain about the heat after such a long and arduous winter, and I really am grateful for the sun. But around here it's not just the heat---it's the high humidity that really gets to you.

At our house, it's meant a lot of water time.  Sprinklers/hose on the trampoline, our small (but pretty big) pool, water fights, and anything else we can think of to keep cool.

Last weekend when I had the hose out and was cleaning the front porch, I couldn't help but get the kids a little wet.  They rallied--brought out their defense system of umbrellas and winter sleds, and I must say they were pretty good.

But not quite good enough. :)

.....

Setting up for the first attempt to block my amazing water shots...

I guess Jack didn't fit, lol.  Everyone else is behind there!

Run, Emma, run!

Just the umbrella wasn't enough, maybe the sled will help?

Bringing out the big guns...

I think it worked!

Even Jack and Henry were in on the action...

We laughed and laughed.  Otter pops made it perfection.

{great wolf lodge}

When we went up to the marathon, we stayed at an hotel with an indoor water park.  It was our first time there, and going back is definitely on the must-do list!

After unpacking and getting everything set up, we headed to the water area.  The kids were so excited to swim and see all of their friends, they could hardly contain themselves. 

Everyone had fun, except maybe poor Henry.  He ended up being so scared, which totally surprised me.  He {loves} the water, but I think it was all the extra people and noise that threw him off. He hung out with Gramme in the table area, and snuggled her for most of the time.  

Kate was the adventurer, like I knew she would be.  She rode every big water slide as many times as she could, and her energy was unbeatable.  Emma almost went on the slides, but in the end, she was still too nervous to try it.  I know she would have liked it though--she loves tobogganing, which is basically the same thing except a lot faster and icier! She had a great time in the smaller pool area, and didn't want to  Jack just wanted to be carried around, and then he was okay.  Ryan was off having fun with his friends most of the time, and I love that there was something for everyone.

With my parents there, Rick and I were able to go on all the water slides together...and with Kate, lol.  We don't usually get to do that, so it was a fun treat.

We finished up about 5pm, so we could get dinner and kids into bed, but we knew we could go back the next day to swim some more--which made everyone happy.

After the marathon I needed to get home, but the girls really wanted to stay. Fortunately we had driven separately, so Poppy stayed with the girls while the rest of us drove home.  They had SUCH a great time, and ended up staying almost until closing! I'm so glad they got that time with him--just them--I know they won't forget it.

All in all, I was really impressed with the facilities, and  how fun it was for all of us.  It made this past weekend perfect!

I think we might try this again in the winter...when we can't go outside to swim!

{memorial day}

It was my parents' last day with us, and the holiday, so we decided to head down to Greenfield Village for the day.  It's one of our favorite places, and since my parents hadn't been there before, it was the perfect thing! It was such an enjoyable day, albeit hot, hot, hot! I told myself I am not allowed to complain about the heat after our long and cold winter, and so far so good. :) 

Over the Memorial Day weekend at the Village, more than 450 military reenactors create an authentic Civil War encampment in remembrance of those that came before us and fought for our freedom. It was very well done, we all really enjoyed walking through the tents and experiencing what life was like then.

 

Of course we had to ride the train, the carousel, then have ice cream & slush puppies! Yum!

At the end of the day, the kids were tired but happy.  We did have to say goodbye to Gramme and Poppy, which is always hard to do.  We loved having them there, and we will miss them greatly!

{26.2}

The past 18 weeks have included running hundreds of miles, 3 pair of running shoes, 3 lost toenails, battling snowstorms, freezing temperatures, pouring rain, and hours upon hours of training.

It all culminated this weekend, when I ran my first marathon. 

It was a wonderful weekend---full of family, friends, and excitement in the air everywhere.  I felt good--nervous, but prepared.  I had trained hard for this moment, and I was ready to finally take the plunge.

(our training team before the race)

The day of the race proved to be slightly rainy, but cool--perfect running temperature in my opinion.  There was just one thing wrong--I was sick.  Not just the usual "nerves" sickness that plagues every long distance runner, but really sick, thanks to something I ate the night before--my one fatal error.

The first 13 miles went well, despite numerous stops I had to make in the lovely outhouses along the way.  I was fighting back the nausea, but I was doing okay.  We actually had to slow ourselves down a little, to keep on pace (reserving for the end), and I was feeling encouraged.
By mile 16, I was really feeling terrible, and I knew I just had to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  At mile 19, our FABULOUS friends met us with signs, food, and lots of encouragement.  Brook ran with us for about a mile, which made me cry, but gave me a push when I really needed it.

The last miles are kind of a blur, actually, and were really about survival for me.  I just felt so sick, but stopping was not an option.  Erica was my life preserver--through her motivation and encouragement, I kept going.  We trained together, ran together, and we WERE going to finish together.  Rick joined us at mile 25, after he had finished, and ran with us until the last quarter mile.  His words of support were another lifesaver at a crucial moment, and for that I am grateful.

The last quarter mile was there, and Erica and I grabbed hands.  We crossed the line together, tears pouring down our cheeks, with the cheers of friends and family ringing in our ears.

We did it.  I did it.  I ran a marathon.

With Erica...

Rick and me...

My girls! (Way to go Brook, on her own fantastic race!!!  I'm so proud of her!  I can't wait until we can all run together again...)

.....

It was a very bittersweet experience for me.  I worked really hard, followed the training, and reached outside of myself to accomplish something I didn't ever think I could.  I'm proud of myself for trying, and finishing.  But there is a part of me that is disappointed.

We said from the beginning that we weren't worried about running it in a certain time--just to finish was the goal.  I haven't changed that mindset at all, but we had kind of an idea where we might fall based on our longest training runs.  Because of all the time taken when I needed to stop for the bathroom, and the much slower pace I had to adopt the last 8 or 9 miles, the end result was quite different than what I expected, and what I know we could have done. Knowing I could have been faster is hard to swallow, especially after so much work.

I've had a lot of time to think about this the last couple of days, and I AM proud of myself.  It took a lot for someone that never considered herself a "runner" to train and run the distance.  I finished, and kept going in spite of unfortunate circumstances.  An ending time does not take any of that way, nor should it.

I am turning that disappointment into determination.

I'm going to keep running, because I love it, and I want to only get better and faster from here.

And don't be surprised when I sign up for the next one...

(despite what I said at the finish line) :)

{friday night}

Friday night Rick and Ryan were on a Scout campout, so my parents and I decided to take the little ones out for a fun night downtown. It's the historic downtown district, full of cute shops, yummy restaurants, the farmer's market, a huge park, the baseball stadium and more.  It's a gathering place for the community, but especially on the weekends.  This Friday night was no exception, and the whole are was full of families and couples out enjoying the beautiful evening.

We ate at our favorite pizza place, and it was SO good.  Of course the kids loved it, especially when we got ice cream too.   After we finished, we walked to the river and let the kids run around and play for awhile.

We happened to come across a large field of dandelions, and ended up being there for awhile.  They were each fascinated by them, and it was so fun to see them discover something new.  

When we got home it was time for a quick bath--with all four littles in the tub.  It's a little crazy with all of them in there at the same time(especially for Jack Jack--he usually gets smooshed in the corner), but sometimes it just has to be done when haste is necessary. Jammies and bedtime soon followed--for all of us!

It was such a fun night--we're looking forward to many more while Gramme and Poppy are here!

{a trip to utah and a quiet house}

Last week was a big week.  We had all been looking forward to it, but none more than Miss Kate.  She was going to ride on an airplane for the the first time, and just couldn't wait.

.....

Rick's dad was celebrating his 70th birthday, and there was a huge surprise party planned for him with friends and family.  What could be a better surprise than showing up on his doorstep?  

We knew we couldn't all go, but he could definitely take one of the babies.  We are always asked how we decide which one will go, and this time it was easy--Henry B. was the one.  He's just an overall more laidback toddler, and much easier to travel with.   When we got online to purchase tickets, we were amazed by the low prices at our small local airport (which is unusual), and it was decided that one of the girls would get to go too.  Fortunately that was also an easy decision this time around.  Emma went with me last time, so it was Kate's turn.  She was THRILLED to say the very least.  She is my adventurer-the one that would be out and about all day if let her, while Emma is content to be at home.

The day finally arrived, and after much anticipation it was time to go to the airport.  I dropped them off and went home--to a very quiet house.  It was to be the first of many of those moments during the week, as I suddenly had 3 kids, and realized how much of a difference it made.

.....

UTAH

Rick and the kids had absolutely wonderful time.  They stayed with Rick's brother and his family, and Kate LOVED spending time with her cousins, especially their oldest daughter who is almost 12.  They played outside, ran through the sprinklers, painted toenails, and Kate looked forward to her coming home from school every day.

I loved hearing about all of their adventures, but it made me homesick to think of all the places they were seeing and things they were doing.  They spent time in Pine Valley, Zion National Park (my FAVORITE), Snow Canyon, on campus at Dixie State College where we met, and ate at some of our favorite restaurants.

Rick took pictures on his iphone, so they aren't the greatest quality, but I love them!

The both did really well on the plane, thanks to lots of snacks and some fun games on Rick's phone.  Henry is obsessed with buckling and unbuckling anything he can, so he spent a good few hours with the airplane buckles.  My favorite thing is that Kate asked the flight attendant where the parachutes were..she thought they were jumping out of the plane!  Even more amazing is the fact that she was still excited about going.  That girl--she is my daredevil to be sure.

They hiked into the Narrows at Zion, and also the Emerald Pools.  I was impressed that Rick could carry Henry the whole time on his shoulders, lol.  Kate loved the freedom of the beautiful scenery, and the fact that she could run to her heart's content.  She said to Rick's brother..."Stop looking at the scenery, and let's get going!".  LOL.  She kills me.  Climbing up to the Dixie was also a highlight, and it was fun to think of my kids being in a place that I loved growing up--and where Rick and I spent time together.  Hopefully our whole family can go soon!

A visit to the campus of Dixie State College was a must.  Rick and I met and then graduated from there, and it's literally one of our most favorite places on earth.  I served on the Executive Council (student government), and LOVED everything I was able to experience and accomplish.  When the sidewalks were re-done while we were students, we were able to put our handprints and names in the new cement. It was fun for Kate to see mine there.

Seeing all of his family was a huge part of being there for Rick.  All of his siblings were in town, and they were able to see new nieces/nephews/cousins for the first time. Picnics, dinners, BBQ's, sleepovers, parties, and plenty of playtime were all a part of their trip, and I am just so happy that they were able to do it all.  Kate just ate it up, and still hasn't stopped talking about it.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip, and one I know they will not soon forget.

.....

HOME

While they were away, Ryan, Jack, Emma and I had our own little vacation at home.  I still can't believe how much of a difference it made--the house felt so quiet!  I really wanted to make it a fun week for them too, and we definitely did.

One night after I had rehearsal, it was 10:30pm--totally late, and WAY past their bedtime.  Emma asked me if we could make popcorn, and I said yes.  We all climbed in bed, ate popcorn, watched a movie, and fell asleep.  Something so simple ended up being something really memorable.  We ate out, went to the park, the library, stayed up late, watched movies, went shopping, spent time with friends, and more.  I was so glad to have some one-on-one time with each of them, but especially Emma, who is normally with Kate 99% of the time. 

On a personal level, I also experienced a little about what I can only think to call the "normal" life of a mom.  Not that I don't think I'm normal (because everyone defines their own normal), but it's a different normal than most mothers I know.  It's not even as much the amount of kids, but the proximity of ages that can make things tricky. I can't go to the grocery store and just have a cart--both my babies don't fit.  I have to push a stroller and pull a cart if I'm getting much of anything at all, but it usually just means I go when Rick's home and avoid the craziness of it all.   It sounds silly, but when I go to Target, I can't just take my kids out of the car, walk in to the store, and put them in a cart.  A stroller is always involved wherever I go, even for small amounts of time.  I LOVE my life and my kids, and wouldn't change a thing, but it was interesting to experience, and caused  for some reflection I was glad to have.

All in all, it was a great time for everyone, but picking them up at the airport was the best part of the week.

{an easter tradition}

It's tradition.

Taking pictures on the front porch on Easter Sunday has been done every year since Ryan was little, but this year we missed them due to illness. I was so sad about it that I had all the kids come out this morning before church to take a few shots.

Here are a few outtakes...

Yes, I realize that they look very similar, lol. I love all the looks in each photo, and honestly, I've never had this many actually turn out before!!
.....

{2 girls and soccer}

I love watching my girls grow, and their differences becoming even more apparent. They are playing soccer this season, and their opinions on the matter are completely opposite.

.....

Soccer according to Kate:

"This is GREAT!"

"Can we play everyday?"

"I'm going to get them..." (with a grimace on her face)

"I chased them down, Mom!"


Soccer according to Emma:


"I don't like these pointy shoes!" (cleats-"pointy" on the bottom)

"I like the white team better. It's a prettier color." (Our team was green)

"I do not look pretty in this outfit!" (her soccer jersey, shorts, and shin guards)

and my personal favorite...

"It hurts my leg to kick that fast."

.....

Emma still hasn't been on the field--not for practice or in a game. She sits by me and we cheer on Kate, and she'll say how proud she is of her sister. As soon as the game is over, she hops down as fast as she can to get her juice and snack. I love it though--we have great conversations about pretty much anything other than soccer. :) I'm glad she had the opportunity to play, and now we can find something else that she is going to love.

Kate loves being on the field, chasing the ball (in perfect 4 year old beehive fashion), and doesn't mind the mud one little bit. She's a girl after my own heart for sure!

Saturdays have just become a lot more fun! (and busy...)

{birthday girls}

My girls are {5}.

They were sweet babies...

darling toddlers...

and are now beautiful 5 year old girls.

.....

We actually didn't celebrate on their birthday this year. The boys were sick all week long, and Rick was working long hours. Luckily they are young enough not to notice, and adding on a few more "sleeps" was done easily enough. Celebrating on the weekend always seems to work a little better anyway, and this was no different.

They woke up this morning to breakfast--their choice of sour cream cinnamon muffins, hash browns, and orange juice. They were also surprised with a fun box of cold cereal, which is always a treat since I never buy sugar cereals. They ate pretty fast so they could get to their presents, and squealed with delight when they were finally opening them. It was so fun to see how excited they were, and they loved everything they received.

After church we had a BBQ in the backyard, then had an absolute riot on the trampoline. We laughed and laughed--it was delightful. I came in for a few minutes with the girls to finish frosting their cake. They each got to decorate one side, and boy, they went to town with the sprinkles! They love to be a part of decorating, and it's so fun to do together.

After cake and ice cream (they couldn't wait to blow out the candles!), we went inside for a rousing game of Pretty Pretty Princess. Rick and Ryan were a team, and played against Kate, Emma, and me. It was hilarious to see these big boys covered in princess jewelry as the game progressed, and they even ended up winning in the end.

That Emma-girl just cracks me up... tonight she said to me, "Mom? Remember when I was 4?"

Yes Emma, I do. Like it was yesterday. :)

.....

Happy Birthday sweet girls--I love you.