the dog

The kids reminded me today that in just TWO days we will be getting our doggy. This family has waited a loooong time for a doggy. I have never had a real pet... just a bird when i was about 10ish. He hardly counts. So I am nervous. It's like that "uh-oh" moment I had when I was pregnant and nearing the delivery. "Wait a minute... what if I changed my mind??" Too late.

Diamond Valley Lake Half Marathon Take 2

The first date scheduled for the race was canceled for "rain." It was a crisp and clear that day! The reschedule day was really rainy, but I guess the organizers felt they could not change it yet again. I have ran in the rain a time or two, on the street though. This was an entirely different story! It was not only pouring rain, but it was extremely windy, causing the rain to be pelted against your body. The dirt path for the race was totally flooded. Some areas 2-3 inches deep. My pants became weighted down with rain and began to drag and get caught in the sludgy mud. So I ran the entire 13.1 with pelting rain, high winds, super cold temps, dragging heavy pants, and soggy shoes. And it was hard but exhilarating. And I might even do it again. In some ways I felt more accomplished than the marathon even. I felt like a true athlete!







I met Karen at the gym and we train together regularly. I love having good conversations on those long training runs!



Even with the rain, I beat my goal! 18th finisher and did an 8:48 pace!





I like to remember the little details. Like my nasty, wet socks.



And my water-logged feet!

Grandpa

I am not sure where we were or what was so funny. But these are priceless pictures of the kind of relationship my dad has with his grandkids. <3

Happy December!

What a way to welcome December. Look what we got delivered personally to our house tonight?? Thank you Melissa and kiddos for such a fun treat. Did I mention how HAPPY we are to have back in Cali?

Some Vaca Faves

My dad took me and the kids to feed the ducks after breakfast at Dees. It is so beautiful in Utah. I cannot visit without a longing to come back. I think it's just because it's home.




Later that night we went to Temple Square with my dad. It was great to take the kids to look at the lights. It was so cold, but worth it! Little Isaac fell asleep on the walk over there from Gateway and missed the whole thing. He was not going to wake up!


Visiting Clark Planetarium


The boys were so happy to get to Aunt Lisa's and have a friend to play with. They loved playing with Parker and all the kids stayed up until midnight! We loved visiting Lisa and her family. I want to live there and have a farm!