Three, Three, Three Weeks in One!

We have had a busy and eventful last few weeks, hence, no blogging. Two weekends ago, we went to Sandy to visit Jeff's parents. The next week, Glen, Jody, and Gardner came to stay for a few days, the next day, My sister, Fawn, her husband and five kids came to stay for a week. Add in St. Patrick's Day, the first day of spring, and Easter, and you get a whole lot of fun, with not a lot of spare time. The highlights of the past few weeks have been: A visit from Jeff's parents, The Thompson family picnic where I got to catch up with cousins I haven't seen since I moved away from Utah, the kids Easter egg hunt and planting of magic jelly beans (courtesy of Aunt Lisa), a trip to the wildlife museum in St. George with Grandma, Grandpa, Fawn and Rob and kids, and Kit and Lindsey and kids followed by an afternoon in Red Cliffs where it was so warm, the kids played in the water in their skivvies, shopping in St. George with the girls while the boys took the kids home, a trip to with the nieces and nephews to feed baby lambs at the college farm, and last but not least, exciting news that Brett and Marissa had their second son, Vann (congrats guys!). Throw in a few P.T.A meetings, orchestra rehearsals, band practices, trips to the park, and race training days, and it makes for a full couple of weeks!

Easter Family Home Evening

My dear, wonderful mother is a great teacher and always finds opportunities to teach the grandchildren. She put together an Easter FHE to present to all 11 grandkids on Easter evening. Unfortunately, the kids all had Britton's attitude about Easter Sunday which is (and I quote) "The Easter bunny comes on Saturday, so all we have to do on Sunday is think about Jesus". When he said this, it was not with enthusiasm. Anyway, the FHE lasted about ten minutes and that was probably nine minutes too long, but hey, you've got to try...

13.1 is a whole lot of fun!

Jeff and I had a speedy overnighter in Moab this weekend to run the Canyonlands half marathon. It is a beautiful course which follows the Colorado river down a flat canyon to the city. My favorite part of the race was passing a group of about 15 women playing huge drums made out of wine barrels. You could hear the drums echoing up the canyon for a good mile before you could actually see them and it was just the shot in the arm I needed to finish the last three miles. (I happen to know that they are music therapists, which makes them even cooler!)

I have decided that half marathons are the way to go for me. You don't have to be an athlete to do them. (anyone that knows me very well knows that I am living proof of that.) You can train for them running three to four times a week and still have a reasonably good finishing time.( My idea of "good" is anything under ten minute miles.) They do not kill your body(I feel pretty good today, whereas after the marathons, I pretty much wanted to die!). People don't really understand the difference between a half and full marathon - 13 miles, 26 miles, it is all the same once you hit double didgets! (In reality, training for a full marathon is MUCH harder and takes WAY more time!) You usually get a really good shirt and good post-race treats! ( that is half the reason I like doing races - all the free stuff). So, it you are looking for a little physical challenge, the 13.1 is a lot of fun!

Happy Birthday Dear Emily!!!

Emily finally turned four this week. I say finally because people have been asking if she was four well, since she was two. I no longer have to have the "Wow! I can't believe it! She is the tallest three year old I have ever seen!" conversation. She is tall, and she is smart, and she is thoughtful, and she is fun, and she is funny, and she is sensitive, and she is full of life! Emily had two birthday parties, one with friends and one with family. For both parties she was intricately involved of the planning of invitations, food, dec0rations, refreshments, games, and most importantly, party favors. Emily lives for celebrations. The day of her friend party, while we were finishing up the preparations, we had several conversations like these: "Um, mom, do you think we should call my friends and remind them that I really like presents?" "No, Emily. I am sure they already know that you like presents." So, mom, do you think I should call them and tell them that it is going to be a real party?" "Emily, we told them on the invitation that it would be a party." "Mom, do you think I should take a little taste of the cake?" "Nope, you will get to taste it in a little while." etc... Anyway, the parties were fun. The family party was a little less fun due to the lack of party games, but was redeemed with some jump roping courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa Thompson. Emily has had fun playing with her new toys, and makes sure to give them all equal attention. She has also enjoyed her new bed. She and Britton have been sleeping on mattresses on the floor since we moved, so we gave Emily a bed with a trundle so Britton may still sleep in her room if he likes, and he does. So, it has been a fun week!

Brock Never wears a hat, but was tickled with his party hat, and wore it the whole party!

Emily's New Bed!