Utah Valley Marathon

The last two years we have helped at an aide station for the Utah Valley Marathon. It is so much fun. The kids love it. For one early morning it is worth it.

Abby and Jared posing for the early morning.

We are getting everything set up. It is a huge rush all at once. It is awesome when the top athletes spring past you. We were right across from bridal vale falls in Utah. It was so beautiful.

Abby passing out drinks.

Jared getting more water.

Curtis and Dad passing our drinks.

Curtis decided that he would run too. He would run up the hill and then he would run back down collecting drinks from everyone.

Here he is getting his first drink.

He is running hard.

Now to get his second drink. He would do this over and over and over again. I guess he got a good workout. It is one of our favorite things to do in the summer. The weather is great and It is fun to see the action up front.

Mark on News Radio

Mark was on the radio last week. The kids were so excited to hear him. They had a booth at school to talk about information security and computers. The local news station interviewed them and then the radio station called him up. It is sad to think that this little mid-life back to school is almost over. We have loved it here.

My Parents Anniversary

This year for my parent's anniversary we went out to dinner as a family. It was a lot of fun. They kids were so excited to be part of the celebration.

The whole group.

Curtis loves time with his cousins.

Abby and Carley

Jared

Jared and Kat

The happy couple. Married 36 years.

Papa and Millie

Curtis and Kassy

Grandma and Kassy

Millie, Grandma, and Kassy

Jared and Millie

My dad and Trisha

The whole group. I love that all the kids get along.

After we were done Curtis wanted to drive home with Rick and Kat. I was a little surprised.

Jared's Graduation

Now that school is back in session I can catch up on my blog. We have a had a full summer and I will post pictures. Now I need to finish up last school year.

Jared had an interesting school year. He didn't like full days or school work. He loved playing on the playground and eating lunch. We were all excited to see him graduate. He is such a sweet loving boy.

Jared's orange duck for his song.

Jared getting his book to advance to the next grade.

What a handsome boy. I was so proud of him.

Jared with his teacher. She looks very tired. I think it was a long year for her, but we made it. They cannot take the diploma away now.

Jared and Mark. They could be twins. They look alike, dress alike, and act alike.

My parents came to watch the program.

Jared and Curtis. He loves his big brother.

Jared with the teachers aide. She was so good with him.

Memorial Day Weekend

Yes, we went to the ranch again. It is a fun place to go and hang out. The kids have acers and acers to roam and play. The only bad thing is it is SO many miles away. The kids loved spending time farming with my dad and my mom and I found a great quilt shop. Mark got a lot of R & R.

How many people can you fit in a tractor.

Digging overflow ditches. Jared is making sure everything is working correctly.

We are making a tree house for the kids. This is the swing we started Abby is loving it.

Jared loved it but Curtis wouldn't touch it.

Sunday and Monday it rained and rained and rained. The kids got a little stir crazy so they went out to play in the rain. The dirt is very stick and slick when wet. It turned into a stuck muddy disaster.

Curtis showing off his battle dirt.

Abby trying to help Jared out.

Abby gave up.

Will he ever get out.

Abby and Jared are safe and sound.

One Man's Trash is another Man's Treasure

I saw things like this at a craft show. I wanted to make some of my own. Here are the end results.

Pepsi can flower clip for the 4th of July.

A smaller clip.

Pepsi and Coke Can Hair Clip

A ring made out of a shasta can.

Funny Face

Jared went to the dentist and he was really nice and let Curtis pick a prize too. Curtis

found glasses. He was so excited to try them.

He wore them everywhere. We would joke with him and ask where Curtis was.

He would take them off and exclaim, "It's me, Curtis!" He would laugh and laugh.

Abby wanted to try it out too. Jared wanted nothing of this. He thought we were all crazy.

My Birthday/Branding at the Ranch/Easter

We had an eventful weekend planned. It was my Birthday, family tea party, and Easter. My dad asked if we could come help brand the caves. Their are not many men in my family and really needed help. I told them we couldn't go because we had big plans for the weekend. They are lucky to have Mark because he called them up and told them we would be there. They are lucky to have him. We had a wonderful time. Mark is excited for next year.

We went out to dinner for my birthday. Then we went back to the house to eat cupcakes. I loved them. They were so good. My favorite place in Utah for cupcakes is Mini's. These were better but big so I couldn't finish one. It was so rich.

The cupcakes and Jared with Cassie.

Curtis thinks it is his birthday.

Then we had to prep for the big day. We had to set up an area for the cows. We also had to get all the food ready for all the workers that day.

Curtis and Mark right before we start. It was early.

Curtis with the horse. He was so excited. He thought he was one of the big boys.

Abby helping out.

Abby and Kat helping gathering the cows. They did a great job.

Curtis is a cowboy he says. He was dressed the part. He wanted to help so bad.

I loved this picture of curtis. He loves going to the ranch.

Jared riding on the back of the truck. I swear child safety goes out the window on the ranch. The truck didn't even have sides. Bad mom moment. It was going really really slow.

Jared wanted to go back to the house. It really isn't a good place for kids.

Jared spent the rest of the day playing in the sand. He is good to entertain himself and say out of trouble, most of the time.

Mark getting ready for the cows.

He is an urban cowboy. He really had a good time. He really cannot wait until next year. I was surprised.

Rick had done it before. He looks a little more professional. They gave him the electric prodder.

Mark after it was done. He is asleep.

Who wouldn't want a back message like this after a hard day at work.

After the work the kids wanted to ride. Curtis wanted to go a little faster.

Jared wanted a slower pace.

Not relaxing at all.

The kids on Easter morning. We finished the day driving back home. We had a lovely dinner at Wendy's. Saturday night I started to feel sick. By Sunday I wanted to die. Tuesday I went to the doctor and they told me I had phenomia.