November 2011 = Family Picture Time

Fall is all but gone and it is time (well, actually past time) for our yearly photos. I always have good intentions to get these done earlier in the year, but for some reason it never happens until it is really cold outside. Trying to arrange everyone's schedule is getting really difficult, but I pulled my "mom" strings and said, "Be here and be ready to smile!". It actually happened.....I guess we will try this tactic again when the weather warms up.

Here are some of the pictures......

October News

October was a busy month for us. October 1, was the day I ran the St. George Marathon for the 10th time! Yeah -- finally made it to the Ten Year Club. No more Lottery for me! My brother Nate and daughter Lindsey ran it for the first time. It was fun to be at the start line with them.....then they waited at the finish line for me to arrive. The day was very hot and I don't think I have seen as many Ambulances going up and down the canyon as I did this year. I heard the ER at the Hospital was Chaos...glad that was just hearsay and not something I had to experience.

Monday after the Marathon, Dave and I flew to Boston for a little get away. This year we celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary and this was a delayed trip to celebrate. He wanted to go earlier, but I just didn't feel I could get away and not have my Marathon training interrupted..... We were able to visit the Cape Cod area, along with Cape Ann (North of Boston) and we even traveled as far North as Portland Maine. I love Light Houses---so Dave took me to see a bunch, and I mean a bunch as in 17! It was great and the Lighthouses are all unique and beautiful. Here are some of my favorite pictures of our trip.




The end of October, I ran the Halloween Half Marathon with Lindsey, Shelly, Britney, Alexis and Mady! Rylli was so excited for us and wanted us to dress up, so she made us Tutu's to wear for the event. Alot of fun was had by those who participated. We arrived at the start line with plenty of time to spare, but because of these ladies I was with, we laughed and laughed and laughed some more and the time passed very quickly and we were soon on our way down the mountain to the finish line 13.1 miles later.

Back yard Project

As indicated in my earlier blog, we have been renovating the back yard. Here are pictures of the "before". This deck has been a part of the landscape since 1994. I would say it is time to be replaced, don't you?




The flower beds need help too!. This is just one of the flower beds in the yard, I hope it is on the plan for something new too......

Here are the "During" the project pictures:

Decks and stairs have been removed. Watch your step......it's a big one!

The air conditioner was moved to the side of the house......

Grass had to be taken out to make room for the new deck and pergola.

It looks like we are ready to move to the next stage of our project.

Concrete done...I sure hope everything comes together...... Here we go....



Waiting for the railing on the deck, the Pergola is put up. This project is coming together and I can't wait for it to be done.



After a few more days, the project is complete.....Here is the finished project





Needless to say, I am enjoying my new back yard and my favorite spot in the mornings is on my new back deck. After living in the South, my dream has been to have a front porch big enough for rocking chairs so I can enjoy the evening air. However, I am very happy with my back deck with room for the rocking chairs and not only do I enjoy the afternoon air, I also get the enjoy the morning air as well.

A new back door was also part of the renovation.

This is one of my flower beds that received new mulch and a few plants. What a fun and productive summer it has been so far. However, there is more to the back yard to be completed, but that may need to wait.

July 2011 = Family, Fun and a very busy month

The first 10 days of July 2011 have been extremely fun and busy for our family. Family started arriving from out of town on July 1, and on July 2, those who were able attended the Manti Temple so the kids could do baptism.



July 4th, we were all together. Lindsey and I started the day with a morning bike ride---only to hook up with my brother for a morning run around Mt. Pleasant. After attending the Chuckwagon Breakfast and a cleaning up from the exercise we were able to enjoy the Mt. Pleasant City Kids parade and Mammoth parade. I am happy to report that our family had two entrants in the Kids parade. Doesn't Alexis and Annie look so cute and patriotic?



After the parade, my dad had arrange for Cow Camp Catering to fix us all the most wonderful Dutch Oven Lunch I have had. We as a family were able to sit around and visit and hang out with the kids while the lunch was cooking. Obviously I went away with a very full tummy and a few extra pounds......well worth it though.




July 7: Aaron and Stephanie's wedding. Beautiful bride + handsome groom = wonderful couple.

All in all, it was great being with family. It was fun to watch the kids all enjoy doing things together, even though some of them live far away.


July 8: Demolition of the back deck. Here is a picture of the deck we have had since we moved into this home.

Here is what the back deck looks like now. Be careful, the first step is a big one! You'll have to check back to see the finished product.


July 9: Lindsey and I ran the American Fork Steel Days 5K---great race and even better since I came in 2nd in my age division. Guess getting older has its benefits.

Updates to the back yard:

Bringing in the big machinery.....

Notice, the air conditioner has been moved and now ready for concrete.

Later in the month, the three girls took off for Seattle Washington and Vancouver Canada. The first stop on the trip was the University of Washington Campus for a visit.


We are not lost, yet......This map tells me exactly where I am and that is, "I am right here".....

Other sights we visited included the Seattle LDS Temple, Downtown area, Public Market Place and the famous Gum Wall.




Ah, yes......the famous Gum Wall in Downtown Seattle


Lindsey even had time to get in a daily run with the local runners......


And finally, crossing the border into Canada. I sure hope they let us back in to the U.S.A