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

SummerTime Fun

April at our house brought rain--but more importantly, The Salt Lake City Marathon. Lindsey, my brother Nate and myself participated in this great event. Here we are at the start line, ready to begin our 26.2 mile run to the Gateway Shopping Center in Downtown SLC.... Of course, it wasn't a straight shot from the University of Utah. Our route took us to approximately 6200 South and back to Downtown SLC. It was a great day for a morning run.


Here we are coming into the finish line
Of course, Nate made it to the coveted finish line before Lindsey and I did, but we did finally arrive, with time to spare before the 6 hour cut off time.


June brought the American Fork 1/2 Marathon. This marathon is to help Fight Cancer and it was a great run, and for a great cause. Because of the great sponsors of this race, all the entry race entry fees will go towards Cancer treatment, which was about $55,000. A great big thanks to the sponsors. My mom passed away from Ovarian Cancer and both Lindsey and I were able to run this race in her name! We love you Mom. This is a runI will definately be doing again next year----when can I sign up? Here we are at the finish line. Another great day for a run!





Dave's Mom, Evelyn was able to visit with us and was here to see us run the 1/2 Marathon. After Lindsey and I were able to get cleaned up, the girls took a trip to Temple Square in SLC. Here are just a few of the sights we saw and the pictures we took.





















No Temple Square visit is complete, unless a stop is made at the Lion House Restaurant for good food.....

Of Course, we just had to stop by.

















Here are the desserts we enjoyed........It looks like everyone enjoyed their favorite Sweet Treat.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Today I show up to work to find one of my co-worker's dressed in Green. This guy loves every Holiday----as you can see by his picture, he is definitely dressed for today. He even brought cookies with green frosting on them to work for our Pot Luck Lunch. We had a good laugh with him, because the cookies were every shape, except for St. Patricks Day. The reason you ask, he had no cookie cutter shapes that were for St. Patricks Day, but he figured as long as they were shaped for any holiday, they would work. Obviously we ate them and didn't complain what shape they were, but it did make for some interesting conversation at lunch time.

Now, mind you, the hat was a donation from another co-worker who let him borrow it, so he could have the "complete" look and I could get this picture to share with everyone.

Thanks Mr. T for being such a great sport, you never know where or when these pictures will show up.

How long has it been?

It seems like so long since I have updated my blog. I guess I figure I haven't done anything exciting to write about---just keeping up with life in general. Sometimes I take a few minutes to read your blogs and find that you have so many interesting things to say--I feel so inadequate, so I just say nothing. However, I have been busy keeping up with the family and making sure they are where they need to be. Work has finally slowed down a little bit, so it is time to get my personal life back.

Currently I am in the middle of training for a Marathon that I will run next month with my daughter and brother. We will start the race together, but I'm pretty sure they will be waiting patiently for me at the finish line, but that is OK -- Iwill try to stay up with them for as long as possible. Wish me luck.

Ry has been very busy with school, piano lessons, voice lessons and dance class. She was chosen for both the Ensemble Festival and Solo Festival Honor's Recitals (she memorized two pieces for each---one in November and the other one in February). She is currently working on a Concerto that she will be performing in the Concerto Festival in April. She is definitely our little performer in whatever she does.

Linz has been busy with school and work and trying to fit in some type of Social Life---however, I think the school and work is winning out. She loves the Major she has decided to pursue and will soon have us all very healthy. Well, maybe everyone but Dad!

We are looking forward to Spring and warm weather (especially the warm weather) There is nothing like a good long run outside in the Springtime weather. After running inside on an indoor track all winter (which is a great way to keep in shape), I look forward to the road and the new scenery that Springtime brings.

Newest Addition to our Backyard

The past couple of week-ends have been spent in the back yard, putting together our new gazebo. We are so excited about finally having it put together. Now, just waiting for the weather to warm up so we can actually enjoy it! (I was able to enjoy it for a few minutes last night. Thanks to all those who came to help Dave put the roof on! We appreciate the help given to us to get this project finished up. Come on over and help us enjoy it!