Moonlight 1/2 Marathon

Picture this: a full moon, lots of glow in the dark gadgets, singing camp songs down the canyon, and laughing and chatting for 13.1 miles with your daughter, sister, and friends. Who wouldn't want to do that?!
Cali, Kristin and I donned our glow-in-the-dark vests and got ready for the race.

We met up with our amazing friends, Liz and Haley to start the run. Our goal: be the first to finish after midnight and be crowned the winners of the event!


We left around 9:15 p.m., hoping to give ourselves enough time for porta-potties and relaxing drink stops at the aid stations. We all finished more than 15 minutes before midnight. We should've slowed down more on those last few miles! It was the first time I've done a run and felt that we should've gone SLOWER!!

As we rounded the final corner of the race, we heard, "Go Girls!" It was our DAD!! Yes. He came out at midnight to support his girls. What a guy!


There was a pumpkin head scary dude walking around near the finish line. He was nice enough to pose for a picture with us. During the photo op, we had a "Vanessa Moment". The pumpkin headed dude was standing behind me shuffling around while my dad was trying to take the picture. I said, "Will you please stand still!"
His response, "Well, I am on these stilts so it's kind of hard to stop moving. Can I put me hand on your shoulder?!" Thus the creepy hand on my shoulder in the picture!

I was so impressed with this race. Great volunteers, pizza, Magleby's chocolate cake and chocolate milk at the finish line. It was AWESOME!! (OK. SO I COULDN'T EAT ANY OF THE TREATS THEY PROVIDED DUE TO MY "SILLY YAK" DISEASE. AT LEAST I WAS HAPPY FOR THE REST OF THE RUNNERS!!) Can't wait to do this run next year!

Mom Turns "61" in Spanish Fork

Mom turned 60 while on vacation in Hawaii last year, so we knew we had to step up our game to make her b-day in beautiful Spanish Fork, Utah, extra special this year.

It started out with delicious quiche (made by Krissy) and fabulous Rhodes orange rolls (made by Rhodes).


The excitement continued with a family picnic at an undisclosed location in Springville. (I can't remember the name of the park we were at).


The birthday girl bonded with Nora!


She then blew out the candle on her gluten-free chocolate cake. Requested by mom; eaten by no one but mom and ME of course! I think everyone else thought it was a doughy brownie!


Laughed at her gifts. Krissy, Caleb, and I got her sexy tights, a fancy pink bracelet, a brown skirt and a pink and brown sweater. It has all been returned except the sweater!

She also got a gift card for a pedicure from Josh and Tiff and a gift card to get her hair done from Dad. Those have not been returned!

Last, but not least, we all attended the Folkfest. Dancers come from all around the world to dance in Springville, Utah. I took a picture of mom with some male dancers in diapers from Australia. If I can remember whose phone I took the picture with, I will post it here!

Happy 61st, Mom. We tried our best to make it spectacular!!

Speedy Spaniard 10k

I ran my first race with Cali! She rocked it! Her first 10K=52 minutes. She crossed the finish line in front of me. I've never been happier to have my booty kicked!

Dad showed up to cheer us on at the finish line! He brought Emmy Lou, Dallas, Cali, Jeff and I each a rose. Jeff refused to hold it in the picture.

Stuart Falls Hike

Stuart Falls summary: Carson fell 2 times. A few tears. Grandma Joannie was a trooper. Never complained once. Boys took 3 potty stops. My bladder did not fail me. Nora only cried once during the 3 hours she spent in the backpack. Sang lots of crazy camp songs on the trail. Never been happier to see our car at the end of a hike. Dirtiest my feet have ever been. I didn't know dirt could seep through socks and shoes!

My Dad

My dad. He's the best. What can I say? Fabulous sense of humor, good lookin', great listener, loves his children. Plus, he took Krissy and I to Jaxies for dinner!! That deserves a blog entry!

Carson's 8th B-Day and Baptism

August 6, 2011.
Big day for Carson.
His birthday AND his baptism.
Aaron baptized him. Carson was very excited about wearing the white jumpsuit. Aaron was just a teensy bit less excited about his outfit! :)

Carson's buddy got baptized with him.

Carson asked me to be the chorister at his baptism. During the closing song, "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus" I looked at Carson and he had tears in his eyes. I think he really felt the Spirit. Wonderful thing for me to be able to see.

Cali played the piano during the baptism so she couldn't be in this photo, but here are Carson's other proud siblings.

Parents and boys after the baptism.

The whole family!

On to the birthday celebration!

Carson with some of his friends.

Nyah dishing up some bbq pork sandwiches and salad for lunch!

The kids ate in the playhouse!

Water balloon fight: boys vs. girls. There were a few tragedies.


Grandma Sue and Grandpa David arrived in town with some B-Day Beyblades. They were a hit!

Happy 8th Birthday, Carson. We love you!!