So sad to see Summer end....

We had such a fun summer that I have honestly been sad that school is back in session. Although it is always a challenge keeping the kiddos entertained during the summer, I truly enjoyed all of our fun times together this summer. We got to go to Wyoming THREE times, we had lots of cousins and aunts and uncles come and visit, and we had lots of time to spend together as a family. Now that Britton is back in school, the days are quieter, a little less busy, but we miss him while he is in school....

Britton was very apprehensive about meeting his teacher the week before school started. He actually got really teary and didn't want to go in the school. I am not sure what his anxiety is about meeting his new teachers (he did the same thing last year), but once I finally got him in the building, he saw his teacher from last year (thank goodness) and she reassured him he was going to love this years teacher! She was right! One week into school and Britton is having a ball! It is hard to believe that I have a second grader, but he assures me that "second grade is very cool, cause they get to play tether ball!) Apparently it is the thing to do at recess, because I went and had lunch with Britton on Friday and the line to play tether ball is quite long. The PE teacher has taught them all the rules and how to have an organized system during recess. It is actually rather impressive to watch 20something 2nd graders organize themselves in a loser out game of tether ball. One of the rules is that they can't cheer for one person. So all of them shout "Go whoever wins, go whoever wins!" It was classic..

Britton was so appaled that I made him stand on the front porch for our traditional first day of school picture. He is funny- this year he requested- no characters on any of his stuff- shirts, backpacks, etc..I guess that means he is growing up???
I am so proud of him! He is such a great kid! I am excited for all he will learn this year!

I did it!!!!

At the beginning of 2008, one of my new years resolutions was to run a half marathon...Well, needless to say, the year came and went and I didn't meet that goal...So this year I had to make it happen. Last Saturday, one of my good friends and running partner and I ran in the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half-marathon...

I started training at the beginning of the summer so I felt ready for the race...It was such a beautiful course and I love the atmosphere of races because there are so many other people who really love to run and are very excited about running 13 miles! Crazy! I felt really, really good the entire race up until about mile 10...Miles 10 and 11 were very hard---I was thankful that Natasha was running by my side, this kept me going..The last mile was a little easier as I knew it was our last! We finished right at 2 hours and 14 minutes.

One week later, my toenails are still bruised, but I am currently looking for another half-marathon to run..possibly the Moab race in March!!

3 week Party

My sister Kim and her three children left early this morning, marking the end of our 3 week straight- no sleep, fun filled, junk food, endless cans of diet coke, constant entertainment-Party!!! Needless to say, we had LOTS of fun...

Kim and her kids arrived three weeks ago, with my brother Brett following a few days later. We had a few days with them here at our house and then the next week we headed up to Custer, South Dakota. After spending a few days there we were back up in Casper for another week with all of my five siblings and each of my 10 nieces and nephews.

I can honestly say I truly enjoy being around each of my siblings and my parents and all of the kids. We had so much fun together. There were lots of laughs, story telling, and member whens. My kids had so much fun with their cousins- they all get along so well!

Now it is back to real life. But today I am thankful for wonderful parents and my awesome sisters and brothers and so thankful that we are all still close after all these years. I love them each so much!!!