Recap

It's been a while.  Time for a recap.  In the months since December life has been full and frantic.  So much to do, so little  (you know the saying).  In February, Matt turned 14.  He's as tall as a 16 year old and as handsome as can be.  In April, I ran the Boston Marathon for my first time.  Oh, what a cool experience!  I had been sick a few weeks prior to it and didn't actually want to go...didn't feel ready or excited.  Luckily, the "not wanting to regret anything" part of me took over, and Troy and I headed to Boston.  Wow!  What a city Boston is.  We loved, loved, loved it and are so glad we went.  The weather was on the chilly side, but the day of the race was beautiful.  Perfect, actually!  Temps were in the mid 50s (ideal running material), the sun was shining, there was a slight tail wind (had I only pulled my hair up it would have been to my advantage), and the course was great!!  I took the town of Newton (famous for the hills) head-on and finished with a pretty good time 3:47:11.  Very happy with the whole experience! It was, quite literally, the perfect race day!  No cramps.  No untimely potty breaks.  No extreme temperatures. And, a very helpful and loving support crew! Thanks Honey.  Troy enjoyed seeing the route via bicycle.  He said it was amazing to watch the elites literally "fly" by; their toes barely touching the ground.  Thanks Boston for taking such good care of us!  You are amazing!
In April, Jordan turned 16.  All he wanted for his birthday was a car.  After much searching and deliberation, we decided on a 2009 Subaru Impreza.  We hadn't acutally found it until the morning of his birthday.  He thought maybe we had already bought one and stashed it somewhere.  Lucky for us, we found this one the morning of the big day and were able to surprise him with it.  Let me just clarify...the car isn't actually his.  It is the family's, but since he is the only one that will be driving it for a couple of years, it's techniquely his for a while.  Now, I can say with assurity, the only thing Jordan needs from us is money--not the keys to our cars. I wish he needed hugs and loves more more often.  I think he has reached that period gaining independence.  The apron strings are being loosened.  I sat by a woman on the plane once who helped me understand it.  She explained that kids need to go through a separation period; a time where they learn to be independent from their parents.  She said is it normal and very healthy.  I was glad to learn this.  No more feeling abandoned and betrayed.  It's all a part of the cycle of life.  He has to grow up and become a man, and I need to learn to let go.  It's happy and sad times. Love you Jord!
Well, those are the highlights.  Lots of little wonderful things have happened too and I will throw in a couple of pics for those as well.  Now for the good part, the pictures.  We all know a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a few thousand.

All three of the boys in braces

Jordan's First Dance Sweethearts

Troy's siblings at Weston's Eagle Court

Jord's Jr Jazz Team (took 2nd place in league)

Emma walking to the bus stop (Oh, the kindergarten days!)

 Having just finished the Boston Marathon (I've always wanted a super hero cape!)

Going to Fenway Park.  A highlight of the trip

Spring Break--a little girl time at the pool

Hiking in Zions.

Eating out for Easter Brunch

 Js Bday.  The new car!! They idg

Emma's Kindergarten Zooooooo Fieldtrip

Spring means dance, dance, and more dance.  Anna's dance group

Kaela's Dance Group (some of them at least)

This sandwich shop has got it right...Troy's nickname "T-bone"

 Fun dance/shopping trip to Vegas

 Frozen Hot Chocolate's the best!

Dance Recital

If you've ever been to a dance recital, you know how they go on and on and on. Right?! Well, if it weren't for these cute little girls of ours, we would never want to sit through another one. But, you can't help but see the sparkle in these little darlings' eyes as they are on that stage performing. It's what make is all worth it!!

Emma looks ready for the Nutcracker!

Love the looks on Kaela and Savi's faces!

Loved, loved, loved this dance. Can't wait to see it again at competition. Can't believe I just said that. Competition is really a love/hate thing! I must have really liked this dance! I was having fits with the hair-do and cursing the fact that we had to do it...who do they think we are "hairstylists"?! But...have to admit, it turned out pretty cute. I am a better bumper for it!! (Only a mom that has done the "bump" would truley understand!!)

I Saw Daddy Kissing Emma...

Halloween Hits List

Every Halloween I like to post my Halloween Favorites. Even though they're a little late, here they are: Jessie taking a break from her Toy Story role and slipping into her cheerleader role.

Matt and pals were ready to save the planet! This year the theme for them was super hereos. Not sure why Grant and Cori didn't get the memo.

I think this is the Nacho Libre version of Superman!

The Dead Ballerinas and an Aerobics Diva. Loved the spiders and creepy crawlies in their hair!

Neighbors JD and Dawson helped Jessie feel at home!

The Foursome: Rapunzel, a couple of Harry Potters, and a Jessie.

Emma and Kaela's "Best Friends" costume was darling. Not sure what the other two girls are though.

Neighbor, Greg Matis always takes the cake! This year he was Samuel Clemens. Yes, you're right... Mark Twain

Miss Pig and Miss Cow

One of my Young Woman, sweet Kenna

Gypsy Girl

Looks like Jordan didn't get the memo either.

Superman saving the planet.

Snow Fun!

Oh. The joys of winter. It's all so fun (except the dressing and undressing part! Ugh!)

I think Anna needs some new snow clothes! The boys' snow ramp

Slow to Post

It's been a while since my last post. The summer flew by, as it always does, filled with sports camps, boys camps, girls camps, Treks, hikes, swims, etc. It was all very fun, but very short. We need more summer in our lives! Oh, how I love the days of summer. I'm really a summer girl, at heart. I love those warm summer days, laying on a blanket beneath a tree, watching the leaves blow in the breeze. I love being so hot that it actually feels good to swim in a cold lake. I love going for runs early in the morning, with the sun already up.
Now, the days are getting shorter. The weather is getting cold. We may even get our first snow this week. I can't really complain, though. It has been a beautiful Fall. The weather has been perfect up until now--cool, dry, with colors beyond belief! The colors have been breathtaking this year. The other morning, as I was running down Fort Street, I was awestruck by the colors. I wanted to just keep running. Too bad I was tired and had my life to get back to. I love that "getting lost in the run" feeling! Fall is one of those things you can never get enough of, this year especially.
So, here are a few pics from the last few months...highlights.

Football...Troy coaching Matt again. Matt playing Quarterback and Wide Reciever.

Anna's first time playing volleyball. Playing in DimpleDell's Rec League with friends Jessa and Savi.

Priesthood night.

Emma's unusual pet--Peep (Pig and Sheep mixed)

Family time at Springdell

Grandma always makes birthdays special

My Dad's memorial.

Emma's Birthday party

Emma's primary party at Pecks

Anna at a football scrimmage

Emma's first day of Kindergarten. Big girl!

Skelanimals were the summer trend amongst these girls and their friends

The flood...a lot of water came in the window.

Lagoon

Jordan's first time on Trek

Kaela's birthday

Draper parade

Kaela's first pedicure (birthday treat)

The favorite four

Matt riding the four-wheeler to Jordans