Moab Half Marathon

The Girls went down to Moab. It was a colder morning than we would have liked, but fun still the same. From left Janet, Kristi, Me, Traci, and Jojo.

This was the first race Troy and I have run together. That part was so fun.

Crazy Kinnon jumped from 5 miles to 13! He did it though. Way to go "The Sandlin"

Trying to stay warm.

We were standing in a cirlce trying to stay warm and eventually... Our circle got bigger.

Once Todd gave up the middle (the hot spot) Traci slid right in. Sly girl.

Feeling strong at mile 9.

Ted and I finished together but his time was a second faster than mine. Guess I need to let him start sooner next time and then take him in the end.

The finish of a very fun race.

All the gang. Guys and Gals. It was fun racing each other.

Justin, Ted, Todd, Troy, and Kinnon

Kristi, Janet, Joanna, Traci, and Me Until next year.

Valentine's Special

Every year I like to give the kids a Valentine-ish shirt to wear for Valentines Day. Jordan doesn't usually like to wear red (just like his Papa) but happened upon this shirt in Target and liked it. So, J wore red this year!! I have mentioned that I love Target!! It is my favorite store!

Here's Emma ready to celebrate at preschool. She loved her new shirt and pants.

Anna and Kaela had a fun day in their new shirts. Kaela's said "Some Bunny Loves Me"(and yes, got them at Target). It was perfect for her because she loves loves loves animals. Here they are showing their V-day boxes. Anna's is a microwave and Kaela's is a can of pop.

Enjoying the treats.

Matt got his red hoodie. He loved it. Nope, it wasn't from Target, it was a Shopko special.

Friday night Troy surprised me and took me to eat at Log Haven up Millcreek Canyon. It was so fun. The food was kind of weird, but the atmosphere was great! Here's our self-portrait on his cell phone.

When we got home from dinner, Troy had this little surprise set up for me in the garage. It was the picture and table I've wanted for the family office. I was soooooo surprised.

Thanks Honey. You're the best!!

Finish What I Start

I think I am finally getting around to finishing a few things I've started. I'm going to finish Realestate School that I started almost two years ago. I'm going to finish a window valance that I cut the fabric out for a year ago. I am going to finish decorating the kitchen and family office thanks to the sweet additions Troy gave me for Valentines Day. I am going to finish a marathon all on my own, no friends beside me. I'm going to finish the book that's been on my nightstand for a few months now (The Undaunted.) It's a good book, I just haven't taken time to get in to it. I think that's a good enough list for a while. Hopefully I won't start anything else before I get these things done.

New Year's Resolution Time

Usually a New Year's Resolution includes some form of diet or exercise plan, right? Well, how about a travel plan? Here are some places I'd like to go. Now, I've just got to figure out how to make it happen. Any one know of a good airlines to work for from home? They have to fly international or what's the point.
Tahiti

Thailand

Italy

Cancun (can you believe Troy and I have never been there!?)

France China

India

Christmas Traditions

Every Christmas Eve we spend with Troy's side. Grandma Linda, being the decorator that she is, decorates the tables very festive. The menu changes a little from year to year, but some of the regulars are stuffed mushrooms, twice baked potatoes, creamed corn, Amy's apple desert, and Grandma's peppermint icecream lit on fire. We never got to the ice cream this year though. Troy was sick with Strep so we called it a night at 8.

Boston and Cole were little artists.

Troy and his sister Tami enjoying the feast.

Baby Lydia eating her grammies.

The kid table minus Anna who was down in her room asleep.

The adult table minus a few. Mark was sporting his new comb-over doo.

Kaela, Zane, and Jackson being crazy. They're the crazy 8s.

The dinner rolls from my neighbor were a hit. You've got to have good rolls!

The crazy Bench Brothers...Auston and

Jackson.

After dinner we sat around and talked

Amy is a few months pregnant with boy number 4.

Matt and Sherrell looking festive in their Christmas shirts.

Anna finally woke up. She was happy to see Dad, but sad she had missed the dinner with everyone.

Not sure what these two crazy 8s are doing.

Loving my girl...Anna Banana

The Nativity. It's a must and the kids really look forward to it. Auston kept asking when we were going to do " that Jesus show"

Kaela made a good Mary. She struck some kind of deal with Emma so that she could be Mary again (her second year in a row). It could have had something to do with Baby Lydia being Jesus.

Grandma Linda handing out the loot.

All the girls. Sorry Kaela about you looking cross-eyed. It was just the best pic of everyone.

All the boys. Auston wouldn't be Auston if he wasn't pulling a face!

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa.

Sporting the new pjs. The boys' sweats were some skinny leg version and we all got a good laugh watching them try them on. We didn't hesitate returning them and getting the awesome $5 specials from Kmart.

Emma wanted to give us her present Christmas Eve.

Love it! These are the best presents of all. I keep every last one of them and love to pull them out each year and smile as I remember the days.

Some of the girls' favorite gifts this year were furry friends. The Zhu Zhu Pets were especially fun.

Dad liked the Blue Ray.

Having a Zhu Zhu fest.

Christmas day night we always go down to Grandma Barbara's. She spoils the kids with fun treats and movies of their own.

Cheetos are one of Emma's favorite treats.

We love you Mom!

Emma loved her swimming dog from Santa so much that she had to take it to Grandmas.

She even got to take a bath with it later that night. I think her wishes all came true!