Hannah's cute outfit

Seven years ago when I went to New York I bought this outfit for my future daughter. Finally, I have a girl to wear it and she looks absolutely adorable!

Running with friends

Two of my favorite memories are with my brothers... When Isaac was just off his mission I had just decided to run a marathon. I needed a running buddy and for a while there Isaac would run 3 miles with me. Those were happy times.

I still laugh at the memory of Nathan coming in to town to visit months later when I had to run 10 miles one morning. I asked him the night before if he'd run with those miles with me, and he did. In JEANS. I don't doubt that Seth would have ran with me also, had he been around. It has always amazed me that both Nathan and Isaac didn't even have running training going into those long runs. Thanks guys. I appreciate you.

So now, after 7 years, I am planning on running the CIM (California International Marathon... 26.2 miles) on December 4th. I swore after running my first marathon that I was "One and Done". Well, it's sort of addicting. I ran a half marathon after having Dylan, and that helped me to return to my pre-baby body. That was sort of the goal with this time around, although it's not quite as successful thus far. I think that having more kids is more stressful, and therefore my need for chocolate increases... but I digress...

I ran 9 miles on Saturday (please note that when I say "ran", that means that I jogged at a reasonable pace that allowed me to talk the whole way) with my friends. I have two lovely ladies that wake up before the sun so that we can have an hour or two to ourselves and start the day out in a nice way. It's pretty thrilling to know that by 6:30am my exercise for the day is done! I have also been enjoying this time running with my friends and getting to know them better. Yesterday's run was so pretty. I saw numerous deer, cute little bunnies, and when I was slowing down, quickly picked up my pace when I heard some unknown animal in a bush by me (it was still dark out... you'd run too).

I also have an addiction to running clothes and accessories. I am quite pleased with my $9.00 pair of socks. Who'd have thought that such comfort could be found in a pair of synthetic, seamless socks with arch support?!!!?? Oh man! Happiness, I tell you.

But more than anything, running has strengthened my testimony. If you've ever tried to do something that you didn't think you could, I hope you relied on the Lord to help you through it. Without a doubt, that is my favorite part about running. Some days it's simply a struggle to get out of bed.... much less get up and run. So I pray for the strength to do it, the desire, and then do the best I can. He always makes up the difference.

Happy Day!

Hello world.
Levi went to see his other family and learned how to snorkel. Annie sent over super cute pictures of their trip!
Soccer started officially yesterday with their first game. Hannah sported matching league colors. Matt is a referee and forgot to reapply sunscreen. He's a lobster.

Dylan is holding a picture he made that is my absolute favorite. I love it!! He drew a picture that he put on the fridge. See all the magnets??? He wanted to be very sure that it wouldn't fall off. Such cute kids.

I had a fabulous MWF preschool session and look forward to next week! Whoo hoo!

Preschool

Look at my fun room!! I love that my husband supports my crazy ideas 100%. My walls are just beautiful!!! I can now teach my children. (I just needed the proper environment and motivation).

Princess Hannah

In person she was much cuter than this photo. Trust me when I say that she is ADORABLE!! She worked extra hard on her neck muscles holding up this bow! (It says "Little Sister" on the ribbon, and "Hannah" on the bottlecap center.

From Riley to G-Pa & G-ma W.

Dear Grandpa and Grandma,
I love Batman and monster trucks. Check this out!!!! See my super cool Batman Monster Truck? Thanks for the birthday present via a gift card! Love, Riley

Adventures for Levi!

Levi went on a plane yesterday to Texas. His father, Kyle, was driving down from Oklahoma to pick him up. (Unaccompanied minors have to take direct flights only... there is no direct flight to Oklahoma from our house). Today Levi and his other family are flying to South Carolina to spend a week at a beach house. I hope he has fun!!!

Dylan really missed Levi yesterday and needed to call him. It was so cute! It's nice to know my boys like each other.

She just loves her Daddy!

He always gets the biggest smiles from Hannah! I think she's working on wrapping him around her finger.

Our hippo outfits

My sweet Mama made Hannah this adorable outfit with super cute bloomers, and a fabulous skirt that is flattering and fits me well. I just loved matching with my daughter today at church! Everyone thought it was so sweet that we matched. :-) Lime green is my favorite color. If you can't tell those are hippos on the fabric, and we all know how I feel about hippos!