Jen's 1/2 Marathon

On August 25th Jen ran the Hobble Creek Canyon 1/2 Marathon. For all of you who don't know, that is 13.1 miles. The picture above was taken at the 10 mile water station. Look how happy she looks, and this is 10 miles into the run. It was so much fun to be there and support Jen.

The picture the the left was taken towards the finish line, like at mile 12.9. She doesn't look as happy, but still going strong. She finished in about 2hrs and 9min. I say about, because she fell 10 feet from the finish line and forgot to rip off her tag to determine her time. Whatever her time offically was, it does not matter -- she did it! She is amazing!

My friend Leslie also did the 1/2 marathon that day. Her time was 2hrs 12min. She loved it and I am so proud of her too. -Renee

Ahhh...The Great Outdoors

Since it is my month to "publish" and I've got a few minutes before running to get Davis from soccer, I've decided to share with all of you what a few of us were doing while you were fighting the crowds at the Pioneer Day Parade. Dad, thanks so much for planning these trips for us. We LOVE going and really appreciate the memories that they create. No need to elaborate - the photos speak for themselves. Love to you all...Lisa

Today was the big day - BACK TO SCHOOL! Part of me wants to be sad and lament the fact that I won't have my kids under my watch and care for six hours everyday. But then the saner part of me kicks in and wants to do a little hallelujah dance. I'm thinking that Zachy will probably gladly join me in my dance. He is so happy to have the XBox to himself again. The boys fell back into routine like they hadn't spent all summer staying up late and rolling out of bed just in time to catch "The Price is Right". Lulu, on the other hand, made Sleeping Beauty look like a light sleeper. Poor girl. She has never been the early bird at our house. And then we got to school to find a class of 4 girls and 11 boys. She said it best, "It's like home - me, boys, a dad (her teacher is Mr. Dickinson), and a mom (the teacher's aide is Mrs. Osborn). At least she was good humored about it. Not much else to speak of. Life is normal again - and that is a good thing!

Congratulations to Scott and Em. Reunions just got easier....we'll let you know when we're coming and, presto, it's a reunion! We love you all.

Lisa

Isabel Loves Maté

This is so funny. Ever since Isabel started sitting up and noticing things, she has wanted to a part of the maté circle. We always let her try, but she never gets anything. Well, today we let her have a try and I am telling you, I've never seen someone suck as hard as her. She finally got some maté today. She just sucked and sucked. She was loving it. When it was anyone else's turn she would freak out. So, we all shared with her. She's going to have to learn to take a turn. She is such a crack up.

Everything else is the same with us. Ryan starts school again this month. He still has a long way to go, but one day at a time is all we can do. He works so hard for our family. I love him to death.

I am doing the same. I keep thinking of reasons to quit my job, but when it comes right down to it, I barely work and the extra money is nice. I only work 8 hours a week, so that's hardly anything. So, until a super good reason comes up, I will keep working.

Life is good and we just keep plugging away. We love you all so much. I am so happy that we are doing this blog!

Renee (and Ryan)