red rock relay

A couple weeks ago Justin and I ran the Red Rock Relay, a team race that lasts about 24 hours and covers 186 miles through Southern Utah. Our van consisted of us, Justin's friend Ryan, Justin's dad, my friend Alissa and her friend Angie. We started the race at Brianhead where the first runner rides the lift to the top and then starts.


Once everyone in our van finished running we would pass the baton to the next van. We would then have a 4-5 hour break. The other van had two of Justin's cousins, Jeff and Jess, and Brenen and Lindsey - and some of Jess' family. Our entire van was feeling very underprepared but I think everyone surprised themselves and did really well. We each ran three legs, one Friday morning, one in the middle of the night and one Saturday morning.


The race ended in Springdale, just outside of Zions. What a finish line eh? We hung out for a while waiting for the other van to finish the race and ate some grub from the Whiptail restaurant. Pictured is a spaghetti squash enchilada with goat cheese. I have craved this literally everyday since. I've got to figure out how to make it.

Our group minus Alissa who couldn't be found, and Lew, who we dropped off earlier in St. George so he could watch Calley play tennis. Can't wait til next year!

don't forget cody!

Cody started preschool three times a week (though he usually only makes it twice due to our poor commitment skills). I love to walk with him there and back so I can listen to him talk talk talk about the funniest things. He usually brings the dolly stroller on our walks and pushes it to school which is pretty funny. He also insists on taking the stroller to take Ellie to the bus stop and walk the neighbor girl home. So far I'm not sure he's learned a thing! But he seems to be having fun and it's been a good time to do homework while the kids are gone. In the first picture he's showing me the 3 on his shirt that means he is 3.

kindergarten!

My most dreaded day has come and gone! I was very nervous that I would be an emotional mess, especially not having Justin in town to see her off on her first day. But it all happened so fast and Ellie was so excited and happy I couldn't help but be happy for her. She is loving the bus, making friends, and comes home singing new songs everyday. Afternoon session has worked out well so that I can go to school in the morning while Justin is still home, and then I can come home, get her off to school and go back to another class and get home in time to get her off the bus. I don't think she has figured out yet that I am in school which is good because she really didn't like the idea that I was leaving her to go to school last semester.


Morning breakfast in cute dishes and a crown that says "5 1/2", a very important age. Hugging Cody good-bye. He said "Ellie is taking forever." Now that he has started pre-school he is okay about her leaving.


We went to see my mom at UVU before school. Cody looking at Ellie's bus at the stop light. We put her on the bus, then raced the bus to school to help her get off and get to class. Waiting with Sierra, her primary friend that I am so glad is in her class too.


Cute girl - I just love love love her so much! Her poster is full of drawings, friends (Molly), and she even had me scan her blankie - probably her most prized possession. And she gets to ride a few block with Courage (he's in the morning session) before he gets dropped off.

peace and quiet

Goodness I missed Utah this summer. I never felt like I could get away - because no matter how far you drive, well, there's just more Texas. More buildings, more stores, more heat. I took the kids up South Fork a few days after getting home. After our little hike we threw down a blanket and I read a book while the kids played in the stream and the dirt for a good 2 hours. I wish I could do something like this every week with them.