California

I got back a week or so ago from a wonderfully relaxing weekend with my sisters. We met up in Newport Beach for 4 days. We played at the beach, ate yummy food, worked out, laughed hysterically, read...basically anything we felt like doing. It would have been more fun with our husbands, but they were all home taking care of the kids. So many of you know that my two sisters have been models. So, when you look at these pictures it is pretty obvious. I don't know how to act serious while taking a picture.
Kirsten and Heather cleaning the sand off their feet at Newport Beach.

Kirsten looks perfect in every picture. I just tried to have fun.
This was taken at the second hotel we stayed at.

Heather was totally obsessed with gathering shampoos/conditioners and lotions from the hotel. If one of the cleaning ladies turned their backs she filled her pockets. Heather thought her daughters would love them for "prizes".

I love my sisters. We are a a bit different, and a lot alike. It is so easy to be with the 2 of them. It was too funny to hear Kirsten call her GPS "a liar" as she is swerving thru traffic with the music blasting. I was happy to have my seat belt on and just had to laugh.

When Marshall picked me up at the airport with 3 of my girls I couldn't stop laughing as I told them the hilarious things that happend while we were in Newport Beach. I couldn't catch my breath and my tears were streaming down my face. I think having my girls see that sisters are friends that you will keep forever and I hope cultivate that relationship through the years.

Where I have been.

Well, I have had requests to update my blog...okay, just one (Juli), but it is about time.

I have been busy running...I just ran my first half marathon last weekend in Richland, WA along the Columbia River and it was beautiful. During the 10th mile it got tough, but I got through it just fine. The training was fun, but now I am ready to hit the gym again. Running has gotten a little boring and some other muscles need attention again. This is Keirra and I finishing up. I look like I am about die...not the most attractive picture.

While in the tri-cities area we were able to visit the LDS temple on this windy day. I am so thankful for the blessings of the temple. To know that my family can be together forever is a gift.

My other running buddy, Tiffany. Tiff's family came and played around with us for two days. Nothing like taking 9 kids to the mall while the men were at Priesthood session...we survived. That might have been more difficult than the run!

Mine and most of Tiffany's kids in front of the temple.

This next picture might look abusive, but it is Emily's invention as we were driving 4 hours home on Sunday afternoon. This was a "head rest".

I have also been busy getting the Primary Program organized to be performed later this month. It is one of my favorite Sundays of the year to hear the kids (ages 3-11) do the songs and all the talks for our Sunday meeting.
I also started coaching my daughter, Hannah's, indoor soccer team. We decided on "Wildcats". Games start in a week or so, but for now we are having a great time practicing. They love to scrimage, but I had to get them out of the habbit of asking to play a "fake game". It is called a scrimage!
Hannah took this picture outside when she was playing in the yard with her sisters who are also on a team. This is an exciting year for me...4 out of the 5 kids on a soccer team...and they love it!