The Graduate's

Graduates? I wish I could fast forward to that time. No joking! But we did have some graduations this last week. Tanner graduated from Kindergarten. Yeah, on to first grade. He thinks it's cool because that means he is really big now and I think it is cool because he will go to school all day! So we both win! Now only if they would do all day kindergarten I would have it made. Benny graduated from preschool, although he has another year. Next year he will go to a different preschool. They both had programs for their graduations. Ben's was first. Ben is my "not shy" child. He sang all the songs, did all the actions, he is very outgoing. Tanner on the other hand is very reserved and shy. He wouldn't even look at me so I could take his picture as you will see below. He surprisingly sang all the songs and did the actions, something he never did in preschool. So maybe he's coming out of it. Tanner's graduation was Hawaiian themed. His teacher does Polynesian Dance and loves Hawaii. The program was really cute, they sang these funny little Hawaiian songs! It was fun.

Ben on the far left. Next to him is his cousing Ethan.

Ben getting his "diploma" from Mrs. Julie.

Ben with his "diploma."

Tanner's program. Can you see him trying to ignore me?

His got a little smirk on his face!

Tanner with his friends- Gage and Issac.

Tanner with his best friend Cayden. (Angie's little boy.)

Tanner with another best buddy of his Eddie. Isn't this a funny picture!

Tanner with his teacher. She is so tiny, perfect for a kindergarten teacher!

Papa's Pool

Marty's dad opened the pool for the season a few weeks ago. The kids had a blast! I wasn't sure about having all the kids around the pool. I thought for sure I would have to be going in after someone, and I'm not so good at diving in a pool. (I have this thing with having to plug my nose to go under water-drives Marty nuts!) But lucky everyone was safe. I need to brush up on my lifegurad skills though.

Ella, Luke, Adam, and Drew all suited up and ready to go to the pool.

Tanner jumping off the diving board. Yes, those are floaties-

we need to put the poor boy in swimming lessons!

Marty in the pool with Drew and Ella and Ben is on the side.

Luke swimming with his Uncle Steve.

"Poor Pitiful." Luke lost his ball and just can't get it back.

"I get it, I get it!" (One of Adam's favorite things to say.)

We had a great time! It's fun to have something that we can go do together with our family and extended family to keep us close and make great memories.

Ogden Half-Marathon

Today was the Ogden Half-Marathon (13.1 Miles!), that I have been training for the past few months. It was awesome! It really was a great experience. It was a good run, I felt great until about mile 11.5 and then I was really feeling it. I initially hoped to finish the race in under 2 hours, but two weeks before the race I got the flu and terrible shin splints in my left leg. I know, boo hoo! So I had to change my game plan to 2 hours and 10 minutes. It doesn't seem like much but I was devastated. Marty thought that I was being a little dramatic about the whole thing. I was really devastated though! But I got over the flu and got an awesome physical therapist who helped me get ready for the race.

The course was really great. It has a lot of down hill, which helped with my time- but is currently killing my knees! Marty, Tanner, Ben, and my mother-in-law Marie came down to the finish line to cheer me on. They gave me my last boost of energy to cross the finish line in 1 hour and 54 minutes. I was stoked! I had made my original goal. I was so happy. I also had to pee really bad, I refused to stop and go during the race for fear of not making my time, so when I crossed the line it was all I could do to make it to the potty. I don't regret it though. I made it!

I couldn't have done it without Marty though. He was so supportive and complimentary of my running. He was so encouraging. It really made me feel more positive and capable of doing the race. He is awesome!

Me with the Tanner and Ben just after

finishing the race.

Me and my sister-in-laws

Janna and Mandy who also

ran the race.

Jen, my incredible running partner, and I.

P.S. This blog posting began at 9:30 p.m. and it is now 11:55 p.m., apparently I have some things to work out with the whole blogging thing. I'm not so good at it!

I'm blogging!

This is just for trial! I am just getting everything set up and hope to post more later. This is a little picture of Ben and Ella. She loves to give kisses to her big brothers!