Ethan's First Piano Recital

We are so proud of Ethan and all of his hard work. He had his first recital and did a great job. He was nervous but still did great. Ethan's been playing piano for a couple months now.

Our 10 year Anniversary Celebration- just 2 years late.

Two and a half years ago, life was too crazy to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We had just moved out of state, had a brand new baby, and didn't have any babysitters. So we had to wait a tiny bit because life kept getting crazier. But I am so thankful to celebrate our CRAZY life together. I wouldn't want to share the madness with anyone but Scott. He has been so amazing these past 12 years. I have learned so much from him and my life is blessed with so much happiness because of him.

So off to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to celebrate!!!


Cenotes are underground rivers that collect into these huge pools. This one was about 100 underground and about 150 ft. deep. It was amazing! These long vines hung all the way down. Of course, we had to swim in it! I just kept thinking, "Don't think about how deep it is or what's down there."

Chitchinitza- Wow, the Mayan ruins were so incredible. Lots of sacrificial deaths.

Our hotel was so cool. It was quiet and away from the main city. It was like we were lost in paradise. Except paradise came with all-you-can-eat buffets!

Happy Halloween!!

This year the boys costumes were centered around Madison's. I found this cute "Army Diva" costume and thought it would be fun for everyone to match. I was amazed when I found real army fatigues for kids. I was very excited about the costumes this year. Surprisingly, the boys weren't.

I thought green hair gel is Fun.....the boys wanted it washed out as soon as possible!

I thought they looked cute matching...Caleb wanted to be Superman, again.

I thought Madison would be sad about her costume....she was the most excited!!

So much for what I think!

Let me introduce you to my little friend.....
OCHO!
Ethan became a proud daddy of a tarantula we named Ocho. At school they had a unit study of Spiders. (Another way of saying Halloween!) They had a raffle for the spider. Parents had to sign a permission slip. So I signed it thinking...there's no way he will win! Well, the ugly thing was at our house by that evening.



While we were on vacation it got out of it's cage!! This humongous spider was loose in my house. My mom kindly told me it won't kill us- it just bites. Well, later they found Ocho. It was sitting next to our fake tarantula from Halloween. I guess he was lonely. I am amazed that we found the spider.

I would dump this thing in the mountains if I could. But Ethan is soooooo excited to have Ocho. I better get the "Mom of the Year" for this!

We got to meet up in Lake Mojave with some old friends from Utah. It was so great to see everyone. Madison got to try wakeboarding. She popped right up. It was so warm and nice weather for October. Thanks guys for a fun weekend.


Ethan and Bella riding the tube! They were so excited to see each other. Each morning they had notes to give each other.

Landon didn't want to be wearing that life vest. Good thing he couldn't take it off by himself.

Caleb had so much fun riding on the boat. He would just hang out and pretend he was driving.

Marathon Mama!!

I did it!! I finally ran my first marathon. It has always been a goal of mine. One of those things that would be COOL to do. Early this year, some girls in my ward were interested in running the St. George Marathon. Surprisingly we all got in. So Saturday mornings consisted of long runs together- usually starting at 4 am. But it wasn't bad because we had so much fun chatting while we ran. I would have never made it to the finish line without that support group. Most people wouldn't consider running while the moon is still out as FUN, but it was a lot of fun!! I wonder what will be next!!!


Almost to the finish line and Cara and the kids were cheering for me! I needed it! I was so cold and wet. It rained the entire 26.2 miles. But it motivated me to run to the finish line and be done. My goal was 4 hours and I finished at 3:46.

Just Finished!! Now it's time to load up with Gatorade and Bananas!

My Cheerleaders!! Thanks Cara for coming out in the freezing cold rain to cheer- you still got it girl!
These guys kept me going. Just knowing they were at the end waiting for me kept me pushing through. Thanks Scott for helping me reach my goal.