The Vacation is Over

Well, that's enough relaxing for a while...I guess. We had a really nice time in St. George,though Monday was kind of weird. We didn't really have any plans, so we played it by ear. We ate at a crappy Chinese restaurant, walked out of a crappy movie and Trent sat on my awesome pink sunglasses and broke them - I shouldn't have left them on the bed, my bad. We did discover a Massage Therapy School next door to the crappy Chinese restaurant and made appointments to get massages the next day before we headed home. When we arrived on Tuesday, the lady had forgotten to enter our appointments into the computer, so there were no students to give us our "couples" massage. So, instead of paying $35 each for 1 hr massages, we got free 1/2 hour massages from the instructor. That made up for the crappy chinese, crappy movie and broken sunglasses. It was so relaxing. What a great way to end our trip. 

The kids had a great time without us, too. They got to hang out with Grandma Karla & Grandpa Kerry, who spoiled them excessively.  Gavin went fishing with Grandpa, Uncle Bill & Kris. He caught 3 or 4 fish. Ryker and Saige went to Trafalga with Grandma. They ate at Wendy's twice, got new shoes and Saige got a haircut. I don't think they missed us at all. (Don't tell them, but we really enjoyed our time without them, too.) Gavin also took 3rd place in his Cross Country meet (the only one I've missed). He decided he wanted to race with the junior varsity team and probably could  have taken 2nd place. He ran the whole race with a friend and told my mom that he let the friend beat him because "he doesn't win much". (He has such a good heart.) 

All in all we are glad to be back home. We had a nice break and now it's time to get back to the real world...school, work, fighting kids, laundry, dishes, piano lessons, homework, making dinner, scubbing floors...you get the picture.

Playing in St. George

After my Girl's Weekend (with my mom and sisters) got cancelled on Thursday, I talked Trent into taking me on an impromptu getaway to St. George. I managed to get us a couple of hotel rooms (couldn't find any that had vacancies for all three nights, so we had to switch after our first night), and I also got us seats at the Tuacahn for Les Miserables. We didn't get the greatest seats, but I don't think there is really a bad seat there. I have wanted to see this show since I was in high school, so I was really excited. Trent was less excited (musical theater is NOT his thing), but he agreed to take me anyway. It was amazing! I totally loved it. He didn't, but he endured it well. I guess I will have to go and see Hell Boy 2 with him now. (Personally, I'd rather literally go to hell than see that movie, but when you love someone you make sacrifices, especially when they make sacrifices for you.) We also ate dinner at the Tuacahn, which was delicious. The only drawback was the hornets swarming our food.

Today, we drove into Zion National Park and hiked Angel's Landing, which is a very strenuous and difficult hike. The last time I was in Zion I had my kids with me and they were too small to hike it, so we thought this would be a great time to go see it. It was hard, but we made it up and it was SO worth it. The views were amazing. 

At the top, Trent made friends with a chipmunk that came right over and stole some of his granola bar. Apparently, the chipmunk didn't read the "Don't feed the wildlife" signs posted all around the park.

  

I'm not sure when exactly I got old, but my knees were whining all the way down (okay, it was me whining, but it was my knees' fault). I love that we live so close to so many beautiful places. You can drive a few hours and see some incredible things. We are having a great time hanging out together and being a couple instead of mom and dad for a few days. Don't get me wrong, we love our kids, but sometimes you just need to take a break. Thanks to my mom for taking care of them. Ryker, the picture above is for you, my little poser. Luv u most! (You too, Gavin and Saige!)

Patriot Day

My mom sent me an email today that was a video collection from 9/11. It really made me think about how grateful I am to all the men and women who serve our country and try to protect us from things like this, whether they are in the military, law enforcement, fire department, paramedics, whatever. Thanks to all of you and your families who sacrifice so much for the rest of us. 

First Cross Country Meet

After practicing for just two weeks, Gavin ran in his first cross country meet yesterday. It was held at Bonneville Jr. High. The race was 1.2 miles long. It went around the grounds of the school and a couple of times around the track. He was the only 7th grader from Kennedy to make the varsity team. There were 90-100 boys racing in the varsity race and Gavin came in 15th out of all those boys. I got a little choked up watching him. I could tell that it was hard for him, but that he was determined to do his best. His stomach hurt when it was over, but he felt good about how well he did. I hope that he will stick with it because he obviously has a natural talent for it.