FiRsT TiMeRs At ThE CiRcUs

This weekend we went to the Ringling Bros. Circus. We met my friend Kristen there along with her kiddos. Here's Hayden hanging outside the Energy Solutions Arena.

During the pre-show, we got to go down on the floor and try on some of the wardrobe, meet the performers/clowns, and see some of the upcoming tricks. Hayden and Paige look so cute in their circus attire.

Hayden was a little nervous about getting his picture taken with the clown...I'm sure you can tell by his facial expression.

Kristen and Paige getting ready to watch the show.

Hayden with his elephant snow cone. It took him about an hour to eat it.

Hayden's favorite part were the elephants and the dogs.

Top of Utah Marathon

Okay, so I finally did it. I ran my first marathon, the Top of Utah, in Logan. My sister Tawni and her husband Derek were nice enough to let me stay with them the night before (we went to Olive Garden so I could eat a bunch of carbs). A little later that night I realized that I left my sports bra at home so I had to make a mad dash to Shopko (it was the closest store) to buy one-they were even on sale. I'm so glad that I noticed that night rather than the following morning. I woke up Saturday just before 4am, got ready, drove to Merlin Olsen Park, and got on the first bus by 5. We had to shuttle up Blacksmith (?) Canyon, and can we say it was coooold. Luckily, they had a nice heated tent that I hung out in until race time. The race started at 7am, and it was beautiful running in the canyon (especially during this time of year). I was really good about pacing myself and I made sure to take drink breaks at some of the aid stations from about mile 9 on. Oh, so here's an advantage that men have over women. Since we were running in the canyon, a lot of guys ducked off to the side to pee, therefore avoiding a wait at the port-a-potties (so not fair). The canyon portion of the run ended at about mile 14 where there were tons of spectators cheering the runners on. The rest of the race was mostly in residential areas, but towards the end we did run along Main St. My calves were definitely feeling sore, and I was in some pain around mile 22/23 and throughout the rest of the race. I was so relieved when I saw the finish line and I couldn't believe the time (3:50:22). I honestly didn't expect to finish in less than 4 hours. After I crossed I sat, streched, rehydrated, and I even layed down for a bit. I then walked to my car to get my phone and find out where my family was. Once I found them (Donna actually found me), Hayden gave me some flowers and we took some pictures. Then I got a nice free massage and stretch that felt incredible...I think I found my new best friend (haha). All in all, I am so glad that I did it and lived to tell about it...before turning 30, too.

We couldn't get Hayden to look at the camera and smile (again, no big surprise there). He was so cute, though. He came and talked to me the whole time I was getting my massage...what a little sweetheart!

My supporters (Bob, Mom, Zoey, Hayden, Donna, and Tawni).

The finishing medals the runners got are really neat and big. I tried to take a picture, but I couldn't get one without the glare. Oh well, I'm sure you get the idea.

The State Fair

So we were brave and ended up going to the State Fair this past Saturday with Dan, Jenny, Martin, Graci, and Sophia. It was a fun experience despite the crowd and a tired 3-year-old.

One of the first things we did (after hiking from where we parked to the actual fair) was take the kids to this little hands-on farm. They got to preview what farm life is like by moving throughout this little pretend/play farm.

Here is Hayden collecting his egg from the chickens.

Milking the cow...farm life wouldn't be complete without this chore (luckily it was just a fake cow).

Later on we got to see real cows.

Sneaking in an unexpected photo of Dan.

Hayden's first roller coaster! It was a mini coaster, but Hayden was still a bit frightened during the ride.

We ended the night with Hayden riding on the Speedway. This ride was probably his favorite (after he stopped crying and finally got in the car with the other little boy).

Zoo Rendevous

On Sept. 10, Dan invited me to the Zoo Rendevous. It was an evening fundraising event (adults only...sorry Hayden) with silent auctions, tons of food from different restaurants, and of course, lots of animals.

One of the highlights was getting to preview the new baby elephant. She was soooo cute, and I loved watching an her run and play (not something you typically see an elephant do).

We also got to see the new baby tiger cubs. Here is a picture of momma tiger with one of her babies.

Part of the event included free rides on the carousel. We chose to ride the zebras. When I told my studens about riding the carousel, they looked at me a little funny. Apparently in their minds, grown-ups don't do those kinds of things.

Brooke and Travis' Wedding

September 5, 2009...the wedding of Brooke and Travis Herrud. The picture above is from before the start of the wedding (Uncle Dave, Hayden, me, and Dan).

The bridesmaids, flowergirls, and the ring bearer (Hayden) posing before the ceremony.

Just Married!

Bride and bridesmaids with attitude

Oh, aren't they cute!

One of the few moments that Hayden smiled throughout the whole wedding.

Kisses for my little guy

The family

The unique (or just interesting) cake I made.

Feeding eachother cake...man, no one got it smashed in their face.

My First Half Marathon

So I decided to run my first half marathon race, and it ended up going pretty well. I found myself enjoying it much more than the shorter races I've done (I realized that I didn't mention that I got first in my division in the Minute Man 5K I did on Aug. 8). I liked running at a regular pace as opposed to running as fast as a I can for 3 to 6 miles...maybe endurance is more my thing. My goal was to finish in a decent time and not be too miserable by the end. However, I was happy and energetic for the most part and I finished in 1:48. I ended up finishing first in my division, and I was 4th overall in the female category. The race was on Legacy Parkway which was pretty flat (kind of like running on a treadmill) and part of the entry fee went to help families pay funeral expenses for children lost to cancer. It's always nice to be running for a good cause.

Later that day we went to the Jacos to celebrate Dad's, Tawni's and Dan's birthdays. Hayden and Luke played pretty well together, and I was glad that they held still long enough for me to get a picture of them together.