Timpanogos Half, Zoo, and Swimming

The end of July (30th) was the Timpanogos Half Marathon. It was a beautiful day...just perfect for a race. The course was incredibly similar to the AF Half Marathon from the previous month, but since the water levels were back to normal we got to run on more trail in the second half (loved it). I ran into my friend, Cathy Boer, and I saw another one (Mindy Lewis) before the race started. I felt pretty good throughout the whole race and I ended up pacing myself with other runners who were ahead of me. It worked out pretty well, but I still didn't get my race goal. Oh well, I still came in at 1:39. Afterwards I could definitely feel some pain in my left shin. Pain that seemed to continue for weeks afterwards (still does right now, but I think I'm on the right track). All in all, it was a beautiful and scenic race! I will consider doing it again next year, too.

So we started August by venturing over to the zoo (again!). We just can't seem to get enough of this place! One of the best things about this trip was that we actually witnessed one of the tigers swimming in the water. We were both pretty excited seeing as it seems to be quite the rare occurrence.

Another zoo highlight was when Hayden got to help feed the Llamas. We just happened to be there during feeding time and he was lucky enough to participate.

A few days later we went to Aunt Lila's pool for lunch and swim time. Hayden pretty much wanted to jump off the side into the water, but I got him to play a game with Selena and me for a bit.

Helicopter Ride and Playing With Cousins

On July 28, Hayden and I went on our first helicopter ride! It ended up on my "bucket list," but this was something that Hayden could be apart of...yay! I got this awesome deal through High Velocity Aviation on a 1/2 hour tour. Hayden was excited and he got in the helicopter without being nervous at all. However, once we left the ground, then the nerves set in. I was even having butterflies because the doors were off. I just kept hoping that the seatbelt would stay snapped, or else...

Here we are just before take-off.

We started out in Woods Cross and flew over Bountiful and the University of Utah area.

Whoo-Hoo! Go Utes!

The wind was so strong that it didn't take any extra power to lift us over the mountains (this is where my butterflies did some serious fluttering).

We made it back safely! Here we are post-flight! After we landed Hayden decided that it was an "awesome" experience despite how nervous he was.

Afterwards, I headed up to my cousin Carrie's house for some playtime. My other cousin, Emily, stopped by and later on so did my cousin, Ashley. Our kids had a great time playing together and Carrie (being the cute mom she is) mixed up this homemade bubble mixture. The kids could just use their hands to create some amazing and BIG bubbles.

Jakob with his two-handed bubble.

Noah with his bubble resting in the palm of his hand.

Katy Perry Concert

Back around Valentine's, my sis (Brooke) bought us a couple of Katy Perry concert tickets for July 25. We took a couple of pics before leaving my mom's house then headed downtown for dinner.

We found a great parking spot then ate at Z'Tejas at the Gateway Mall. Even though it was pretty hot, we still ate outside and enjoyed people watching. It was easy to pick out the people who were going to the concert, too...lots of girls dressed up! It kind of made me wish we would've too.

We snuck in another picture on my phone of the both of us. The concert started at 7:30 and lasted for about four hours!!! I don't think either of us have been out that late in awhile. I guess that's what happens when you're a mom, too. All in all, we had a great time and it was fun to feel "young" again.