Bowling With The Girls !

Liz, Mandy, Me, Lenae

Me, Sara, Lenae, Mandy, Liz, Shauna, Andi, Brandy, Des

I'm lucky to have some GREAT friends in my neighborhood. We went to Sunset Bowl for a fun Girls' Night Out! Highest score that I can remember bowling (ok, only a 91- but for me that's GOOD! (Pics courtesy of Liz, stole 'em off her blog)

Colorado City

Ok- I may have sucked you in by the title which is a bit misleading. Yes, these pictures were taken in Colorado City but only in the park. I'll have to take some "around town" pictures soon for another post. Jim had never been to Colorado City (the polygamist community where I hang out 1-2x a week for work) So after some arm twisting I loaded Jim & the kids in the car for some good times at the park. Colorado City has a fabulous hidden gem- Cottonwood Park. They have huge trees, tire swings, a LONG slide and other neat finds. It was a cold day as you can see by the snow in the background, but we had a ball. A plus, the kids got to see what it feels like to be the minority. Instead of us staring at FLDS people in Walmart, we were the ones feeling a bit out of place in our jeans (all other women & girls were wearing dresses at the park of course)

Valentine's Day !

Valentine's Day/ President's Day weekend has been cram-packed FULL of activities and its not over yet! Phew...Looking forward to some down time! Friday I was able to help with Arielle's school party, it was great! The kids played bingo and ate lots of junk! Then Friday night Arielle & I went to Nat's baby shower which was tons of fun (no pics unfortunately). Saturday Jim & Toby had Boy Scout Pow Wow (Jim was teaching First Aid), I ran the Dam to Dam 5 miler at Sand Hollow Resevoir with a couple girlfriends- THEN after THAT Toby went on a Hike with Boy Scouts (Bro. Patterson & Bro. Postma are such fun leaders- they plan lots of fun stuff and Toby loves them!) Meanwhile Arielle went to Stella's BD party at Pirate Island Pizza followed by Lauryn's BD party at Washington Community Center...are you tired yet, 'cause I sure was! Jim & I were able to fit in a quick lunch at Texas Roadhouse Saturday while the kids were at their activities. It was the first time I'd been there and even being a vego- I can still see what all the hype is about. It was YUMMY! Icing on the cake was that Jim's friend was working there and comped us a big luscious smoothie drink and decadent chocolate dessert! We spent Sat. night at home maxing and relaxing- watching All Star Basketball Shoot-outs and eating Chocolate Fondue. Thank goodness for Sundays- a day of REST! Don't know what we'll do on Monday, but hopefully we'll take it nice & easy. Oh- and this pic of Toby in the "greek getup" isn't from Valentine's, but from his Social Studies' project- wax museum. He dressed up as Plato (but he could almost pass for Cupid- don't you think...wink...)

Photo Tag

Michelle tagged me so here it is: Arielle took a little dance camp at Pineview HS back in Feb. 2008 (one year ago). I cheated and posted 2 pics, one of her dancing (which was #6 in my 6th photo file) and one of her getting her certificate.

I tag Kathy H., Ashley, Julie

The Great Outdoors

Had a wonderful weekend with Jim, Toby & Arielle. As an early BD present, I signed Arielle up for horseback riding lessons. She had her first lesson on Saturday and she was in heaven! She's ALWAYS loved horses. Through a friend at work I found out about Red Ridge Riding School. The owner is a wonderful woman who has spent a lifetime teaching children to ride. Arielle had a ball and can hardly wait to go back next Saturday. Later Saturday Jim, Toby, Arielle & I hiked the Temple Quarry Trail. The company, temperature and views were PURRRfect!

St. George (Painter's) Half Marathon 2009

I needed a little jump start to my new year so I bit the bullet and signed up for the Jan. Half Marathon. It was a great time! Met up with some of my running buddies (The "Sole" Sisters). The weather couldn't have been better, 40's, sunny & no wind. I did pretty good for the first 8 miles keeping about 8:45 pace. About mile 8 I hit the wall as expected (due to my lame training lately) from there on I finished with about 9:30-10 min. miles. I wanted to break 2:00, but came in at 2:01. That is actually about 8 minutes slower than I ran this race last year. But given my current stress level with work, kids, church calling, etc etc.... I have to take all into consideration and pat myself on the back for just being out there!

Old Friends & New Memories...

9 years ago when we moved to St. George I was pregnant with Arielle and we lived in a little 4 plex apartment. We met some great friends in that neighborhood that we've stayed in touch with through out all the years and through out all our MOVES! This past weekend one of those families- The Chesters came to St. George to get out of the COLD N. Utah weather. We ran all over town with them and had a blast! Skateboard Park, In-N-Out, Swimming, Shopping, Playing at the Park, Mall Cop Movie & Pirate Island Pizza! Wow- those Chesters know how to party! The kids had fun catching up and playing together. Aimee and I spent lots of time chatting just like old times and sharing enrichment ideas(we have the same calling). We also got to spend some time with The Flagmeiers when they joined us at the park- they are an awesome bunch! And stopped to say hey to The Wilkinsons too. All these guys are special to us. Its great to have old friends & new memories!