Summer Utah Trip

 I love having a trip to look forward too. I especially love our summer trips to Utah to visit family. This year, one very exciting reason for going, was that I ran my first half marathon! I feel like as early as February this year I talked to my mom who told me about the Heber half for Autism and was thrilled to hear how many of my family members were going to be signing up. I told Sam about it, and we immediately thought that we should also sign up. Even though living in Bend has improved my attitude toward running I still hadn't exceeded running 3 miles in quite some time so working up to 13! I began running by myself and then I would also have a day I would run with Sara. But, one of the first times out with her I twisted my ankle pretty significantly and ended up with crutches be the end of the day. I took a break from running for about 3 weeks, but continued to ride my trainer--which actually helped a lot.

Anyways, I was very motivated by what it was for. I was excited to run fro Rowan, I was excited that it was important to family, and Sam was extremely supportive. He let me train every day that he had off. Now, admittedly, my speed, is a little laughable, but it was the distance I was concentrating on this time.

 The morning of the race started at quarter to 4. My brother and I ended up being the last remaining runners of the half. Whitney, only because her foot had been bothering her. It was really nice to spend the morning with Sam and talk with him on the bus ride to the start line, and blanket ourselves in the reflective heating papers--I am really not sure what they are called but they surprisingly worked! I did have a case of the "runners trots" and did have to stop at the bathroom more than once. 😬 But, such is life. Sam, pitifully ran with me for the first 4 miles, but I finally convinced him to go on without me when I needed to stop at another brother and he took me up on it. Honestly, I felt better after that because I did not want the weight of holding him up.

I also can now talk about the fact that I was 6 weeks pregnant when I ran, and it definitely changed my breathing, and I was just starting to feel sick. So, I am giving myself a break for how I did, and mostly being proud of what I did. This had been a goal, and I happy to report, I would do it again. A full?? I am really not so sure. I think I can enjoy a half and maybe not a full? At least, that is how I feel now. But, I also not that by mile 12 I knew my legs would be feeling this. I could tell they were going to stiffen up, and at the point if felt better to run than to walk. I was great crossing the finish line and seeing my boys cheering me on. They remarked later on in a family prayer they were thankful I won the race. 😂 Kids can be wonderful for self esteem sometimes. I was walking like Frankenstein that next couple days..without any exaggeration I really was struggling with all things legs. I did end up going to my sister Caitlin's Pound class on day 3. I was doing much better by then, but Sam still had a bit of a laugh with that. It was a fun class!

 The day of the race was also Jonah's birthday. Lucky for us it was his 2nd birthday and he was not very aware or else we would've felt worse. We did not get him presents. We had a cake and a fun time with the family which that's all a 2 year old really needs. But, just to speak on Jonah for a minute to simply say how lucky I feel to have him. He is such a circus clown baby. He will do anything for a laugh. He loves making playing with other kids, he can be a bit of bully 😬  but, he also sees so much horse play going on at home, I know he is not meaning it to be mean. He is sly and curious, and lovable. He is starting to say so many words and is learning more each day. He definitely thinks he is talking in full sentences. I am so so glad he is my baby boy.

 I was also so happy to spend a whole day with Kim. It was so fun to not have to worry about the time, and that Sam was kind enough to take the boys so that we could have quality time and I also got to meet her new little Calvin. It was just what the doctor ordered.

The whole trip is what I needed, and I think the boys needed it too. It has been a delightful thing to witness the cousins play with each other, and learn to play with each other. I love to see the immediate connections they have and that it doesn't seem to miss a beat in knowing how to play with each other. I wish I had snapped some pictures of the sweetness that occurred between Rowan and Addi. Rowan, really loved to help with the laundry this trip, and he would sometimes sit and wait for a long time to switch things to the dryer, but Addi sat with him for a lot of those minutes. She was was excited to help him with the laundry and she was excited for how happy he was about it. It was very sweet. Rowan, also connected with my brother this trip. He will still talk about playing in the hot tub with Sambo, and he will ask about Sambo a lot still. It seems every time we visit he forms another connection with someone else. I love to see his world expanding.

The last night we were there we went to the rodeo for the 4th of July. We had never before been to rodeo and the boys were pretty dang impressed with the cowboys. We left a little early mostly because of may irritation with a girl screaming so loudly I mean I know it's exciting but really?? You're grown. But, we stopped the car and watched the fireworks together which I ended up really loving. 

So, it was another great trip. It was filled with good memories and good boys. I am excited for more fun adventures to come!