August 2012- Part 2

August 19th-

Kai is a true boy. Fell asleep with gun in hand. :)

August 22nd- Girls Trip #4

This little lady got to join us on our girls trip.

^Maren came in town at the beginning of August for a month, so Kristen decided to book a flight and meet us in Utah for our 4th annual girls trip. We picked Kristen up at the airport Wednesday morning and got started right away with the things we do best on girls trips. Eat and Shop. :) We spent the day at City Creek Mall. It was a successful trip even with babies in tow. :)

^After shopping we headed to get our usual pedicure. Kristen loves babies and is always so helpful. Especially since she was baby-free this trip. Lucky gal!

^Always love being pampered and the result.

^After pedicures we brought our pretty little toes to eat at Brio.

^Everything was delicious!

^We were going to make and decorate sugar cookies like old times, but decided to relax instead, chit chat and watch a true chick flick, "Bring it On". You can see how long we lasted. :) Harman Hotel is where we had our sleepovers this trip. :)

August 23rd-

^Thursday morn we got ready for a day in Park City area for shopping. Girls trips are not complete without some ugly photos, and driving Ed's car. :)

^On our way we stopped for brunch at Kneaders. Lucky us, Kristen is great at taking photos and likes to practice, so we ended up with some fun profile shots. :)

^Fun to take photos when we're all done up for each other. Thanks Kristen.

^P.S. Kneaders French Toast is divine! I can't believe I had never had it! Yum!

^Shopping was successful at the outlets.

^And we might have stopped at Kneaders a second time that day for a little snack...

We got back from Park City and then headed to Salt Lake to eat dinner at Tucanos. I was dared to eat chicken heart. We all tried it. I don't recommend it, but everything else was great. :)

^Very full!

^We raced home after dinner for some massage appointments. Maren's first! I love massages!

^ After some relaxing massages, we picked up some shakes and played nertz. Good times!

August 24th- SARAH's 5th BIRTHDAY!

^Before our goodbyes we took some last photos together. I absolutely loved seeing these girls! I love how comfortable we are together. I love that we started the raising of our families together. There are some true bonds between us. Until next year...

^After our goodbyes we got on with Miss Sarah's special day! She got the typical birthday decor, a present to start the day, and her "S" shaped pancake.  We had a busy day! She had her 5 year old well check, Kindergarten assessment with her teacher, and most importantly her "friend" birthday party. Wouldn't you guess? A Princess Party.

^The girls dressed up like princesses, got to wear some make-up, and we started right off with princess themed games.

^First they decorated their princes. Made their bodies and drew their faces onto balloons. Then they pinned kisses on the prince (Flynn). Then they played Red apple(light)/Green apple(light). Then they played musical chairs to princess music. Then they had a ball and danced with the princes they made. Sarah may or may not have kissed her prince multiple times during their dance- Wonderful future ahead of us/her! Watch out! ;)

^Princess Sarah. (Sarah actually means princess in Hebrew. :) Learned that this year.)

^ The sidekicks and party helpers. Couldn't have done it without ya!

^Her friends were so kind to shower her with wonderful gifts. Thanks everyone!

^Then we ate cake. She requested a castle this year.

 ^Free time and party favors.

Our Sarah Bear is 5!! So grown up! Blossoming beautifully and we just love her! She is such a thoughtful girl, rule follower(usually) and big helper. She loves to learn. She is a great artist, a wonderful singer and she calls me "beautiful" and Ed "handsome" all the time.:) A wonderful little princess to start us off on our parenting journey- We look forward to the years to come Miss Sarah! 

 August 26th-

^ We had the family over for Hawaiian haystacks and a little "family" party.

^The kids played some games- Red apple/Green apple.

^Duck, Duck, Goose. One of Sarah's faves.

^Sarah's cute cousins that came to celebrate with her. (Missing: Bri, Forrest, Felicity, Alexis, Avery, Zack and Tanner)

^She loved being showered multiple times over the weekend. Thank sweet family and friends.

Sporting her new princess dress up.

She got lots of barbies, a doll house, a kitchen, artsy stuff, etc. 100% girl!

August 27th-

 After over a whole year we reunited with Ryan and Maren for some gaming and of course treats and pics.

An old favorite- Peach Cobbler... with peaches from our tree.

Candy, candy, candy- in this instance Big League Chew.

^We played Canasta- the boys kicked our butts! We drank root-brew as we call it, not Henry's though.  :( And played Scattergories and stayed up way too late! Well worth it though. Gotta take advantage. These visits are way too far between.

August 28th- SARAH STARTS KINDERGARTEN

^Can't believe our first born is starting "real" school! She is so ready though. None of us are sad, just excited! Let the learning begin. We know she'll do great! Cutie patootie!

^We just can't get enough! So... the Layton's graced us with their presence again! Hip Hip! This time we made Strawberry shortcake, got some better candy, and played some different games. 

^Love to "Settle" and we played Canasta again. Dudes kicked butt again- it must be Utah, because we always killed the guys in CA. :)
It's gonna be a while 'til we can get together again. The important this is that we make it happen. So great to see you Laytons!

 August 30th-

^More show off of bday presents. 

 August 31st-

^If you know me well, you know that I love listening to yodeling. I have done it all my life, and as a family tradition we went every year to Swiss Days to hear Kerry Christensen yodel. I hope to keep this tradition. I haven't been for so long(since we've lived away), that I had to make it happen this year! I went up with the kids and Mom and Deb. Never disappoints! 

^Such a fun, happy affair. After we got scones and headed out to get Sarah back for school. Hopefully there'll be time to shop next year! :)

^After Swiss Days and Sarah's school we headed up to Bear Lake to spend the weekend with the Harman Family in a cabin! Happy to spend a weekend with this type of scenery and view! SO beautiful! I loved being in this setting. Nature is bliss. 

^We just chilled the first night, had dinner and watched a movie. Little Madison was thrown off a little and decided to join us late in the night. :) Stinker. But a cute one.

What a wonderful, busy month! Full of parties, friends and family! Goodbye Summer. Welcome Fall.

August 2012- Part 1

August 3rd- SAN DIEGO

Cute Little Madison has found her feet. She was so pleasant on this trip. 

Every year, Ed and I try and get away for an "us" trip. "Us" this year included Madison too. We explored some trip options, but ended up deciding on San Diego and inviting some of our bests- the Cheney's.

We left early Friday morning, went to our hotel in Mission Bay, got late breakfast, did some shopping, relaxed and napped at the pool and then went to the hotel restaurant- Firefly.

 It was really good! We ordered fried brussel sprouts, a peach salad, sea bass and creme brulee. I love food!

Later in the evening when Duke and Morghan arrived, they came over and visited for a bit and we planned the next day.

August 4th-

We met up with Duke and Morghan at The Mission Cafe for brunch. You can see by the looks of the food presentation that it was delicious!  My blueberry pancakes didn't disappoint. One (not 3) would have been plenty. :) Food portions were huge!

Then we headed over to the beach. We dropped off Ed and Duke and then Morghan and I went shopping while they went surfing. :) Shopping was much too successful! :) We had a great time, and the boys loved their surfing. 

We relaxed on the beach for a bit, got ice cream and then headed back to our hotel to primp up for dinner.

We went to Azul Steakhouse for dinner in La Jolla. Yum! Some tasty soft cheese appetizer (I don't really like soft cheese) and Ed and I shared the Lumberjack Steak. Wonderful view and such wonderful people to spend the night with!

The steak was bigger than my hand! I don't even think we finished it.

After dinner we went to the hotel and played some canasta- just like old times. We put Madison to sleep in the closet. :) The bottom picture is from 4 years ago when we came to San Diego with the Cheney's and did the same thing. :)

August 5th-

Got up for an early morning run. Beautiful running along the beach and nice to be running at sea level again. :)

Madison't first time at the beach. Much older than the other 2 kids.

And when she'd had enough, I took her for a short walk along the beach and then we made her a little shelter with an umbrella to sleep in. :) Such a good baby!

Morghan has always been more like an aunt to my kids. :) The picture on the right was from 4 years ago- and it's Sarah. :)

After spending some time at the beach, Morghan and I went and got pedicures. We couldn't talk the guys in to getting them with us this time.

Then we headed to Coronado for dinner at Miguels before the Cheneys had to leave. (We went to Coronado and Miguels on our honeymoon) In the evening Ed and I just chilled, watched the olympics, and went to the hot tub.

August 6th-

Madison did a lot of snoozing on the trip. She was pretty good on-the-go. Monday we went to brunch at The Boardwark. I ordered the kids size breakfast. Good thing. ;)

Then we hung out on the beach for a bit. Showing off my pedi- and the bottom pic is from the 4 of us 4 years ago. :)

Madison was being so cute at the beach!

After the beach, we checked out of the hotel and went to the mall again. 

CA=Pinkberry. Mmm. Sleepy baby again. Why are babies so cute when they sleep? After the mall we headed to the airport and home to these cuties...

Sarah and Kai loved their little monkey's. 

Thanks to our families for making the trip possible by watching our rugrats and letting us get away together!

August 9th-

We had a special visitor! Maren came in town so we got to meet wee little Kate. This baby can sleep in some good places as you can see. :) The kids were great while we did Maren's hair.

August 11th-

Ed was out of town, so dad came over so I could go for a long run. So nice! Sometimes for long runs it helps if I plan on somewhere I want to run to. Surprisingly the Oquirrh Mountain Temple is only 1.5 miles from my house. So I ran by it. Beautiful morn. Didn't start til later in the morning (hot!), but I forced myself to go 9 mi. Not too shabby for being alone. Plus it was an empowering run. Got some good thinkin' in.

Steph came to spend the night. We always have a good time. We played Nerts and watched Labyrinth. Best show ever! (Ed :) )

August 12th-

I took the kids to the park and this little one was all smiles. Baby smiles bring so much joy.

That day and over the next couple of days I found the kids sleeping numerous times. Love it when they're worn out. Such a cute pic of Kai with his daddy takin' a snooze.

August 13th-

Natalie is pregnant with a baby girl (due Sept) so we got together for lunch to celebrate the occasion. :) So excited for you Nat! So great to see everyone and catch up! Excited to meet your little one!

We have a peach tree and the peaches are delicious! Neat having fruit in your own yard. Loved our oranges in CA too.

August 14th-

One of the perks of running outside. Beautiful scenery. 

August 15th-

This little lady is starting to grab toys. You can see the amount of concentration it takes on the right. :) Fun stage!

August 17th-

What coats? We call it a towel rack in the summer. :)

Angie and I haven't seen each other since I was pregnant with Sarah!!! She was visiting from WA and paid us a visit. I finally got to meet her kids and her mine. Fun to reunite, catch up and let the kids play. We're so grown up!

The whole family got a nap at once! Well, except Sarah, but she was quiet. This is what I found when I woke from my nap.

We got together with the Phillip's and Keddington's and went to Seven Peaks and closed the park down! Fun with friends. I think Sarah has a crush on Jace. :) Madison fell asleep in my arms while we walked through the park. Love that feeling. After we went to Dee's- yes Dee's :) for hot chocolate and dinner -since it was close. Not sure any of us have been there since high school. There is a reason. :) Spaghetti and Meatballs for me! Race in the morn! Out and up way too late!

August 18th- HOBBLE CREEK HALF MARATHON

Place- 90/ Name-Lindsey Harman/ City-South Jordan, UT/ Bib No-720/ Age-30/ Gender-F/  Age Group-30-34/ Chip Time-1:42:33.1/ Pace-7:50/M

I signed up for the Hobble Creek Half Marathon with some gals from my ward. Thank you Michelle and Tami!  We got up at 4am to leave for Springville. We got our packets, took the bus up the canyon and waited a bit for the race to begin. The race started at 7:15am (which I heard is one of the first times it's started on time) and I was feelin' good. The course is mostly downhill, so I heard it was fast. I couldn't believe my pace, but I just decided to go with it. My goal any time I run is just to improve. My goal changed as I ran, and I made a new goal...keep up my pace and finish under 8 minute miles. Completely unexpected, but I zoned, ran to my music and made a personal record. Improved my time from my last half marathon by 20 minutes AND made it in the top 100 women. That is why I run. Empowering. Dad came to see me finish! Thanks for supporting me dad! And Mom, thanks for supporting from home by watching the kids! :)

After a busy morning, I got away in the evening for some girl time. Angie had a free night, so we got together with Heather and got frozen yogurt and talked til the early AM. We caught up and got some silly pictures in the process. Fun way to feel young and immature. Don't kill me girls! HAHA. Fun friends! Let's not wait so long to do this again!