Surprise! Kim's 1st Half Marathon

 Kim has been training for her 1/2 since September. I knew when she was doing it in St George that I would love to go and support her. I called Nic and she was excited to do it as well so the plan started there. Kinner's birthday was the day before so Nic didn't want to leave her so we decided to take her and I took Hallie and Gracie. My big hang up is that I had never left Liam. In the past I couldn't even consider that but with this new emotional healing therapy/coaching I am doing it seemed achievable. Matt was more than willing to help and stay home with Liam and Emy and take them to do something special. Friday was also Brit's birthday so the family girls all got together for dinner. I didn't want to miss it so I caught dinner on our way out of town. Hallie and Gracie went to dinner down the street and had a great time. It was the first time I had given them my credit card but they did great. That gave the adults the chance to visit without little ears.

After dinner we got on the road. I knew that this would be a great opportunity for growth. I was great until I got to Utah county and it started to get dark. Then I fell apart...cried until we got to Nephi. Matt had taken the kids skating so I couldn't get a hold him and that made it worse. Once I got to Nephi I was able to talk about it with Nic and realized that everything was going to be fine. From then on I really enjoyed catching up with Nic and telling the girls in the back seat to be quiet frequently. We got to the hotel about 11pm and made posters until midnight then we headed to bed ready for the next morning. After an ok night of sleep we got up and ready to head to breakfast. Dad did a good job keeping us up to date as to where she was. After we ate we headed out to the finish line. We met my mom and Kim's kids at the playground and when Kimber got close we headed over to the finish. We each stood with our individual signs in hand and our eyes tear filled and waited for her to cross the line. She was shocked and exhausted as she crossed the finish line. It was so fun to be there and I'm so glad we went.

My dad treated us to brunch after we visited at the park for a bit. It was a small town place with delicious made to order food. Even the tortillas and English muffins were home made. It was so fun to let the kids sit at their own table so we could visit. After the kids were done the owner let the kids play in the neighboring grassing lot. They picked pecans up from the ground and shelled them. They had quite the factory going.

Then we packed up and headed for home. We grabbed gas and headed to Gunnison where we dropped Nic and Kinner's off. We stayed for about 30 minutes to say hi to Kyle and the boys then jumped back on the road to get home to the rest of our family.  Such a great experience despite the sadness on the way down. Everyone was great while we were gone. I hope next time it will be a little easier. Thanks Kimber for being awesome so we could come support you! Thanks Nic for supporting me and thanks to Matt for holding down the fort and calming me down always!

Feb Random

I love when Hallie wants to be involved in the kitchen and I wish it happened more frequently. One night Matt and the kids were down watching a movie and I had started donuts so Hallie helped me. I really enjoyed it. It also helped because the next week she missed her lab for Foods class and needed this picture to get credit for missing.

During project time I had bought trim and Liam turned it into a marble track. He and the girls had a ball

Ashtyn invited the kids over for a Valentine's party and asked for me to come help. They rotated in age groups and played games and decorated cookies.

Hallie's friend Maya is a life rider at Nordic and told Hallie she should come work with her. It was pretty sudden and the boss text and asked if she could come that afternoon. She rides the lift with kids under the age of eight in the after school program. They operate on Tues, Thurs, and Friday from 4-7 and she makes $11 an hour so she loves that. I think it may be a great winter job for her in years to come as well.

Emy got to go to Maxwell's birthday party. She was the only girl but had a great time. They did sledding, played hide and seek, as well as had cupcakes.

With Hallie working at Nordic I told the kids that we would stay and ski on the Fridays while she works. It has been a fun reason to ski more often. It has been spring skiing with lots of sunshine and icy/slushie snow.

Milo loves any opportunity to be cuddled and loved.

Emy has the 3rd grade drive inn movie coming up. She couldn't wait to get her car going. She was so nice to include Liam and let him paint with her. She decided to theme it like one of the cars on Wreck It Ralph

Matt and I snuck away for a Jazz game with Clients. I don't like sharing him but we had a fun night.