Neon Vibe

We love to do fun runs! We have done a bunch of runs this year as a family. I am trying really hard help the kids to love being active. This summer the boys also did Jr Fitness at the YMCA where they basically had PE 3 days a week. Tanner is already signed up for flag football.

Anyway, we did the Neon Vibe last night. It is a night time run; started at 8 pm. We debated about taking the kids. The Color Run we did earlier this summer was very crowded and I fear losing a kid, so a night time run was especially nerve racking. But we ended up taking them, and just used scare tactics to keep them by our side. :) I learned how to do that from my mom.

 We didn't get nearly as much color on us as we did at the Color Run. They splashed water on us at a few places during the Neon Vibe, instead of throwing color, so it wasn't as colorful this time.

 Here we all are after. Amber looked the best! 

 Tracie and Kris came with us, and Tracie had ordered 100 close sticks, so we were all decked out. 

 Tracie and Kris: before and after.

Over all it was fun. The course was horrible, though. Basically it zig zagged through the Expo. It smelled like manure, it was dusty, and we ran on pavement, grass, and rocks, so there were lots changes in the terrain and lots of tripping hazards. If they do the same one next year, we won't be doing it. The color run was much better.

Portland Zoo

We went on a spur of the moment trip up to Portland area a couple weeks ago. Things were slow at Nate's work so they said he could go to another clinic to work for 2 days and they would pay for his gas, drive time, and hotel. So we ALL went. Stayed at a hotel for 3 nights. Spent a day with Mickie and the kids. And went to the zoo and Chuck E Cheese another day. We played in the pool, and had lots of fun.

I only got pictures of the zoo though. 

The kids were kind of tired, maybe from staying up late each night we were at the hotel.

This was a very forced smile from Dallin. He doesn't have much endurance. Was always looked for a rock or bench to sit down on.

Tanner was kind of sick while we were there, but he was most interested in the animals. 

Poor Nate, had to carry Ashlyn half the time. 

This was Tanner's favorite part, the misters. 

Grumpy face.

We only got real smiles out of them when we told them we would go to Chuck E Cheese after the zoo. 

Oh, Amber had a good time. Never complained. She's good like that.

First day of School

I LOVE my kids, but I also LOVE the first day of school. We had a great summer. We kept busy and did fun things. The boys did a fitness class 3 days a week. They went swimming a couple times a week. We went to a movie once a week. Played with friends and cousins. Went camping twice. Went up to Portland. Just lots of fun stuff. 

They were so ready for school though. And so was I. Both have teachers that we've heard are really great. They got new shoes that they are super excited about. :)

 And I love the time I get to spend with my girls now. Ashlyn starts preschool next week. We are doing a co op preschool with 6 moms and kids. Should be fun. 

We will probably do some swim lessons too. Spend some time at Kid Time. Go to the library. Go shopping. Just me and my girls.

Amber recently

Whenever the door is open, Amber scoots on her bum to the door. She loves to be outside. She waves at anyone passing by. She especially loves men, older men. She LOVES my dad. 

At church an older man that I know walked in, and she smiled big and reached up to him. He picked her up, and we chatted for a few minutes. When he set her down to go on his way she started grunting at him and reaching for him. He ended up taking her to his meeting with him. I went and got her after about 20 minutes, but I was amazed how easily she went with this man she had just met. How do you teach a baby about strangers???

I love that her hair is getting longer! 

 Attitude!

Baseball time again

The boys got to be on a team together this year since Nate coached. They also got to play with their cousin Joel, and Paula was the assistant coach. 

 Nate was a really great coach. Organized and patient with the kids. He had a good team too.

It was coach pitch. Good thing Nate is a good pitcher.

 Paula challenged Joel and Tanner, and told them if they could hit the ball all the way to the grass then she would buy them a candy bar. So far they haven't made it, but they have one more game.

You can tell the boys take it very seriously.

 Well, Dallin not so much. :) Not afraid to wear a pink helmet.

I hung out with the smaller kids during games. 

 We've had about 3 games canceled due to thunderstorms. 

 Go Giants!

Water fun

Amber is transitioning into toddler-hood. And doing all the fun things that toddlers do, like pull the toilet paper off the roll, and throw toys in the toilet. My baby is growing up. :(

Ashlyn did her first session of swim lessons. She loved them and did so well. We will do some more in the fall, and I will do some with Amber too. She is a water lover.

She always had a smile on her face. This was the 3rd time we tried swim lessons. I am not that mom that forces her kid to do swim even if it is kicking and screaming. Luckily she eventually liked it.