Healing Field and Dirty Dash

I love the Healing Field. It really keeps things in perspective. I was able to go twice in one day. In the afternoon, I went with the kids and family. Later that night, I went with the Young Women of our ward. 

While there with the Young Women, I realized that the girls who had just turned 12 to come into the program, were only just born when 9/11 took place. To most of them, what happened is just another story in a history lesson. We were able to converse a bit about how grateful we were for those who provide service to protect us, past or present; fire fighters, police officers, service members in any branch of the armed force. Then we talked about our duty to protect our rights and how we do that by studying, researching and voting; being involved. It was great.

Then there's Jake and his obstacle races; his new passion. Another Dirty Dash with his family. It had been raining a few days before and that morning. Someone had ordered extra mud. The obstacles where even better this time.

Being cute waiting for dad to run by.

We love umbrellas.

Yea Daddy. 

He finished in good time. Even some of his younger nieces and nephew ran this time. I think this is becoming a new family tradition.

Mickey Mouse

My kids love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It was one of the first TV shows Ellie watched when she was little. Luckily for me, Sammi loves it too.  

(She is saying Oh Toodles like in the show and then notices I have the camera out.)

Well almost all of it. We borrowed the new Minnie adventure Wizard of Dizz from the library and Sammi didn't like it so much.  

Utah State Fair

We made our annual visit to the Utah State Fair and All-you-can-eat ice cream tent. 

Sammi's uni brow

Poppy's milk mustache (sticker)

Future Farmers of Utah.

 And of course the Giant slide. If you look closely at the picture below, Sammi wasn't so happy at the bottom of the slide. It could had been for a few reasons; one, JT was holding her and not mommy; two, JT was recording her face the whole time and only had one arm around her; three, she just didn't like the slide. She started out liking it but about half way down things changed. Ellie loved it.

We saw some animals, looked at booths, and ate fair food. I'm not sure who sponsors it but next to the DNR building is a science/learning area. Kids of all ages like this place. I enjoyed it so much, I didn't take any pics. 

Kids? Totally worth it!

So I have finally pulled pictures from my camera and realized I have a lot to write about, but I'll start with a fun post. I have the funniest kids, hands down. Don't believe me. Check these out. (Yes, I am displaying my children forever on the Internet.)

Ellie posing for her cheer-leading picture.

 One day Ellie got into my make-up. The only thing that seemed to bother her was me taking a picture. She asked for time out or have something taken. I guess the best punishment is the thing they want to happen the least.

Don't you love my eye brows?

Sammi super excited about this cup.

I feel pretty. Oh so pretty. 

I'm not sure if this one is more of my kid or my sisters. Baxter was desperately wanting a bite of Sammi's bread. 

Yummy!

My bear. 

 She just had to put on the life jacket herself.

Ready to go skiing. 

 I caught her trying to put her cousin Braden into a head lock while playing at a fast food place.

Say Uncle.

 The girls love playing in the rain, especially if they can use umbrellas.

No matter how bad things seem to be, I have these 2 goof balls to cheer me up.

Reading

While I don't normally do a lot of reading, something has taken a hold of me this summer. I have read a lot of books. I have done so quickly because almost all of them have been young adult fiction but I am ok with that. Because of this, I decided to keep track of the books I have read on a page here on my blog. Since most are young adult fiction, they have the cheesy love story in it. Even with that, I have still really enjoyed them.

If there is a book or series that you have enjoyed, please let me know so I can continue with my reading. Also, let me know if you are curious as to my thoughts on any of the books.

How to dry a child?

If you were ever wondering, this is how to dry your child.

Tough Mudder Las Vegas

I know this is way old but I was having a love my husband day and wanted to celebrate some more about him. Especially since I don't write much. He's not quite as funny, as cute or as interesting as the girls to other people but I love him. 

This is from the Tough Mudder he ran with family back in April. This was called the Vegas location but it was 2 hours of driving through the desert. It should have been called the Middle of Nowhere, past the desert prison location. Anyway, I won't say much more because the pictures show quite a bit. 

Yes, the small dots on the hill top are people. 

Shot just to the left of the previous pic and again dots on the hill are people.

 The course was large and there were lots of hills adding a layer of difficulty.

Everyone before they started. The colors really made it easy to find them. 

Emerging from belly crawling through mud.

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Jumping into the water.

This last pic is the reason I haven't done a Tough Mudder. I have no desire to be electrocuted. None what so ever. I can do the race and the obstacles (with help) but I will not been shocked.

All those wires have random amounts of voltage through them. Some powerful
enough to knock you to the ground. 

And of course, Jake's triumphant jump into the water. (I love this video and this is one of the things I love about Jake. Silly huh?