Yup, I did it

I finally became one of "those" people and ran a race. It started with the intense need to lose weight. Everybody I talk to swears running does the trick, but so far it hasn't happened for me. Terry got me a treadmill for my b-day, and I had a love/hate thing with running. As in, I hated doing it but loved how I felt afterwards. Then I discovered the beauty of disco music, and my routine was forever changed. Running gets easier every time I do it, and I had settled into a nice little routine (2 miles a day, lame I know) when I saw the sign for the Syracuse 5k Turkey Trot. Since a 5k is only 3 miles, I figured "what the hey, I can do that!" So I signed up, saw the route, and then freaked out. I had never run outside before, and being able to see how long the distance is you have to run was terrifying! I almost backed out, but some good friends (and REALLY good runners, like multiple marathons under their belts) encouraged me on (Breanna and Chelsea THANK YOU!!) Maria was also encouraging, telling me she saw a "fun run" where everyone was walking, so then I didn't feel too bad. So I did it and it went WAY better than I thought it would!! I ran the whole thing without walking, and I did it in 35 minutes (I can barely do 25 on the treadmill. Don't know what's up with that). Maria was going to meet me at the finish line but I finished faster than I thought, so she wasn't even there yet. Terry barely got there in time and snapped a quick picture of me. I know all you serious runners are rolling your eyes at me, but this was HUGE for me! I've never run in my life, but I totally get why people do it. And yes, I will do it again :)


Blurry, I know, but you get the idea

What a show!

First things first, this guy turned 8 months old!

Deacon wanted in on the action too, but refused to smile

 

Then we took Deacon to Yo Gabba Gabba! (It’s his favorite cartoon)

DJ Lance! Seriously don’t know where this guy gets his energy

 

 

The Aquabats performed

Biz Markie rapped

Brobee went flying!

Deacon was mesmerized the whole time!

Deacon had a great time at his first concert, but I think Terry and I had even more fun watching him (ahhh, the joy of kids!)

Trick or Treat!

Halloween is my favorite holiday, so I was so excited to have two monsters to dress up this year!

Deacon was Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba (yes, we’re going to the live show!) and Evan was a tree frog. Pretty darn cute if I do say so myself!

We hit the trunk or treat at the church

He didn’t even wait until we were home to break open the candy!

We partied at Grandma and Grandpa Rees’ house

Monsters and princess’s don’t mix, I guess!

Trying and failing to get all the cousins together for a picture

 

Playing with Grandma Jill and Papa Bill

 

 

And last but not least, Grandpa and Grandma Nelson!

We also scored some playtime at the canyon. Deacon loved helping unload the food!

 

 

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!

Yes, according to Maria’s blog, we had quite the birthday weekend!! Deacon‘s birthday is 2 days after mine so we had a big birthday bash on Sunday with all the family.

This guy turned 6 months old!

                            

 

We tried solids with him

(before)

After (not a fan!)

The brothers got their play on

New Sunday outfits

 

 

Birthday breakfast for the birthday boy (notice the racecar in hand – he won’t let them go even to eat!)

Someone got a racetrack for their birthday!

Wouldn’t let his balloon out of his sight, even to sleep!

Cake, gifts, and family. Birthdays don’t get better than this!

           

Onion Days

Every Labor Day, my good ‘ol hometown of Payson celebrates Onion Days (yeah, it’s kind of a silly name, but we grow great onions!). I have fond memories of going to the parade and carnival as a kid, so naturally I had to take the boys.

First we tried out the slip ‘n’ slide that Grandpa Nelson gave Deacon (it was a hit!)

Then we headed to Spanish Fork for Aunt Gwen’s amazing cooking, and some trampoline jumping

We spent the night at my dad’s, and woke up to this (proof indeed that pigs can fly)

We waited patiently for the parade to start

Aunt Karel helps Evan avoid the ear-splitting sound of the fire engine horn

Deacon actually sat still for the whole parade!

And this is just cute :)

The famous Payson marching band

And the famous Smoky Bear (I was politely informed by Maria that it’s “Smokey Bear” and not Smokey “the” Bear. Who knew?)

Got snubbed by Jason Chaffetz

And the best part….a Delorean!!

Deacon practiced his cup stacking skills at lunch, and reminded us how good he is at it by saying ta-da every time he stacked them

And finally the carnival rides!! Deacon absolutely loved all the rides and had a melt down when they stopped. A couple of the carnys even gave him free rides!

Ignore my insane giggling, but I think I was having more fun than Deacon!

Good ol’ carnys, always there to lend a helping hand

Apologies for the long post, but it was an awesome day!