PA / NY trip

We spent some time in the Poconos with family this summer. It was a lot of fun to be together. The kids went to day camp together, the adults worked, we hiked, ate ice cream, saw a bear, and we all had a blast at Hershey Park.

Before we left, we stopped at Katz's deli for some iconic NYC food.

We saw a real, live bear crossing the road one morning before camp. The kids were taking the bus for the first time and two had walked ahead. They came running back shouting "it's not there" - or so I thought they were saying. I replied that they have to go and wait for the bus, that's why we were going ahead of time to get the bus. When I realized they were actually saying "we saw a bear", I sent them back home along with the kids were behind us. Meanwhile, Emily was already at the bus stop, with the bear in between us. Thankfully the bear had no interest in us and just crossed the road. When it crossed and was enough into the woods, I told Emily to run toward me and book it back to the house. All the kids were on adrenaline rush about this crazy encounter. Thankfully it all ended well. But quite a story, that's for sure.

July summer fun

Summer is cruising by. Lots of fun with the kids between band camp, cross country, track, basketball, sports camps, and more. 

I ran a few trail races up in the mountains. Right before the first race, they sent us a warning about an aggressive bear sighting in the area (i.e., on the trail we were to be running). Like a Utahn, I went in the garage and found our bear spray to bring just in case. That did not stop the race and thankfully there were no bear sightings. Though the race was painful. 1200 feet elevation gain over a mile. 

Park basketball

Swimming and sunning and popsicles 

Happy 13th birthday Kyle & Emily!

Somehow Kyle and Emily are now teenagers. Time has gone by at warp speed. Hard to believe they were little 32 weeker preemies and have come so far. They have forged their own identities and are thriving. Both great runners and active kids, excelling in school and sweet with each other and their brother (most of the time ;-) ). Keep on being the amazing you that you each are, Kyle and Emily. We love you! 

A few days old in this picture

Going to sleep as 12 year olds to wake up as 13 year olds. 

We went to the trampoline park during the day to bounce out some birthday energy. 

Kyle thought he'd pour himself a beer since he's 13 now. :-) He was actually horrified at this because he mistook the beer for a sparkling water. Needless to say he did not drink it and was upset with me for even taking this picture. 

Sun Valley Idaho

Jeff had a conference in Idaho this summer so we tagged along for some summer fun.

While Jeff had meetings, the kids and I went on a long bike ride along the Salmon River. And of course we stopped for ice cream because you have to do that in new cities. We all went white water rafting the following day which was pretty amazing. Sun Valley is beautiful.

Early June highlights

School is out for summer so a few of the early summer highlights.

The kids are all running track. Aaron runs the 50 and 100 and does long jump and shot put. Kyle runs the mile and does shot put and long jump. Emily runs the mile as well and does shot put and long jump. 


We enjoyed some delicious bibimbap together.


Kyle & Emily have been lifting weights with me this summer. It's been fun seeing them challenge themselves in the weight room and build some strength.

NYC

This May brought terrible news with the unexpected passing of Jeff's brother. We all went out to New York City to be together.


Kids and their screens together

Harry Potter play on Broadway

Playing RummiCube with some afterschool pizza snack


Emily hit her head at the playground and ended up with 7 staples in her head

Double rainbow upon returning home