Sam is 9!

I can't believe that it has been nine years since our son Samuel joined our family. He has certainly added spice to our lives! Our family wouldn't be what it is without this great kid. He loves to be running around and playing. He also loves to draw and doodles all over everything (just look at all the margins on his schoolwork!) Right now his favorite toys are Bionicles and Bakugan. I love that he is such a good reader and he does well in school. One of his best friends is his little brother. He loves to laugh and tries to make us laugh all the time. He is generous and giving to his sisters, brother, and friends.

Here he is with the spider cake he had for his birthday. I made him say "happy birthday" and caught him mid-word. If I hadn't, his eyes would have probably been closed! "The best gift ever!" Samuel and his new rip-stick in the driveway. I took him over to our church parking lot down the street so he could try it. Maybe I'm biased, but I thought he picked up the basics really fast!

Triathlon!!

TRIATHLON [trahy-ath-luhn] noun : An athletic contest comprising three consecutive events, usually swimming, bicycling and distance running. Not for the faint of heart.

Kiera and Samuel had the opportunity to compete in a kid's triathlon last weekend! It is called Utah's Kids Tri Tri Tri Again and will ultimately be comprised of three events; spring, summer and fall. This was the fall triathlon where the kids swam, biked and ran their way to the finish line. I must say, I am one proud mom of their accomplishments.

Kiera was not only the youngest competitor in her division, she was the only girl! At 11 years old, she competed against two 15 year old boys. They swam 50 yards, biked 3 miles and ran 1 mile to finish. She stuck with it and amazed even me. To quote Aaron, "If she could keep that pace up for a 5K, she would leave me in her dust!"
Notice the ever-present ipod. She has learned something about racing from her dad already!

Samuel was able to do the whole race with his good cousin and friend, Jarom. They swam 25 yards, biked 1 mile and ran 1/2 mile for their race.

Samuel is in the lead here towards the end, but they finished together, just like they started.

The weather was just ideal for the race, and the kids really had a great time. They were tired, but when their medals were awarded, it was worth it. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon. We are already looking forward to the spring 2010 event! Thanks Norm Peterson for putting this on and letting us take part!

Vegas adVenture

Well, I just had to get out of Dodge for the weekend. Where should we go? To Aunt Maralee's for some fun in the sun in Las Vegas. On a side note, what a great weekend we picked since the weather turned really nasty at home!

Aunt Maralee with the kids in her 1950's room. The vintage pinball machine is always a hit, as is the working jukebox with all those great 50's songs.

Kiera just HAD to climb the rock wall at the Adventuredome. She made it to the top with no trouble at all.

Shenna loves anything Italian...so we were off to Venice (really the Venetian) for some fantastic scenery and shopping. The gondoliers were fun to watch and listen to as well.

My VIP's even got to pose for a picture with the Blue Man Group! So much Fun!
Thanks Maralee for helping us has an awesome weekend!