Jordan #6

My darling Jordan turned 6 this past November.  He always looks forward to a birthday, but gets too shy when all of the attention is directed towards him.  He had a great day, and is always easy to please.  Happy Birthday my favorite little toothless six year old boy.

Nike Women's Marathon

October 2011 was a very exciting time for me.  All summer, April and I raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and in turned we were trained to run in the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco.  It was a long stressful summer, trying to raise all of the money, but I raised almost all of it.  We flew to San Francisco with big team from the Boise area, and met up with 20,000 other women who were there to run.  About 5,000 of them were Team in Training members, who also raised money for the Society.  While there, I met a ton of amazing women.  Some were cancer survivors, some had spouses who were survivors, or were recently diagnosed.  Others, themselves were recently diagnosed, and were there to run before their treatments were started.  Others like myself were there to help out in a wonderful cause, hoping that someday it will really help someone in need.  There were a few times during the race that I thought April would kill me.  But I fought back, and we were able to finish together.  I would like to have been faster, but I determined to get faster.  Our time was around 5:45.  Not too bad for a first timer!!

While in San Francisco, were were able to so a little sight seeing.  We went to Alcatraz which was fantastic.  There was a few times while there that a weird feeling would come, knowing what all went on there. 
We also went to the wharf and ate some incredible seafood.  Some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl,  incredible Thai Food, and of course April and I ordered midnight Pizza!!

Running this race was a wonderful exprience for me.  It was such a fantastic weekend, and I hope that someday, I can run a marathon again!

My Sisters and Me

My mom snapped this picture of us 4 girls the day of Hayley's baptism.  I love my sisters so much, and we always know how to have a good time.  We laugh together, cry together, and occasionally get on each others nerves, but we always know who to call when we need a pick me up, or someone to vent to.  Love you April, Angie and Abbey!!!

Chandler's first day of Pre-School

Chandler is in pre-school this year.  He had to wait for 2 weeks after the other kids to start, and it was a long 2 weeks.  The day finally came, and he had his backpack on at 9 am.  He does not start until 12:30.  His teacher is Miss Zee, and she has taught all of my other kids in pre-school, so he knows the ropes.  All he talks about is school, and he wants to go every day!!!

Jordan's first day of Kindergarten

This has been a long summer for Jordan.  He has been so excited to start Kindergarten.  What made it even worse was that he did not start the same day as the other two.  He had to wait one more day.  He goes to Kindergarten on Tuesdays and Thursdays and his teacher is Mrs. Hansen.  She is brand new this year, and is very eager to be here.  He loves to ride the bus, and eating lunch at school.  He is doing really good, and I hope he keeps this enthusiasm all year. 

Hayley's #8 and Baptism

This birthday for Hayley was pretty special.  She was able to be baptized on her birthday.  It was a very special day, and I hope that it is a memorable one for her.  She looked so pretty in her new dress from Grandma and Grandpa Armstrong, and she got some new scriptures and bag from Grandma and Grandpa Bennett.  It was very special and I cannot believe that she is old enough to be baptized.  We are so proud of her and the choices that she had made!!  Love you Hayley girl...

Brock and Hayley First day of School

The first day of school is always an exciting day at our house.  My kids actually like going to school, and are very happy to start it in the fall.  Jordan was not so excited, because he did not start until the next day. 

Hayley is in 2nd grade and has Mrs. Romel for her teacher.  She was excited to have her.  Hayley gets along with any teacher she has, and never has trouble getting her school work done.

Brock is in 4th grade and had Mrs. Buxton for his teacher.  He was very excited to get her too.  We have known her for a long time, so that should be fun.  He is such a good boy at school, and never causes any trouble.  I hope he stays that way forever.

Brock had to take a picture of his way cool new shoes.  He was pretty proud of them and wanted to make sure we got a picture of them.