Texas

My cousin Joseph married a great girl, Rhonda.  Esther, Jennifer & I went to Texas for the reception.  

Below picture, left to right: Aunt Sandy, Aunt Kathleen, Kathleen, Esther & Jennifer (& Liam)

We spent most of the weekend driving around Ft.Worth lost and laughing.  We really had a lot of fun together.  I love my sisters and am thankful we get along so well.  I wish Becky could have joined us.

Running with Riah

Mariah has been our babysitter for the past seven years.  She is so much more than just a sitter.  She is Eve's hero and a big sister to my kids.  She is my friend and I count her as one of the greatest blessings Heavenly Father gave me as a young mother.  I cried this Fall when she left for college (even though the college is only 20 minutes away).  She called me last week and asked me to go on a trail run with her.  It was a beautiful run.  We live in a beautiful state.

Labor Day

We started the day at the High School Fun Run.  Truman and Bret ran the 5K, the rest of us ran the 1 mile.  I was not planning on Laura running but she woke up in the morning and told me, "I will run the whole thing, I will not walk at all." I was super impressed with her.  She ran so fast.  She was very determined.  She finished in under 10 minutes which I think is very impressive for a 5-year-old.  Some of our neighbors were at the run (Julie Hatchett, the Steeds and the Nimmers).

I know this is an odd picture to include but I wanted to show how hard Truman pushed himself.  He beat all of his friends and even better he did his best.  Bret and I were VERY proud of him.

After the run we spent the rest of the day with Bret's family.  Broc and Julie were visiting from Arizona.  We went hiking with the family and spent the evening together.

What a team!

No one volunteered to coach Truman's soccer team so I got assigned.  Um...I mean, a top notch soccer star called and begged me to share my talents and offered me so much publicity and fame that I couldn't say no.  

What an AMAZING exceptional group of kids.  I loved EVERY second of my Fall season with them.  We were undefeated this Fall and even more exciting everyone on the team scored at least one goal.  These kids amazed me with the sense of team spirit they showed.  Our team is coed and ranges in age from 11 to 18.  We have all different skill levels.  The fact that they all helped each other score is really remarkable.  We had a party tonight to celebrate that HUGE accomplishment.  We played indoor soccer and had pizza.  I LOVE these kids!!

 Back: Chris, Garrin, Kent, Me, Dante, Elijah (16-year-old Assistant Coach), Seth, Joel
Front: Bethany, Heidi, Truman, Natalie, Becky, Emily, Isaiah