I know no one reads this, and nobody really cares...but I am getting super excited for this holiday season. This is MY time of year. With my birthday so close to Christmas I pretty much feel like I own it. This weekend we will be putting up our tree and lights. Can't wait!
PS Do you think I can get my blog up to date before the New Year? Didn't think so...

October 23, 2010

Aly and Mark's wedding was so special. It was great to be able to help out and be there for my big sis. She looked absolutely breathtaking and Mark was one lucky guy! They were so happy and relaxed. They seemed so ready to make the biggest commitement to eachother and start on their new path as one.
The day had showers off and on, but we were so lucky to have dry times during pictures.
Jillian had the tummy flu and was throwing up, so that made it difficult to fully hang out and enjoy the blessed event. Poor Jillian :(
I did give my toast and can only hope it was as meaningful and touching as I tried to make it. I am not the biggest fan of public speaking. I might have been the only one with cold feet that day!

Prep

I made a trip up to Utah with the kids to help Aly get ready for the wedding. I am not sure how much help I actually ended up being with the two kids in tow, but hey... I tried!

The kids and I made 12 hour drive alone! And we survived! Jillian was the best helper. She would hold the bottle for Manny while I drove so that we wouldn't have to stop for every feeding. The stinker (Manny) won't hold the bottle on his own. The kids would wake each other up while the other was napping but for the most part they were so good! Manny just wanted me to put my hand on his cheek the whole way and he would try to look up at me from his poor rear facing car seat. Not a fan of the rear facing...

Between creating decorations, running errands, and brainstorming... we were able to sneak away for some fall fun. I love the seasons and it was so nice to be in Utah for the fall.

We fed some friendly horses. We love horses.

These two are the best of friends!

8 months

Here Manny is in his blessing outfit in front of the temple. I never got a picture of him in his clothes on his blessing day and knew I had to before it got too late! Can you believe these were taken in October? Got to love San Diego weather!

Some of little Jillian

Fall

Fall arrived and with it came the rain. One of Jillian's all time favorite things to do is splash in the puddles. I can't believe how happy it makes this girl. Mostly I can't believe how happy it makes me to watch. She splashes and splashes until she is chilled to the bone and runs inside for a nice warm bath.

7 months

Can you believe how fast Manny is growing? He is turning into one handsom dude!

Wedding Bells

We recieved the invitations for my sister's wedding! She is so talented, she made them herself! I am so excited for the big day!

Red Rock Relay

In August I received a call from Kristi Rondo asking if I would be interested in joining a running team for a relay in Southern Utah. A couple people from the team had dropped and they needed to find replacements ASAP. To her surprise I jumped on board. Kristi told me to think about it, but I was committed. Why not? I need some adventure in my life, not to mention exercise. I later got some butterflies, but they took a hike once I was in the van with my team on our way up!

The whole experience was amazing. I got to know people better and learned so much from them. Running is a very independent sport, but this was also teamwork. Working together as a team, but still accepting and rooting for everyone's personal bests. 

The race begins at 11,000 feet at Brian Head Ski resort then travels Dixie Nat’l Forest, Cedar Breaks, Snow Canyon, St. George, and ends at the entrance to Zion National Park. The views are unquestionably beautiful. I am grateful for the call I received from Kristi and for my willingness to accept, despite it being really really hard for me. It is an experience I will cherish.