Preschool Graduation

I can't believe Bradock has completed his first year of preschool. He has loved riding the bus and going to school everyday. Brett, Raylee, my mom and I got to attend Mr. B's cute little graduation ceremony. They sang us some fun songs they have learned over the year, received awards and diplomas (Mr. B was awarded the "Helping Hand" because he is always willing to help anyone that needs it), played a picture movie of their year in preschool and had some fun treats at the end. It was so cute and I am so thankful to the amazing preschool program and teachers for being so wonderful and helping Mr. B develop his many talents and skills. He has learned so much and is excited to attend the special preschool program in Payson. I think teachers are amazing and I'm so glad they love my children almost as much as I do.

Payson Trip

This last weekend we made a quick tip to Payson to enjoy some fun with our friends The Forts. We had a good time hanging out at my Aunt Tammi's cabin, catching the town rodeo, enjoying cooler weather (and I mean FREEZING...am I ever going to get used to that?!) and of course lots of house hunting. Still haven't quite narrowed down the rental home we would like, but I think we are getting close...well we sure need to be because we start moving things in 2 weeks...aaaaaahhhh so much to do in so little time.

The Newest Arrival

My beautiful new niece, Addison Hall, made her debut on Sunday May 15th weighing in at 9lbs and 21.5in long. I love babies that come out all rolly polly. She also has a nice set of dark hair...where did that come from? We are so happy she made it here safe and sound and that Mindi is doing great. My kids told me that everyone we know is having a baby, so we should too. Hahahaha...if it was only that easy. For now we just get to love on everyone else's cute ones.

It's Official...We are Moving!

After much thinking, praying, considering, option weighing Brett and I finally made the decision for him to accept a dental position in Payson, AZ. That's right this city girl is going to become a small town gal in a few short weeks. The dental contract has been signed, our house will be rented out and we are in the works of trying to find a rental home in Payson. It's a bitter sweet decision, but one we feel really really good about not only career wise, but for our family as well. Brett is super excited about graduating next month and becoming a full fledged Dentist at Anderson Dental Group. Payson is defintely a place that's right up his alley...cowboys, hunting, camping, fishing...he is in heaven. I know it's going to be an adjustment for me, but I know I will come to love it up there (especially during the summers) and it's a good feeling to know I am literally just an hour from everything that I love. I am going to miss my unbelievable friends, but I know they are only a phone call or short drive away. I am going to really miss teaching my classes...my dedicated participants keep telling me to tell Brett to commute or just go without me (it's so nice to be loved by them). I'm going to miss my convenient shopping places, but it will be good for me to go without...that is until I come and visit...which will be frequently. I have always liked the thrill of moving and starting a new adventure and I'm really excited to actually be able to do that with Brett and the kids.

Here's a few pics from our quick trip up to Payson on Saturday to look for rental homes. We decided to stop at Flowing Springs and have a little picnic and fishing time afterwards. The kids are so excited to move to Payson!

Mother's Day Tea Party

This year I got to celebrate Mother's Day a little early. Bradock's preschool class invited all the moms for a special Mother's Day Tea party. I had to rush over to the school after teaching my class...hence the disgustingly sweaty face and attire. I got there just in time for the cute songs they sang. Bradock gave me an adorable little picture of himself, shared a delicious peach cobbler that he helped make and made me a cute necklace (I wore mine to church on Sunday...so cute). It was a really cute little date with my number one little boy.

On Mother's day Brett and the kids suprised me with a "house cleaning" gift card...the most perfect gift! I can't wait for the cleaning lady to come this week.

I AM AN IRON GIRL!!!

About a month ago I got a text from my friend, Kimi, saying meet me in Vegas and do the Iron Girl Triathalon with me. I text her back "I don't swim and I don't bike, so...I don't think so!" Well, Kimi knew I wouldn't pass on a challenge so after not-much-thinking I decided "WHY NOT".

So for the last couple of weeks I have been biking to the gym, swimming laps in the pool, biking home and then running 3 miles. I instantly knew that for someone who has never taken a swim lesson in her life that was the event that was going to kill me...and it did not disappoint.

I somehow convinced my mom, dad and brother to drive up to Vegas with me and be my support team. What a trip! Seriously, I haven't laughed so hard in my life as I did on this trip. Between Kimi and my brother it was a weekend I will never forget. We shopped, ate (and boy do I mean eat:), saw some shows, oh and of course we participated in the triathalon.

Kimi and I started to freak out a little Friday night (the night before the race) because it was so windy and cold. We were both ready to quit just because of the crazy weather...and let me tell you it didn't get any better the next day. Kimi and I were driving to the race at Lake Las Vegas Loews Resort Saturday morning looking at the 50* weather on my car temperature gauge thinking what in the heck are we doing. I am not kidding when I say my teeth were chattering as we were gearing up for the big swim. Luckily we got our wetsuits on and that was a little better on the body, but my feet and hands were numb. I was already nervous about the swim let alone the cold, the wind, the choppy open water...the nerves were on high alert. Well, the race began and the adreniline sort of kicked in until I hit the water and began swimming. I thought I was going to die. Ladies are swimming like crazy, kicking everywhere and I started to have a panic attack right there in the water. I couldn't get my breathing under control and I kept thinking I am never going to be able to finish this. I stopped trying to swim freestyle and just began doggy paddling it...I'm actually pretty good at that. Dori's famous words from Finding Nemo kept popping in my head "Just keep swimming...Just keep swimming"...and that's exactly what I did. It took me 25min12s to finish the 800m swim, which I was just lucky to get out of the water alive.

We had about a quarter mile run from the water to the bike transition area, so I was running as fast as I could barefoot while stripping off the wetsuit. It took me 9 min total for that transition (which I now know I could defintiley do faster) and jumped on my bike for the 22.5km ride. It was still so windy, but at least I felt much stronger and faster on the bike then I did the swim. I finished in 53min19s.

Next, it was on to what I feel most comfortable doing...running. We had a 5k run in sandy dirt with some crazy inclines and blowing wind. Not quite the running conditions I'm used to, but I finished the run in 27min56s for a 9min/mile pace...not bad considering the conditions. So, my total race time was 1hour56min56s. My goal was to be around 2hours, so I was very, very happy with that time. I loved having my family there taking pics and cheering us on the whole way...such an amazing feeling.

We ended the trip with more shopping, more shows (we saw Cirque de Soleil Love and Elvis), and of course more eating. My parents spoiled us rotten and Kimi and I couldn't have felt more loved! My brother flew out of Vegas to Washingtion D.C. for his internship this summer and I'm so glad I got to spend those few short days with him...I will never forget them! I am so thankful he is one of my bestest friends!!

It's funny how now that the race is over and the pics look so fun Kimi and I are already making plans for next year. Not what I was thinking during the swim, but hey maybe I can actually train a little better and conquer that swimming thing next year. Thanks Kimi for the crazy idea and for a great trip!!

"I Just Can't Get Enough"