Sydney's Birthday - Snow Canyon Half Marathon

For Sydney's 18th birthay, she wanted to run a half marathon. So I paid for entry fo both she and I in the Snow Canyon half in St. George. It was extra fun because it was exactly on her birthday.

On the drive to St. George, we received a text from Sterling. He had set up some clues for us just like "Relative Race" on BYUtv, one of our favorite tv shows. 

 Sterling is so creative and it was so fun. He had driven a portion of the road we were on during a drive he had to make for work the day before. It was perfect.

After we arrived at St. George and picked up our registration packet, we had dinner. Sydney's birthday eve.

Starting line.Cold.

We waited so long at the starting line, the sun was up by the time the race really started.

Sydney left me in her dust and the race was on. The scenery was beautiful.

Sydney took 3rd place in her age division!

Sydney's stats.

Karin's stats.

Grandma had delicious Crumble Cookies delivered to our hotel for Sydney's birthday. That was so thoughtful!!!

Sydney with her 3rd place trophty

We did a lot of shopping after the race. I was hurting and exhausted But I wasn't going to be the first to call it quits. Finally, around dinner time, Sydney called it a night. We ordered dinner to go at Panda Express ( I think) and ate in our hotel room. Both sore and tired but so happy.

On Sunday, we went to church (just sacrament meeting) at a building across from the St. George temple. The fall colors were beautiful.

As was the temple.

After sacrament meeting, we changed our clothes in the car, which was a little crowded. When I finally crawled out, I ran right into the chest of a man trying to get into his car, parked next to us. It was embarrassing and I hope he didn't see more yhan either of us intended.

Syd and I had the best weekend. Running, shopping, relaxing. We need to do it again!

Rachel's bday

If I threw a birthday party every year for each of my kids, I'd throw 90 parties. That's unsustainable. And expensive.

So early on, I decided I would through them a party when they turned

5

8

12

16 

and something special on 18.

That's 20 parties and 5 'something special's. Much more doable.

The problem is, the kids want parties and lots of them.

So this year, Camille decided to throw Rachel a party for her 11th birthday. She plans it all and gives me a shopping list.

Even though I'm still spending the money, its worth it to see Camille serve and help and care for Rachel. Worth every penny.

And the party was a huge success. Lots of friends. They played games and decorated brownie cupcakes.

They even had special ice cubes in their cups.

Rachel had a wonderful time and was so grateful to Camille, one of her best friends!

The day didn't end there though. Right after her party, we had our ward chili cook-off activity. Then Rachel left the party to go to another friend's bday party. 

Her favorite activity is loving her kitty, Mali.

Bryce's 8th bday

Bryce turned 8!!!

That's a big deal around here!

The girls got up early and decorated his door so that when he woke up, all the balloons would fall into his room.

This year was one of the few years he will get a friend party.

 (5, 8, 12, 16, 18)

Bryce planned his own party.

He wanted an obstacle course.

The boys went head to head in competition.

8 jumps through a hoola hoop.

Monkey Bars

Balance Beam

Army Crawl

Race to fill a bowl with water using a plastic cup full of holes.

Spin around 8 times with a baseball bat.

Kick a soccer goal.

Next on the agenda- a treasure hunt. 

And the first clue was buried in this cake!

Part way through the hunt, it started to rain but it didn't slow the boys down at all. 

Corndogs for dinner because that is Bryce's FAVORITE food!

Presents- a couple of big balls and remote control cars, legos.

Bryce has a good group of friends and it was fun, as his mom, to spend an afternoon with all of them. Though it was a little challenging to get them to sit still for a picture. haha

Treasure Hunt
1. You'll find your next clue in the place where snakes live, hidden among 3 rocks. (backyard field)
2. When bunnies die, they rest under the dirt, near a cross. (front flower bed by the cross)
3. These are perfect for pies and smoothies and just a treat, hidden among the leaves. (peach tree)
4. Our oldest neighbors have a hidden secret on their porch. (clue inside balloon on Herrera's porch)
5. Don't go! This sign says "______"! (stop sign at bottom of street)
6. Your next clue is at the Orchard Park. (park inside the tunnel)
7. Tall and old, green and brown, leaves and twigs on the hill. (tree at the park)
8. Your last clue is stuck somewhere between Carson and Monson's houses. (on the fence btwn houses)
9. Congratulations! You followed 8 clues for the 8 year old. Now go home for your prize! (It was hidden in the chicken coop. Gift bags for each guest)