Bryce Canyon 1/2 marathon, Yeah Baby!

As part of our trip to Pine Lake our family decided to run the 1/2 marathon at Bryce. (More like Brad decided that we were doing this and dragged the rest of us kicking and screaming all the way. Yes, it was Brad even though there are those who are trying to pin this FABULOUS idea on me!) All kidding aside it turned out to be really great. The night before the race was a little rough however. What with crying children, a various assortment of farm animals that made sure we weren't sleeping (what was with the Stewart's rooster at 2 am anyway?), failing fire alarm batteries, the bed wetting alarm, and of course just general jitters, there just was not much sleep going on! We had to be at the shuttle stop for pick-up at 5:10 am, not much fun. The picture above is all us at o'dark thirty before setting off to the shuttle stop. (Erik is asleep on his feet!) It was early but turned out to be a lot of fun. We chatted with the people around us and learned their stories. Phil also kept yelling out and jumping around. He had way too much energy for that time of the morning. (Could it be that those lovely John Stockton shorts were allowing the cool air to get easily to his umm..vital parts and invigorating him?) Anyway there were a lot of characters to look at, and talk to, and there where a lot of people who ran the race, 1007 to be exact. Up at the starting line it surprisingly wasn't hard to get excited. There was a lot of energy around and of course we had Phil.

My whole family ran the race and did sooo awesome. I am so proud of all of them. Wendi had had an injury and wasn't planning on running, but after some serious wardrobe planning the night before she ran the whole way! Troy and I did not run because of an injury that I had. Troy was so great to stay behind and walk with me. It's not very manly you know, but he did. It turned out to be a fun time together, walking down the dump as the sun was coming up and being able to talk together kid free. The scenery was gorgeous and although we've spent a lot of time down at Bryce I can honestly say I have not seen it at that time of day and it is so worth it. The colors were indescribable and it was cool and peaceful. (Mostly it was peaceful because we were at the end of the race!) We did not finish, we walked 8 miles to Tropic and then I limped home. I was proud of myself for making it that far, especially with a numb right leg. The picture below is Troy and I coming into Tropic, and yes those are the pace cars in the background. There are 2 other people behind us though, so we weren't dead last. I'm so glad that we did it even though I wasn't sure it was such a great idea at the beginning. We just might do it again next year. Thanks honey for keeping pace with me, I loved every minute of being with you!

Pine Lake

AAAHH, Pine Lake. One of our favorite places to play. We love the sights, sounds and smells of this place. We were able to spend the better part of a week there in July and we had a lot of fun. My mom and dad were here from the Philippines, Christy and Phil came from Boise and the rest of the gang from the Salt Lake Valley were there to complete the Millett crew! It was just the right temperature, and while we did have one crazy downpour, the weather was fantastic. There was an amazingly bright and huge full moon every night and you didn't even need a flashlight. We rode the 4 wheeler's, swam in the lake, and of course made our traditional trek to Powell Point. The kids were thrilled that Uncle Phil was there. He is our mighty hunter and was able to catch many frogs, a snake, and the chipmunk that raided our food tent! (That is what he is holding in his hand in the pictures above!) Brianne and Mom didn't want to be outdone and they battled some skunks (yes, two!) that also had invaded our food tent. (We have very good food on these trips and the critters seem to know it!) Like I said the food was fabulous! Mom and Dad did dutch oven mutton and barbecue chicken. Aunt Christy had us making our own ice cream, and for her breakfast she made bird's nests (bread with egg in the middle and cheese on top)which my kids thought was great! Brad and Jo did Bulgogi a tasty Korean dish and Troy and I did our usual make your own omelet in a bag which is always a yummy favorite. We did finally break camp on Friday and made our way down to Tropic where it was sooo HOT, at least compared to Pine Lake. We love spending time in Tropic also and spent a couple of days there until we decided reluctantly to head back home. Thanks Mom and Dad and everyone for a fabulous trip!

4th of July

We had a great time at the Curtis' for the 4th. We made homemade strawberry ice cream, barbecued, and played some amazing games of badminton. My husband has such form, I wish I had a picture for you! The kids had a great time swimming and of course we watched fireworks. We always have such a great time over at the Curtis' and are glad that they invited us.

Nicholas using all his muscles!

Troy enjoying every minute!

This is classic Chad. Reading, and highlighting while taking his turn making ice cream!

I love Nathan's face in this picture!

The kids oohing and ahhing over the fireworks.

Are Pigs Flying?

I know that most of you are looking outside right now to see if there really are flying pigs. I know that it has taken me forever to figure this blog thing out, and please stand by as there may continue to be many technical difficulties. Everyone keeps telling me how easy this is and I guess we will have to agree to disagree, because I do not think "easy" is the word I would use to describe it. Of course I will concede that I am computer challenged, but I will not give up! I will conquer this computer beast. Now I cannot promise inspiration, witty comments, or even proper grammar and/or spelling. However, I can promise some darn cute pictures and the everyday craziness and randomness that make up us, The Sorensen's. :) So here we go!