A Perfect Fall Day

Today was a busy, busy day but couldn't have been more perfect. It started with Austin's first Junior Jazz game of the season (or ever, for that matter). Bill is once again coaching. He has coached Alex and Ben's team the last few years and now this year Austin is old enough to play. It is really entertaining watching 2nd and 3rd graders learn the sport of basketball. The rims are lowered to accommodate their small size and allowances are made at times for double dribbling and traveling while the boys master the new skills. It will be a fun season.

Next, we made a mad dash to Erin's preschool Halloween concert. It was at an old historic farm around the corner that apparently was the shooting location for many tv shows and movies, including Halloween. Yes, THE Halloween movie. I think my source was fairly reliable, as she has lived here for over 80 years. The program was very fun and the kids loved exploring the somewhat spooky premises. We then went home to watch the BYU/UNLV football game. It was an uncomfortably close game that made me question the strength and effectiveness of our defense. Luckily we squeaked by with the win.

Then we were off to Alex's flag football game. Now that he is twelve he can participate in the YM flag football games. Today they played in the region semifinal and final game. They ended up taking second but played awesome. He is definately smaller than the older boys who are as old as 17 and 18, but he had some great plays that included sacking the quarterback for a huge loss. The young men in our ward are really great

guys. The have done a nice job including the younger boys like Alex.

At the same time and place as the football game, we had a ward harvest/Halloween party. It was the best party in years, I think. It was outdoors with games, food, and dancing. The weather couldn't have been any better. About 72 degrees well into the evening. The kids wore their costumes as well as a few adults. That's Austin in the werewolf costume sitting next to Erin in the top picture, in case you were wondering.

The dominant theme for this year's costumes was Star Wars. It's amazing how that movie has lasted the test of time (or really good marketing, I guess).

It's days like this that makes me realize how much I love living here. Good friends and neighbors, football, and beautiful Utah seasons makes me feel pretty lucky.

Austin and Ben, Two Great Kids

Soccer season is over for the fall. Austin had a great season but what really made it great was playing with friends and having a great coach. He had his good friends Jackson and Taylor on the team and that made it a blast for him. Taylor's dad, Trevor, coached the boys and did a fantastic job. Not only did he pick Austin up for practice every week, he taught them the type of songs every boy likes, like songs about burning down the school and the ice cream man running over children. You know, that kind of stuff. Thanks for a great season, Trevor!
Last night Ben was awarded his Bear award at Cub Scout Pack meeting. He's such a great kid. However, he really isn't that into cub scouting. He doesn't like to wear the uniform and I really have to drag him out the door for den meeting so I am glad he got his award. All the credit goes to his former den leader, Janae. She was so on the ball and really cared for the boys(she has since been released).
Oh, the running song of the day is "Dancing with Myself" by Billy Idol. It has a great cadence for running.

Monday's Running Song of the Day

Today I was kind to myself. After all, it is Monday! I decided today I was running because I love to run. No speed workouts or tempo runs. Just a fun easy run to remind myself why I love to run.

Today's song: "Hung Up" by Madonna.
*Make sure you listen for the line, "Those who run seem to have all the fun!". I smile everytime I hear it.

Running Song of the Day

"She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult. This helped me stay on pace the last mile today!

Running Song of the Day

I am going to start a new element to my blog by posting my favorite running song of the day from my daily runs/workouts. There are songs I like to run to and then there are songs that really get me moving when my energy is running low. These songs vary from day to day so I thought I would post my favorite song of the day and play it for you on my blog's playlist. We could kind of have an exchange - please comment on some of your daily favorites as well - I'm always looking for new music.

Today's selection is "Human" by The Killers.

Austin's Big Drinking Contest

Thursday I took the kids to the school's party at Classic Fun Center. It's a local skating rink that my kids love to go to but never do because I'm not a big fan of the place. However, when the school's party rolls around they get to go, and I have to admit, it is kind of fun. My kids don't do a lot of skating - they just ride their scooters, jump on the inflatables, and play the arcade games.

Just as it was time to go (I was in a hurry: Ben had a basketball practice and I had a cub committee meeting) Austin informs me he entered a "drinking" contest that was about to start. Although I was frustrated, it was worth the wait. It was pretty close. Here he is, it makes me laugh every time:


*Bummer - the video isn't super clear on the blog so you can't see his facial expressions very well. Oh well, you can kind of get the idea.

Our Love Boat Cruise

After a week of luxury on the high seas we have returned home. Bill and I went with good friends Paul and Jill, Shana and Mike, Boyd and Shelly, and Ryan and Sara on the Princess ship "Sapphire Princess" for a seven day Mexican Riviera Cruise. We left LA on Saturday and docked in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. The weather was amazing - always very warm and sometimes very muggy. We had a wonderful time.

During the two days at sea we golfed, sunbathed, swam, participated in the ship's activities like Pool Olympics, water volleyball, and cha cha lessons. At night we ate (a lot - but isn't that what you do on a cruise?), danced, and enjoyed the music of D'Version, a band that played all week in the Explorer Lounge. They were awesome!

While we were in port, our excusions consisted of a jungle canopy zipline in Puerto Vallarta, a day at a beautiful private beach in Mazatlan, and snorkling in Cabo. It was so fun that Bill and I are hooked! This will definately become a tradition. Bill was afraid he would be bored or feel trapped on a ship but he didn't all. The ship was so massive that at times you would feel like the only one onboard. The food was incredible and I have a little work to do to remove the excess pounds I picked up while cruising! But I don't mind - it was all worth it! Oh, and going with friends made it a real blast. I don't think it would have been as fun without them - thanks for a great time guys!