I will forever remember the summer of 2010.
It has been full.
So full that I would have forgotten half the stuff that kept me busy if I didn't have pictures as a reminder.
SO if you aren't into long posts...here is your warning.
To start the summer off, in early June we officially broke ground and started our {lovely} journey of building our house. Of course Jake was the biggest help of all:
THEN...
This guy:
Zane {Jake's PA at the Pediatrician's office} invited me to join the RAGNAR team he was organizing. It was so much fun. I haven't laughed that hard in ages. And the running...well let's just say that the company was definitely the best part!
Meet Richard {aka Chard}.
We met the day of the race. Seriously hilarious. His mom let us borrow her van {what a sweetheart}. Hopefully that won't be the last time I see him.
The girl running is Heather {sure do love ya}. I actually threw this pic in for the girl whose back is showing. That's the lovely Aspen. She is an amazing girl! I met her just before the race too. Apparently I liked her SO much that I didn't even get a pic with her. Good thing we are running the Top of Utah this weekend together...
Now for the St. Georgians. Heather and Jake. They were kind enough to make the trek to come race with me. It wouldn't have been the same without them. Everyone needs friends like these guys. Down. to. earth. Miss you guys!
I can't even remember the full name of our team. But this statement was written across our van. I think after running the RAGNAR hill....I am going to start listening to warnings like this.
The Whole Gang.
We didn't see Van 1 much, but they were awesome.
Me...smiling in ignorance BEFORE the RAGNAR hill.
I had no idea what awaited me.
Let me fill you in if you haven't heard about this hill. Its 4 miles straight up hill. I can't remember {or have blocked it out} the exact altitude INCREASE, but it's something like 1600 ft. Still not sure how I was assigned this leg...but it was definitely a challenge. Just a heads up: running a marathon weeks before does NOT mean you can run this hill. Sadly, I learned this the hard way. I know how every race I talk about something 'emotional'...but this was it. I was basically alone except the passing of my van every few minutes and a few other team vans doing the same for their runners. But I was amazed at the generosity of the other teams. They would stop just to cheer me on, dump water on me, or offer me a drink. It got to the point I couldn't even look at them because I was getting too emotional {well that and I couldn't drink anymore without it coming back up}. Once again, I relate this to life. I realize it may seem like a race at times, but how much more meaningful it is when we stop to help others along the way.
Something I hope I can remember always.
Just a glimpse of me attempting to run the hill...even though power walking seemed to be much faster.
My little monkey can't seem to get enough of being outside. Every morning he wakes up and says, "Side mommy, side" So out he goes out in his PJ's while I make him breakfast. My boy is growing up. That is going to have to be a post all on it's own.
LAKE POWELL {Thomas Style}
Do you know how much I love this little person? And his cute little body? Mmmm.
Just like his momma. I swear tubing is one of my favorites. I realize it requires almost no skill...but I still feel like a kid every time I take a ride. The Jakester got a kick out of it as well!
And he's a fish. I had a hard time keeping him out of the water.
Lovin' uncle Eric's {aka Egic} homemade slide.
Although summer has been completely crazy with everything, THIS below is probably the biggest reason. For the past 6 months or so I have been working a bit {ok a lot} extra. In the month of July/August I have been to L.A. and Vegas to do shows for Minky Couture {a new venture my boss and I have been working on}. It has been a lot of work, but so much fun.
The L.A. Gift show.
My friend Dez and I had such a good time! Even if it was mostly work.
The Las Vegas Market.
I liked the show in L.A., But LOVED the show in Vegas. The show was a lot better, and I had a lot of fun meeting new people.
SIDENOTE: If you are interested in these blankets send me an email {info@minkycouture.com} and I will send you a discount code. Also there is button on my sidebar if you want to check out our website.
The hubs met me down there the last day of the show...Sadly this is the only picture we got. Or I should say he got! Notice the lady that jumped in there at the last minute. That's awesome. And my eyes are closed, even better.
Just kidding. I got one pic of him {looking oh so excited}. On our way out of Vegas we stopped at the famous
Pawn Stars pawn shop. I still think it's crazy how fast something so small can blow up and become so popular.
This is just the tip of the iceberg {can I say that even though it's so hot outside?} of the summer....but I am so excited that my life is kind of getting back to normal.