Jog-a-Thon

 Look at Parker go!  This morning the elementary school had its first Jog-a-Thon fundraiser.  Cameron and I came down to cheer the kids on, and Parker's class was first.  I was a few minutes late, so they were already running around.  Even though I cheered for Parker, he didn't notice me for three laps!  He was concentrating really hard on running fast!

 Finally he noticed me cheering for him!  He gave me a high-five each lap after that.

 All done!  A lot of the kindergarteners were really slowing down at the end, but not Parker!  He was a little red in the face but probably could have kept running!

 18 laps for him!

 Luckily for me, the third grade ran right after kindergarten, so I was able to just stay and watch Kenzers next.  The third graders did not pace themselves well, which was kind of funny to see.  Kenzie walked a bit but did well.

 Here she is at the end - 20 laps for Kenzie! (And to be fair, she was slowed down by the ridiculous DJ calling out for them to do a somersault at each corner, run backwards, etc.)

And here's Cameron on the way home!  He had watched the whole thing quite intently, and amused the other parents by "dancing" in his stroller to the music playing for the kids to run to.  It wore the little guy out!

Walker

Last night Cameron tried out Parker's old walker thingy for the first time.  He was so proud of himself!  I'm sure I'll be posting another video of him walking on his own quite soon; he's very close!

Our Anniversary Trip

 It seemed like our 10-year anniversary should involve a trip of some sort.  Chris's parents took the kiddos Friday so we could spend the night in Heber.  We first went on the Heber Valley Railroad.

 It was fun, although I did expect the train to go a little faster.  When we got back in the car afterwards, it felt like we were zooming (but we were going 30 mph!).   It's called the Heber Creeper for a reason!  We saw deer, some different birds, and a beaver dam, and went right along the Deer Creek Reservoir.  It also happened to the be railroad's 114th anniversary (and we thought 10 years was good!) so we got cake and ice cream as well.  

We even had an encounter with a train robber.  He came yelling through the train car (while passing out chocolate coins to the little kids) and I was almost taken hostage, although luckily I was too much trouble.

 Here is where we stayed - The Johnson Mill Bed & Breakfast.  It was really nice. 

 

We stayed in the Waterfall Room, which had the waterfall right next to it (makes sense!).

 

 These are the views from our little deck.  Sadly it was rainy off-and-on so we didn't use the deck too much, but we had lots of windows to enjoy the scenery from.

There are deer at the edge of the clearing.  

  

Here's where we ate dinner - the Snake Creek Grill.  It was a cute little old-fashioned place with wooden floors and white tablecloths.

When we came back we took a little walk around.  This is the backside of the inn, (our room was on the top right with all the windows).  It was very pretty, and quiet, and it was nice to get away, but by morning we both missed the kids!  I guess that's the sign of a good night away! 

Brothers

 I don't seem to get tired of watching Parker and Cameron together.  They share a room, and many nights they're both up squealing and laughing at each other.  Anything Parker does is funny to Cameron.  I don't think Parker minds having a fan club, either.

 Parker does sometimes complain Cameron is, "messing up" his songs when he plays his made-up masterpieces on the piano, but usually they just have fun making music together.

And here they are today, sharing a piece of pizza and watching cartoons after kindergarten.  I hope they stay friends!

Grandma & Grandpa Arnold are back!

Tuesday the kiddos made posters for Grandma and Grandpa's arrival.  They spent the past two years in Tahiti on their second LDS mission.  The kids were beyond excited to have them return!

Last night we headed to the airport!  Two years was a long time.  Parker had forgotten everything about their house - and we even used to live there!  (By the way, I was trying to take a picture of the kids but didn't realize Daddy was paying attention.  Sorry, Daddy, for cutting your head off in this picture!)

 Cameron thinks Uncle Arnie is funny.  We heard their plane had landed, but we kept waiting, and waiting.  Grandma and Grandpa are notorious for being the last ones off a plane.

 Still waiting!

 When they finally arrived, we all cheered and then the mass rush for hugs began.  Cameron went right to Grandpa and played with his name badge.

And then he hugged Grandma for a long time, which everyone thought was too sweet.  It helped that she was wearing a fun shell necklace for him to play with (we all got two! Except Cameron wouldn't stop tugging on mine so I couldn't wear them long), but he wasn't shy to meet his grandparents at all.  Welcome home, Grandma and Grandpa!

First Day of Kindergarten!

 Parker was up and ready to go this morning (while Kenzie dragged around the kitchen and Parker exclaimed, "Kenzie, I've got to get to school!").  He was so happy to put on his new backpack and go play at the kindergarten playground.

I explained to Parker that I would be there to pick him up, and where I would be standing.  "Mom," he said reassuringly, "I just know what you look like!"  Ok, so he'll be fine, but at least he also told me he'd miss me.  As he took off for the playground I asked, "Do I get a hug or a high-five?"  He gave me the hug.  I sure like my sweet boy.