Colorado

So Saturday after my race I flew up to Colorado to see Tasha, Jared and the kids. They just moved into their new house so I was going up to help finish moving and unpacking stuff. I wish I could have stayed a few more days and helped get more done but I had to get back to work. The kids are still as funny and crazy as ever. I haven't laughed so much in so long. They haven't been gone that long but I have missed them like crazy! Joel didn't remember me at first but he finally started to smile and not play shy the last few days I was there. It wasn't as cold as I thought it was going to be thank goodness! I actually really loved being out in the middle of fields and not having to worry about all the stresses of my job and the city and bills. It is really beautiful out where they are and I was ready to move in next door...that must be the small town girl in me. I get so tired of the city sometimes and just want to go somewhere away from everyone where I hear nothing but the breeze and I can actually think. There are some things that money can't buy :)

I told Tasha that I think her kids know something I don't...one of the first things Kyli asked me when I got there was if there was a baby in my belly and then the second night I was there Maya came in with "cards" that she had made for my kids. There were 4 of them and she let me know I was going to have 2 boys and 2 girls...it's what I've always wanted but we'll see. I'm not getting any younger ;) Kids come up with the funniest things...expecially those ones. I love their imaginations and how they are limitless. The kids are all growing up so fast and are so active. I don't know how Tasha does it. She is such an amazing mom and it was really great to be there with there little family.

I didn't realize how much I missed my sister either until last weekend. I mean the last few years we haven't seen each other every day but I knew she was where I could get to her in a few hours if I needed to. Tasha and Jared have both helped me through so much the last few years and I really love them so much. We all went for a Sunday drive after church and Jared showed me all his fields and around town and everything. Reminded me of home....or what used to be home.

Coming home broke my heart. Tasha had to drive over 2 hours to come get me in Denver and then 2 more hours to take me back to the airport. The kids knew we were going to the airport but until we pulled up and I started getting my stuff ready to get out I don't think they realized I was going back home. My little Maya just balled...she is such a little sweetheart. And then everyone started crying. It was really hard to walk away...especially now I would have loved to just stay there and called Josh to bring our stuff up:) There is one thing the distance is good for and that is that it really makes you realize how much you love them and you really cherish the time you get to spend with them. Hopefully we can see them soon!

Joeler CRAWLING!!!!!

Nice Sister.....

Mean Sister!

Cheese!

A Once in a lifetime shot...you may never see this again :)

The girls' room. Tasha and I painted the purple over the ugly blue and yellow star border they had. It turned out really cute!

Nasher's School Bus

Nash Outside His School...he is so BIG

Silly Maya Len

It's exhausting being this cute!span>

Pat's Run

Race No. 2!!!! We ran in Pat's Run last Saturday. They had a record number of runners this year...over 20,000. It was nuts but a really cool experience. I have a very tender soft spot in my heart for the soldiers that fight for our country and Pat Tillman was someone that I always admired. All the proceeds from the race go to the Pat Tillman Foundation. The coolest part was waiting in our corral at the starting line and listening to the national anthem with 20,000 other Americans around you and then hearing everyone cheer for our country. It gave me goosebumps! They also had a moment of silence for Bruce Snyder who passed away last week. I haven't ever run with that many people around me before but it actually kind of helps because they keep you moving and you are constantly trying to get around people in front of you so your mind is distracted away from the exhaustion. We definately didn't set any records with this one but we are still training and building up endurance. This was such a cool experience and something I would like to participate in every year....maybe Josh will join in next year and we can start a new family tradition :) Our pics aren't up from the run yet so I will have to post those later. Below is my bib :)