24th of July 2014

We had such a great day!

I don't think we took a single picture to document it. I was too busy enjoying it to stop and capture it. (Maybe Marcus did but I didn't - something I am sure I will regret in 20 years). 

We woke up early (so hard after a late night with Paige who was struggling for some unknown reason) and participated in the temple to temple 5K.  It was so fun!  Everyone did really great.  Reagan and Marcus ran together at Reagan's pace.  She ran straight through until the last 1/2 mile when she had to walk a bit for a break.  Will, Ainsley, Paige (in stroller), Grandpa Jackson and I all ran together.  Will ran for the first mile straight.  Ainsley made it close to that as well.  Then we broke out the scooters and they were off.  I couldn't keep up.  My dad, who at 61 years old is in amazing shape, ran to keep up with Will and Ainsley, Paige and I stuck together.  We all finished and had a great time.  Reagan and Marcus finished in about 32 minutes, Will and Grandpa were about 40 minutes and Ainsley and I were about 42 minutes. 

We had a pancake breakfast at our house afterwards with the Hedengren family and that was awesome as well.  The kids played and played and played some more.  We were outside the entire time and it was such a pleasant day.  The company was fantastic.

At noon we wrapped it up and got ready for our weekly summer movie.  The girls brought their friend Jane and we at popcorn and had fun watching Walk with the Dinosaurs.  It is intended as a 3D movie so we all jumped a few times.  Once, I jumped so much that I started laughing.  It was an enjoyable movie.

In the evening we had dinner with Grandpa and Aunt Lindsey.  Afterward the ward had the pioneer day activity where the kids did a pioneer walk and then we all enjoyed homemade ice cream at the church pavilion.  Of course, the kids had a blast hanging out with everyone, and so did I. 

We came home with enough time to grab glo sticks and walk to Kiwanis Park for the massive fireworks shows.  I just can't get over how elaborate and huge the fireworks are there.  We stayed for over an hour before we finally had to take kids home for bed. 

We are all exhausted.  In fact, I think it is the first time ever that our kids have walked straight into bedrooms and put themselves down.  It was a total of five minutes.  Our bedtime routine is usually much longer... much longer.  Marcus and I are headed to bed as well... With big smiles on our faces.  Such a fun day.

Highlights: 
-Running.  I haven't done that in so long.
-Participating in my first 5K ever.
-The smiles on Will's face as he ran the first mile.  Seriously, the biggest ever.  He was so dang excited for this run.
-Making homemade ice cream. 
-Making homemade coconut ice cream for the kids (and their absolute appreciation and enjoyment of it)
-Hanging out with family
-Hanging out with friends and neighbors throughout the day
-An awesome conversation with a friend from the ward that helped remind me that we are where God wants us to be and in the house we are supposed to be in... regardless of the endless challenges and work.
-Best of all was Marcus going in a bit late to work and coming home a bit early to enjoy the holiday with us.  Best decision ever.  I am so glad he didn't miss this.

Tonight I go to bed thinking... Life is Good.  I almost don't want the day to end.  If only my eyes weren't so tired:)