I'm Done!

The kids and I took off Thursday afternoon to beautiful St. George. The first thing they always want to do is head to the pool, but we got there late and I was tired. We had dinner at Chili's where Caely was still in the birthday celebrating mood so she had me ask the servers to sing to her. I think that's the first time we've eaten out for her birthday, so that was extra special for her.


After dinner we headed to the store for some much needed groceries, and then off to the condo for some much needed sleep!
Grandma GG was so generous to let us stay at their home there, we've created many happy memories in St. George because of this. GG has cable and they were so excited to be able to watch all the crazy shows their friends do, so my kids didn't catch on to the much needed sleep part.

Friday morning the first thing they wanted was the pool, but this trip was for me this time, so I won and we headed to the Dixie Expo Center to pick up my Marathon packet. It was SO exciting! I think I finally started getting anxious for the race to start.

After the expo center we did a little clothes shopping for the kids. On our way back to the condo we decided to drive past the St. George temple. I wanted to take the street I thought ended the race, low and behold there it was!

There was also a park right there, so we jumped out and had a little fun.

We finished up at the park and headed on to the temple. SO beautiful!

Finally, the kids made it to the pool!

They actually got to go twice on Thursday, and then cried when it was time to come in.

Each night my kids took turns sleeping with me. It happen to be Alexa's turn the night before the marathon. Not such a great idea! She kicked like a donkey all night long, and Patch woke up with nightmares. Such a long night for such little sleep!


Shauna's cousins came and stayed the night with us, then ran the marathon the next morning.
I met Misty from running Ragnar, and now we're life long friends. This was my first time meeting Page, although I've heard how wonderful she is, and now I have another life long friend. These woman are amazing!

We headed up bright and early Friday morning. It was supposed to be cold, but it was just perfect at the start line.

It ended up being an extremely hot run, with very little shade. I was so thankful for all the wonderful volunteers and their support. There seemed to always be an ambulance driving past, that was a little scary.

I had mentioned to Misty on the bus that I had hoped her hubby could bring my kids to the finish line, but I didn't want to leave Caely in charge of the other two in such a crowded place w/ no adults she knew, and I didn't want to leave Tim to have to babysit them, so I decided against it.

While I was running, there were points that it was really hard mentally, then I started to wish I had brought my phone so I could call Tim to bring my kids.

As I finished the race, I was so glad that I didn't quit. Music would come on and inspire me. Thoughts of my great friends and my supportive husband pulled me through. I just wanted to get back to my kids and celebrate with a dip in the pool.

I was just about to leave when I heard Page call for me. She had finished just behind me, so we sat and enjoyed a Popsicle while we rested on the grass. After a few minutes Misty came in and said that Tim had brought my kids after all. What a hero! Although they didn't see me cross the finish line, I got to celebrate with them near me.

My chip time was 4:17:57 and my watch time was 4:12:37, my goal had been just under 4 hours, but I'll take what I got.

The rest of Saturday and Sunday we spend playing at the pool or watching cable TV. Patch spent most of the vacation crying and throwing fits. Classic Patch!

We made a new friend and decided he would like it better in warm St. George than cold West Jordan.

I have such good kids, I'm glad I got to spend this time with them.

If you're wondering where Chris and Tyler were, Tyler started hockey on Saturday so they had to miss the trip. Can't wait to share all about his newest hockey experiences!