Summer is here!

Somehow it's almost the end of May!  When did that happen?  This month has been crazzzyyy busy at our house.  With the hubs working extra, beautiful weather, random events, and trying to keep up with an increasingly more active one-year-old... the days fly by!

Jake and I got all done up for a Gala a few weeks ago!

Running in the past month has been humbling for me (to say the least).  After my rough 20-miler, I felt some tight areas that, combined with a new shoe problem, lead to shin splints and a pulled quad. After two weeks of little to no running and I was finally ready to try a long run... but instead, I broke my pinky toe.

I'm sure you wanted to see my super attractive foot.  You're welcome.

I am scheduled to run a marathon in three weeks from today.  Not exactly ideal.  So where does that leave me?  Well, I don't know.  Tickets are purchased, so worst case scenario I will run the half marathon.  Okay, worst case scenario I won't run at all, but I think I could do the half.  And I'm hoping I can do the full. I'm not a person that likes to run half-heartedly in full marathons, but I also need to set realistic expectations coming off a month of injuries. I guess I will just wait and see how my body cooperates,  Lesson to all of you:  NEVER take advantage of pain-free running.  It's a blessing.

On a much more positive note... it is amazing to me how quickly children learn.  They are like little sponges! Here is a quick 14-month update on Gavin!

His favorite new tricks this month:
- Blowing kisses, pointing out ears/eyes/noses, throwing his head back in fake laughter, dancing, stacking toys, bringing books to me and plopping on my lap so I will read to him, playing outside, practicing going up/down stairs, rolling his r's, waving, coloring and chasing Diego.

This laugh.  Goof.

All of the sudden he is 18 drafting architectural plans.
(OR scribbling.  But seriously! Time.... slow DOWN!)

He LOVES running after Diego.  

Words he Says:
- Up, no, yes, all done, 'nana (banana), E-I-E-I-O (Old McDonald song), Mama, Dada, Amba,  (Amber, my sis), ruff ruff, ABC, uh-oh, uh-huh, eat, and lots of others I can't think of!  He is SO talkative and is constantly trying to mimic what we say.  Love it.

Challenges:
- His allergies :(  His skin has been at an all-time LOW.  He has a rash all over his body and we cannot figure out what it's from.  We're leaning toward a pollen allergy but not sure.  Thank goodness most kids outgrow this stuff. And thank goodness he is happy as a clam.
- Daycare germs.  He is currently sick with his 628th ear infection. Okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but it feels like every week he gets a runny nose from daycare which then progresses into a clogged ear tube (he had tubes placed when he was 9 months old) and then it gets infected.  My heart breaks for him every time.

Luckily he's just as fun as ever and really doesn't seem phased by any of it!

When the days get longer and the weather gets more beautiful, Alaskans can't stay inside.  Gavin and I have been spending time outside every day whether it is walking around in the yard, going to the park, hiking, or playing with friends.

Who's having more fun, Gavin or Mom?

Bestest little bud.

"Mother's hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever"

My little hiking buddy.

Does it count as double mileage since I'm carrying him?

I'm getting more and more excited for the next few months because we have a two out-of-state trips planned, tons of camping adventures, my BFF in the whole world will be back for 6 weeks, BBQ season, and trail running! My plan is to slow down on the road running and focus on trails a bit more since the pavement has not been very kind to my body lately.  My super rock-star sister is a hard core trail runner so I'm hoping to tag along on her adventures! There's going to be lots of fun times and I'll try to keep updating as I go!

And in case you didn't get enough cuteness from these pictures, I'll fill that quota.  

Mr. Grumpypants & Snow Canyon!

 

Yesterday, we decided to name Gavin "Mr. Grumpypants". Since we arrived to Utah, he's been really fussy... Whether it's the change in routine, getting over another ear infection, the nasty cough he developed (darn daycare germs!!), a growth spurt, or teething. I couldn't tell you. It's likely a combination of all of the above. Anyways, we didn't let him slow us down and after church and a run with the hubs, we went to Snow Canyon to hike around!





Incredible! 

 

Look at me mom! 



This guy is the best. Seriously love him.

 



Fun with Nana and Gramps! 

 

Best buds.

 

❤️.  We missed the first true snowfall in Alaska yesterday, but I'm actually okay with it considering I got to see this beautiful scenery! 

Let's hope this cutie is in a better mood tonight and lets me sleep tonight!!

We're Finally Together Again!

I love her.

How is it a sister seems to make your world go round? I hate the fact we live so far apart but we don't skip a beat when we see each other! 

After huge hugs in the morning and conversations with my belly (she's trying to have the baby get used to her voice!), we went shopping at my other favorite place in the world. Target.

You'll be pleased I only came out with a pack of gum! I couldn't justify spending money on the same cute things we have in Alaska when I can get it tax free there. (Yes, Alaska has no sales tax and it is amazing.) 

After a not-so-quick trip to TJ Maxx, we went to a restaurant that puts other restaurants to shame.

Cafe Rio.  Heaven on earth.

Apparently everyone else in St. George had the same idea because the line was out the door. The restaurant was filled with marathoners limping their way to sweet pork salad heaven. I tried not to get bummed out I didn't have a metal around my neck too, which actually wasn't too hard when you take one deep breathe of Cafe Rio's delicious smells. It takes you away. 

Amber and I got a kick out of all of the runners wearing their metals all over town. It was 2:00 in the afternoon and most of the runners were showered and wearing normal clothes.  Maybe they were so tired and hungry they didn't realize they put it back on after the shower. :)  Are there any of you out there who wear your metal all day after a race? 

After devouring our delicious meals, we drove to the Valley of Fire State Park on Nevada. This was probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever been! It was like a scene out of Star Wars or Star Trek. (Actually some scenes in Star Wars were filmed there!)  

We drove through the park taking toooooo many pictures, hiked through the slot canyons, and watched as the sun set over the beautiful Nevada desert.  It was a perfect end to a great day with my family.

Today, I'm headed north to visit one of my favorite girls ever, Janae.  Cannot wait.  Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday!