Support Crew

“I like things that are difficult, physically and mentally, ... Things that are really challenging, things that really maybe take a long time but really push me to my limits.” - Ed Viesturs

My good friend, Ben Cook, ran the Ogden Marathon today, May 15th. I tagged along with his family to watch the finish line. I love the energy of races and especially a marathon. I am absolutely amazed by Ben and many others who finished 26.2 miles. Ben ran under 3.10 - he qualified for Boston. That is quite impressive for his first marathon. That kid teaches me a lot about dedication, goals, endurance, and pure love of pain! Way to go!!!

After running a half...I know I never want to do a marathon. I was satisfied with 13.1 miles. I will do more halves and 10Ks. I will leave the full distance up to athletes like Ben and Catherine.

Moab

Ben, Marc, Brian and I headed down to Moab for a bike trip. We rode Slick Rock on Saturday morning. This is one of my favorite rides. It is challenging and thrilling! About four miles in Marc broke his chain. Ben had the tool to fix the chain but we didn't have a pin or master link. Luckily a couple from the British Columbia has a master link and saved Marc's day. We started riding again and five minutes later I noticed a had to loose chain links. We didn't have anything to fix the chain and I thought it would be better to walk out four miles than chancing a break with six miles to go.

The boys continued to ride the loop as I started walking back. I was bummed out but I learned to keep my gear updated and have the right tools. As I was walking back three boys passed me and ask, "What is the problem?" I explained what happened and they were persistent that they could fix the chain. After five minutes of pinching and tweaking the chain, I was ready to ride. I met up with Ben, Marc, and Brian at the T. We were able to ride the trail together to the end.

After Slick Rock we went straight to a bike shop, and I bought a new chain and master links. We were not finished riding. We headed out of town and rode Klondike Bluffs. It was a climb to an overlook of Arches. Along the trail there were fossils of dinosaur footprints. I was amazed how clear some of the tracks were.
Ben's blog was brilliant about our trip. Check it out at http://benoutdoors.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/too-many-accessories/

Bryce

Lindsey Jackson's birthday was May 7 so we headed down to Bryce to celebrate her!!! What a weekend;) The whole group was absolutely hilarious. I have not laughed so hard in a long time. We hiked the Fairy Tale trail on Saturday. It was an eight mile loop. The views were absolutely gorgeous and the geology kept me intrigue throughout the adventure.


"If it doesn't have people in it then it's a postcard!" ~Matt



The eight mile hike should've only taken us a few hours but we took our time, told stories, posed for many pictures, and enjoyed the hike. I want to come back here again in the winter. Ben & Dustin went cross country skiing during the winter and said it was amazing! I can only imagine;)

There is never a dull moment when you get 11 people together. Around the fire we sang with the guitar and lol (laughed out loud) doing blow fish and shaky faces. Life is good!


I borrow some of these photos from Laura's blog check out the rest of her amazing collection.

Dance Makell Dance

My sister, Amy, teaches three dance classes in her house. She recently had a dance concert and this was one of the pictures of Makell before the concert. She looks like a fairy princess and a diva almost 7 year-old. Love her! I am proud of my sister for following her dreams. She has always wanted to have her own dance studio. She is doing great things for the girls in Fruita, CO. Makell loves dancing and creating new movement. She is a creative little girl.

Tia

For Mother's Day my sister, Amy, gave my mom these pictures of her kids. They are gorgeous and the cutest little tykes! I love them! I had to share;)

Makell is in 1st grade. This was her spring picture. She is gorgeous!

K2

I am currently reading K2: Life and Death on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain by Ed Viesturs. After watching the movie Vertical Limit I was interested in learning more about K2 and the summit adventures. I knew about the brand K2 but I hadn't heard much about the peak. This book has really open my eyes about mountaineering. I am amazed these mountaineers take 7weeks-months off of work and their families to summit the highest peaks in the world. I am also intriged by the skills, safety skills, and gear they use to survive. I pray & hope everyone on the mountains today are safe & listen to their instincts.

May Day

"Where flowers bloom so does hope." Lady Bird Johnson

Image from bing.com 5/2/10

Art Appreciation

Ben and Melissa were over at my place today replacing bike tires, cleaning chain, etc. Ready to ride - thanks Ben! While they were up at my place Ben noticed a painting I bought in Ecuador. I love the painting and couldn't remember who was the original artist. I thought it was Oswaldo Guayasamin but when I googled his name and paintings from Eduardo Kingman also came up that look very similar - almost identical. I need to do more research about their works. Here are a few of my favorite paintings from both artists. Enjoy!

This is the painting I have in my room but my painting's colors are red & orange. I love the blue, cool tone of this painting but of course it wasn't available when I bought the piece.

Lost about Lost?

NBC Clears Things Up

Watch this Ellen clip...hell-a funny!!! I have been so confused this season with Lost even though we should be receiving all of the answers. I still think the show is wack-o but I am still watching it. Hmmm!

Easter & Birthday

My parents and I spent time in CO for Easter and Conference weekend. We went mountain biking, four wheeling, played outside, and did all of the Easter traditions. Dyeing eggs was a blast - I had to juggle five cups of dye and five kids around the table. Luckily we had more adults to help but at first I was all alone with the kiddos and thought we were going to drop every egg and spill every dye. In the end...egg-celent times!!!


My cousin Dionne was in town from North Dakota so we went out to dinner for our birthdays. Her birthday is in March and mine, April 7th. My favorite place to eat is Tepanyaki but Bonsai is just about the same. I love the dinner and show;) I even caught the shrimp - I rarely catch it.


Thanks family for your support and love!!!

Wheelin'

We rode the four wheelers out at Rabbit Valley on Saturday before Easter. We took all of the kids and five machines. Even Garrett (1 year old) rode on a Razor in his car seat. We went out to this point where we could see the river and a gorgeous view of the valley. The wind almost blew us off of the trail but we kept going and the ride home luckily we were going with a tail wind.

Five machines & Krehl

Dad & Kaison

Mom & Makell

Quinn

Garrett

Amy & Garrett

Easter Message

I love Easter and what better weekend than...General Conference. (Click on video to open up in youtube in order to see the full screen - well worth it.)