A Larsen Family Party

The weekend before Christmas, we went to Northern Utah for a family party. It was a lot of fun...

I asked my cousin Kristin to plan something for an ugly sweater contest. My family was very creative. 

Mathew & his family...Oh they were so cute! I didn't get a picture of Whitney...she had an advent calendar on her sweater!!! Loved, loved, loved that they were so festive with the idea. My sweater wasn't planned at all! We found a sweater at Goodwill...when I put it on I realized it was a child's size large! Oh well I wore it anyway!!!

Yes that's me taking a selfie of me in my sweater!!!

I decided when the plans were being made that the family needed some kind of entertainment...I suggested we play Minute to Win It Games. I was then places in charge of planning it! We did 10 different games. I don't have much proof of anyone doing the games because we were having so much fun we forgot to take pictures! However, I did get my aunt Sandra & uncle Craig playing Whip Cream Tannenbaum...

They were chosen by their grandson Zack to play....

This is me giving the description of their game....(I felt bad for some of my family members when they were playing some of the games...)

This is the reaction that happened when they figured it out...

Some action shots...

Build the tallest Christmas tree with whip cream (or in our case 3-bowls of whipping cream)

As Sandra was working away she says "You can see who does all the cooking in our house!" I like Craig's idea of topping it off with the spoon!!!

The end results....Sandra won!!!

After Minute to Win It, we did our gift exchange. We went around the room doing the white elephant exchange...

This is the family during the gift exchange...

Cousins, cousins with a few parents...

Most of my cousins....

My girls were worried about the dogs in the car...of course they made an appearance! (But the dogs were just fine...they had blankets & their beds in the car! Todd even agreed with me! Oh well!)

Uncle Lynn on the hunt for a present....

Mom on the first of many of her presents that night!!!

Aunt Camille with one of her many presents as well...I think she took these from my mom...

I think this is when Bo got the pink cleaning gloves! They were a big hit!!

See there they are! And he isn't the one who ended up with them!!!

Ohhhh yes! The cream soda Jeff got! Breanne ended up with that. I do believe Jeff ended up with the pink gloves!

But Bo did end up with the shampoo! Notice his long flowing hair? Funny stuff!

This is one set of the pillow cases I made. Little Jade got the snowman ones and my cousin Rachael got the polka dot ones! I don't have much sewing skills, but pillow cases I can make...

My cousin Kristin announcing the winners of the ugly sweaters...

Connor ended up with the ugliest... (Oops...I was just informed that Brayden was the winner! I told them I was bad with names!)

Emma was the fuzziest....

Ahhh...here's a slight glimpse of Whitney's advent calendar sweater! This pic does NOT capture the details of the sweater! It was pretty fabulous & creative.

I saw many smiles on everyone's faces. I'm sad I wasn't able to get pictures of everyone & everything that was going on...but overall it was a successful night! We laughed as a family at all our silliness! If a family is able to come together and be silly and laugh together at each other's silliness I'd say it was a success.

I am thankful for my family. We may not see each other on a regular basis, but we are atill family no matter what. I am now thinking about what we can do for next years party...I already have so fabulous, fun ideas!

Christmas

Christmas was rather quiet for us this year. Josh & Adam were in North Dakota working because other people took Christmas off, so they stayed to work. I was okay with it, but I did miss them very much. Breanne & Tyler were in town, so we spent some time with them. On Christmas Eve, they came over late. They all opened their Christmas jammie's. While we were sitting and talking I started to fall asleep. I guess I don't have it in me to stay up too late anymore...

The next morning Nicole & I woke up early to get ready to go meet up with my dad & Joni as well as Breanne & Tyler. We went to where they were staying. We exchanges gifts, then went to breakfast.

We were going to try Marie Callendar's, but they didn't open until 11:00. We got there at 10:05! Oops! So as usual, we ended up at IHOP. Not my most favorite, but at least we were able to spend some time together. That's what matters the most! When breakfast was over, we said goodbye to my dad & Joni. We went home to open presents. I didn't buy a whole lot this year for the kids because I bought them stuff earlier in the month of some things they really needed, but it was enough to have a nice Christmas. However, I still have to take Nicole to a show I told her we'd go see together. (I had to put it off a few days because her friend came into town. Didn't think I should leave her behind).

The rest of the day, we just hung out at the house. I took a little nap, which I desperately needed. Of course a day wouldn't be complete without a trip to Del Taco! We had it for a late lunch/early dinner. 

Well....that's about it! Nothing too exciting.

This is Breanne & Tyler after opening their gifts. 

Not sure what Colie was doing...either opening presents or passing presents.

The two...well three including Sampson trying to pose by the Christmas tree. This is what happens when you don't have a self timer...

Our second little tree I set up I. The family room a few days before Christmas. It was just a simple tree with tulle ribbon in it. I thought it was really pretty. I put Lulu under it because she was a precious gift in my life who made an impact on me. Next to her is a simple little nativity grouping we were given. I LOVE nativities! So special little things were under this tree.

This is the tree in the living room. I love it! It's sparkly, glittery, and lots of pink!

Caroling with Seniors

I haven't mentioned much about my calling at church in the Young Women's Program. I have been a little frustrated at times with how the program has been run and in all honesty haven't really felt a part of the program like I had in the past. 

With that being said, I am trying really hard to enjoy being a part of the program again.... I'm doing my best to be more active with the Beehive class, but still feel a bit awkward fitting in with the ladies because they have all known each other for so long. I'm basically the outsider whose come into the program.

So tonight I decided to stay at the activity and do my best to have fun and participate. But when the activity planned gets started so late, I feel myself getting upset with even being there because it's a disadvantage to the girls...

Anyway, the activity was to go caroling to a senior center. In all of my years of caroling with girls I always enjoyed caroling and decided I needed to go. After spending about 45 minutes bagging cookies, we were finally leaving for the senior center 30 minutes late! (I really hate that! And knowing most seniors go to sleep early it just didn't seem right to impose).

I drove 3 of the little Beehives to the senior center. On the way there I turned on Christmas music (they said they liked that because they were able to practice). Cute! Once we finally got to the senior center we just started singing while walking down the hallways. Most of the seniors were sleeping with their doors closed. But a few had the door open and even came out to the hallway. One gentleman really touched my heart. He told us that he use to sing in a choir and his favorite Christmas song was White Christmas. I was so happy to hear him start singing along with us. I was toward the back singing along and felt a tear come to me. I really needed that. Then in another hallway another lady joined us singing as well....

Seeing the seniors singing with all the girls made my heart so happy, even though we were almost an hour late.

I'm trying really hard to find ways to feel more connected to the girls, tonight I felt more connected to the three that road in my car & felt the spirit of Christmas while singing carols, especially with the two who sang along with us....

Young Women of the Desert Inn Ward at the senior center....

Random turkey stuff

The other day this guy came into the funeral home dressed as a turkey...(sounds like the beginning line of a bad joke)

I walked up to the front to ask a question or something and this guy was standing there at the desk waiting for someone to talk with him. I stood there for a minute or so processing what was in front of me. Well I decided to ask...my question "Are you here for a singing telegram or something?" He said "No I'm here to pick up some turkeys." 

Again, my thoughts started going wild again (seriously, my thoughts go a million miles a minute when I see or hear something that's not normal). So I told him I'd go find out what he needed. 

I found my mom and told her some guy was up front dressed like a turkey. She knew who he was because he does it EVERY year! Oh my goodness! (I get dressing up & all, but going to pick up the turkey's dressed up is crazy to me! I get delivering the turkeys to people, but picking up the frozen birds?! Really?) 

So I followed her out to him, then turned to go help Mitch get the turkeys...apparently the man dressed as a turkey has to have his picture taken with people who give turkey's. I didn't give, I was just helping...

It was just weird to me! Then when we were taking the picture, he started this crazy loud gobble! Ohhhh....my!!! The things some people do. 

It's okay, I'm pretty random at times too!

Chicken Soup Bandit...

Today I came home early from work because I wasn't feeling very good. I got home just in time for lunch, so I decided I would have some of the chicken vegetable soup we made over the weekend. But when I pulled the pot of "soup" out of the fridge this is what was left....

Some broth with a total of 5 potatoes, 3 tomatoes, and 2 bay leaves!!! 

What the heck was the purpose of putting it back in the fridge? 

I didn't have the last of the soup! I asked Nicole, she said the last time she had it was on Saturday when it was made and still on the stove top! (Which was the same time I has it last). I asked Robbie, but he said no....so the only one left to ask is Mom when she gets home....(but I doubt it was her)!

So I guess we have a visitor in the house whose name is "It wasn't me!"

Saying goodbye to my pup....

The past couple weeks my heart has been very sad. My little dog Lulu was hit by a car in front of our house and died instantly...

Nicole and I were leaving to go to the store and planned to take the dogs with us. I let them out like I always did to sniff around in the front yard until I got the car door opened. For some reason Sampson and Lulu went running across the street. They were both hit by a truck coming down the road. I saw the entire accident. I screamed and all my stuff went flying that I was holding. I ran to Lulu who was just laying there...I knew immediately she had died. I didn't know where Sampson was at the time. I remembered yelling to Nicole to get grandma on the phone so we could get Luly picked up. Neighbors from all over the neighborhood who I'd never seen before came out. Our neighbor across the street came from nowhere...he called his son to come get Lulu. In the meantime Mom had pulled up as well. I didn't cry at the time...I just wanted Lulu taken care of. Mom told Robbie to go get a towel so she could be wrapped up in something instead of being put into a plastic bag. He first brought out a little hand towel that wouldn't work. I said there's a towel on the couch in the family room. He ended up bringing out my pink & white striped Victoria's Secret beach towel to wrap her in. I was so happy to see that towel because it was absolutely fitting for Lulu because she was a total girlie girl for being a dog.

After she was taken care of, I couldn't figure out where Sampson was. Realized he wasn't anywhere near. We thought for some reason he was inside...we called for him inside, but he didn't come. We looked in the backyard, nothing! I went out front panicking calling for him. All of a sudden he came running to the house. I grabbed him to see if he was okay because I knew he wa hit too. I saw he was bleeding because I had blood on my hands. I looked him over closely and found he had blood on his left front leg. He was favoring it, but it didn't feel like anything was broken. I did pick him up and just held him. 

While all this was going on, Nicole had called Josh to tell him what had happened. I then talked to him while I was holding Sampson, he didn't make me feel very good. Nicole is such a sweetheart, she kept saying "mom, he just doesn't know what to say"! As all this was going on I sat on the big rock in the front yard, holding Sampson and just cried. I couldn't believe that my little faithful little dog was now gone in a moment!!!

We finally went inside to take care of Sampson. I held him while Mom tried. To clean his injuries. It wasn't working very well, so we decided that I would probably be best to take him to the vet to make sure nothing was wrong with his insides besides what we could see. And we didn't want him to go into shock either, because dogs tend to go into shock several hours after trauma has occurred. We ended up going to an after hours doctor for him. I wrapped him in a towel and carried him. When we got there, we we're let right in. Sampson was so calm, which was unusual for him. The doctor looked at him but decided that he needed X-rays and blood work to make sure everything was okay. He took him into the back and gave him a painkiller to relax him & to make it easier to do the X-rays. The X-rays came back all clear, but the blood work showed that his blood levels were raising....which meant he could go into shock and die. I didn't want  him to die if it could be helped, so we left him overnight for observation and an IV treatment. That was the best decision we made. 

On the way home everyone in the car was totally quiet. I just sat there numb to what had been going on. Then it all just hit me! I couldn't imagine what I would do if both of the dogs had died. Lulu was hard enough to deal with. I cried so hard uncontrollably. I was devistated!!!! 

I was a total mess! I had Lulu mess on me and covered in Sampsons blood. Nicole helped me into the shower. She seriously forced me into the shower. I somehow got my clothes off. I think she and my mom got them into the washing machine because I didn't know where they ended up. I cried in the shower because my little dog was gone! I honestly love her so much!!! She was always the one that would make you calm. She smiled, arffed, and pounced off you until you'd pay attention to her. She was addicted to treats and chewies. She loved Skittles and Starbursts! All that was gone in a flash! When I got out of the shower and went into my room, the first place I always look is her spot on my bed...she wasn't there. I cried some more. Nicole hugged me and said "mom please stop crying". I know she wanted me to stop because she didn't want to cry either. That night and for the next week Nicole slept in my room with me to make sure I was okay. I really appreciated  that.

I picked up Sampson the next day. I took a picture of him and sent it to my family. Everyone got emotional at that time about Lulu (even Adam) in fact he asked us to stop because he was getting so emotional while he was at work! Working in the oil fields with a bunch of guys around isn't a good place to show emotions I guess. I was told to keep Sampson in a kennel with no activity for the next week. I wasn't about to put him into a kennel because he's never been in one. He couldn't walk anywhere, only be carried. Taken outside on a leash & picked up when he was done. So Sampson was carried everywhere! He went to work with me for several days. When I needed to do something and couldn't have him with me, Mom would take care of him at her desk. He got so spoiled everyday. People would come in just to see how he was. It finally got to the point he was able to walk slowly on it.   He's been picked up to be put on the bed, carried up and down the stairs, taken outside, and into the cars. He was hand fed for several days because he didn't want to get up to eat. So to make sure he ate, I'd give him food while we sat on the couch before work or while watching tv. I know he loved that!

I took him back to the doctor on Friday for his check up. There's still swelling in his arm, but he's been walking and short runs. The doctor was very happy with how well he's doing. I need to take him back again next week for another follow up. I don't mind because I just want him happy.

       My Sweet Pup Lulu Belle McCourt 

Funny little side note about Sampson and his little injury...he's been getting around just fine, but yesterday when I was leaving to go do my 7 mile run, he wanted to go so bad, he sat in front of me with his left front paw lifted so I'd pick him up! Ohhh....he's a smart one!!!

         Sampson at work...he loved it!!!

In the clear

Following up on my medical procedure...

Last week I went in for my checkup with my doctor. I was really anxious for my appointment because I had felt to useless... So at the appointment the doctor did a quick ultrasound of my insides where the procedure took place. While he was looking at the screen we discussed my cramping and how bad it was making me feel. He saw that I was healing really well on the side I was cramping so badly on. He said that the cramping was caused because he treated that specific area so heavily. The right side was still healing so I need to watch it. He said I ( meaning me) am the only person who will be able to determine if the procedure was a success. I have decided that I have a really good doctor...he treated me very well. He made me laugh when he said "I am the vagina whisperer, but the uterus killer!" Yeah, basically that is what he did...killed my uterus!

So as of now I have resumed the majority of my activities. On Monday I decided I was going to start running again to continue my training for the marathon. But wouldn't you know...as soon as I start heading to the gym, my right side starts to cramp!!!  Ugh, I decided I was going to run anyway because I can't let it keep holding me back or I won't be ready for the marathon in January. So I asked Nicole to just stay near me while I ran on the treadmill to see how I was doing every once in awhile. I made it through 3 miles. It wasn't too hard, but I did struggle toward the end. When I got home I was still cramping, so I took my light medication to help with the cramps. After my shower I just went to bed because it wasn't going away anytime soon.

I tossed and turned most of the night. I expected that because of the cramping & soreness from the run. However, the following night I ran 5 more miles (with some difficultly toward the end), no cramping, and crashed all night long after a hot bubble bath!

Thank goodness I did sleep because today my legs are on fire & screaming "what did you do to me?"

Hanging in there...

My last post was about my surgery. This post will be about my recovery. It has now been a week and two days since the procedure...

I have had good days and bad days since I had it. Most days I feel really good and think all is well and I better! But then excruciating pains set in when I least expect them. On Monday I was doubled over for several hours waiting for the pain to subside. It finally did...then it happened again in the middle of the night on Thursday. I got up and took the meds the doctor prescribed for me, but ilthe pains didn't go away. I waited about another two hours, but nothing. I felt like I was having labor pains. I hadn't felt like that since I was having my children. Later in the morning when I knew my mom was awake I asked her if she had a little stronger pain med.  Josh kept telling me I needed something stronger...so I asked her. She have me a Loratab. I finished getting ready for work and had breakfast. Immediately I could feel the meds taking effect. I felt really dizzy and light headed. I knew I was going to have a problem....

I had Josh take me to work because I didn't want to drive, plus I knew it wouldn't be a good idea. I I got there a little late, but it was okay. I was talking to Sara, then all of a sudden I had to stop and go throw up! I felt it coming! I hurried to the bathroom and threw up my breakfast. I felt a bit better after that, but I still needed to call the doctor to see of what's been going on is normal. 

I called all morning but couldn't get I contact with anyone. Finally later in the afternoon I was able to talk to the nurse. I told her what was happening with the pains/cramping happening at odd times and how long they lasted. She called in a stronger prescription for me, but didn't tell me what it was...I took Josh to the airport for him to go back to work. I was able to tell him I spoke with the nurse and got new meds. The nurse also told me that if it doesn't ease up I may have to go in earlier than my follow-up appointment. 

I went and picked up my new prescription Friday...it was Loratab! The same meds that made me throw up! I decided that I will only take it when absolutely necessary. Well I needed one about 3:00 Saturday morning! Crap! It wiped me out for the rest of the day. I had to have Adam drive me around. I felt dizzy and light-headed all day long!!! The rest of the day I just managed. So Saturday night before I went to bed I took another Loratab so I wouldn't have to deal with the dizziness while I slept...(Nicole made sure I had food with the meds...she made us fresh peanut butter and strawberry sandwich! Yummy!)

I slept all night without any problems. Morning was good. Nicole once again made sure I ate. She made pancakes and brought them to me when I was still laying down. She made mom some too and took them to her in her room as well. When she was finished serving everyone, she came back in my room and sat on my bed with me to eat hers... I LOVE THAT GIRL!!!!

At this point today, I am feeling crampy again. I took one ibuprofen to get me through the day. I have to take Adam to the airport in awhile. I plan to get home and rest for the remainder of the day....

I will call the doctor again tomorrow. I'm praying I'm just an unusual case because of the abnormal thickness of my uterus lining I had which lead to this procedure.

I Will Survive

Last Friday I had surgery. It's was a minor in office procedure...but it honestly hurt like no other! I've been having a few female problem that has been bothering me for a few years. I finally broke down and went to the doctors. I had to have a biopsy done to rule out cancer because my uterian wall was abnormally thick. Thank goodness cancer was ruled out. 

The procedure I had done is called cryoblation. What happens is the doctor takes a long probe and inserts it into my uterus which then freezes my insides to help eliminate the problems I've been having. Before the procedure I had been taking medicines to prepare for the procedure. A couple of the meds made me feel like crap! I was going to the bathroom every 30 minutes it felt like!  Friday morning I had to take the stronger meds...I got to the point I was having a hard time walking or really comprehending anything...(Breanne laughed at me because apparently I sent her a rambling text message). I also peed when I wasn't suppose too! So I had to guzzle more water in a short amount of time to fill my bladder again! It wasn't fun!!!

So the procedure started. All I really remember was Josh, the doctor, the ultrasound lady and like four other people in the room! I kept thinking to myself "who in the world are these people who are watching me spread my legs and watching what the doctors is doing?" All they did was stand there! I knew why the doctor and ultrasound lady were there, but everyone else in there I was confused about. Talking to Josh about it later, he agreed with me as well. I do think that one of those people at the end helped to clean me off before I got dressed, but Josh was actually the one who ended up helping me so I wouldn't fall over!

I was so glad Josh was there with me. The room was freezing cold. I was shivering like I had never before. I needed a blanket, but nobody was coming in. Josh's hands are so big he was able to put his hands on my arms to help me stay somewhat warm. When the ultrasound lady came back in he asked if I could have a blanket. He knows I don't do cold very well in the first place!

The procedure was painful! Earlier in the week I watched a video online to see what to expect...that video lied! On a scale of 1-10 for pain, it was about a 7-8! That crap was poking my insides what felt like clear up to my boobs!

The entire procedure took about 30 minutes all together. Going home I just laid down in the car and slept. Since having the procedure, I have been extremely crampy on my insides, which is to be expected. It's kinda like a period pain, but more severe! I have been taking heavy duty meds. Today I have only taken one because I want to be able to endure some pain without being defendant on the pills. I'm just thankful I'm not doing a lot of up & down movement today. I'll for sure take some when I get home. 

I've been very thankful for my family because they've been very patient with me and understand why I can't do something or need to go into the bathroom immediately! With time it will all subside. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll be able to go to the gym and do some sort of workout within limits...adterall I still have a  marathon to keep training for! This is a little bump in the road I had to take care of for my own health!

Believe show

Last night Mom and I had the opportunity  to go the see the Criss Angel show. We were invited to go pretty much last minute by Ryan who my mom works for. I won't go into specific details of how he got the tickets, because it is a sensitive matter, but the tickets were free from Mr. Angel.

The show was rather interesting. I was glad it was free, because I wouldn't have paid to go see the show. It was a nice opportunity and I'm glad Ryan thought of my mom to go and I just happened to be her date!  (As you can see in the picture, everyone that went was a couple. Naw, am and I tend to roll together now days!)

After the show our group went to meet Mr. Angel. He spoke about the new shows that will be starting in the next couple of weeks and his work schedule.

I guess saying I've been there and met him gives me some credentials....NOT!!!

Workout pains...

I have been trying to be good and work out fairly regularly. Problem I have is I don't stay motivated because I don't see results. I know I have to stay consistent, but in all honesty....it's very hard! 

Thursday Nicole and I went to the gym and somehow I ended up hurting my lower back. I have no idea what I did, all I know is I was in pain! I won't give up though, I know I have to keep going. That day we did some major abs, biceps and triceps. Today, which is two days later, my tummy muscles are feeling the workout! I can't figure out why it does that. I suppose I need to just keep doing what I'm doing & just stop giving up.

You know you're sore when you start laughing and stomach hurts when you laugh! Yeah, that's what happened to me today!

I signed up to do a half marathon in January at Disneyland. I'm really nervous about it because I will be doing it all by myself without any friends to help support along the way. I will do whatever I can to train & motivate myself to complete the run.

Anyway, I found this motivational picture today after my hurtful belly laugh....

But my pain isn't 5 hours later. It's normally 2 days later! But it's worth it. I just have to keep telling myself to keep going!!!!

Foam Fest Weekend

Last weekend we took a trip to Salt Lake to participate in the 5k Foam Fest, which is an obstacle coarse of mud, foam, water, climbing walls and ropes....

This weekend was one of the funniest weekends I have had in a long time. Nicole, Mom, Robbie and I left Thursday night after work to head toward Cedar City for the night so we could pick up Breanne on Friday, so we could go the rest of the way. 

We were able to take our time in Friday because Breanne had class until about noon. To waste time we drove around the city, went to Walmart to get a little food for the weekend.  We decided we were hungry so we went to Del Taco. It wasn't my most favorite (and I LOVE Del Taco!)

Finally Breanne called us to tell us she was finished. We went to the school campus to pick her up. We found her standing on the trailer in the parking lot jumping up and down while I was talking to her so we could see her. That girls is always easy to spot! She does the craziest things at the most random times! Typical B's! So once we got her we were on our way... 

It seemed like the drive took forever! Boredom began setting in... And if anyone knows, weird things start to happen. The girls and I began videoing each other making faces and doing stupid things! Yes, there is proof!!!!

Anyway, once we finally got to our motel we rested a little while before we went to find something to eat. The room was much more decent than the night before, but the pillows sucked again! (I've come to the conclusion that I'm not only a motel/hotel snob, I'm also a motel/hotel pillow snob as well! Darn those Marriott's!)    

Dinner was at Macaroni Grill. At the time it tasted good, but it wasn't too good for most of us later in the night and the next morning. I'm not going to go into graphic details on that! Anyway, I hoped I would be okay for the run on the morning...thank goodness it passed.

Saturday morning we got up and got ready for our fun filled day. We got our matching little outfits on, which was great because we stand out and were easy to spot. The three of us had a small breakfast in the motel lobby. Again, major room for improvement could be made there. Then again I've never been a huge breakfast fan. I tolerate breakfast every morning...

Then we were off to This is the Place Monument Park. It wasn't too far away, which was nice. I always like driving through Salt Lake City anyway. When e got to the park for our 10:00 start time, the parking lot was packed! We saw people walking back to their cars hardly dirty at all. The girls said "I want to get dirty! Those people are hardly dirty!"  I didn't know what to expect. So we decided that we would just go with the flow of things and find out. We had to check in at registration to get our starting numbers. Once we had our numbers we stood around for about 45 minutes waiting for our time to start.

Run time seemed to take forever. The sun was starting to get hot on us while announcements and instructions were given. Finally it was run time! Whenever I run a 5k I tend to take my time and not stay with the large pack. So the girls and I took our time and enjoyed one another while we were together. We came to our first obstacle which was a mud crawl. Oh me gosh!!!! It was a blast! We army crawled through the mud into a muddy pool of water. We stood waiting to take our turn...while waiting we decided who would go first. It was decided I'd go first since it was my idea to drag everyone on this adventure.

The obstacles we encountered were of course the mud crawl...lily pad pond run, 8'climbing wall, ladder rope climb, several foam pits, a couple of foam slip and slide which happened to be my favorites! A 5' climbing wall that I happened to fall off of!  (My girls went up and over it just fine, then started walking away while I was climbing over it...when I got to the top I was like "thanks for leaving me behind! They said just jump down mom!!! Well I "just" jump down and fell all the way down face first to the ground!  I hit soooo hard!!! I know if I had breast implants those bubbies would have popped!!! The girls came running to me at that point! I just got up and kept going.  I was in pain for quite a while that day!) Hummm...there were other courses that we did.  I remember one of them I couldn't get into...as I was trying to get into it, I fell down and slip backward to the ground again.  There was another like that after the 5' wall climb.  When I saw it I ran past the girls and got in it with no problems.  I remember the girls saying as I past them..."Well okay then mom! What are you doing?"  I said, "I fell out of the last one like this!" 

At the finish line was another foam slip and slide.  Oh my gosh!!! I love slip and slides!  We waited for my mom to be in position to video us on the slides at the finish!  When we knew she was ready the three of us ran as fast and we could to the different slides.  I know when I got to my slide I dove into that baby and laughed the entire way to the muddy/foamy pool at the end of the slide!

 Oh what a blast!!!  This run was so much fun!  Can't really see how much fun it really was because you can't see all the obstacles.  I did get hurt, but overall I had so much fun.  The thing I liked least was running the hills (of course!  I'm not a huge fan of running hills because of the Valley of Fire Half Marathon I did a couple years ago!)

 

Finish line photo op!!!

 

This is us girls after the finish line with our medals...

 

Can you tell who the real dirty girl is?  I was obviously covered with mud!  I still can't figure out why my girls weren't covered like I was!  I guess that means the dirtiest had the most fun!?  I told the girls the only way this run would've been more fun is if the boys were with us.  They totally missed out!  Maybe we can do it again next year, or if I can find another one just as fun closer to home...

 

While we were in Salt Lake we also took pictures in front of the temple...

 

I love the way the clouds look behind the temple...these are some of my favorite pics that have been taken posing in front of the temple so far...then again Nicole did set the pic to vignette, which helped!