Rachael as a Triathalete!

Rachael competed in the Cache Valley Classic Triathalon on Saturday (Aug. 4).  She did very well.  Her overall time was 01:52:48.90. You can see her results and splits etc. in the picture.  (Sorry about the swimming picture.  It is kind of a where's Waldo.  I took a couple but people kept walking in front of me.) The event included a 750 meter swim, followed by a 12.5 mile bike, and finishing with a 5K (3.2 m) run.  Rachael's biggest complaint was that someone put some hills on the bike and run routes.  Oddly enough, there were not hills on the swim, but Rachael said she still couldn't swim in a straight line.  Congratulations to Rachael, this is a great accomplishment for her.  Her boys enjoyed watching and cheering mom on the bike and run etc.

Max's 4th Birthday

Max had a very successful 4th birthday. We invited the neighbor kids and some kids from Max's sunbeam class. They had a great time playing in our little pool and sprinker but had even more fun playing in the sand box. Max requested a snake cake for his birthday so if you are wondering what his cake is supposed to be, now you know. He loved all of his presents, especially his fire truck tent, tractor tricycle, and tee ball set. Max is such a great kid. We can't believe how fast he is growing.

Jeremy and the Boys

I just thought this was a cute picture of Jeremy and our boys. It looks like I had them pose or something. They just love Jeremy and as soon as he arrives he gets a good work out, preforming all types of requests. From the bull to the steamroller, he stays pretty busy and usually ends up falling asleep on the floor due to exhaustion.

4th of July Activities

The Fourth of July was filled with all kinds of fun activities. The day started with a early morning drive to see the hot air balloons. We got there just in time to see them leave the ground. The boys talked about seeing them all day. It was a big hit.

We later met up with Neal's sisters up American Fork Canyon and had a little barbeque. The boys loved the stream nearby and before we even got a chance to eat they were soaked.
The day ended with a fireworks show in Provo. This is the first year I finally gave in to Neal and let the boys stay out late to watch them. I think the show was a little loud because all the twins would do was hide their faces and all they would say was "loud". Max just laid and watched them with his hands over his ears. (I know this is not the best picture of me. I was looking pretty weary by the end of the day.)

The 4th was a busy and very long day (starting at 6:00 a.m. and going until midnight) but I think it will be a memorable day.

Neal's sister Shelly took us to the Aquarium in Salt Lake. It's a lot smaller then the two they have seen in Atlanta and California but they loved it nonetheless. They got to touch Starfish, watch the Jellyfish, and point out Nemo and Dori. They also had story time while we were there and lots of fun tunnels in the "coral reef" for the boys to run and explore in. For some reason in these pictures Josh refused to smile. Every time I told them to smile he would immediately make a frowny face. So don't believe the picture, everyone (including Josh) had a great time.

Neal had his gallbladder removed.

Neal had gallbladder surgery on Wednesday. Be warned the pictures here are not for those with a weak stomach. (I wonder, does that include Neal now?) Anyway, the surgery went well. It was laparoscopic so Neal has 5 little "pokes" mostly on the right side of his belly. He has been sore and isn't supposed to lift anything for a few weeks. The doctor also took a biopsy of his liver. His enzyme levels were reading high along with his over sized spleen. We won't know a whole lot more about that until Neal meets with the doctor again on Wednesday (20th). He'll go back to work this week and resume as close to normal activity as possible.

Pine View 11 Year High School Reunion

I had my 11 year high school reunion on Saturday. My cousin and I were actually in charge of the whole evening program. It was a lot of stress but it turned out pretty nice. We just wish more people would have come. I ordered enough food for 100 people and only 60 showed up. Oh well, I guess that's how it goes.