The Circle continues....

We just got back from Laguna Beach, California. This is a trip we take just about every year. When Steve and I were first married, the trips to Laguna were a little more sporadic because at that time in our life, the PARENTS paid for the trip. Those were the days. Our hotel room, meals, transportation: paid, paid, paid by the parents. That's why we only went about every four years or so, and it was usually given as a Christmas gift, which we loved! Then, slowly, Steve and I started booking our own family vacations to Laguna (on the "off" years that we didn't go with the whole family). Before we knew it, we were going every year. Part of the trip was booking our hotel for the NEXT year while we were checking out. This year, we invited Steve's parents to join us. We also had a married daughter and her husband, so they needed their own room. Steve and I find ourselves now in the role of hosts for our little group...we arranged for the rooms, the food, the activities. On one of the evenings, Steve and I looked at each other and realized that we have become the PARENTS. It's a really weird place to be. However, if you have to be in that place, there is no better spot than Laguna Beach! What a fun time we had with three generations!

Here are some of the highlights:

Steven relaxing (with a beautiful shot of his wife in the background)

Kelsey and her Cov...always good for a laugh!

B.J.'s pizza! A trip to Laguna is never complete without a meal at this joint.

Mer baby and Ash

The Newlyweds

The Oldlyweds

Bathing Beauties: Madi, Ashley, Mer, and Bam

Our body-surfing Grandad and Madi

Dinner at the Beach House: Bam and Dandad's treat! Thank you, Bam and Dandad.

The PARENTS

It's a Major Award!

Yes, I am quoting "A Christmas Story," and No, it's not a leg lamp. But, in my opinion, it's even BETTER: finding out you actually won something in your age category. Hey, I'll take any accolade--I am not fussy!

Ever since I sewed these cute bonnets for Pioneer Trek, I have been trying to talk my girls into running a Pioneer Day running event while wearing them. Until this year I have had no takers until my always-up-for-a-fun-adventure neighbor, Leann, said that she would join me. We signed up for Bountiful's Handcart Days Half Marathon/5k run last week, and this morning we headed down at 6 a.m. to join the ranks of 5k runners. I think a 5k is even harder than a 1/2 marathon because of the insane pace. The overall winner had a 5:40 pace and came in a tich over 17 minutes! Leann pulled out ahead right from the start and finished with a very nice 23:25 time. I started off with a great pace, but noticed that with each mile I was a little slower. I came in @ a respectable 27 minutes and some change, but it was still enough to earn a 2nd place...booya! (notice the cute handcart shaped award)

Running skirts are cute and sassy, and they look really good with our bonnets!

(Leann pointed out that we were very immodest pioneers--we're showing just a little too much ankle for propriety's sake)

Another daughter joins the ranks...

It was with great pride that I took another daughter down to DeBoer's and introduced her Dennis.

"Dennis," I said when we breezed into his shop, "This is my daughter, Madi, and she wants to start running. Can you find a good shoe for her?"

Dennis asked her to take off her shoes, and to stand and walk for him. He gazed thoughtfully at her feet and asked us to wait a minute while he went into his magic storeroom. He came out with several pairs of running shoes, and then the fun began. As Madi tried on the different shoes, she slowly eliminated each until she found THE PAIR:

Mizuno Wave Nexus 4

Here's to a great relationship. Everyone needs a pair of running shoes that they feel utter and complete love for. I know that with each new pair I get I fall in love all over again. I can't wait to go running with Madi (although she is a lot faster than I am). I am hoping that she will want to join me and Kelsey on running a marathon some day.