The Land of Cotton.

While in the land of cotton for the marathon, we enjoyed some extra adventures as well. Mr P grew up quite a bit, having to take to the spectacles & shaving like all the other old folks around. We also got to see just a bit of Zion & Bryce National Parks which are so amazing to me. It's so hard to wrap your head around something so gigantic & gigantically gorgeous. Not a long weekend, but enjoyable none-the-less.

2 Marathons, 1 Month.

My parents have super-human strength. That's all there is to it. They just finished the Top of Utah & St George marathons within a couple weeks of each other, making them my dad's 41st & 42nd and my mom's 26th & 27th marathons. I should feel inspired, however I mostly just feel tired. I hope the inspiration starts to set in... Congrats, you runnin' fools!!!!

Island Park.

Eeps!!

Water wheel made

from old tin signs.

Last month our super friends Rex & Meredith invited us up to their cabin in Island Park for a splendid weekend retreat. I cannot tell you how cool this place was. Acres upon acres of undisturbed land, a crystal clear (COLD) stream stemming from several fresh water springs & cabins built decades ago, with original furniture & style. We had such a great time riding 4 wheelers, driving backhoes, dining in West Yellowstone & watching the billions of stars you don't get to see down here. Mr P & Miss G had a great time throwing rocks in the stream (much to Rex's dad's dismay- sorry!), swinging & being completely covered in layer upon layer of dirt. It was a great little retreat & we're so stoked to have found out about the ice cream place with the 'Tom Huckleberry.' It doesn't get any better than that! Thanks, friends!!

Celebrate in Style.

I almost forgot to mention-- This is what you get for breakfast when you're at grandma's on your birthday morning. Whatever you want. Yes, it does in fact include Dorito's & a cupcake. Splendid way to start the day.

Guns, Motorcycles & Dirt.

Learnin' young.

Kate makes that thing look good.

Grandpa's so good he puts the kids to sleep.

Brookie makes that thing look good!

We were able to get my whole family up camping for a night before the weather turned. It was such a dang good time. We were cracking up around the fire hearing stories of Andy's colorful younger days, & even some of my dad's. We ate tasty treats, took 4 wheeler & mini-bike rides & reveled in the fact that we have the best family ever. There was a minor set-back when Jack took a spill & had to go get 4 stitches. Blech. Never fun. But other than that, a splendid way to send out the summer!!

Two Blinks of an Eye.

I have been procrastinating this post, because I haven't had a chance to do Mr P's 2 year pics yet, & because I seriously get emotional attempting it, but I better just start where I am & go from there. I don't even pretend to know how to sum up the last 2 years, other than to say they've been the best 2 of my life. Mr P came into this world with a head full of hair, the brightest blue eyes you can imagine & a smile that I'm sure could be used in achieving world peace. From the minute he was delivered he captured my heart in its entirety. And with what can be no more than 2 blinks of an eye, he's not a baby anymore.

It hits pretty hard on a daily basis, but never more than when he speaks in sentences, asks to wear an alternate pair of shoes, or runs up mid-play, gives my leg a kiss & scurries back to the task at hand. He's smart, that one, & I hope he can use some of that brain power to realize just how much he's the best thing that's ever happened to us.

I pray daily for the strength, the sanity, the bravery & foremost the ability to raise this little giant to enjoy the happiness & fulfillment I wish for him.

Happy Birthday, my only son.

Warning: Upcoming Post Overload.

OK, well, I guess when you're as far behind as I seem to be, ya gotta start somewhere. I don't know what my deal is with the blog neglect, but man I have a lot to catch up on!! So, be prepared for it. Take it in small doses if you must-- I won't be offended. Just be prepared, because here it is......