Sunday, September 30, 2012

September Catch-up and 15th Wedding Aniversary



So I have been delinquent in my blogging duties; however, we have been pretty busy, had a couple of bugs run through the family, and still managed to have fun.

Two weeks ago included a congregation picnic, the Walnut Creek Festival twilight parade, and Beth running a half marathon up Mt. Diablo.  It was a really fun weekend; even with me suffering through my first cold in a couple of years.  

I did try to run the half -marathon with Beth, but made it only 2 miles before I stopped and turned around.  I encouraged her to keep going since she has been looking forward to this race for a while.  She was nervous but up for the challenge which meant running to the top of the 3,480 foot Mt. Diablo and back out of Michell Canyon.  Since the race start was only a couple of miles from our house, I ran back and got the kids and met her a mile from the finish line.  Emma ran ahead and ran back with her.  I am very proud of Beth for completing this one by herself.


After the race we were off to the congregation picnic.  The kids got to swim and play volleyball while Beth and I talked with our friends.  It is a nice up-building gathering and everyone was encouraged.  Joe did a great job on the meat and we even tried some gluten free cheeseburger cupcakes.

After the picnic we picked a spot downtown Walnut Creek for the parade.  We found a great spot in front of Starbucks and watched the high schools go by.  Pittsburgh High has such a great band and cheer-leading squad, it is understandable why they are able to make it to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade so often.
Beth and the other sisters participating at the event.

Last weekend was full of fun also  Beth had signed up for her first duathlon a couple months back at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton.  It consisted of a 1 mile run, followed by a 12 mile bike ride, then end with a 5K run.  She did an awesome job, especially considering that until a month ago she hadn't been on bike since she was a kid.  
Small but worth the fun!!!

While she was on the course, kids and I took advantage of the fishing on the lake.  Myles caught his first fish ever, two small largemouth bass.  It is a beautiful lake for fishing and swimming.  It is kind of funny to think that the last time I was fishing there I was probably Myles age, right after the lake was opened, fishing with my grandfather.  After the race we swung by my grandparents old house.  The roses and hydrangeas were in bloom.  The house looks beautiful.

This past Thursday was our wedding anniversary.  I can't believe it has been 15 years!!  It has gone by so quick and we have accomplished so much.  I love her so much and wished we could have done something great this year; however, due to the change in the job situation; it was a modest affair.  We are planning next month for a night out.  The kids got a couple of gifts and Beth and I exchanged cards.  But what makes us work so well together is that through the good times and bad times we are there for each other and challenging times only make us stronger.   

So that catches everyone up.  One last note, congratulations on to my dad for becoming a regular pioneer!!!  This privilege is such a blessing and I am very happy for him!

Monday, September 10, 2012

A Party, A Run, and Hospitality


 So we had a pretty busy weekend.  It began on Saturday with a kids party, followed by the kids running the Walnut Creek Festival on Sunday before meeting, followed by gathering after meeting.

Saturday was great.  We started off with the field ministry.  Later that afternoon, we went to a party for the kids.  Basically it was part art show, all fun with the kids that our kids used to do play dates with before everyone went to school.  With about 50 kids there was a bounce house, food was provided by a taco truck, as well as cupcakes provided by Kara's Cupcakes. Emma, Sophie, and Myles had a great time playing with all of their friends.  It is hard to believe that the oldest of the kids is about to turn 15!  Time is going by too quickly.


At the end of the party, the parents were treated by a sing-a-long of "Listen, Obey, and be Blessed."





On Sunday, Emma, Sophie, and Myles participated in the Walnut Festival Run.  Emma ran the 10K in a blistering 54 minutes.  Sophie set a PR at 33 minutes, and somehow out of nowhere Myles ran the 5K in 37 minutes.  His previous times all were over an hour.  I thought I would have a nice run walk this morning but he definitely kept my heart rate up! And Emma ended up with being 1st in her age division!

Our visiting speaker on Sunday happened to be visiting his daughter, our friends Tessa and Ryan.  So we had hospitality before he left on the plane back to Arizona.  It was nice to visit and nice to have our service group and another service group share this privilege.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Weekend Assembly and a nice relaxing day...


So this past weekend consisted with our assembly entitled Safeguard Your Mind.  It was an awesome, refreshing program with the focus around keeping our mind grounded in the scriptures instead of allowing our cultural  background anxieties influence our decision making.  The kids as usual were awesome.  In fact they were treated to ice cream after the Saturday program and Guadalajara Grill on Sunday.

Monday consisted of the beginning of The Asylum as well as  an eight mile bike/run.  It was hot but we had a great time. 

So I am sorry about it being short and sweet and no pictures (I misplaced my camera); however, I will follow up next week.