Burley, ID Spudman

Brett and I competed in the Burley, ID Spudman on Saturday. Both of us improved our times. My run time was the same as last year, but I didn't run the entire route. I very much enjoyed the race this year, and it only makes me want to improve for next year.

A man died in the swim this year, and it breaks my heart. My condolences to the family of Donald Morehouse of Provo, UT. I am sure it is a huge loss to his family and friends. I know it affects all of us who raced that day in one way or another.

Here I am before the swim. To the left of me is Denise Berger (Brett's cousin's wife) and to the right is a good friend Erin Gregerson)

Here I am after the swim. My swim time was 18:44 (much better than last year)

My bike time this year was 117:04

My run time was 1:07:36 - not my best run time, but I was pleased overall. I didn't play the mind game that well during this race. I hope to do even better next year.

My overall time was 2:49:55 - 8 Minutes faster than last year. Improvement is improvement.

Hill Air Force Museum

On Thursday (7/24/08) while most of Utah was celebrating Pioneer Day, we were at the Hill Air Force Museum. We have driven by it MANY times, so we decided we would stop this time. The place is fascinating. They have all types of different planes that have been used in combat, and restored. I felt very humbled to be among these planes. I know that many men and women have lost their lives for our freedoms. I don't know that we fully understand it all. At least many of us don't because we haven't been there. I could have stayed there another hour just reading about all of the artifacts there. When we first walked into the museum, there was a somewhat dark room that had the different uniforms that have been used over the years. I tried imagining actual people wearing these uniforms. I felt like I as walking on hallowed ground.

You can't really tell from the picture because of the dark nature of it, but I am standing in front of a plane similar to the one that my Grandpa Bowers most likely jumped out of. He was a paratrooper in WWII. He was a part of the 101st Airborne Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I have the utmost respect for him.

Here is a replica of the atomic bomb that was dropped at Hiroshima. It is huge for a bomb, yet small, and amazing that it could do so much damage.

Lagoon

Wednesday (7/23/08) our family went to Lagoon. Novell pays for us to go nearly every year and it is something the kids look forward to. I don't think we would actually pay the $39.99 per person to get into a park. It's amazing how much things have skyrocketed in price. We had a great time as a family. At the end of the night we rode a ride called the Odysea. It is a cute little kids ride that puts you in a sea creature of some sort and squirts water. You can move your sea creature up and down to try and get away from the water, so really you can choose to get wet, or stay dry if you figure out what my kids call the 'pattern'. Ryan and Brett made a deal that whoever came out of the ride dry won. Brett and I rode together and the kids rode together. We played Paper, Rock, Scissors to see who got to sit on the inside (the inside hardly gets wet). I LOST! With losing, Brett decided that his victory also included being able to steer the sea creature we were sitting in. Well, I LOST again! I ended up SOAKING wet. The kids were thrilled that they won, and I was laughing so hard I couldn't help it.

Here are some pictures from the day

While walking through the Pioneer Village, I came across this cabin. It belonged to Jacob Bigler - A 'great' something grandfather. Kinda cool.

And last, but not least, what is Lagoon without a Carousel Ride???

Life in abstract

I've got a lot of catching up to do.

First things first - Sydney managed to wreck on her scooter that she got on her birthday, pulling the muscle away from the bone on her left foot. Of course it had to happen just before her party, so she spent most of the party on a chair. Bless her heart, she tried to play, but it hurt too bad. So, after the party we ate dinner and then took her to the Dr for an X-Ray. We came home with a walking boot that she refused to try and walk on.

On Tuesday I went to my sister-in-law Teresa's house and helped put together some freezer meals. I got there later than everyone else because I wanted to let Sydney sleep in. I don't know that I did too much, but we put together over 30 meals to freeze for a later time. I think that will really help her.

Shortly after dinner we were outside working on the yard and Sydney was walking on her foot - WHOO HOO! She wanted to ride her scooter so we told her she could if she was careful. Well, Ryan had ridden it around the block earlier, and we couldn't find the scooter ANYWHERE. So, needless to say, we looked for a couple of hours for the scooter, and it is gone. I hate to blame someone for stealing it, but it is gone, and I'm not sure how it escaped other than the inevitable.

Happy Birthday Sydney

Today is one of those days that on one hand I'm thrilled, and on the other I could use another 5 years to get used to. My baby is 5!!! It's crazy to think Sydney has been with us for 5 years already. With Sydney, there is never a dull moment. She is sweet, and caring, yet stubborn and very independent. I'm pretty sure she takes after her father . Ok, so she is very little like her father, and very much like me. Here's to the past 5 years.

We love you Syd.

Sydney came into this world on July 21, 2003. During my pregnancy I think I worried more than any mom has ever worried before. When she got here I was so emotional. Here we had a beautiful baby girl, perfect in every way.

I don't think there has ever been a more proud Big Brother. Ryan was so thrilled to have Sydney come into our home. He had a little bit of adjusting to do, and at the time I didn't think it would ever end. Looking back though, his adjustments were very minimal.

This is what happens when you have a lot of sleepless nights

Sydney has brought us so much joy. Even as a baby she was always smiling and doing things to make us laugh.

And of course getting into mischief.

She also does random things that are definitely picture worthy. Luckily for me, I have a husband that takes his camera everywhere just like his dad.

Sydney also loves playing with her family

And what is a little girl without her Princess clothing

Happy Birthday Sydney - We sure love you

Crash

If you know us well enough, you know that the only sport that we are faithful about watching is the Tour de France. There is something about a professional bike race that can't be beat. These men are amazing. You know that they have worked their butts and they are extremely disciplined. Well, yesterday proved to be no different in the race. Check out this crash that happened with just 5.4 miles to go.



I think if I lost my bike like this it would break my heart

The things that come up on a bike ride

Today I took the kids on a bike ride. This was the first ride that I've taken pulling both kids this season. They are both getting heavy and I've been afraid of going too far because we have hills all around us and I am afraid that I can't pull them up any of the hills. So, I took them on a ride that was a bit flat. We only went 12 miles. By mile 10.5 they were ready to be home, but I wanted to make it to twelve.

Anyway, I'm always amused by the conversations that I have with my children when we are riding a bike. I guess it's because there is a lot of silence as they so patiently ride behind me. As we were riding today we passed some road kill. It was a cat, but the kids thought it was a dog. I didn't want to argue so I'm pretty sure they still think it is a dog. Ok, back to the story. Since they saw the 'dog' they were talking about a neighbor whose dog just had puppies. Sydney posed the question "Mom, how do mommy puppies have babies when they don't have a belly button?" I said "They come out their bum." That seemed to answer good enough.

Brett thinks that I have now ruined my daughter and that she may think she is going to have a baby out of her 'bum'. Well, I am going to let him tell her WHERE the babies actually come from. For now her curiosity has been satisfied.

Cub Scout Day Camp

Today was Ryan's first Cub Scout Day Camp. He won't officially be a cub until he turns 8, but they let him go to day camp today. He had a great time. I'm not sure that I have taught him too well. I'll explain.

A few months ago one of Ryan's friends asked him to go to a play with him. She said to bring some money for the concession. Ryan borrowed some money from Sydney $3 or $4 and I just knew that he would just get something small and call it that. Well, holy crap, he spent every penny. I didn't know how much the candy, etc would be so we sent a little extra with the instruction "Ryan, you don't have to spend all of this money. Just get a treat and call it good." Well, silly us. Ryan came home with a mother load of candy and he spent EVERY dime.

Well, today I thought I'd give him a chance to redeem himself. The scout leaders told us that we could send some cash with the kids to spend at the trading post. Brett told me to only send $2. Again, I didn't know how much he would need. The trading post at the scout camp that Brett went to last year pretty much robbed you, so I thought that the same might be true here. So, I sent $4, with the instruction "Ryan, you don't have to spend all of this money."

Ryan got home from scout camp at 1:30pm. I was on my way home from running errands so I just had him sit on the porch until I got home. I was only a couple of miles away when his leader called me. When I pulled into the drive way he showed me the MOTHER LOAD that he got from scout camp. I asked him how much money he spent and he smiled and said $4! Well, good for me. I have taught my son to spend everything he gets. Next time, he will take his own money to spend at the trading post. He is much more frugal with his own money. I think he gets that from his dad. :)

The Funny Things Kids Say

I rather enjoy reading others' blogs. I have a hard time thinking that what I post is amusing to others however. My kids have been entertaining the past few days though so I thought I would share.

A few days ago I was driving in Springville and talking to the kids. Every time I would end a sentence Sydney would sing at the top of her lungs, opera style, like the last two words that I would say. It was hilarious. So, of course I continued to talk just so I could hear her sing.

On Monday night we were at Sports Authority looking around at swim suits, etc. We have made it a tradition for now to go to Orem on Monday nights to swim. Brett gets off work earlier than the pool opens so we have to find something to do with our time. Anyway, back to the story. Sydney was walking with Brett and Ryan was with me. Ryan turned to me and said, "Mom, do you think when I start soccer I can buy a wienie protector?" I giggled a bit and asked him to explain, just to make sure I knew what he was talking about. He said, "You know, kind of like the one that the girl used to protect her nose on Funniest Home Videos." Then I really giggled, and of course let him know that it was called a 'cup'

There you have it - the happenings with the Berger Kids.

One Month - felt like a lifetime

It has definitely been a while since I've taken the time to update my blog. This past month can be summed up in one word STRESS! I wouldn't wish being the Primary President on anyone. Between trying to restore reverence in the Primary room, to filling the holes that are within the teachers, and making sure my presidency feels like they are being utilized, my stress levels have been on the rise. All I can hope is that one day soon everything levels out.

Now for a training update:

Training? What's training? That's kind of how I feel right now. I have run twice this week, and I am now seeing a physical therapist for my IT band. I had hoped that I could take care of it myself, but I still have a little trouble, so my family Dr recommended that I start PT as he is having the same grief with his IT band. You know, it is so frustrating! You try to do what you know to be right and exercise and it all slaps you in the face. Or the knee in my case. I'm determined to keep going though. I think I owe it to myself and my family to try and push through all of this.

The Spudman is coming up in 2 weeks. I had hoped to be much more in shape, but with injuries you kind of have to step back and take it easy. I haven't been on my bike since I took the 50 mile ride in AZ. Brett has been amazing and has been on the bike at least 3 times a week. On the flip side of that though, he isn't running right now, so we'll probably be even there. I just hope that when I race in ID I don't get passed by 500 people again. That doesn't do well for a person's psyche.

The Big Day

Today was Kati's big day. We have been so busy all week trying to get everything together for the wedding. I spent several hours helping my mom make flower girl dresses, and Lori has busted her tail cleaning and decorating the back yard.

I am constantly amazed at the people in the small town of Heber that pull together and help. Thank you Laurie Owens for helping clean my mom's house. Thank you Mary Tenney, Heather Sulzer, Carol Sue Holden, Robbie Hancock, and Joann Warren for helping with the food. Also thank you to Boston's family and Misty and Ryan for helping cut fruit. I'm sure I've missed people. I'm just thankful for angels on earth that help families like mine.

Kati looked beautiful. I will pull the pictures off the camera and put them on a different post.

51.6 miles

Today I did something that I never thought I would ever do in my lifetime. At least growing up I never imagined I would do something like this.

This trip we brought our bikes with us. Before we left UT we talked about riding our bikes to Payson from Heber. (AZ towns, not UT towns). I thought the ride was 45 miles, but when we got to AZ my mom's neighbor told me that Payson was 53 miles, not 45 miles. I figured, what the heck, what's another 8 miles when you are going that far.

We got ready for the trip and had my sister Lori take us to a paved road as the road my mom lives on is still mostly dirt and it pops tires.

We left Heber at 9:30 am and rode our bikes to Payson. I think it was the hardest ride of my life and I'm thankful that I didn't get killed. We had a few semi trucks and another truck pulling a tractor nearly run me off the road. I wanted to give them the 'bird' but I was so shaken that I had to just hold tight to my handle bars.

The wind was at our faces the whole way. By mile 38 I didn't know how much farther I could go and I knew I was pretty far from my destination. At about mile 46 Brett told me we could stop and just wait for my sister to pick us up. I wasn't about to do that either. I know myself too well. If I had stopped I would have felt like I failed. So, I pushed through the burning in my legs and finished the ride just after 1:30pm.

Thanks Lori for driving to Payson to pick us up. I don't think I could have turned around and ridden home to Mom's.

Sorry to those who have to listen to me talk about this ride. I'm proud of myself for being able to do it and I'm even more proud to say that I was able to do it with my best friend - Thanks Brett. I love you.

Happy Birthday Azure

Today is my sister Azure's 25th birthday. It's kind of hard to think that she is not around to celebrate it. I am in AZ with my parents and my sister Lori and her kids (and my family of course). We had a birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to Azure. I nearly lost it. At the end of the song most people say "and many more"... I realized that I couldn't say that as she isn't around to have ANY more.

We miss you Azure. Your baby is growing so big. He is a happy little guy and is starting to say so many words. I know that you would be proud of him. We love you and can't wait to see you again. Until then...

New Calling

Today in church I was released as the secretary in the Young Women's Presidency. I've known about this for roughly 3 weeks now, but couldn't blog about it because I know that people read my blog. Anyway, I was put in as the Primary President. Whew! It is overwhelming and a lot has to be done.

Immediately after Sacrament Meeting we were set apart and I walked out the door to go to Arizona to help my mom prepare for my sisters wedding on Saturday. We got about an hour into our drive and I got a phone call from my counselor telling me that all hell broke loose when I left the building. Unfortunately, I am going to be in AZ all week, so there is really nothing I can do but try and calm over the phone.

We arrived in AZ at 1am UT time, so Midnight AZ time. It was good to get out of the car.

Salem Spring Tri

Today was the Salem Spring Triathlon. This was my 4th year doing this particular triathlon. We had our friends over last night for dinner and most everyone was a little jittery. I am usually jittery, but for some reason I felt calm about the race. I had trained fairly consistently, so I was ready for whatever they threw at us. We stayed the night at Brett's parents house as they watched our kids and when I woke up this morning and went outside to get Brett's clothes it was cold and rainy....a very cold 45 degrees. We showered, ate, and got on our way. We stopped by the house on the way over to pick up a few things we had forgotten.

When we got to Salem, it was still raining. Matter of fact, it rained for 2 hours. I wanted to be around to see what the race directors were going to decide, so I stayed at the park. It was decided early on that the bike portion of the race would be canceled. We were a little bummed about that because we rode the route several times to prepare for this event. It was then decided that the swim portion would be shortened and we would go ahead with the run. After that decision was made, more than half of the people in the race went home.

The water was pretty chilly. I was thankful for the wet suit that I own because I was kept warm. I still struggle to find my niche when getting in the water. I took in a few gulps of pond water, which is always nice, but all in all I did ok.

By the time the race was over my knee was killing me and that ALWAYS makes me MAD!! I took advantage of the free massages that the race offers and I had the meanest massage lady ever. She was so rough and I told her she was hurting me and she just kept hurting me. I had bruises on my legs after it was all done. Not a good experience....

Here are some pictures from the day

I always love seeing pictures of the preparation time. This picture was taken minutes before the swim began

Here I am transitioning to the run

Off to run

The Finish Line - I really need to work on my sprinting abilities. The girls that finished ahead of me were behind me going up the hill to the finish. The really shot past me and I must not have cared....seeing the pictures though makes me realize I definitely have things to work on.

Training update

It's been a while since I have written about my training.

It has been going very well, thanks for asking. Ok, so maybe you didn't ask, but I'm pretty sure you all want to know. I ran several times this week. I have been feeling lightheaded so I went to the Dr on Tuesday to see what the problem was. They're pretty sure it was an inner ear infection. They don't come with pain, but pretty much screw up your equilibrium. I did go to the pool on Tuesday after the Dr, but I had both kids so I didn't swim laps. We just played around for a couple of hours and then went home.

Wednesday morning I got up and ran with a girl in our neighborhood. She pretty much kicks my butt, but she was gracious enough to run just hard enough that it pushed me, and she gave me some advice on how to increase my speed. On Thursday I ran a bit on a trail in Orem with my running class. It was the first time we have actually gone outside and I really enjoyed that. While at class I met a girl that lives in Spanish Fork, about three miles from me, and she invited me to run with her and some friends. So, Friday morning I met her at her house and we ran just over 3 miles. She really kicked my butt, but I was thankful to have someone to run with and I enjoyed knowing that I had actually found someone who I could run with and hopefully one day I will be right up with the big girls. I do have a lot of work to do, but I am willing to put the time in now.

Today Brett and I went on a bike ride. We left the kids at his parents' house in Springville and rode to Provo. We rode up around the temple and then back home. I'm pretty sure that Brett took me on the worst hills between Springville and Provo. I guess that which does not kill you, makes you stronger.

I am lucky to have people around me that are better than me and are willing to train with me. Because of them I push myself a little harder and ultimately improve my personal times. I have had many conversations with people lately and I keep getting told that I am very competitive. I'm not sure what to think of that. If competitive means that I want to better my time, then yeah, I guess I am competitive. Maybe one day I will actually win a race and feel good about being told that I am competitive :).

If Sydney was a Bear

Well, if Sydney was a Bear, she would look like this:

She's a pretty darn cute bear

My newfound joy - trail running

Last night I attended a running class in Orem. The instructor stressed multiple times how important it was for runners to hit the trails. My doctor had told me that several months back, but I didn't know where to go. Well, I finally asked the right person and I hit the trail today. Ahh, it was WONDERFUL! I did get a few scrapes from the bushes, but I don't know that I have ever really enjoyed a run so much. I ran for just over 58 minutes. I have no idea how far I went. I was advised last night to just run for time, not miles. It was great to just go out and come back and not worry about whether or not I was keeping up. Hopefully this new way of training will pay off. I guess we'll see on June 7th.

Also, as a side note, I swam a mile last night in 39:57 - Just over a minute under my previous swim. Improvement is improvement....

Mom, What am I?

Yesterday the cub scout leader stopped by with an application for the Cub Scout Day Camp for Ryan. He's not quite 8 yet, but they are letting him go anyway. Well, Ryan asked if I would let him fill out the application. I said sure. I was in the kitchen getting dinner ready and he said, from the other room, "Mom, what am I?" I said, "Uhhh, what do you mean what are you?" He said, "Am I African/American or what?" I should have told him that he was an albino African/ American...I didn't think that fast. So, I let him know that he was Caucasian.

Catching Up...again

I guess if I would sit down and do this more often I wouldn't have so much catching up to do. We have been extremely busy around here so taking time to update my blog has been put on the back burner.

So first things first:

Training Update

Last week I decided to increase the mileage that I run. I was able to run 6 miles in 54 minutes. I hope that as I continue running I can shave some time off of that but I am pleased that I can even run a 9 minute mile for that distance.

On Monday night we took the kids to the pool. I swam first and then Brett swam. Brett told me on the way to the pool that he wouldn't swim unless I swam a full mile. Swimming a mile in a 50 meter pool is much different than swimming in a 25 yard pool. (Read Brett's blog for the full explanation). When we got to the pool the HS Swim team had most of the pool and there was only one lap lane to share with 5 or so other people. So, being that I am a TURTLE, I'm sure I irritated many a people in my lane. By lap 6 I was sure I was done for and I would swim another 2 laps and be done (I needed 16 laps). Then I recalled a few conversations. One, that Brett said he would not swim unless I went a mile, and Two - I had just told Ryan earlier that you can do anything that you can set your mind to. So, I set my mind to swimming another 10 laps and off I went. It took me 41 minutes to swim that mile. Is that Turtlee enough for you?

Today I rode my bike. I have a couple more weeks of not having to find a babysitter on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a couple of hours. So, I took to the road. As I was leaving our subdivision I rolled to a stop sign and a car was coming. I moved over to the side of the road and couldn't get my stupid foot out of the petal so down I went. Good thing I have strong elbows. I really thought I might have dislocated my shoulder for a minute because it was really sore, but I was determined to get my ride in. I rode 26 miles in 1:37 - a mile longer, and a minute shorter than the last ride that I took. So, this is all small improvements I realize, but I am improving nonetheless.

Now for other updates

Last weekend was the father and son's outing. Sydney and I had a girls night 'in'. We rented a movie and made some caramel popcorn (not a good thing if you are trying to trim your waist size btw). We enjoyed spending time together and having a slumber party in my bed.

On Saturday we went to the cycle store as a family and Brett and the kids went next door and purchased my Mother's Day gift. I would love to post a picture, but we're having technical difficulties, so you'll have to read Brett's blog for that one too.

Sunday was a great day. I enjoyed spending time with family. I talked with my mom first thing in the morning and had a total meltdown when I got off the phone. It seems that most of my thoughts have turned to my sister Azure who passed away in October. I haven't cried that hard since all of this happened and I guess Sunday was the day. I just miss her. I want to talk to her and tell her she was a good mom. I long to see her smiling face. I never thought pain could be so deep, yet the sense of peace I feel is undeniable. Uhh humm, tears falling...I'm done with that one.

We're plugging along here. I signed up for a running class with the UVU continuing education program. It starts tomorrow. Maybe I'll learn how to better my technique and be a little faster. I think I'd like to run a marathon one day. (Ron, I'll let you know if I do and maybe you can do it with me).

Muscle

Yesterday I had Ryan and Sydney help me bring the groceries from upstairs to the storage room downstairs. Ryan said "Hey mom, I bet if I weigh myself when we are done I have gained weight." I said, "Oh yeah, why is that?" He said, "Well, I bet by carrying these groceries I have gained muscle." Ha - Now that's funny

Berger Look-alike Meter

Well, there you go Brett - she looks more like you do when you were a kid.

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Lost relatives - Family origin

I'm a warrior

Back in February I took the Hinckley challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 97 days in honor of President Gordon B Hinckley's life. (He lived 97 years). I started the challenge on February 4th and I finished it tonight. As I updated my entries on the site that whomever set up it allowed me to click on a button to say that I had indeed finished the book. This is the certificate I got:



So, there you have it. I'm a Warrior. Of course when I save the file it is a generic picture of the certificate. So, use your imaginations and put my name in there because I can't figure out how to do it :).

Fueled

About a month ago my sister Lori called and asked me if I was interested in going to the Women's Conference at BYU with her. I agreed and a couple of days later I signed up. Well, on Wednesday night Mom, Lori and Jessica got here and Thursday morning we headed out at 7:30 to the conference. It was wonderful. The day was filled with spiritual fuel that every soul needs at least once a year if not more. I went to classes about uncluttering your life, replacing fear with faith, how to manage stress, and many others. I took several pages of notes and I look forward to revisiting them often.

There is something about getting out of the house for a few days that makes the world seem ok.

Thank you Lori for suggesting Women's Conference. I thoroughly enjoyed being there and having you all here.

Training Update

I noticed on Brett's blog the other day that he posted a training update. It has been a while since I have done the same. My training hasn't been what I would have liked it to be. We've had sick kids around here and that always throws me for a loop. I'm not at all a morning person, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to become one if I want to get all of my mileage in for the three sports I'm going to have to endure in about 6 weeks.

Brett took Ryan to work on Friday for the 'Bring your kid to work day' and Sydney was at school so I decided I would take a jog. I ended up going 4.6 miles in 42 minutes and 30 seconds. I did walk about 1/4 of a mile uphill as the Dr has asked me not to run up hills. I do run up small ones, but this one is pretty steep, so I walked it and then finished out my run. I need to work a little harder on increasing my speed, but I was pleased with my run.

Yesterday I went on a 25 mile bike ride. It took me an hour and 38 minutes. Not the fastest time there either, but for my first really long ride I was pleased with the ride. The race route has changed this year for the Salem Triathlon, so for the next few weeks I am going to focus on improving my speed up Payson Canyon. I did get going 33 miles p/hr coming down hill, which is always fun.

This week I plan to be more consistent with my training. I didn't get any swimming in last week, but plan to swim 2 days this week along with running on Monday and Wednesday and a good bike ride on Tuesday. I also hope to get another good ride in on Saturday.

My mom and 2 of my sisters are coming up here from AZ on Wednesday afternoon to attend the Women's Conference at BYU on Thursday and Friday. I doubt I will get any exercising in either of those days other than the MUCH walking that will be done going from class to class at BYU.

I think I will probably post more training updates on my blog so that I am at least being accountable to someone, even if it is just cyberspace.

Brett's Blast from the Past

Here is a picture of Brett when he was a kid. That Possum is disgusting...

11 Years and Counting!!!

It's amazing how fast time goes by. Today Brett and I are celebrating our 11th anniversary. So much has happened in the past 11 years. Thanks Brett for being who you are. You're my friend, and my love. What would I do without you? You're an amazing father and I love that I can count on you. I'm thankful for the trust that we have in our relationship. I'm grateful that you are my eternal companion.

Here's a little look back:

Our Announcement

Our Kids

This one was taken when Sydney was about 15 months old...so...'04

This is our most current family picture - November 2007

Blast from the past.

I love reading other people's blogs. I read a blog a few weeks ago that had some pictures that were taken of the people when they were little. It is fun to see how they have changed. The crazy hair, clothing, etc. So, I thought I would do the same. I'll start with a picture of myself when I was three. I think I was pretty cute.

Goblin Valley

This week was spring break for the kids so we decided to take the family camping to Goblin Valley. The kids and I have never been, but Brett has been for the past several years with the boy scouts. It is a fascinating place. It was cold at night and pleasant during the day. We enjoyed having our cousins with us. A big thanks to Terry and Annette (Brett's dad and mom) for everything they provided. I think we'll invite you on more camping trips :).

Here are some pictures from the week:

This picture cracks me up. This is how you try and get cell coverage. Just climb up the back of the trailer. I'm pretty sure that the higher you are the more likely you are to catch a signal....

This is Stitch. He pretty much goes everywhere we go. On the way down to Goblin Valley, I told Ryan that we should start taking pictures of stitch and make a book called "The Adventures of Stitch". So, here is our first shot at making the book. I'm pretty sure it will be a treasure, and hopefully we will have Stitch for many years to come.

I am very blessed to have such great kids. Ryan and Sydney are not just brother and sister. They are great friends. I am so thankful for that

Brett is a pretty good photographer even if I do say so myself. He's got a pretty cute kid to capture too.

It's rare that Brett is seen with the kids in a picture. I hope that one day I will change all of that...

This is ME - Close to flying

On Friday morning we took a hike up a slot canyon. It was VERY cool.

Sydney Look alike meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Berger Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Family history