Halloween 13.2

Jon did it! He accomplished his goal to run a half marathon!! We are so very proud of him that he was able to prove to himself that he could do it! AND... he did well!

He had to be to the University Mall at 5:00am, on Saturday, October 29th. The buses took the nearly 4,000 people who signed up to run (costumes optional) up Provo Canyon, on the Alpine Loop, above Sundance. Race started at 9:00am. We got to the park about 10:30, and Jon came through the finish line at approximately 29 minutes later. The kids were great as we waited for Dad to cross the finish line.

It was fun seeing all the runners come through and see the costumes. People were quite creative. We saw: batman, Darth Vader, Thing 1 & Thing 2, some Minions (from Dispicable Me), Avatar, Elvis, and many many others...including Forrest Gump!

Morgan was amazing!! She did so good... she was really bundled and slept most the time and did great!!

Jon completed the Provo Halloween Half (13.2 miles) in 1 hour, 49 minutes. He finished 3rd for his age and race class. Not bad for his first race!!

Here's his race shirt, race bib, and medal. Our good friend's dad is the one who designed this medal.. pretty cool!

Here are the kids enjoying some hot chocolates and treats as we waited for Dad to be ready to go. We love you Jon!! We're so proud of you! Can't wait to come support you at your next race!

Random

What happens when you leave your camera unattended?... well....
FRONT DOOR

ROCK STAR!

High quality action shot...

Kristian's Guns...

And many, many more! How can I get mad when I was careless enough to leave the camera in "play range"... there were about 30 pictures taken of various things, mostly of each other, but were SO CUTE!

So Beautiful...

A special THANK YOU got Jamie Eyre and her FANTASTIC photography skills... Thanks to her we were able to capture these beautiful pictures of our children...

Kristian Jon Middleton: 5 Years (almost 6)





Addison Eva Middleton: 3 years (almost 4)






Morgan Rees Middleton: 2 Weeks (now 6 weeks)





We had set out to make these Morgan's newborn pictures, but decided to get a few of the other kids since I was so behind on their photos. That would explain why Morgan has so many more pictures.






Everyday brings its challenges, frustrations, and moments where you truly question if you've got what it takes to be Mom! The toughest JOB in the WORLD!!! Yet everyday I look at my children and I'm overwhelmed with love. A love that only a mother could understand. I am truly blessed with amazing kids. They challenge me to be a better person. The teach me. They are such examples to me as I strive to be better examples to them. They truly are a precious gift from God. Love you Morgan! Love you Addison! Love you Kristian!! Thanks for letting me be your Mommy.

Heber Valley Railroad

A family fun day... We decided to take up trip up to beautiful Heber Valley to ride the historic: Heber Valley Railroad!

Here are the kids in front of the train station...

The view from the train...

As we journeyed down the track Kristian kept asking when the train was going to go faster. It was hard for him to understand that the slow and steady pace of the train was as fast as it was going to get. ... (guess next time we'll have to ride trax or front runner).
We got a little further down the track and the train stopped at another station. We quickly noticed a WANTED poster, just in time to see 2 train robbers hop out from the bushes!! (silly Mom was too wrapped up in everything to get decent pictures).

They started firing their guns and yelling out to everyone. Then they came aboard the train and told everyone to put their hands up!! They were asking passengers about the money chest. Asking who had taken it. They asked Addison if she had taken the money. I don't think I've ever seen her so scared. Her eyes were as wide as possible as she quickly shook her head NO so they would leave!

The bad guys went out outside and used their guns to shoot open the money safe. There was NO MONEY!! Only a stuffed duck! They were mad so they got back on the train and tried to take a hostage!! They came back to Addison to ask if she had played this trick on them. Again, so so scared!! I'm surprised she didn't start to cry.
Luckily the train robbers gave up and left us alone so we could get back on track.

The ride was fun. It was about an hour and a half, which was perfect for the kids. I couldn't imagine being on a ride any longer than that. We also picked a good day with very few passengers, which was also nice. It was fun seeing the authenticity of the train. The people were much smaller back then as you saw how close the seats were set together. My knees almost touched the seats in front of me.

It was a fun way to spend the day together as a family. ....

9.11...Healing Field

9.11.2001
A day most of us will never forget. I'm sure each of us will always remember exactly where we were, what we were doing, and how we felt as we watched the terrorist attacks on our country. A sad day in history. A day of mourning. A day of remembering.

In a large field down by city hall they had 3,000 flags. One flag for every person who died during 9.11. Attached to each flag was their name, and a brief description of who they were. It was such a magnificent site!! Unbelievable. They had a stage set up where people could volunteer to help ready all 3,000 names!

This "Flag Of Heroes" was neat, it had all the names of those who died on it...

This is a statue that now sits in front of city hall: HOPE RISING. A beautiful tribute...

The kids really enjoyed the army trucks...

More tributes...


"The United States of America will not forget September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew. “ -President George W. Bush, 9.11.01

More Morgan Please...

Here are some fun and very random pictures of Morgan. I have take a lot with my phone that I need to upload and share. Better yet, I just need to keep the camera close to me at all times. She is growing up and changing so fast...



Loving on Daddy...

Brotherly Lovin...

Big Sister = Big Helper

1st Day of Kindergarten

August 29, 2011 was the first day of Kindergarten. Kristian was so excited!!! He looks so big and was so READY to go to a "big kid" school. We are so proud of him.

He got to meet the school mascot. The Eagle. He goes to Silver Mesa Elementary. He did great to stand in line outside the door and wait for his teacher to come out and get him. He waved goodbye and despite my desire to NOT be one of "those moms" that cry when their kid goes to kindergarten... I cried.

Yep! Couldn't help it. I made it back to the car before the tears found my cheek, but my emotions were running high as I cried watching my little boy go to kindergarten. Oh to be a mom!!