Scout Camp

off to a Super Summer Start

Here are a few things we've been doing since summer vacation began:

accessorizing

catching bugs and keeping them in homemade terrariums

Ethan has always been quite the engineer, always creating some kind of machine, robot, and terrarium. We just feel sorry for the creatures who become residents of the new creation (temporarily at least).

beautiful June in the valley

. . . . . going for a run on 

National Running Day - June 5th

Ellie's pace was quite slower than Ethan's so he ran home ahead of us and back a couple of times.  By about 3/4 of a mile Ellie was "so tired".  Never the less she finished and was so proud of the mile she ran and we all felt great about celebrating this lesser known holiday.

Wedding Reception and taking the time to walk the temple grounds

fishing with Grandma & Grandpa Krohn

Ellie was so excited to catch a fish, but when one was actually caught, 

she wanted nothing to do with it.

enjoying our town's "Fun Day" carnival

Idaho sunset on our way to Grandma Ramona's

visiting Grandma Ramona

boots w/ shorts - and a little sass

visiting friends

getting face painted at Summerfest

making sidewalk chalk murals

Ethan's FIRST 5K!

While training for the big Wildcat Run Ethan decided his next challenge would be to to try his first 5K.  What better race to try than our local Providence Fun Run.   He worked hard building his long run up to 3+ miles so he was ready.

Naturally he did GREAT and finished with a time of 25:27 as well as 1st place in his age group . . . . . . not bad for a first 5K.  During his training he was running about a 9:30 mile pace so he was quite excited to have increased his pace by over a minute.
 It was also great for Ethan to be able to have Grandma and Grandpa here to share in this accomplishment.

Great Job Ethan!

1st Place and NEW school RECORD!

This year's Wildcat Run was a HUGE success for Ethan.  He spent several weeks training at school and home for the 1 Mile Woodruff Wildcat Run.  On the weekends he has been building up from 1 to 3 plus miles, as well as running a mile several times during the week.  He set a goal to make at least top 3 (the last two years he has come in 3rd place) and also wanted to break the school 3rd grade record time which was 6:40.  

Well his hard work paid off because he came in 1st place and beat the 3rd Grade Boys' school record by 4 seconds coming in at 6:36.  There are about 125 Third Graders at Woodruff, so it really is quite a feat for Ethan! 

  

Ethan was SO excited all afternoon.  He couldn't wait to call grandma and let her know how he did.

Top 3 Third Grade Boys

Top 3 Runners for All grades.

Congratulations Ethan!!!!!

Get OUT and LIVE . . . . . . in the rain

Ogden Marathon

Kelly and I both ran the Ogden Marathon this year.

Yes, Kelly ran a FULL marathon for the FIRST time in the POURING RAIN!!!

and he did AWESOME!  

Waiting at the start was the only time we had a break from the rain, which is good because at least we didn't start out miserably wet.  Look how excited Kelly is for his first 26.2.

Our group of friends from Boise was a little smaller this year, but it was fun to see those who made it.

Yea! We get to hang out at the start TOGETHER!

  The night before Kelly kept looking out to see how heavy the rain was.  On our ride to the start there wasn't too much rain, however as we headed to the start line waiting to begin the rain began and never ended . . . . . . until of course we were heading home.

Kelly just after finishing 26.2 miles of pure wetness.  It's a little difficult to see, but we were DRENCHED!

A marathon is such an incredible accomplishment.   I'm so excited and proud of Kelly for taking the time and effort to train for, run, and complete this distance.  Can't wait for next year!

For my Mom and the victims of April 15th

Be Strong!

Whenever I finish a marathon it is always somewhat emotional.  Having only run Boston about a month before I had no expectation except to finish and be there with Kelly after accomplishing his goal.  This was the first marathon where I didn't feel like I was about to fall over dead before getting to the finish line.  The minute I began to complain in my head because of the cold, wet rain, I thought of my mom who has been going through weeks and weeks of Chemotherapy and who is fighting the biggest struggle of her life.  I also thought of those who were physically scarred for life, losing limbs in Boston and told myself soggy shoes and wet clothes are nothing compared to what they have been trying to fight . . . be strong!  It sounds corny to type this now, but I honestly was dedicating my race to those who have been strong through a whole lot more than a little rain to run in and I believe that is why I felt somewhat strong through all 26 miles. 

Random-ness

Ellie loves her new Boston hat

One of Ethan's biggest fans; rain or shine:

Indoor picnic with friends.
Ellie loves all of her little stuffed animal friends.  When Ethan is at school Ellie has no problem finding an activity for her and "her friends" to do.  On this particular day they were having a picnic in the kitchen.  Every stuffed animal has a name and they have not changed since they received those names.

 Over Memorial Day weekend we visited my mom.  On our way up we headed toward a beautiful sunset with an equal view of the rising moon behind us.  Of course the picture gives it NO justice.

That same weekend the guys (Ethan, Dad, Uncle Adam, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa Larson) went rock chuck shooting over near Hagerman. . . . . unfortunately Ethan had no luck, but Dad remembered to take a pic.  

Cache Valley is quite beautiful, especially in the spring.  Again a picture that just doesn't give any justice to a view I was in awe of.

Mini-Kickers part 2

Ellie was able to attend the Spring session of Mini-Kickers.  She had so much fun playing games and kicking the ball around; all of which are meant to help the little kickers develop their soccer abilities.

She loved her coaches and all of the friends she made every week.  One day Ellie asked, "Why do the coaches talk funny?"  well they're from Great Britain of course.  She also is always concerned about where they are when they are not at mini-kickers' camp.  At random times throughout the day she will ask, "Where are the coaches right now?"  I respond, "Probably at home, or eating dinner." and of course that is not enough.  "Well where do they live?  Then what will they do?" and the questions go on.  She has always been SO curious and is always asking questions and always wants specifics.  Love her!

In the fall Ellie will finally be old enough to participate in recreational soccer, so we will have the opportunity to see her apply what she's learned then.