playing again

Last night I had the happy chance to play soccer with girls I played with in high school. We had a lil' game which pitted alumni against the current varsity team at Timpview. The highlight of the night was when we scored two goals to bring us to one behind: 3-4. Jim brought us off the field and told us to not let our heads get too big because we'd had 13 on the field. I didn't even realize anything, but I guess he made a sub and someone didn't come off that was supposed to. That gave him a good idea because the ref didn't even notice, so Jim purposefully used the same tactic to give us two more players on the field than the other team. So sneaky. After we scored the goals, he restored things to their proper order with 11 playing. It was loads of fun to see the "girls" I played with.

Tomorrow's the first day of school, huzzah!

camping and iron(wo)man

The family and I spent four happy days in McCall, Idaho. We camped at the splendid Ponderosa State Park. We filled our days with biking, huckleberry picking, cliff jumping, running, swimming, and playing at the beach. It was all rather relaxing and enjoyable. My personal favorite activity would probably be the huckleberry picking. It's so soothing somehow and I just adore the berry stain I get on my fingers. The lake is gorgeous and it was so nice to be able to jump in it whenever desired.

Yesterday I completed my first legitamate triathlon ever and it was a half ironman. So that means I swam 1.2 miles, biked 56 miles, and ran 13.1 miles. I finished in 5 hours and 41 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised by being more prepared for it than I thought I would be. I had concerns about my rib injury bothering me, but that area of my back didn't start aching until I had about 2 miles left on the run, so I was happy about that. On the whole, I just thought it was going to hurt like mad, but it wasn't too bad. The hardest part for me actually was probably the first couple miles of the run; it's a hard transition and my left quad was having a grand old time cramping up. It was seriously fun and as I started out on the bike I couldn't stop smiling because I was so excited. After I finished I couldn't believe what I'd just done. Yay for triathlons. I'm doing my next one in September in Yuba. It's Olympic length, so 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 10k run. Huzzah!

I'm back at school in meetings this week and then the real thing starts 18 August. This summer I've possibly enjoyed myself a bit too much, but it's been a much needed mental break and I'm looking forward to teaching again.

baby smile

Just holding Livvy, my youngest neighbor, last night. She's so precious.

I went riding all the way up South Fork this morning. It was my first time going all the way, so that makes me happy. I had some nice company as Jeff Hammond came along for the ride. The morning was ever so lovely with clouds scattered about. My rib is feeling better, but I'm still rather nervous for the half ironman. It's going to be quite a feat. I haven't even done a full tri! Oh well, it will be a (good) experience to say the least.

wiffle ball

Jeremy, Maki, and Hikari are in town and we had a lil' family get-together with the Provo Skabelunds and Hunts. We ate delicious curry and enjoyed a rousing game of wiffle ball. The Rouge Unicorns fell to the BYU Muskrats 13-10. My best hit was a triple and I caught a pretty nice line drive. But we couldn't overcome the mighty sluggers Alistor and Josh, who both put two homers each over the fence. Ah, such fun times. I love my family so much. I didn't get too many good pictures of the game itself because I was rather into it. It was a grand summer night. I can't believe how quickly summer has flown by; I have three weeks left till I'm back in school--teachers' meetings for a week and then school starts! I'm not ready, but life hasn't stopped on me yet and I don't suppose it will. Peace.

my pioneer girl brother

This morning before I had to teach swim lessons, I saw Josh playing with the few dress-up clothes we have around here. He had put on some petticoats and I had no trouble at all convincing him to put on the whole ensemble. I told him he couldn't flex his muscles or he'd probably break the poor dress. I adore how he so willingly put on all the items. He did not hesitate at all. I used to do this to Andrew and I'm happy Josh still lets me do it to him (even though I haven't done it in a looong time). I think this is Sierra's old dress for something; I can't remember. I don't recall ever wearing it.

Anyhow, enjoy Josh in a purple-checkered dress and happy Independence Day everyone!

in a picture-taking mood

I've spent the day painting, eating, and playing at Gma and Gpa Skabelund's. I haven't played with my camera for awhile and had some fun doing so today and last night, as did Joli. Here are some pictures:

it's a boy!

Sierra, my best friend since birth, is having a baby and she found out today she and Joe will be parents to a boy. Since Sierra's also my auntie, I'm going to have another cute lil' boy cousin. I'm rather excited! Here's an old picture of us. Can you believe she'll be a mama? Congrats, lovely.