Sweethearts 5K

So, I ran my first race. I ran a 5K in Bountiful. It went pretty good. I have a couple of injuries, so it could have went better. I ran it in 30:14, which is a 9:26 pace. Not too bad, but not as fast as I was hoping. I did okay during the race, other than some pain in my feet. I wasn't sad when it was over one bit. I ran it with my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law. Dad Howell's time was 27:27. Geoff and Felicia's time was around 36:36. At least I think these were their times. We all did real well. I want to do a 10K now sometime in April. I hope I'll be ready for one by then. There's no pictures of Jason, because he was taking the pictures. He was a proud husband. He told me I'd do better than I was thinking, and I did. Thanks honey!

Pre-race hanging out.

Waiting at the start.

Our two little fans waiting for us to get done.

Dad Howell pass the finish line.

Me walking across the finish line. I really didn't, that's just how it looks.

Geoff and Felicia finishing.

All of us after the race. We're all smiling. That's a good sign.

This is the best part about doing a race, if you ask me anyway. I was really bummed though, because they had me down as a male, so I got a male shirt I can't use.

Grizzlies Hockey Game

I know I haven't been very good updating our blog. It's not my favorite thing. It takes too long. I'll try to get better though, for those of you who care.

Anyway, we went to a hockey game the end of January. We went with my friend Natalie and her family. It was Van's first game. I was a little worried how he would do with the noise. There was no need to worry, he did just fine. His favorite thing was playing with the arm rests on the seats. I enjoy going to hockey games. I used to go to several a year. There's not as much time for that now. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Ashley watched Van for most of the game.

The girls got pucks signed by the mascot, Grizzbee.

Ash with her puck

Cutest couple ever

My friend Natalie with her daughters Valicea and Leora

Goofy Jason

Van Walks....Finally!

Van finally walks! If you count when he first started, than that was around 12 months. He was taking a few steps to Jason and me, than after a few weeks or so, he just lost interest. He wouldn't even walk holding onto our fingers. We don't really count that though. So, I guess he walked at 15 months. The first video is from today and I'm sad it's so dark, because his face was really cute. The second video was of the 3rd time he walked on his own yesterday. I don't think you can really tell from the videos, that he shuffles his right leg and kicks out with his left. It's pretty funny to see in person.

Halloween

Thought I should put up some pictures from Halloween. The kids looked so cute. Ashley was a witch, Olivia was the bride of Frankenstein, and Van was a chicken. I got the girls ready for school the Friday before. They had a parade at their school, that Jason and me went to. They walked by so fast, so we weren't able to get good pictures. I put a couple of them up anyway. Friday night, we went to our ward's Trunk-or-Treat. I had never been to one before. They had a chili cook off, and pumpkin carving contest. It was fun seeing people you usually see all dressed up in Halloween costumes. I bought only one bag of candy, and for some reason thought that would be plenty. I think we ran out in about five minutes. I'll be more prepared next year. It was pretty fun though. It was a good day.

Thought I should add, that Donovan hated his costume. He looks upset in every picture, because he was. He fussed quite a bit while wearing it.

Aryanna

My sister had Aryanna Sep. 24. I know I'm pretty slow getting these posted. She's such a cute little thing. She's already grown quite a bit in the last month and a half. I don't remember Donovan ever being that small. He looks so big next to her. He's too big now, I need another one.

Cute little girl.


The girls took a couple of turns holding her.

He looks so interested, huh?

What's this?

Look how big his hand looks.

Watch out Aryanna, he's going to eat you. ;) He likes giving her kisses. It's pretty darn cute.

Ashley is 10

Ashley turned 10 yesterday.  I can't believe that she disobeyed me again by having another birthday.  I told her that this is the last one for sure.  She can't get any older.  I think she might listen this time.

Ashley has been so much fun for me.  I am so glad that she is my little girl.  She is smart, funny, caring, loving, wise, helpful, sensitive, and many other things.  I remember how cute she was when she was born.  I remember how much she pooped before they could even weigh her.  I still remember exactly where we were when she stood up on her own for the first time.  I remember how she always used to ask for "fries and coke" or "noodles and coke" (and that it wasn't me that let her try coke).  I remember how she used to say beef turkey (beef jerkey) and holy tell (hotel).  When Olivia was first born, Ashley called her Weela.  I remember how smart she was, how she could spell her name when she was 2.  Later she learned how to count to 100, and wanted to do it for me over and over.  Then I taught her how to count to 100 by 10's.  Ashley (and Olivia) have been there for me when I've had hard times, by loving me, hugging me, and comforting me.   

She loves to read, she loves art, she likes many different types of food, Star Wars is her favorite movie, she loves school (more about this in another post), she likes taking pictures, she loves carrying Donovan around, she loves going to church, she loves playing games, and she's interested in just about anything that makes her think.

Ashley is, quite simply, the best Ashley ever.  She is one of my very best friends.  I can't imagine loving her more than I do.  I would do anything for her, and she would do anything for me.  We celebrated her birthday with Van this year.  She has been telling me since he was born that she wanted to celebrate it with him.  I hope she had a great birthday.

Van Is One Today!

It's my Vanner's Birthday today. I can't believe he is one year old already. It went by really fast. This past year has been so enjoyable to have him around. He is such a happy baby. He is starting to learn to throw tantrums, but overall he is really good. We have been so blessed. I don't know how Jason and me ended up with such a good baby. He likes all food, dancing, chattering, crawling, playing with the family, getting into everything, and bath time. He pretty much likes everything. It shouldn't be too much longer before he is walking. We had a little gathering yesterday. We didn't want to do anything big. We celebrated both his, and Ashley's Birthdays. They'll be pictures of Ash coming later. It was fun getting to see people. I know there's a lot of pictures, but he's one!

He liked the tags the best.

I had one of these phones, and I had to get it for him.

Getting messy.

Getting cleaned up after. He liked drinking the water.