Go Sox!

We got to go to a White Sox game last night. The experience highly exceeded my expectations. I've been to an MLB game before but I was worried about taking Maggie this time. She was great! She loved dancing anytime they played music and she ate her weight in M & Ms. And she loved clapping and cheering- but she was so confused when people yelled, "Go Sox." She would always lift up her pants and look at her socks- pretty funny.

I was also worried about the rain- but our seats were covered so we didn't feel any of the showers! AND..........we even won the game-with a home run and fireworks and everything! It makes me want to go again! (but maybe next time, a Cubs game to see Wrigley field).

Matching Outfits

So....I bought this outfit for myself first. And then when I saw the same undershirt at CrewKids- I just couldn't help myself. It was fun to match with Maggie- I felt like she was a "Just Like Me" Doll from The American Girl store.

Now, trying to get Maggie to smile at the camera these days is next to impossible. So I was trying to tickle her- but she still wouldn't look at Brad. But I still liked the pics anyway.

Another one

I did another half marathon. I did not love it as much as the first one. I had not trained as much- so I was not as prepared. But- I knew I had done it before and I caught myself being a little over confident and thinking I could still beat my first time. Yeah right.

The first half of the race was pretty good- on target for my goal time. But after mile 8- my body started shutting down. At mile 10- they gave me some Acel Gel- and let's be honest- I was willing to try anything to help me at that point. The goo was so sugary- I barely got it down- and my body rejected it. It was pretty miserable. But...............I still finished.

I told Brad to not let me ever sign up for one again. (After the first one- I wanted to do a marathon) And I am already considering doing another one near Halloween with some friends. I think I am crazy.

It was a beautiful day at the race- a little chilly. We had to bust out Maggie's winter box.
After the race- I am glad that I smiled ;-) And for both races- they give you a "beer tag" to get a pint of beer- seriously? Even if I did drink alcohol- would I really want it right after running for 2 hours?
These two pics of Maggie are random- but cute. She tried Oreos for the first time- "More cookie mom" was all she said that night.

Brad has been busy at work again- working all weekend- so on Saturday we were SO bored and the pools were all closed- so we tried the Carousel in the mall. It exceeded both of our expectations!

A Tribute to my Piano Teacher

While I was in CA, my old piano teacher had a Farewell concert at my parents house. Dr. Thomas played several beautiful pieces along with several of his current and old students. It was fun to perform again and have a reason to practice.

Dr. Thomas was the head of the Department of Music at CSU Stanislaus when I took from him in high school. He lived in CA for 15 years and raised his cute family. He was more than just a teacher- he was my friend. And in fact, he still keeps in contact with me and helps me with my piano business. Talk about someone who has influenced me for the better. I use my music all the time in my life- it is a skill that I am grateful for everyday. Thanks to my parents for paying for lessons! And to my piano teachers, one in particular.

Dr. Thomas recently accepted a job at BYU Idaho and just moved to Idaho. It was so fun to be home for another one of his concerts. He is an amazing pianist, and an exceptional teacher.

So many times when I practice in my little apartment now- I wish and would give ANYTHING to take a lesson from him again. I regret not practicing more and taking advantage of the instruction I was receiving in high school. One of his current students, Doug, is only a Sophomore in high school and is WAY better than I ever was. He is passionate about playing and realizes his potential and is doing amazing! Listen to Doug here. I feel a little guilty that I was the student who got to take from Dr. Thomas through the end of high school. I really feel for Doug! Maybe he will just have to go to Idaho!

Thanks to Dr. Thomas for everything! You will be greatly missed in CA!

Tahoe

We had the greatest time with my family in Tahoe in July! It was filled with MANY activities, including:

Frisbee Golf

Kayaking

Paddle Boarding

Campfires, Girls Camp songs, and the Lion Hunt

A Beautiful Hike

Still snow on the mountains in July! But it was a great hike!

Swimming in the freezing Lake

Brad had fun with my nephews- he even went Parasailing with one of my nieces and nephews- but they forgot to take a camera with them on the boat. Bummer...

Playing in the Sand

Posing for pictures with cute cousins

She loved Megan!

Uncle Brent gave her a spoonful of frosting......

This is not my whole family- not even close. But a small group of us got there a day early- we are all dressed up because we just came out of church. Brent and Melissa were in charge this year and it was AWESOME. The theme was Up, Up, and Away- It was all about HEROES- scripture heroes, family heroes.

I will never forget the devotionals, Mighty Mormon capes, flash mob, and cereal with Grandpa. Can't wait til next year!