Run Run Run as Fast as You Can

Wow! Don't we look great? Joe, Julianne, Laura, Jen, and Sharon after crossing the finish line


So Joe and I ran the Freedom Run on July 4th in Provo, UT. My sisters Sharon and Laura and our friend Jen also ran it. We all are looking so lovely. Joe and I felt really good about our finish times. My personal badge of honor is that I beat my 2 marathon running sisters across the finish line. YEAH for ME!!!! OK now truth be told ... Joe and I ran the 5K and they ran the 10K so really there is nothing to shout about except that when I have run with my sisters before they are usually waiting and waiting and waiting for me to finish.

This was Joe's first experience running a race. The 5K and 10K routes were similar but the 10K route weaved in and out of some extra blocks to make it long enough. Joe tells the story best about this one guy that kept passing him during the race. Joe was running along and noticed this macho running guy pass him and then turned the corner to do the extra 10K route and then a few minutes later he passes Joe again. I think this happened 3 times and in Joe's words, "I wanted to trip the guy."

Joey is the Winner!

At swim team practice yesterday Joey got an award for coming in 2nd place in his age division for the back stroke at the swim meet! He is so proud of himself and we are proud of him, too. Does it really matter that there were only 2 competing in his race???

Roar for Orem High

We went to Joe's 20 year class reunion this weekend! It was actually a lot more enjoyable than I expected. Loved all the Bruin bashing that went on .... NOT. I was amazed at how many people I actually knew -- people I met in college and a co-worker from Sugar Shack.

We also walked through the school because they are in the process of building a new one and will tear down the old school.

We found Uncle Sammy's office!

AWWWWW the memories of high school

Joey the Swimmer

Saturday we spent a good part of the day in Mesquite at Joey's first swim meet. We are so proud of him! He did the 25 meter backstroke and the 25 meter free style. He is the youngest on the team and did very well!

Here is is at getting ready to warm up

Doing the backstroke



One of Joey's favorite parts was getting his event, heat, & lane number written on his hand ... and also the Tiger Woods Gatorade.


Here are pictures from his freestyle

Yeah! Joey go, go, go!!!!

Where have I been

The past month has been quite busy ....
MEMORIAL DAY

We went up north for the weekend. It was fun to see our family. We went bowling and went and did the traditional cemetery visit.

BASEBALL
Joey finished his coach pitch baseball season. Joe was the coach.

VISITORS from HOLLAND

Joe's parents met the van Soelens when they were on their mission in Salt Lake City assigned as the directors of the Beehive house. The van Soelens are from a small town in Holland near the place where Joe's grandfather was born and raised. Sam and Carolyn instantly connected with them especially because they had visited their small village about a year before. The van Soelens originally came to visit Salt Lake City because of the Olympics. The friendship has just grown and grown and we too now have a wonderful friendship with them. The last time they were in the USA they came to Utah again and were here the weekend Joe was put in as Bishop Sept 10, 2006. It was a wonderful experience for them to see how our church works. They came and visited us again the first weekend of June. We did a lot in the short weekend they were here: were able to see "The Sound of Music" at Tuacahn, we traveled to Pine Valley and visited the Pine Valley Chapel, we also were able to visit Dixie College and delivered a picture to the alumni house of Samuel Brooks, Sr -- the first Student to register at Dixie College, watched Joey play coach pitch baseball, and just sat around and talked. It was wonderful. Joey also taught them how to play the Zip-n-Hit. They don't really have baseball in Holland it is all about soccer and hockey.

Samuel Brooks, Jr with portrait of his father Samuel Brooks in the Dixie College Alumni House

Joey, David and Ria playing Zip-n-Hit

Why Joey Needs A Motorcycle

Reasons why Joey he needs a motorcycle ....
"When I am a big brother I will go to the store for you so you can stay home and take care of the baby."
"You won't have to drive me places and I will always wear my helmet."
"I can do all the grocery shopping so you won't have to worry about it."

I know there are more good reasons why Joey needs a motorcycle. I just can't remember them right now.

So much to blog about

Wow! Where have the days gone??? So much to blog about so little time.

So what do I choose to blog about today ...... MoToRcYcLeS. Growing up I have many memories of one of my younger brothers frequently talking about wanting a motorcycle. (Any guesses on which brother? Too bad I haven't figured out how to do one of those poll things.) Joey is constantly talking about getting a "motorbike" .... I don't know where this has come from. Is it possible that there is some gene in my family? My parents aren't exactly the motorcycle type of people and neither are we, yet somewhere and somehow he is obsessed. Joe's family aren't the motorcycle type either. Joey has told me several times that he is going to "order" one from Santa along with a drivers licence. Santa has come through for Joey ever since he was 2 years old and wanted a scooter, but this is a pretty tall order. Thank goodness Christmas is still several months away and hopefully there will be a change of mind.

PS I have been thinking about this post for several days and then today look what my sister blogged about buying .....

SHHHHH!!!! Don't tell Joey!!!