Catching Up...

We haven't posted for a while.  Here's just a brief run-down of what we've been up to for the past several months:

1. June: Phoenix - Kade going (went) on a mission

We were able to spend a weekend in June with the Barney's before they left for Provo to drop nephew Kade off at the MTC.  By now Kade is in New Zealand, speaking Chinese, and hangin' with the Kiwi's.

Of course, we took the opportunity while in town to catch a ball game at Chase Field.  Jan and Travis joined us this time.  Check another ballpark off the list. 

2.  July: Camping near Bryce Canyon National Park

We stayed at a campground near Pine Lake, about 45 minutes north of Bryce Canyon. 

It was our first-ever visit to Bryce.  I've seen pictures of it all my life.  To see it first-hand was spectacular.

The Amphitheater

3.  August: Hobble Creek Half Marathon - and weekend in Salt Lake

Back in April we began training for a half marathon.  Finally, in August, we made our way to Salt Lake City to run with Trent and Amy in the Hobble Creek half marathon.

The Starting Line - of course this was the last we saw of Trent until we crossed the finish line.

Congrats to both Candice and Amy - it was their first-ever half marathon.  You did awesome!

While in Salt Lake City, we went to see niece Carissa play Tracy in Hairspray at the Sandy Amphitheater. She did an amazing job.  The talent of live performers always impresses me.

I guess Carissa wasn't the only one in costume...

4 - September: Southern Cal

The Utes inaugural PAC-12 game enticed us to LA for a weekend.  We met up with Mom, Dad, Brooke, and Jenny to enjoy some So Cal chillin'.  I don't have photos, but one of my favorite parts of the trip were my morning runs along Newport and Huntington Beach - MUCH more scenic than the cookie-cutter neighborhoods and white desert of Las Vegas.

Balboa Ferry

Once again, we ventured to the local ballpark to catch a game.  Candice claims Angel Stadium has the best food of any ballpark she has been to yet.  It is tough to argue - she bought a KC hotdog topped with BBQ brisket!  After the game, the Angels treated us to a nice firework show.  We enjoyed the game along with Dad and Brooke - her first MLB game (I hope she wasn't too bored).

Sweet shirt!!!

We concluded the trip with a game at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  The Utes played a tough game against USC, but they came up just a bit short.

Candice was a good sport to attend the game with us (even as we Ute fans constantly watched the BYU vs. Texas score,  hoping the Longhorns would get the W. - fortunately they did).

5 - October: Carolina Coast

This trip is worthy of its own post.  However, considering my poor record of timely updates, I'll just include some snippets here.

We flew into Norfolk, VA, then drove the Atlantic coast to Savannah, GA.  Major stops along the way included: Elizabeth City, NC (I'm sure glad we didn't miss that!); Outer Banks, NC; New Bern, NC; Wilmington, NC; Myrtle Beach, SC; Charleston, SC; and Savannah, GA.

Mom was a great travel companion.  She was willing to try new things all week...

Calamari anyone?

Our hotel in Charleston was particularly fun.  You'd think we planned our outfits according to our room assignments...

Our room

Mom's room

Candice's favorite part of the trip was Magnolia Plantation... she's a country girl. She needs her space.

6. October: Las Vegas Ragnar

Back in June we put a Ragnar team together.  The idea of running the Las Vegas Ragnar was suggested in an e-mail and within one day we had filled all 12 spots (and we even had a waiting list).  Over the ensuing weeks we came up with a name - BONK!  And Cam designed a sweet logo for our team shirts:

 Van 1 began the race at 8:30 a.m.

Chris, Cam, Blake, Kristen, Amy, and Kim

I was in Van 2, along with:

Heidi, Trent, Brooke

Larry and Brad

 We had a great cheering and support crew as well.  Jenny served as the team volunteer.  Candice, Mom, Jamie, Jill, Mike, Brad and kids all showed up to cheer us along the way.

I have such a good-looking wife!

 

Team BONK!

Team BONK! is already set for round 2.  We have registered for the SoCal Ragnar in April.  We have six months to get ready!