Thursday, July 30, 2009

I Love Archery




This week I've been in New Hampshire at Young Women's Camp with the girls from my church. New Hampshire has pretty big mosquitoes and more daddy longlegs than I've ever seen in my life. They move across the forest floor in herds, and I kill 1 or 2 that I find on my sleeping bag each night.

I helped run the archery, and discovered that I love it. I want my own bow, recurve, 62" and 20lb draw. Need to check out Cabella's.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

2009 Danskin Triathlon


Today I finished the New England Danskin Triathlon in 1 hour and 35 minutes, 10 minutes faster than last year. There were nearly 3000 entrants, my swim time was ranked 286, I was 839 overall. I was really happy just to be able to finish, as I am recovering from a pulled hamstring.

The swim was longer than last year, and I just took it at a comfortable pace, and was passing people who started in the waves ahead of me. The bike went really well, I averaged 15.4 MPH, and the run was OK, my pace was 10:49 per mile. I was very greatful my fervant prayers were answered and the storm clouds that were threatening as we started the swim parted and the sun came out by the end of the bike.

My dad came in the night before, and it was really great to see him, Nathan, and Ethan as I finished the bike course and did the run loop. I loved hearing Ethan shout "Run mommy run!" Seriously that kept me going the last mile of the run.

Fun with Grandpa




Ethan and my dad had fun playing around when we got home from the triathlon.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Last Day at Camp

This morning we attended the worst sacrament meeting ever. Okay, the whole thing wasn't awful, but wow-the talks. Senior missionaries. Maybe if we could have understood and heard what was being said it would have been better. Thank goodness for the ipod. It kept Ethan busy, although I was seriously wanting to play with it myself. On an interesting note, Sister Julie Beck was there. Yes, General Relief Society President Sister Beck, of the infamous Mothers who Know talk. I ran into her at the monument after the sacrament meeting. (See, I wasn't the only one had to leave ASAP afterwards.)

Anyways, here we are in front of the monument.


Ethan and Annie share a hug...


And a kiss...


At lunch Ethan got a little dirty playing in the previous nights firepit.


Ethan being his cheeky self.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Cider Mill

After Ben & Jerry's we drove down the road to visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Ethan and Nate next to an old cider press.


Cider pop! Yummy!



Ethan and Nathan watch cider donuts being made.


Ethan enjoying a yummy cider donut.


Fun pics

Ben & Jerry's

We had a great time up in Vermont at Camp Joseph, the campground near the birthplace of Joseph Smith. One thing we did this year was go to Ben & Jerry's. The tour is really fun, and we got huge samples of Sweet Cream and Oreo's at the end. Afterwards Ethan had fun playing on their playground, and we took some pictures.







As we were leaving two employees were walking around asking people if they wanted a free pint, so we scored some yummy Mission to Marzipan ice cream.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Putnam Fireworks

We went to Putnam this evening to watch the fireworks. We had a great view up by the Putnam Science Academy. We didn't want to be very close to the fireworks in case they scared Ethan, this was his first time seeing them. We set up our chairs then went for a walk.


Ethan loved watching the water at Cargill Falls.


Ha! Finally a good pic of me and Ethan!


The sun is setting...almost time for fireworks!


When the first volley went off Nate quickly asked Ethan if he wanted to sit with him. "NO!" was the definite reply. Ethan loved the fireworks. "BOOM BOOM!" he yelled, eyes sparkling as he took it all in.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Mary Beth the Chef Creates....

Pupusa with sour cream, vinegarette cabbage, fresh pico de gallo, shredded chicken with an ancho chile rub, topped with a chimichurri sauce.


Homemade hamburger buns to go with the Bleu Cheese stuffed hamburgers she made.


I am in awe of my sister the chef. You should see her with a knife.

This has never happened....



I took Ethan out of the shower after we got home from the Jamboree, and I held him in my lap while Mary Beth and I watched some funny videos on her laptop, and Ethan fell asleep. In my arms. Priceless moment.

Guess he hasn't outgrown the need for an afternoon nap. Thank you God.

Woodstock Jamboree

This afternoon we all went to the East Woodstock Congregational Church for their Fourth of July celebration.


We were planning on pulling Ethan in his wagon in the parade...


But the hayride got back just after the parade began. I love this pic of Mary Beth on the hayride.


It was more fun to sit and watch it go by anyways.




Ethan had a good seat on Nate's shoulders to watch the frog jumping contests...


There were alot of children's games, Ethan had fun playing the bean bag toss.


The Firemen's water polo is THE most anticipated event of the year.

Fairvue Farms

Happy Fourth of July! Mary Beth, Ethan, and I went down to Fairvue Farms to show Mary Beth where we buy our local and yummy milk. Ethan and I usually go see the cows a few times a year, and Nathan and I buy all our milk right at the farmhouse. There is a cooler with milk and a box to put your money in, and pen and paper if you need to leave an I.O.U. Mary Beth pointed out that this is the only place in Woodstock that's open 24/7. Here are some pics in the milking shed...