Hiking Bridal Veils Falls

I run by Bridal Veils Falls when I do my long runs. It's such a beautiful walk that anytime anyone wants to go, I'm always game. I usually forget my nice camera, but I remembered it this time.

 I love nature, and I especially LOVE waterfalls! They are so beautiful and I love the sound that running water makes. There aren't too many waterfalls in Arizona, so I enjoyed them in New Zealand, but I really enjoy that I live 10 minutes from a beautiful waterfall.

 Not only the waterfalls, but the Provo River is so beautiful! I love running by it every time I do and I also love hiking up to the falls.

 We decided to wade into the pool at the mid-way point of the waterfall. It was SO cold even though the outside temperature was over 100! By the time we had taken some pictures both of our feet were freezing!

 There were a couple of people sitting on a ledge further up the waterfall and we decided that we would climb up there too. We sat on the ledge and chatted for a while while I took some more pictures.

 I love "artistic" shots, and my camera takes some pretty great pictures even without knowing all the special features. I love this shot of the water drops! I can't wait to know even more about my camera to take even better photos. :-)

Provo Temple to Temple 5k for Pioneer Day

This was a late-starting race, 8:00 a.m! So I didn't have to get up super early, but Ruth and the girls did. Along with Cory, they picked me up and we got dropped off at the temple. Kelsie met us and we walked over to the start-line. Ruth and Kelsie and the kids were walking it, so I moved up to the start-line because I was going for a personal best!

 Ruth putting lotion on Adaline. Cordelia and Rebecca got to do it in style, being pushed!

 Here we all are at the start of the race.

The kids had had enough, by the end, and we got a photo with Ruth's camera, but I haven't copied the photos yet to my computer, but I'm glad we did it! Love spending time with these cuties!

Swimming!!

Ruth, Kelsie and I signed up to run/walk the Provo Temple to Temple 5k on Pioneer Day. So we all went together to pick up our race packets.

 Adaline and Kayson all dressed up in their swimming suits! "Cheese!"

 All four of the kiddos...they are never all still!

 Rebecca's SO cute in her little outfit.

 Cordelia sporting a darling red-white-n-blue swimsuit.

 Kayson is a really good swimmer! He's happy to get in the pool and kick around.

I got Ruth and Cory and the girls with my camera, and I'm on theirs!
Love being able to get together with my family!

Battle Creek Falls

 After I ran the Timpanagos Half Marathon, which Kelsie & Jonny and the kids watched me cross the finish-line, we hiked up to Battle Creek Falls. It was quite a trip up the hill, but it was worth it!

 We had a nice little pic-nic lunch at the bottom of the falls. And of course, we had to take photos of our adventure.

 Kelsie, Kayson, Rebecca, and Jonny.

 The view from our pic-nic.

 SO pretty! Being down by the waterfall, we had a nice little mist that helped to cool us down.
We had a wonderful lunch and spending time with each other.

 

  Adaline and Kayson playing in the water.

 Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters!

 Cordelia was tired of waiting for someone to get her some grapes, so decided to get them herself. Kayson thought they looked good, to so he got some too.

 Jonny took the kids under the waterfall, and got really close, they ended up getting soaked.

 I didn't get quite so close, but still got a wonderful picture.

 Me and Rebecca and Kayson...having fun but boy were we cold from the cold waterfall.

 I put Cordelia's feet in the water...she wasn't so sure she liked it!

 On the way down the hill. I love my family and cherish the times we get to spend together.

I love free fruit!

Ruth called me up to let me know one of the sister's in her ward had some more free fruit that we could pick. This is the same one where we got the cherries from. So I drove out to Ruth's so we could pick them. The girls just woke up from their naps, but I couldn't resist some photos! I love this photo of them looking at each other.

 Cordelia is so cute! I love how she looks in this photo.

 It was HOT and sunny, so we all wore hats or stayed in the shade!

 Cordelia trying to pick a plum.

Had a nice time time picking plumbs and raspberries. I hope to make some yummy jam.

Fourth of July Camping and Fireworks

We decided to take the time to enjoy the outdoors as part of our July 4th celebrations. 

So Ruth, the girls and I, and my friend Quinn headed up to Spanish Fork Canyon to pick a campsite. After we got it all set up, Quinn and I headed up the hill for a hike. That was the view from as far as we could make it.

 Adaline loves to throw her soccer ball around, so she and I played toss. She's such a cutie!

 The next morning, her hands were really cold, so we put gloves on her hands and I had to take a picture, because she looked like "Minnie Mouse" hands.

 Ruth, happy the next morning, even though she didn't get too much sleep. Lol.

 Cordelia all bundled up for the cold night and morning.

 Adaline and Aunt Haley being silly as we are getting breakfast ready.

 To wood-beautiful girls! This is what 4 hours of sleep look like!

 After we broke-down camp, we headed back to Ruth's house for a bbq, fire and fireworks. Adaline couldn't quite decide if she liked the fireworks. She ended up tucking her face into my shoulder and actually fell asleep!

 Cordelia was mesmerized by the sparkler and Ruth got a cute picture.

 Ruth, Cory and Grandpa Kellersberger sitting around the fire enjoying the fireworks.

Ruth's neighbors are awesome! We didn't have to fight with crowds, and we were surrounded by fireworks. It was an awesome end to a great couple of days.

That's Right!!!! I'm a marathon runner!!!

So I was silly enough to sign up to run a marathon. I have ran a few half-marathons, but I've never felt ready to run a full marathon. My friend Erica was going to come to visit and told me to find a marathon here and she would come to visit and we'd run it together. Well, she didn't end up getting to come, but I'd already paid the $95 and so I was gonna run it! And I'd done really good about being consistent with my training. I was going for a 4:00 marathon.

 Mom and Dad drove up to be at the finish line. I have such amazing parents and I'm so grateful that they were willing to sacrifice time and money to come see this momentous day in my life.

 Because I'd done my training, I even had the energy and presence of mind to pose for this great shot, just about .2 miles from the finish. After going 26 miles, running under my own steam, I was SO close to the finish! I couldn't wait to get there! I knew I was close to my time, I'd already gone over the four hour mark, but I put the last of my energy and sprinted as fast as I could to get to the finish line. I finished my marathon in 4 hours and 10 minutes. Not exactly as fast as I wanted to finish, but I FINISHED A MARATHON!!!

 My niece Dana also ran the marathon. She was hoping to finish in under 3:33 to break the record of her age-group. I apparently passed her somewhere between miles 7 and mile 13.1 because I passed the half-way mark at 1:55:52 and she passed at 2:05. We started at the same time, but because I was expecting her to be so far ahead of me, I didn't even start looking for her until mile 17, and I'd already passed her. But I had enough energy to run the last .2 miles again with her. As completing a marathon is a feat, even if you don't make your time!

 Ruth wanted a shot where I was biting my finisher's medal, just like the Olympians. And while I am not an Olympian, I am now among the 1% of Americans who have run a marathon. I am just as proud of that medal as I am sure the Olympians are of theirs!

My dear family who supported me through a marathon and many of the other trials that I've gone through in my life. I know that they will be there for me no matter what. I love them and I know that they love me. I am truly, truly blessed.