How I Want to Remember the 2013 Boston Marathon

Carrie wrote about our Boston Marathon experience in the previous post. I will not mention the attack again because that is not what I want to remember about the day. I feel like my memories and celebration of an unique and life changing experience were stolen from me by an act of madness and hatred. I want to capture how I felt about the race before my positive memories are overshadowed.

The starting line was buzzing with potential energy in a way I've never experienced before. Some people were kicking their legs and a few were stretching out, but most were looking forward with a steely gaze toward the starting line. I had a set of headphones on, listening to some music to get pumped up for the race but I didn't really need it - and unlike all of the other Marathons I had run I planned on not wearing the headphones for the actual race. The racers lined up in the corrals were like a giant spring compressed as tightly as possible. Thousands of elite athletes who had trained for this moment and who were so full of power bars, cliff shots, gu, and honey stingers they were nearly ready to burst. When the race began it was a tidal wave of speed. I'm used to jostling for position at races but this was more like getting caught up in a surge then fighting to get ahead. The course starts downhill and everyone is so amped up that it is easy to go out too fast.

My right leg had been really bothering me for the past two weeks ever since I started tapering off my training. I did a speed work session at the jr. high track and felt like I pulled something. I had low expectations for this race since I could hardly walk around Boston without a hitch in my step on Sunday. I seriously thought I was injured and wouldn't be able to run well. I'm sure my friends and coworkers were tired of me trying to lower my expectations. I was just going to enjoy the experience. The time is not important I kept telling myself. The course is too difficult to set a Personal Record (PR). I told my coach (Carrie) that I would try to go out at 7:20 pace and see what happened.

That plan lasted about a mile. With the wave of adrenaline and the help of some ibuprofen my leg felt pretty good - and with the spirit of the event I just wanted to run. I found a group of people that were going at a pace that I thought felt good and decided to try to shadow them. There was a beefy blond guy in a yellow singlet that I nicknamed Wolverine for some reason. A black woman with an easy to spot long braid that had a "Run with us, it's better than therapy" shirt on and a red headed girl that I stereotypically labeled Ginger. So I fell into step with Wolverine, my therapist, and a member of the crew of the S.S. Minnow for the next 8 -10 miles. Since I was not wearing headphones I was having a hard time hearing the audio pace cues from my iphone GPS app. I thought I heard them clocking in at about 7:05 minute per mile pace. That was much too fast - but I was feeling good and I wasn't sure of my pace because the crowd was so loud!

In regards to the crowds - I have never felt more like a rockstar than I did on the course of the Boston Marathon. My wife had made me a sticker with my name on it and I wore it on the front of my shirt. I must have had at least 1,000 people yell "Go Matt", "You got this Matt", or my favorite "Way to be Matty boy!" during the course of the event. My face seriously started to hurt from smiling so much. The people of Massachusetts were unbelievably supportive. I gave hi fives to hundreds of kids. There was a guy with a sign that said "Go Go Idaho" on a ladder that I literally jumped up to for a high five. That was probably not the best move for my pace but the endorphins were firing like crazy. I was so full of dopamine I was just being silly. 

Around mile 10 I ran into some LDS missionaries and gave them a shout out - and noticed a guy running next to me did as well. I asked if he was Mormon and he said he was. We chatted a bit - something that I never do when racing - a peril of not wearing my headphones. It was fun to have someone to talk to. Maybe I'll try to be a more social runner in the future. We lost each other at the next water station though. I had also lost track of the other folks I had been using as pace bunnies so I settled into my own pace.

I really enjoyed running through the smaller towns like Ashland and Framingham. Being a small town boy myself it was fun to run through them. The crouds reminded me of the Eastern Idaho State fair parade.

I ran near a guy dressed as a hamburger for a while but pressed forward since I didn't want to get beat by the burger guy. I was able to turn up my volume on my phone and confirmed around mile 11 that I was on 7:05 pace. This was much faster than planned and I needed to make a decision. There were still the dreaded Newton hills ahead. I was starting to feel a tiny bit of a hitch in my stride. It was probably best if I backed off the pace for a bit - after all I wanted to be able to walk tomorrow. But, instead I decided to go all in and just try to maintain the 7:05 pace as long as I could and see what happened. It was time to go big! This was the Boston marathon. I started to make small goals. I would see how I was doing at the halfway mark in Wellesley - plus I wanted to be in good form for the legendary Wellesley College screamers.

A note about my nutrition plan. I felt I didn't eat enough for the Victoria Marathon and that perhaps that had contributed to me flagging at the end. To remedy it I ate a lot more during Boston. I had a plain Bagel (72 cal) in the morning on the train ride in and a banana (105 cal) and powerbar at the staging area (230 cal), a package of honey stingers as I walked to the starting line (180 cal), two cliff shot block packages spread out from mile 5 to 18 (caffeinated 400 cal total), and a power bar vanilla energy shot (100 cal). I also probably drank at least 20 oz of Gatorade (517 cal). So, in total about 1600 calories consumed between waking up and finishing the race.

Back to the Wellesley screamers - they were great and very supportive - although I didn't feel their volume lived up to the hype. They were loud but not deafening. There signs were very clever and it was one of the rock star moments of the race. Favorite signs "Kiss me I'm from WA" and "Kiss me I won't tel your Wife / GF" and "Kiss me I'm an Engineer". I gave a high five to the WA girl but did not partake of the kisses. I did see some men accepting the invitations though and it seemed like we all got a boost of energy from the attention.

I made it through Wellesley maintaining my pace. My next milestone was when I expected to see Carrie and our friends around mile 16. Surely I could keep it up until then. I wanted to make sure to be in trouble with coach for being four minutes ahead of schedule. I was starting to feel the affects of the fast pace at this point. I could feel myself breathing harder. My feet were starting to hurt and I wanted to relax my running posture. I felt like the people cheering for me were saying "looking good" less and less and "you can do this" more and more.

Mile 16 came and went and I didn't see Carrie. I thought I would see our friend Mark first since he was on a bike and was planning on shadowing me through part of the race. I started to worry that they had troubles getting to the course and only took solace in the fact that perhaps they missed me because I was so fast.

Happily, around mile 17 I spotted Carrie before she saw me and swooped in and gave her a big hug and kiss - pace be damned! It was great to see her and it gave me a much needed shot of energy as the dreaded Newton hills began.

This is when my hubris started. I was actually looking forward to the hills. I run on mountains in Washington and I was excited to see what all the heartbreak was about. I started taunting the hills a bit in my mind.

"Is that all you got?"
"My hill is five times your size!"
"I'm from Bellevue and this is nothing!"

I felt good through the hills and passed a lot of people. When I crested heartbreak I didn't believe it. I was worried someone was playing a joke on me and that there had to be at least one more hill. I had reached mile 21 and knew it was all down hill from here. My pace had slowed to 7:08 through the hills but I was still well below PR pace and feeling like superman. On the downhill after heartbreak I just took off. I ran one of my fastest miles of the race and the crowd was screaming my name! I knew that the hardest part of the race was still to come but I didn't care in that moment. I wanted to fly.

At around mile 23 I started to pay for my hubris. In my sprint down heartbreak I let my form deteriorate and it was catching up with me. I locked on to a guy in an NRA singlet that had a good pace going and just tried to let my desire to keep up drag me through the last 5k. It doesn't seem like 3.1 miles should seem like a long way to a marathoner - but at that point it felt like an eternity. I could start to see my dreams of a new PR fading away.

As we got closer into the city the crowds were getting bigger and bigger. Unfortunately it was harder to connect with them as I wrestled with myself in my head. The body definitely wanted to shut down. But I thought of all the thousands of people that had given me this gift - the people in Hopkington, Framingham, Ashland, Wellesley, Newton, Boston College. They gave me this one perfect day to run their race. I thought of my wife and my kids and how the race had inspired me to not only run with more heart than I had before but to live my life better than I have before. I wanted to finish strong for all of them.

I also didn't want to pass out - which I was definitely was in serious risk of at this point. I could see the Citgo sign which marks the 1 mile to go point but it seemed really far away. NRA guy pulled up because he had something in his shoe and I passed him which actually felt disheartening rather than encouraging. My arms started to feel numb and tingly and I could feel myself drifting into a bit of a trance. I had to keep talking to myself to make sure I was there. I really wanted to stop running. I focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I passed the Citgo sign and the NRA guy passed me. It was good to have my friend back. One mile to go.

At this point people saying my name was really helpful because it helped pull me hold on to consciousness. I slapped myself in the face every few hundred feet to keep myself alert. I waved my arms to the crowd to try to get them to cheer for me. Carrie saw me do this and later reported I looked like a wounded bird trying to take flight. I turned the corner onto Boyleston street and was daunted by how far way the finish line was. I wasn't positive about it but I had a feeling I was close to my PR. I gutted it out and just kept my feet moving. After what seemed like an eternity I crossed the line and could finally stop. I finished in 3:10:10. Just 30 seconds slower than my PR - but on a much more challenging course and not in as good of shape. I was so happy. This was much better than expected - even though I was a little disappointed about missing the PR and about not hitting the qualifying time for my age group by a mere 10 seconds.

I was laughing with joy and stumbled around the finish area trying not to pass out and trying to soak it all in. I had finished the 117th Boston Marathon and it had been the greatest run of my life. I was so happy. I jumped on my phone and was overwhelmed by all the texts and Facebook messages and emails from the people I love that were cheering for me - it's pretty awesome how technology can magnify this type of experience.

I will always cherish this trip to Boston and the love I felt from all the people in this area. I've never run at any of the other major marathons but it's hard to believe that they could match the spirit of the people here! Despite other events that occurred I'm already scheming about how to come back - good thing my time in Victoria can count toward next year too.

Tender Mercies at the Boston Marathon

I am choosing to write about our entire experience here in Boston, while it is all fresh in my mind.  If you are only interested in today's events, you can scroll further down.  It's been important to me to remember ALL of this experience though. 

The Boston Marathon is AMAZING.  Though I consider myself a runner, I have never had ambitions to run the Boston Marathon.  Actually, neither did Matt until about a year ago.  He had gotten faster than he thought possible and qualifying actually seemed feasible.  He worked like crazy, running hundreds and hundreds of miles in all kinds of weather.  Many days he was out running before the kids and I even woke up.  When he qualified last October at the Victoria Marathon, it was almost unbelievable.  He'd worked so, so hard and had reached his goal.  

Walking into the EXPO on Saturday was overwhelming.  SO many other runners who had achieved this great goal.  Who had worked just as hard as Matt.  It was different than other running expos - everyone looked wicked fast.  Thin, athletic, strong, fast.  I got a new pair of orange running shoes.  We both had lots of free samples of cliff bars, protein chews, gus.  The hype was tangible.  Our good friend Jenn had connected us to her parents, Julie & Bob, who were also there for the race.  They generously opened their hotel room to us so we could change into running clothes & store luggage.  Matt and I were able to enjoy a fabulous run together along the beautiful St. Charles River, surrounded by many other racers getting their final short run in to stretch their legs.  We ended it at the finish line, anticipating Matt's marathon finish in less than 2 days.  

After feasting on crab cakes & tuna at Legal Seafood, a Boston icon, we attended a seminar by Team Hoyt, an incredible father-son team.  The father pushes his quadriplegic son in a wheel chair and this was going to be their 31st Boston Marathon.  They shared an incredible message, "YES, YOU CAN." 

Saturday night we met up with our friends, Jenny & Mark, whom we hadn't seen for almost a year.  We spent most of Sunday together, exploring the historical sights of Cambridge & Boston.  Harvard Yard, Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, The Old North Church, & Paul Revere's House to name a few.  Neither of us had been to Boston before and it was pretty amazing to see where this country's founding fathers had started it all.  Sometimes current politics leave me frustrated, but for the first time in a while I felt very proud to be an American and call this great country my home.   

The day was cold & crisp, but it was beautiful.  There was enthusiasm & comradre throughout the city with so many bright blue & yellow marathon jackets wandering around.  That evening we joined some thousands of other racers at the Pasta Feed.  We unexpectedly shared a table with another LDS couple, close to us in age.  However in their case, the wife was the runner.  We also reunited with Julie & Bob and enjoyed sharing stories and laughing together.  I have run hundreds of miles with Jenn, so it was great to finally spend some time getting to know her parents as well.   

Monday morning was race day.  Our friend Mark drove Matt into the subway station at 6 AM.  He rode the subway into town and caught a marathon bus out to the start line and athlete's village in Hopkinton.  He said it was incredible.  27,000 racers.  Wow.  The rest of us made our way to the 17th mile marker to watch and wait.  We saw the wheel chair racers.  We saw the elites.  Shalene Flanagan and Kara Goucher - so cool!!  And so fast!  I was telling Matt it's pretty crazy that the fastest athletes look like they are in the least pain.  If I was running that fast, I'd be in a lot of pain.  After the elite men came the masses.  Thousands and thousands.  I cheered and cheered, yelling out to those with labels I could read.  "Go Florida!"  "Go Navy!"  "Go Greater Boston Runner's Club!"  Many people, including Matt, had stickers with their name on it, so I could actually yell their name.  That was fun.  The entire time I tracked Matt on Runkeeper.  I knew he was getting close, but couldn't see him in the masses.  And suddenly he was there, pausing long enough to give me a hug & kiss.  We were both beaming.  He ran on and the rest of us boarded the T (subway) with about 5,000+other people to head to the finish line.  We were greeted with joyful chaos, everyone trying to get to the finish line to cheer on their loved ones.  Signs, cheers, cow bells, whistles.  The runners beamed with exhaustion as they rounded that final corner onto Boylston and the finish line.  The crowd was huge, but I was able to squeeze in and find a spot up front just as Matt rounded the corner.  I yelled so loud that the security guard next to me jokingly said, "Wow, glad he passed - you were louder than my radio!"  I could not BELIEVE his time.  After worrying about a hurt leg the past few weeks, he'd rocked the race, missing his PR by a mere 30 seconds.  It took us a while to maneuver through the crowds to meet up with him, but the reunion was wonderful.  3:10.10.  He was jittery & shivering from too many shot blocks & chilled sweat, but he was beaming.  Me too.  I am after all his number 1 fan.    
 

We said goodbye to our friends, who had a long drive back to Maryland, and began walking back toward the finish line to cheer on more racers.  As we headed that way, we got a text from our new friend Julie, who said she'd been able to watch Matt cross the finish line from the VIP Bleachers.  Her husband's run the Boston 10 times and this year was able to secure her the VIP Pass.  She had a fantastic view from the bleachers, but decided to head back to her room to warm up for a little while since her husband Bob wouldn't be finishing for another hour and a half or so.  We asked if we could use her room again for Matt to get changed, and she generously obliged.  We headed to their hotel, the Colonnade, located a convenient quarter mile from the finish line.  After chatting a few minutes, Matt took a long, hot shower. We were all grateful to get out of the crowds and warm up a bit.  We caught the elevator together, at about 2:50, ready to go cheer on her husband Bob and the final runners.  As we were ready to cross the street, a rescue vehicle raced in front of us, sirens blazing.  This is not uncommon in marathons though - there are injuries and people need to get to hospitals.  We made it across the street and parted ways - Julie heading toward the VIP Bleachers right by the finish line, Matt and I heading to the edge of Boylston street.  Matt's dad called to congratulate him and we continued to walk as they talked.  I started noticing that the crowds were all coming towards us and overhearing comments.  "Did you hear it?"  "Loud boom."  The closer we got to the finish line, the more frightened people looked, and it seemed everyone was on their phone.  Matt got off the phone with his dad and I said, "I think something happened.  Look around."  Finally we asked some bystanders who had stepped aside and they said, "We don't know exactly.  There were two explosions by the finish line."

We held hands tightly, turned away from the finish line, and decided immediately the best option was to try to go back to the hotel and hopefully reunite with Julie.  Neither of us has ever been in the midst of a crisis situation like this. Everywhere there was fear and chaos.  Everyone was trying to reach loved ones, but nobody could get through easily since phone lines were immediately jammed. Cell phone service was never shut down, but there was SO many people suddenly trying to call, that it was impossible for anything to go through.  As we walked quickly back to the hotel, there were many people crying, parents comforting scared children, and lots of emergency vehicles.  I was in awe of the police and first responders I saw.  I'm sure they were as afraid as anyone else, but they were doing their job directing traffic and clearing the streets as quickly as possible.  We went into the hotel bar, waiting to reconnect with Julie, and watched the news.  They wouldn't let anyone who didn't have a room key onto the elevators.  We were grateful she came down and got us.

We watched the news from their hotel room on the 5th floor in shock.  Such a beautiful celebration of strength & hard work, shattered by this act of violence.  How could this happen here?  Who would do this?  More importantly were our immediate concerns for those we knew still out there.  Her husband Bob, their other friends, and our friends Jenny & Mark whom we'd only separated from less than an hour before.  Over the next hour and half, texts were spottily sent and received.  How grateful we were when we finally received news that Bob was still a couple miles back and had been stopped at Kenmore Square, along with thousands of other racers that hadn't finished.  He was safe.  Another friend of theirs had finished a minute before the explosions.  He was safe.  Jenny & Mark's family had been evacuated from the subway, but was a distance away and safe.  When Bob finally returned, having walked the rest of the way, we were all so grateful to be reunited.  As the news unfolded, we watched, dumbfounded.  The next few hours in their hotel room were a blur.  We continued to hear sirens out the windows for quite a while and sat glued to the news.  How grateful we were for the many texts, facebook messages, and phone calls of concern, support, and love.  How grateful we were to be together and safe.

About 7:00 PM, Matt went to the lobby to see what was going on in the streets and if we'd be able to head back to our own suburban hotel in Woburn.  Bob & Julie's hotel was in the designated crime scene, so there was yellow tape, SWAT Team members, police, and hotel security everywhere.  They weren't letting anyone into the area, but they would let us out.  The streets were quiet, as most people were heeding the counsel to get home or to their hotels.  Though there was heightened security, our trip back to the hotel on subway, train, & shuttle bus, was uneventful.  We stumbled into the hotel restaurant, about 8:15, starving and exhausted.  Matt was wearing his Boston jacket, so several families stopped to talk to us.  Though dinner was in a sports bar & grill, most of the TVs were playing news of the tragedy.  At the end of the meal, we asked for our bill.  The waitress said, "No.  The meal's on us tonight.  We're so sorry for all of this.  It breaks all of our hearts."  We were truly touched.

Now back in our hotel room, I am counting the many tender mercies of the day.  Our children, have been safe and sound with Grandma and Grandpa at our home in Washington.  My friend Jenn sent us an email the day before we left, telling us we should try to hook up with her parents while we were there.  Matt had an amazing, memorable race.  Julie went back to her hotel room, instead of staying in the bleachers, and invited us to join her for a rest instead of going straight to the finish line.  Jenny & Mark made it, eventually, safely to their car.  Matt and I are together now, knowing we have many who love and support us, and we are safe.  The many prayers offered for us have been felt and I am so grateful for the tender mercies we have received on this day. 

As I mourn those who have suffered on this day, I am also grateful for the many great things this city and race stand for.  Freedom.  Determination.  Persistence.  Strength.  Overcoming the impossible.  My heart breaks.  But I know this city, this nation, will race on.    

Family Night at the Hongs

During weekly allowance, Matt pointed out that Kaylee had been putting a lot into her savings jar. 
"What are you saving for Kaylee?  You'll have enough for a phone someday!"
Danny piped in, "I'm saving my $ for a DS."
"I no want a phone.  I want a animal," explained Kaylee.
"Oh, like a pet?"
"Yeah."
"A lizard or snake (which she's fond of)?"
"No.  A dolphin pet."
Excellent. 

Then, a few minutes later during our family counsel time where everyone has a chance to share anything important, Kaylee shared some significant news.
"I like candy."

And finally, after a great lesson on forgiveness by dad, caramel apples, and creationary, it was time for bed.  But Danny and I couldn't stop giggling during his song and snuggle because I messed up the words to Baby Mine.  "Rest your head, close to my heart, never to fart, baby of mine."  But really, who wants a fart when someone is resting close to your heart? 

I sure do love this family of mine. 

I Three

 We still think of her as our baby, but she's been in panties over a year, sleeps in a big bed, and negotiates like a teenager.  She is sassy, stubborn, and independent, but equally sweet, snuggly, and fun.  Her fearlessness keeps us on our toes, but is a joy to watch, and she has unwavering determination, always doing things "by myself," usually in her own unique way.

This year, we decided to have a friend party for Kaylee's 3rd birthday.   She chose a Mickey Mouse theme and I promptly found this blog.  Hooray for people willing to share their great ideas!  We certainly had fun Mickey Mouse bowling, playing 'Who Has Mickey?' coloring Mickey pictures, Mousekercising, and eating Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets followed by Mickey cupcakes. 

 On Kaylee's actual birthday, we were spoiled to have grandparents and cousins visiting.  With a 4th of July birthday, Kaylee is going to have to put up with excessive red, white, and blue her entire life.  Then again, she also has fireworks for her birthday every single year. 

 

 

We feasted on Jello parfaits, blue and white chips with red salsa, veggies & ranch, watermelon, and (not pictured) wings, hot dogs, & corn on the cob.  Yum.

There were more Mickey Mouse cupcakes and hats, along with "Who has the Mickey," a cake walk with Mickey characters (and stickers instead of cake), a treasure hunt, and gift opening.   

And here is our big girl.  Her hair is a mess because she wanted to do it herself.  She is sitting with her cousins, the big kids, with no concern or awareness of mom and dad.  And she is so focused on the task at hand, eating dad's chicken wings, that there is no pausing for smiley pictures.  Our baby, is not a baby anymore. 

We love you Kaylee LaRue!

Disney Take 2

 At the end of March, we were looking over our calendar for the rest of the year.  It was filling up quickly.  Matt said, "You know, this is the last Spring we won't have any kids in school.  We should take a little family trip somewhere."  After such a fantastic trip to Disney World last spring, it wasn't hard to decide what we wanted to do.  We roped our parents into the adventure, and 3 weeks later we were on our way to Disneyland.  Since the trip was planned on such short notice, we decided to surprise Danny and Kaylee.  They thought we were just dropping Grandma and Grandpa off at the airport.  When luggage was pulled out of the trunk, dad found a present for them too - their little Disney figurines.
"Where do they live?" asked Matt.
"Disney."
"Guess where we're going right now?"
"Disney!?"   

And I'd like to say it was magical and brought tears to our eyes, like all the Disney commercials do, but in reality there was just a lot more confusion than anything. 
"What?  Really?  How?"  Once it settled in, both kids were giddy as could be. 

Matt and I have both decided, however, that it was more fun to let the kids know ahead of time so they could help plan and share in the excited anticipation.

Day one, we hung out at the pool, explored Downtown Disney, and met up with my cousin Michael who lives in the area.  We enjoyed dinner at Rainforest Cafe, except that the loud rainstorms, which occurred every 30 minutes, frightened my children so much that they spent the entire meal covering their ears. 

 Day Two we spent the morning at Disneyland and the rest of the day at California Adventure.

 Day Three we hit Disneyland hard - arriving before the gates opened and staying through the fireworks. 

Day Four we spent time in both parks, hitting our favorite Disneyland rides and California Adventure shows we'd missed the previous days.  By 4:30 we were headed back to the airport to fly home.

A few things I learned this time around.

1. My children don't share a bed well.  After Danny accidentally kicked Kaylee off the bed the first night, we made her a little bed on the floor.  They are, however, capable of sleeping in matching umbrella strollers.  

 

2.  My children surprise me.  And they are different.  Kaylee LOVED meeting characters and could spot them a mile away.  

 

Danny, however, had no interest in character interaction at all.  He watched, but didn't want to participate in Incredible Training.  When we were in Mickey's house, he was timid and didn't want his picture taken.  He even decided he didn't want to do Jedi Training this year.  But, invite this same kid to join us on a thrill ride and he was brave as could be.  Guess who was screaming most on Tower of Terror?  It was me, not Danny.     

3.  It's important to pause and enjoy the details once in a while.  Of course the big rides and shows are hugely fun.  There are so many amazing things to see and experience - Soarin', Big Thunder Mountain, Screamin', World of Color, Aladdin, Pirates of the Carribean.  But Kaylee & Danny found equal, if not more, joy in some of the smaller details and unplanned moments.  Splashing in Dot's Puddle Park, digging on Pirate Island, playing with $1 Store glowsticks before Word of Color began, dancing in the lobby of Disney Animation while we waited for Turtle Talk with Crush.  I am the type of person that likes an organized plan at a theme park.  Before we went, I had spent hours meticulously creating the ideal schedule for our group so that we could see and do it all.  I am still a firm believer in doing this, but it was good that others in my group reminded me to treasure the little moments, even if they weren't on the itinerary.   

 

 

 4.  Bringing grandparents is the BEST.  For us, having my parents along was a win, win, win, win situation.  Kaylee and Danny loved having them around - extra spoiling, extra attention, extra hands to hold.  Matt and I loved having them around - extra eyes to watch the kids, extra ride buddies for us (Matt and my dad did a mountain tour while my mom and I took the kids to the hotel for a rest), extra late nights kid-free (when Grandma and Grandpa take the kids to the hotel for bed).  And Grandma and Grandpa seem to love coming - extra magical time with the grandkids and kids.  Having my parents come with us on both Disney trips made the experiences even more wonderful.  

We decided after this trip that we should take a break from Disney and have some new adventures, but it may be hard to stay away after two magical Disney vacations. 

Hotel Hong

Tuesday, July 3 - My sister Anne, her 5 kids, and my parents arrive
Wednesday, July 4 - Alki Tide Pools, Birthday Party for Kaylee, Downtown Bellevue Fireworks
Thursday, July 5 - My parents head home
Thurs - Sun - Pike Place, Waterfront, Newcastle Beach Park, Waterfall Treasure Hunt,
                  Lattawood Park, Saddleback Park, Pirate Birthday Party for Eli
Monday, July 9 - My sister's family heads to Richland
Mon - Wed - Swim Lessons, LAUNDRY, playdates
Thursday, July 10 - Kids and I head to Richland with a quick stop at Ensign Ranch to check out
                  my girl's camp site
Thurs -Sun - Campfire with dogs and s'mores, Brave, Jet skiing, hike up Badger Mtn.,                         sprinklers, splash park, talent show
Sunday, July 13 6 PM- Return home
Monday, July 16  10 AM- Girl's Camp Meeting with my co-counselor and YCLs
Monday, July 16  2 PM - Mindy Swanson and co. arrive
Tuesday, July 17 Pike Place Market, Mindy and co. depart
Tuesday, July 17 6 PM - Depart for Idaho
Wednesday, July 18 7 AM - Arrive in Idaho
Wed-Thurs - Game night, family time, Carrie's birthday party at Chic-fil-a, Madagascar 3
Friday, July 20 10 AM - Depart for family reunion outside Lava
Fri - Sun. - VanEps Reunion, Camping, hiking, more s'mores, family auction, bucket decorating
Sunday, July 22 10 AM - Depart for Bellevue with dinner stop in Richland
Monday, July 23 11 AM - My parents arrive to drop dogs off
Tuesday, July 24 - 3 PM - Anne, Rex, & 5 kids arrive, pizza picnic, dog sitting
Wednesday, July 25 - Downtown Seattle - Pacific Science Center, IMAX, lunch at International Fountain, parents return, adult dinner downtown at Ivar's
Thursday, July 26 10 AM- Everyone departs
Friday, July 27 9:45 AM - Aunt Karen and Aunt Nadean arrive on ferry, Day at Woodland Park Zoo, Nadean returns to ferry
Friday, July 27 5 PM - Matt and kids depart for ward campout
Saturday, July 28 7:30 AM - Drop Aunt Karen off at airport
Saturday - Monday - LAUNDRY, pack for camp, watch a little Olympics
Sunday, July 29 - Grandma & Grandpa Mauger arrive to take care of kids
Tuesday, July 31 5 AM - Depart for Girl's Camp
Saturday, Aug. 4 3 PM - Return home from Girl's Camp

Wow.  Glad we survived that month.  It was SO much fun to see everyone. I also gained a new appreciation for hotel cleaning staff.  I washed a lot of sheets last month!   

Cleaning the Fridge

I've decided to stop stressing about blogging in order and just writing when I've been thinking about something.  I may never finish the Disneyland post that I started 6 weeks ago, but I have other things I've been thinking about.

Recently, I finished serving as a Co-Chair for Danny's Cooperative preschool.  This was a fantastic experience.  I worked with a lot of wonderful parents and had input about how to spend the co-op $ and the curriculum.  I was in charge of running meetings and making sure everyone involved was doing their jobs well.  As the school year drew to a close, many parents praised my efforts and encouraged me to do it another year, since Kaylee would be starting at the preschool in the fall.  A part of me wanted to, but after a lot of pondering and prayer, I decided not to.

When we moved here, there were very few young families, and no organized church playgroup.  A friend and I got one started 2 1/2 years ago, trading off scheduling and emailing reminders.  She moved out of the ward and a new work schedule precluded her from attending as often, so I took over most of the playgroup organizing.  It was really, not a big deal at all, so I kept doing it.  Then earlier this year I realized I was almost never able to attend these playgroups anymore because of my own busy schedule with preschool.  There have also been many new families move in, so I finally passed the torch onto someone else.

I've been in my calling 2 1/2 years with the Young Women in the church.  I have LOVED it, but keep feeling that change is imminent since it's been a few years. 

So often, I really worry and fret over these little life changes.  Can someone else do the job?  Will playgroup fall apart?  Will the girls get along with new young women leaders?  Not to mention all the other life changes - potty training Kaylee, teaching Danny to read, walking the dogs (not a change except that I don't do it anymore).

But lately, I've been feeling like an overly cluttered refrigerator door.  You know what I'm talking about.  The door that's filled with condiments, half of which you've only used once.  There are multiple mustards, because one slipped behind the jar of pickle-less pickle juice, which is being saved in case you need it for an egg salad recipe.  There are 5 different half-used bottles of random salad dressings, and one bottle of Ranch.  The Ranch dressing, which we can never have enough of, is turned upside down to get the last drops out.  There are many important things in the side of the fridge - soy sauce, ketchup, parmesan cheese, mayonaise.  But why do I have a Rudy's bbq sauce packet and Dijon mustard.  I don't even like mustard. 

I feel like I'm cleaning out my fridge.  Taking everything out, and reassessing what is really important.  It's been wonderful to just let some things go, and then make more time for things that matter most.  Spending a little less time emailing others about preschool and playgroups and a little more time just being with my kids.  I still have a long ways to go, but my fridge is getting a little more organized. 

Don't like change . . .

Matt and I were going over our summer plans last night.  We are thrilled to have lots of visitors and trips all summer long.  I'm pretty sure we should start charging room and board for all our guests.  For the past 4 weekends we've had 4 different sets of guests.  I can hardly keep up! 

Truly, life seems to have picked up pace drastically the last several months.  I couldn't pin point why or how, but it feels like we've been racing all over the place.  I swear we just celebrated Easter and now we're only a few weeks away from the 4th of July.  Didn't May just start?  Aaagh!  Maybe it's because Danny just graduated from preschool.  Or because Kaylee is talking so fluently and wearing panties consistently enough that we can't call her a baby anymore (she is almost 3 after all).  Maybe it's because Daisy, the beagle puppy we got shortly after being married, was called an elderly dog by the vet at her last visit.  It all boils down to this, LIFE IS MOVING TOO FAST! 

So I depend on little consistencies to keep me sane.  That is why, when I got on blogger about a month ago to post on our recent trip, I was furious that they had changed things around.  Can't I just have one thing that stays the same without constantly changing and evolving and growing up (OK, so I'm talking about the kids again).  But c'mon blogger.  I needed you to be the same.  In rebellion, I just haven't posted in ages.  Turns out the change is not that drastic.  Also turns out there aren't enough blog readers to mind that there haven't been new posts.  But, I've missed the writing release, so hopefully this is the beginning of a return to blogging.   

The People of Ammon

Tonight it was Danny's turn to teach the lesson for Family Home Evening.  In the afternoon he and I had a prep session so he could decide what his lesson would be about and how he'd teach it.  He decided to teach the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis, or people of Ammon.  We pulled out a picture from our gospel art kit, reviewed the story, and he practiced telling it. 

Then he decided on acting out the story for his lesson.  We brainstormed what parts each of the 4 of us could be and what costumes or props we might need.  After the obvious shields and swords, the following conversation ensued.

"So who do you think should be Ammon, to preach the gospel to the Lamanites at first?"

"I'll be Ammon.  And since he was a missionary, I can wear a white shirt."

"Great idea.  But I don't think the sons of Mosiah wore white shirts when they were missionaries.  They dressed differently in those times."

"You're right.  What else could I wear?"

"Well, maybe you could just wear your little missionary name tag so we know you are the missionary."

"But mom, they didn't have missionary name tags back then either.  Not the metal kind.  They just had a leaf and took a stick and wrote the words on the leaf."

Love the way this kid thinks.  :) 

We settled on mostly props, and not too much in the way of costumes.  However, when I suggested we actually go bury all of his weapons in the backyard, rather than just pretending to bury them by hiding them under the rug, he was not too enthused. 

Celebration

There's been some party's goin' on round here.
Some celebrations, to last all through the years.
We've had some good times, and some laughter too.
Now we're gonna blog our celebrations with you.

Christmas in Idaho - Late night game nights with Hong cousins, cookies with Mauger cousins, jingle bell dancer, Playmobile Castle, Dollhouse, Cafe Rio, Tin Tin, Coyote Puzzle, Poker, Giant dog, Ski Day, Blast Off with the cousins, many miles between IF & Pocatello, more miles between Idaho and Seattle, fun, fun, fun

Snowmageddon - No school for an entire week, snowmen, sledding with YM/YW, hot chocolate, Disney movies, passing around the flu, napping under lots of cozy blankets, board games, venturing out to Burger King when cabin fever got the best of us.

Chinese New Year - Red envelopes, white rabbits, Phoenix Rolls

Valentine's Day - Valentine's bags, playgroup party, sugar cookies with PINK frosting, strawberry crepes, heart shaped pizzas with friends, Fancy family dinner with manicotti and Black Forest cake, too many yummy desserts, date night to Beauty and the Beast at 5th Avenue

St.Patrick's Day - Leprechaun Trap, green milk & upturned chairs, painting the kitchen green, corned beef & cabbage with Grandpa & Grandma Mauger, lots of golden rolos
Celebration...
Let's all celebrate we've had a good time.
Celebration...
We celebrated and had a really good time.

Porcupine Necktie

Way back when we were dating Carrie and I read a book together called Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Shortly after that she made me this awesome necktie that I still wear occasionally because the boy in the book collects them. It's one of my prized possessions and one of the most touching gifts I ever received. So lucky to have a Stargirl in my life.

Danny's First Ski Trip

I took Danny skiing for the first time today. It was really fun and he did well. We took a break to make a snowman, which he really liked. I think he most enjoyed eating Pizza, Cheeseburger, Fries, cookies, and Hot Chocolate after we got done skiing.

Here are some pics (the videos were too big to upload):

Ice Skating

We had planned have a fun family night with Grandma and Grandpa Couch - going out to dinner & then to Snowflake Lane. At dinner Matt said, "And by the way, just today my friend invited us to go ice skating at the downtown park - they rented out the rink so it would be free." Even though it was getting past bedtime, we went for it, and it turned out to be one of the best spontaneous evenings ever!Danny was a wall hugger and couldn't keep his feet under him at the start. After a few laps with Dad he was gaining confidence and stability. Kaylee was daring and unafraid. Her skates were so tiny. She wanted to go around and around and around. It was quite the back workout for me to bend over and help her. Both were all smiles the whole time.

All for One, and One for All

When Danny requested a Musketeer birthday party, I was a little unsure of what to do. Most child appropriate Musketeer gear is related to the Barbie Musketeer movie. Matt made it clear that Danny was not allowed to have a Barbie party. So I did a little more research, and Danny found a Mickey Mouse Musketeer movie that gave us a little more inspiration, and with a lot of help from Grandma Billings (my brother-in-laws parents who live very close and we've adopted), we had ourselves a grand Musketeer celebration.

When the guests arrived, they were greeted by King Matt, who took them downstairs to decorate their Musketeer capes (handmade by Grandma Billings) and begin practicing their sword fighting (I decided the inflatable swords from Oriental Trading would be the safest option with that many kiddos). They got to watch a clip from the Mickey Mouse Musketeer movie
and then practice their skills with King Matt. You can see the simple decorations in the background- just paper banners with a fleur de lis printed on them. After all their practice, they went upstairs to the banquet hall for a grand feast. Instead of silverware, I got some of those sword toothpicks at a party store. The boys thought it was so fun to eat with swords! We kept it simple - IKEA meatballs, cheese squares, grapes, lil' smokies, carrot sticks, and chips. The castle cake made a nice centerpiece for the feast. Danny and I looked at castle cake ideas online, but cakes are always harder than I think they will be and I just don't have much practice, so they never turn out nearly as well as I imagine in my head. It was really fun to do nonetheless. So this is where the party got really fun. The boys were told before it was time to eat cake, they should go downstairs to receive rewards for all their training and work. When they got downstairs, King Matt was shocked to discover his treasure, and all of Danny's birthday presents, had been stolen. The new Musketeers got on their shoes and jackets and followed King Matt outside to find the bandit.

The bandit, was our good family friend Will. Since moving into the ward here, Danny has LOVED Will and looked up to him like a big brother. Will always looks out for Danny too and despite their 8 year age difference, he is always a good friend to Danny.

So Bandit Will ran ahead with the treasure, dropping clues (gold coins) along a wooded trail near our house. King Matt & the Musketeers followed in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile, Grandma Billings, Kaylee, and I drove the presents (yep, I'd stolen those) and cake over to a nearby park, where the trail led. We arrived just in time to set things up and get a little footage of the Musketeers catching the bandit. Bandit Will was such a good sport and the boys were so excited to find the presents & treasure hiding in the playground equipment.

We opened presents, ate cake, and then sent the Musketeers home for some rest. All for one and one for all!