Happy Birthday Tripp!

Happy Birthday to the very best husband and father in the world. Tripp turned 37 yesterday and although he isn't big on celebrating his birthday, we did get to have dinner at the house with the kids, his parents and my aunt Susie.

Tripp is probably the most selfless person I know. All of his actions are motivated by trying to help others whether that help is emotional, financial or otherwise. He always puts his our family's needs before his own and does the same with his family and my family. He is 100% about family and I appreciate the example he sets for me and our kids.

I am so grateful that my family introduced us. There isn't a more wonderful husband in the world...especially for me. Many people say girls marry men like their fathers and I think in some respects I've done the same....both call their moms almost daily, both try to keep in close contact with their siblings, both put their wife and children first, both always try to do the right thing (even when it isn't popular) and both are smart and a ton of fun.

Happy Birthday Tripp. You are well loved.

Grandma Marz

I wanted to say a little something about my Grandma Marz...not to be confused with Barbara, my stepmom, who my children refer to as Grandma Marz (and I've refered to as such in my blog as well). Wonda Marz is my dad's mom. She had a total of 10 children, a mixture of step and her own, that she loved and cared for. Two didn't make it very long on this earth but eight grew up to be wonderful moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and grandparents thanks to her.

I have fond memories of her, especially as a young child. After my parents divorced, my mom and I went and lived with them for awhile while she went back to BYU to earn an additional degree. I spent a ton of time with them and my aunt Tina and her family. Grandma and Grandpa Marz always showed me how much they loved me and took good care of me. When I got older, my Grandma invited to me visit her during the summers and I would go and stay with her and Grandpa and she would take me different places in Salt Lake, just us.

My dad calls his mom every single day (yep, he is definitely more of a talker than I am...didn't pass that along to me) but he is also super busy so I know he doesn't do it out of duty but out of the love he feels for his mom who loves him a ton right back. My dad's middle name is Fisher, her maiden name, a tradition I was happy to pass along with Abbie (Abigail Marz Thompson). I feel happy that he has been able to carry her around in his name his entire life.

My Grandma died yesterday. She was in failing health and I think all our family agrees that it was a blessing for her to pass on. I'll miss just knowing she is around but I am happy to know that one day (hopefully not for 50 or 60 years) I'll see her again and she will feel good and be happy and not sick and uncomfortable like she has been for many years.

Goodbye Grandma Marz...you were/are much loved.

Kyle's Birthday...Again!

Tripp and Kyle's mom take turns throwing his birthday party and this was her year. She decided to have it last weekend so we had another chance to celebrate Kyle turning 10. The party was at a bowling alley near our house. A few of Kyle's football teammates came, a couple of school friends and some of our friends and family were there as well. I think Abbie had the most fun of all!

About the kids...

It's been awhile since I've filled everyone in on Kyle and Abbie....

Kyle is enjoying the fourth grade. He has a darling teacher that he talks about non-stop. Kyle was chosen as "Student of the Week" this week. He always gets chosen last or close to it so being able to do it at the beginning of the year was really exciting for him. Abbie and I brought lunch for a classroom picnic with his teacher today then Kyle showed off his sister for "Show and Tell". We handed out cupcakes after show and tell as Kyle's birthday is during summer break and he never gets to participate. It was a super fun day for the kids.

Kyle is busy with football, golf, piano and scouts. He is a really good football player, especially considering that he's never participated before. His team is 2 and 0. He is really enjoying being 10, fourth grade and all of his activities. It's been a really good month for him.

Abbie wants to be just like Kyle. She loves hanging out with him and can't get enough playtime with her brother. She has suddenly turned into such a big girl. She loves to wear shoes and socks and won't go to bed without her sleeping shoes (slippers) on. She is still signing like crazy and just enjoyed her first gymnastics lesson the other day. She was doing cartwheels, rolls, the balance beam and bar...everything a big girl would do.

She officially has a "Baby Fro". It is super curly and sticks out all over...much like Richard Simmons. I try to make her look more girly with barettes but it doesn't work too well and she always takes them out. She is also wanting to be a helper...she tries to help Kyle practice the piano, me with dinner, the dogs with her treats...you name it and she wants to help.

Disneyland Half Marathon

Well, it's over. I finished the Disneyland Half Marathon this morning. I missed my target finish by about 20 minutes but I made that goal before I found out about the baby. I didn't get picked up by the too-slow bus (my worst fear) so I guess you can count that as a positive outcome. It was fun but I'm glad it is over. It was a lot more fun than the full marathons but could have been a little more enjoyable had I not been 7 months pregnant.

The Disneyland weekend was magical. As many know, there are few families that love Disneyland more than ours. We go an average of twice a year. This trip was a lot of fun, though terribly hot. We spent all day Saturday at the park. Sunday morning we got up for the Disney Family 5k and all finished in good time...and had a lot of fun. The race takes you through both Disneyland and California Adventure...even behind all the rides! We spent the rest of the day playing at both Disneyland and California Adventure. Kyle got to ride The Tower of Terror for the first time and Abbie rode a ton of little guy stuff both days. She really loved Goofy's house and Garden in Toon Town.

This morning was my race. I got up early and joined the rest of the runners outside California Adventure, waiting for the fireworks marking the start of the race. We ran through two portions of California Adventure, Disneyland, various areas of Anaheim, past the Duck Pond, through Angel Stadium (we basically ran the bases!) and back to Disneyland with a finish in Downtown Disney. I am very thankful that despite the humity and unseasonably hot weather, my training this summer (and Heavenly Father's watchful eye) kept the baby and I safe. There were lots of people on the side of the road with medics and IVs...more so than in any race I've participated in.

I think one of the reasons the trip was so much fun is due to our wonderful traveling companions. Scott and Tara have made numerous trips to Disneyland with us and they love atmosphere, treats and rides just as much as we do. We always have such a great time with them and are thankful they are up for so many CA trips. I'm so happy that our kids will have such fond memories of taking regular trips to Disneyland with them.