Time for a Summer Post (Now That it's Nearly Over!)

We are back from our Tour De Utah 2008. We had an action packed 3 weeks with family and friends (well, unfortunately we didn't have time to see friends much), and it all started with our travel plans going awry.

The Escalator Pile - Up--

We arrived at the Dallas airport after our 2 1/2 hour drive, and wrangling 4 kids, a stroller, car seat and five big suitcases into the check in line, when to our dismay the airline informed us that our flight had been rescheduled two months ago, and there were no other flights out to Utah that day. Shane and I shared a look like, "please-tell-me-you're-kidding". Nice if we would have been contacted, right?! Well, I think the people behind the counter could see we were in a huge predicament so they got us tickets on an American Airlines flight that left in 30 minutes. Only the terminal was a mile away so we would need to jump on a shuttle. After getting on and off the shuttle with our troops, we were running as fast as we could with 4 kids under the age of 7 and a cart packed full of suitcases.

When we arrived at our terminal we couldn't find an elevator in the immediate area so Shane decided that he was going on the escalator---with the cart which had probably 150 pounds worth of luggage. As smart as he is, he was convinced he could defy the laws of physics, more likely though, he was just desperate! I immediately knew this was going to end in disaster...but something I've learned in the years we have been married is that nothing I could say or do would stop him. He jumped on the elevator ahead of all of us, and told Isaac to get on behind him (an even worse idea) Mason and Jackson came in behind Shane and I brought up the rear with Isabella.

In slow motion I saw the top bag begin to slip off to the side. Shane tried to pull it back on top, but as he reached the end of the escalator he couldn't maneuver the cart over the bump and all of the luggage fell in a huge heap. Leaving the boys nowhere to go, they also fell in a heap on top of the luggage. I was right behind with the stroller and nowhere to go. I was terrified that our kids clothes or fingers were going to get sucked into the escalator. Shane grabbed each of the kids and tossed them over the luggage onto the other side. I was helpless holding onto the stroller, just yelling for help. Thankfully the man behind me had the sense to jump over the side of me and quickly pushed the emergency stop button. We were completely humiliated but thankfully none of us were hurt.

To add insult to injury, our tickets were flagged (because the airline changed them at the last minute) and we had to go through the extra security screening. Silly how we waste these tax dollars flagging people with 4 small children, who's flight was changed by the airline. Ugh... Thankfully our flight was delayed or we would have absolutely missed it.

Lake Powell- Fun with the Lewis Clan

(Pictures to come! Sadly, we misplaced our camera at Lake Powell, so all of our pictures will be borrowed ones!)

When we finally arrived in Utah, we had a great time with the Lewis Family at Lake Powell for a week. The boys loved playing in the water, tubing, knee boarding, and little Isaac even took a shot at skiing. We ate way too much good food, stayed up way past our bed times and had a great time doing it. One evening Shane and I took the boys on the wave runners to a little swimming cove with two small islands and we had a great time jumping off the rocks and swimming around as the sun was going down. There couldn't have been a more perfect moment.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Lewis! We had a great time!

Me and my friend Nicole with her cute baby Lindsie

Hunter's Birthday

The day that Shane flew back home, July 13th was my niece Hunter's birthday. She passed away earlier this year (see previous posts) and I was so thankful to be able to celebrate her 8th birthday with my family. We brought her some balloons and flowers and sang her a happy birthday song. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the life of an even more beautiful little girl. Happy Birthday Hunter! We miss you more than we can say.


Fun With The Gomm Family

Isaac, catching the Olympic Spirit at the Gateway Fountains

With Cousins Jaycee, Taylor and Byron

My American Idol Moment



My Mom and Dad surprised me with an invite to the American Idols Live concert! It was a treat for me to spend time with my mom and be a part of such a crazy audience. I didn't watch much American Idol this year but was totally amazed by the depth of talent from this year's competition. I went with my Mom's sisters and had an amazing time acting like teenage girls. At intermission my mom and I spotted a previous American Idol Runner up from the first season... Justin Guarini. I have to say I have only voted once for an American Idol...and Justin was it, (don't laugh!) We ran down and quickly got our picture with him (hard to tell it's him with that beenie on)... I was so excited and I couldn't hide it!

Cherry Hill

We had a great time with Eric and his family at Cherry Hill. Here is a cute picture of cousin Byron and Izzy.

24th of July 10K Race


I had a great time running in the 24th of July 10K with my friend Amanda (who I never saw because she smoked me!) and my nearly 60 year old father-in-law who leaves us all in the dust every year! As well as my brothers-in-law and my brave nieces and nephews. I ran with my 7 -year old nephew Jeremiah who kept a steady pace and never gave up. I'm glad he was there to keep me company!

Me, My Dad and Izzy after the Race