A few weekend highlights . . .

Saturday -

• At about 8:30, on Saturday morning, we decided to go for a long walk before the heat of the day -- which was about 95! We walked for about 3 hours, and it was such a lovely walk! What was funny was I actually felt more sore from walking than I do when I run?! It uses your muscles in a different way, and my bootie really felt it. When I say "walk" I mean like power-walking. It felt so great, and it was such a beautiful morning. It was nice to walk for a change!
• Along the walk we saw a whole bunch of Canadian geese and their babies of all different sizes -- so cute! They were in a pond which is located in a beautiful neighborhood with willow trees, creeks, and the river. So pretty!
• We also saw a peacock which lived in one of the yards of the fancy homes. It was so cool! It even fanned out it's feathers for us! The kids LOVED it! It was really a cool thing to see walking around. Who would have thought to have a peacock for a pet?
• Along the way we saw people who were running a marathon (which I totally forgot about). It was so inspiring to see them! Our kids would clap and say, "Go number 5!" (or whatever the number was). It was so good for the kids to see. I felt so emotional watching them go by. I am determined now to train, and run a marathon -- perhaps this same one (the Potato marathon) next year. Plus, it is on a Saturday! YES! I felt so motivated by those running of all different ages, shapes and sizes. It once again confirmed to me that running is a mental battle -- just as much as it is physical! It was such a great thing to see. I was literally hiding tears behind my sunglasses as I would cheer for them going by. I am always amazed at the things a person is capable of. I knew what they were feeling (to a very small degree). I stood amazed and inspired!
• We walked my normal running path, and I decided to wear the pedometer along the way. I discovered I have not been running just 6 miles, but more like 7-8 miles a day! What? I was wondering why it was taking me over an hour, and why it seemed SO long. So, if I just run my run about 3 times, I would have my marathon! Yikes! I think I could do it -- minus the double jogger! I am really starting to feel great, and the running is starting to feel a lot smoother. (You start enjoying it more as your bootie shrinks) ;-)

Sunday -

• Sammi and Daniel had the talk and scripture and prayer for primary. It was so fun! Daniel actually wrote his own talk, and Sammi got to pick her scripture. They both did a great job. It is always so fun to watch!
• I made chocolate marshmallow cookies for the first time in my life (family favorite). They turned out great! Though I ran out of powdered sugar and was low on frosting. The kids loved them, and Charles (who claims he had never tried them before) thought they were great! Yum! We then delivered them to a few families in the ward. Don't you just love it when people stop by with something yummy? :-)
• We went for a drive back in the "mountains." It was so pretty, the hills are covered in yellow flowers, and the grass is still green, and the river is full -- very pretty! It was a fun drive. It was a HOT day!