Gabe and I have been married for 13 years today.
I can not believe how far behind I am in update our family blog!! I am ashamed that our amazing journeys have not been documented as they happened. The summer was crazy busy, and not one single weekend went by that we didn't have something happening, I dare even say that most days were at least busy planning upcoming events. I feel it is important to do a re-cap of the main summertime happenings. The problem is, that things are going to be all over the place....different memory cards hold different images from different cameras, so it is going to be a lot of back and forth until I can get my crap together and stay current....so forgive me in advance so for being a flake!!.....
Our ride to the airport. Spencer picked us up in his Father's van. In the big van, there was only one row of seats, which we squished 4 of us on, and I sat on the floor with all the luggage. It made me laugh on the way, bouncing around all over, Noah freaking out I was going to die.
Once in Seattle, we met up with my Uncle Mike and Nikki, and decided that we wanted to take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island and have dinner there, then ride it back at night to see the city lights. I LOVE ferry rides. The only other time the kids have been on a ferry was in Virginia, and they could not even tell we were on the water because it was so dark, that we just stayed in the car. This time we walked onto it so we just just walk around and explore the island on foot. 
Oops! This picture didn't make it in the editing process. Just tilt your head. You will get the idea. Z and I.....I wonder how much longer until I can not hold him on my shoulders anymore?? Sad, sad thought. :(
Addie, Nikki and I. 
Zane, Gabe and Noah
A view of the Space Needle from the Ferry.
The sun setting through the clouds. I believe sunsets are one of the most amazing sights to witness.....no matter where they are.
Fun story for you.....
It was freezing and so late....but well worth the sights of the city at night. We didn't end up getting back to the hotel until after 2:00 in the morning, but luckily we are on vacation!
The next day we explored the city after picking up Gabe's race packet for the marathon. Of course we hit Pike's Place, which was a joke and I am sad we didn't hang out there longer, but the 2 cruise ships that unloaded that afternoon made it unbearable to enjoy.
We had a brilliant idea of walking to the Space Needle. I really enjoy walking around and exploring cities on foot. But, we have Mr. Noah, and he has a very hard time after a long period of walking up hills and long distances. I felt so bad that we completely wore him out. There were times he was holding himself up against buildings and lagging behind. He of course did not want to take a break and seem different than anyone else, so I stayed back with him and told him he was doing me a favor by staying back with me to keep me company. I hate those little reminders, that it is his HEART not his SPIRIT that can not keep going sometimes. After we spend time recovering and re hydrating, we took a cab back to Pikes Place to eat some lunch.
Vies from the top.
My Dad displaying his usual camera face....
Gabe with the city behind him.....
My boys playing and climbing...(of course)
Our 3 Ring Circus....
THE MARATHON!!
Never forget your camera and rely on the 17 year old daughter to take your family photos. We have more pictures of random strangers with funny mustaches and silly signs than we do of our trip. I brought Gabe some Gatorade while walking up a hill with him at mile 22. 
I was so worried we were not going to see him at the finish line. We parked by the Space Needle, which doesn't seem far from Q-West Field, but I can assure you when you are walking it and trying to get there at a specific time, it is dang far! We made it, within minutes of Gabe passing the finish. Uncle Marc and Aunt Becky were in town from Oregon, and they were also at the finish line to see Gabe. Sorry, no picture of them....
The following day we decided to take it easy. Wanted to see the Troll under the Bridge. I guess we didn't realize how many people would be there that morning, but it was packed! There were these 2 girls there that were posing like they were models all over the bridge, and getting annoyed with everyone and their children when they were in the way. So of course, when we found the opportunity to copy their silly poses, we did!!
On our final day before we left, we went to see the grave of Jimi Hendrix.
Afterwards, we just hung out around the sea side waiting before we had to catch our flights.
I think he is getting very good at it!
This AMAZING shot of Mt. Raineer was taken from the airplane as we flew home. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Seattle and promise to be back as soon as we could! Over all the trip was fantastic, and we are looking forward to our next family get away to Moab this Fall...then, KAUAI next summer for Addies Senior trip!
Guess who is leaving his Mama and going to Kindergarten? Sad, sad day. Zane could not be more excited, and when it came time for orientation, he could not wait to tour his new school and get the chance to feel like a 'big kid'.
After the orientation, the children all got to pick out a Crayon Sugar Cookie before we walked around the school. Z-Man grabbed a blue one, and showed that thing who was boss in a matter of minutes. Kinda made me want to go back to Kindergarten. Cookies, Field Trips, Naps...are you kidding me?
We began the tour, and of course, he held tight to his Daddy.
Yes, I am 'One of those Moms' that will even take a picture of someone 
The door to his classroom, and the beginning of all new adventures 
He was very interested in everything the class had to offer. 
Look at that little guy...I can not believe it has come to this.
They handed out Bags at the end, and we made him wait until we were back home 
Everything he needs to get ready over the summer. 
The show in Salt Lake was dang awesome. They did stop twice to throw a few idiots out that were getting a little too rough...how would that be? To get thrown out of a show because your a jerk, and the guys you came to see are the ones who eighty-sixed you? Nice!
The next morning Gabe and I hopped on a plane and headed to Colorado to see them for the next two shows. Next stop......Boulder. 
Look at that! It was perfect! The thick, rich ganoche with scattered bits of saltiness was more than I could take, it was that good. The cupcake part was good too, but to be honest, I could have eaten the frosting with bacon on it all. day. long. 
My first experience with having a latte with a cute design...mostly because I get my coffee black, and to-go. It was actually Gabe's coffee, but I pretended it was made just for me.
Look at that!! Are you kidding me!!
After we left the shop, we walked around the corner to where the concert was that night and BAM!! TOUR BUS!! Sweet!
On Saturday we drove into Denver where we stayed for our final night before flying home on Sunday afternoon. Well, we had one last thing to do before we went back home.
Here is the view of the park at the starting line. It was a chilly morning, but absolutely beautiful. I was not sure how I was even going to do. I wanted to go faster than the Salt Lake Half that I did in April, but I was really sick the night before, and was severely dehydrated. I was not optimistic at all. I had a really rough start, in fact, I started downing Gatorade during the race because I was very dizzy and seeing fuzzy. Not good. At mile 6, I came around and started feeling good. How odd is that, it took me 6 miles to feel better about my race. I think my body recovered from being depleted of nutrition from the night before. Well, we made it. Gabe by my side as always, encouraging me to do the best I can. He is simply the best.
Here is a picture of the post-race lunch they fed us. Out of the above items, I only ate the tomatoes. I am still weird about eating any food that I don't make. I know, what a freak.
Ahhhh.....we love each other
I believe we finished in 2:29....so I beat my last time by just a few minutes, 
One of my favorite things about finishing a race, is the 'trick or treating' that takes place after. They filled us up with lots of goodies to take home and try.
Four days later, four hours after the race, we were on a plane headed back home.
