We had a fun little juant down to Moab last weekend with my family.  We camped down in Green River with lots of cousins, aunts and uncles.  We played a bit of croquet (I quit when it got dark, but Joel and the rest continued with headlamps until it was time for dinner).  We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, then went to bed. It was really cold, and despite many many layers, Damon and Emma both ended up in our sleeping bag around 4 am.  Luckily it is an awsome king size and there was plenty of room.  We realized we hadn't gone camping since I was pregnant with Damon due to some crazy summers. But we will have to go more, we had so much fun.  Joel woke up really early with some others to head down to Moab for their half marathon, and after breakfast, Brenda and I and kids headed down to try to see our men finish. 

Brenda and her kids walking near the end of the race to try to find DJ and Joel.  Damon thought holding on like Joey was so cool that Brenda ended up looking like the pied piper.

Joel and DJ look so happy, despite just finishing 13 miles.  They ran it in about 1:50, which for how much they trained is really good. 

After the race, we went to arches and had lunch with the whole group.  Then we hiked to Delicate Arch with Brenda's family.  Damon wanted to walk for a bit, so Joel put Ellie in his backpack. But after a big hill, Damon was tired too, so he carried both of them.  And he still kicked our trash up the next hill. 

We all made it to the top, but only enjoyed the view for a few minutes before heading back down. 

After not sleeping the whole day, Emma finally passed out on the way down.  I think she looks like the rest of us felt. 

Makes Me Smile

Not much has been happening, but it has been a while so I thought I'd just post a few recent pictures that make me happy. 

Damon having a blast trying on Daddy's battle gear.  Joel had to help him stand up.

Damon loves Emma's flowers (maybe just a little too much). The rest of his head looks about the same.  He was so excited to be wearing all of them.

Damon and Emma sitting at the table Joel made for them.  As soon as Emma gets a little better at solids were having some tea parties.

Damon and Emma riding their couch cushion airplane.  Daddy is so much better at making them, so we are so happy that he is coming home in two days!

Painting

We finally are getting around to painting our home!! We got all the paint a few weeks ago and have been doing a room at a time.  This is what we have accomplished so far:

Emma wanted to help while we painted the hallway (I think she mostly just wanted to wear the handkercheif)

In our front room, we painted a dark accent wall and rag rolled red over the tan we are using in most of the house.  I love the accent wall, but I think the room needs pictures.  The biggest plus is that once again, Joel proved that he has a knack for aranging furniture and this too small room finally  doesn't feel totally awkward.

We painted the kitchen blue and it is so much fun to see what a huge differnce a little paint makes! Our cabinets, counters, and appliances look new all over again.

Damon has had fun this week playing in Emma's crib.  He is getting to be such a good big brother.  He shares his toys, tries to feed her, gives her hugs and kisses, and helps sing her to sleep. So cute!  Damon also decided what he wants to be when he grows up.  Any guesses?