13.1

I completed my first half marathon! A group of us (along with 5000 other runners) went down to Moab this past weekend, some to run the 1/2 and the rest to just play. So, while some of us were killing ourselves on the run, everyone else went on various hiking and biking adventures.

I am not ashamed to say that I crossed the finish line at 2 hours 30 minutes exactly. I walked away with a lovely blood blister on the bottom of my foot and some severely chapped lips from the wind but all in all I feel pretty great. Later that day a small group of us hiked up to Delicate Arch (a 3 mile round-trip hike). Crazy, I know. But it was a beautiful hike, amazing view and a great way to top off the weekend.

Auntie M

I love being an Aunt. I mean to brag when I say that I have the cutest nieces and nephews around. This week was an especially cool week to be Aunt Mina. On Wednesday I went to see Karli's school play with Karl, Teresa and Emma. Karli played Woman #3 in Fiddler on the Roof and her performance was spot on. I look forward to more from her young yet blooming career. At intermission I took Emma to get some refreshment at the concessions. As we were walking back with bottles of water, popcorn and chocolate she looks up at me and whispers, "You're the best aunt." Melt. Not sure if that was the popcorn talking but I'll take it. I sure do love my Emma.

Then tonight I went to see Kaitlyn perform in a colorguard competition in AF. I sat in the "Proud Parent" section as I stood in for Kaitlyn's mom who is now traipsing through Venice. I'd be jealous except for the fact that I got to witness an awesome performance from the Mountain Crest team. I caught Kaitlyn's attention before they started so she knew I was there. "I danced that one for Aunt Mina!" she tells me when she comes out after their number. No wonder it was so good!

Needless to say, I'm a sucker for these kids. They know it, I know it, we're all okay with it.