Thursday, July 17, 2014

Father's Day Weekend 2014

What an awesome weekend! Do I say that a lot!? It sure seems like it!

Friday -  A beautiful wedding reception in Lehi for my cousin B. Sterling and his darling new wife Quincey. We had a blast! And they served Italian Ice.. ohhhh myyy, delicious! We had a quick dinner with the Giles family at Chili's before and then got to hang out in a beautiful backyard on a windy Summer's evening. It was a fun night and Kailee had so much fun running around with all of my cousins. Plus, its always nice to spend a little extra time  with this handsome man I call my Grandpa. And he sure loves Jake! It seems about every time we are together and Jake steps away, Grandpa reminds me how lucky I am to have him and what an incredible guy he is. Makes my heart happy to have his approval!

 

Don't mind our wind blown hair! Love this sweet man!




Grandpa with my cute cousin Melanie who we don't get to see often enough!

 
 
Side note- It's really, I mean REALLY weird to have your mom in on the bouquet toss! Lol! She's so cute and she'll make one very lucky man extremely happy some day! (NO rush!)
My favorite albeit blurry, photo of my favorite people!

Saturday - It was up to help the Black's move into their new residence! Joey and Lindsay bought a beautiful home in Syracuse so we went up to help paint for the day before they moved all of their stuff in. We didn't get to help as much as we would have liked to before it was off on our next venture! It was JoLene's birthday so we had a surprise dinner for her at La Cantina at Jordan Commons. The whole Andrus clan was there for the first time in what felt like forever! We are so glad to have Aaron and Aubrey and their boys back home! We enjoyed yummy food and even better company. I highly recommend that place if you're in the mood for Mexican! They have an awesome Salsa Bar!

Sunday - We started the morning off with a family work out! I have loved doing that this Summer. We get up, eat breakfast and head outside. We do sprints to the end of the street, jump rope, box jump on the big rock, whatever we can think of! Kailee keeps track of our reps with chalk and also gets to run and play with us! We try to make it fun and not stress too much about 'going hard'. She loves it and I hope we're setting a good example! After we all took our showers it was prepping time for dinner. I made calzones, cheese bread and salad to take over to Roger and JoLene's. We don't get a whole lot of one on one time with them so I really enjoyed our day! We played outside and helped pick strawberries and raspberries, and ate more than we saved! :) Kailee loved being the center of attention and I loved being outside with family and playing volleyball with Jake.


My workout buddy! The cutest one too!
 
She is the best at 'box jumps'!

LOVE her!



What an awesome evening!

Jake - Happiest Father's Day! You are the best daddy and Kailee is beyond blessed to have you. You may not realize this right now, but your place in her life is much more than just a father. You are her first love. You are the type of man she will seek when it's her turn. Its a huge responsibility on you to make sure she knows her self worth. Because I know you, I know she will. You are showing her the way! She may not listen to all you say, but she will watch all that you do. She absolutely adores you and I hope she will always see and know the love you have for her. I know its not easy on you to have her gone from you, but she knows she is your #1! I love you, thanks for being such a great daddy and for working so hard to give Kailee such a great life!!

Dad - So many of my favorite memories involve our shared passion of sports and traveling. I am so thankful for you pushing me my entire life to always work hard. Those were two words you said probably more than any other, 'work hard', and they've really stuck with me. Life isn't easy and we have to fight for the things we want. Because of you, I will never give up on my goals and dreams. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to try everything. From dance to sports and everything in between. I will forever cherish our  weekends and evenings at the high school with you. I was always so proud of you as a coach. Thanks for all you do for us and for being a good grandpa to Kailee. We love you!

Roger - I don't know many non-blind men who spend afternoons every Summer having water fights with their granddaughter! At least they can see it coming and close their eyes! Instead, you take it straight to the face in stride! ;) Kailee will always remember the time you spend with her. Thanks for never letting your disability stop you from playing with her. From tea parties to water fights, nothing means more to her than having your attention. She loves you! Thank you for raising the man of my dreams, and for raising him to be a MAN. I couldn't ask for more! You accepted and loved me from day one and your support of our marriage and family mean a lot to me. And by the way, I forgive you for asking me to go first to do my 'thankful for' on Thanksgiving a few years ago. You didn't care that I had just met you less than an hour before, or that it was the first time for me in your home and I was so nervous I had to remind myself to breathe. You made me feel like I was a part of it from the get go. It meant and still means the world to me to have your support. We love you!

Happy Father's Day to all of the other wonderful men in our lives! We have such great guys around us! Our grandpas, uncles, brothers, cousins and friends. What upstanding men you are. Your charm, character and selfless love stand out among the best. Your jobs as Father's truly don't get enough credit! And also to another very important father.. Jason, who is Kailee's step dad. We truly couldn't ask for a better other dad for her. Jake and I have so much love and respect for him and all he does for Kailee. From teaching her to ride her bike, to throwing her the ball and all the countless things he does for her daily. But most importantly, for always making her feel safe, comfortable and loved and giving her the beautiful life she deserves. She is SO blessed! Happy Father's Day to you!



Another wonderful weekend full of memories and family! What more could we possibly ask for?!

Monday, June 30, 2014

2014 Daybreak Triathlon

Holy PROUD and bragging wife. If you want to puke, I don't blame you! And don't say I didn't warn you! Super mushy post ahead!

My husband is a rockstar. Oh, he plays the guitar and sings pretty well too, but that's not what I'm talking about here.. Jake completed an Olympic triathlon in 3 hours and 13 minutes! Holy smokes! Seriously, still in awe almost a month later! What a stud! For those of you who aren't familiar with a Triathlon, it starts out with a one mile swim in open water (well, this one is open water), followed by 22.05 (ish) mile bike ride and ending with a 6.2 mile run (or 10k). Seriously? the 10k run alone freaks me out.. let alone at the END of swimming and biking!

Jake has been training for a few months.. He didn't necessarily follow a schedule, just tried to get in a swim and run every couple of days. He didn't ride his bike until the night before, and I think if he could change anything, it would've been spending a little more time on the bike. But still, to do all of that in just over 3 hours? Amazing! I am so proud!

I have watched him complete two triathlons before this one, although this was his fourth overall. I think it's safe to say it was the best experience for both of us! The scenery, the closeness to home, the views and the course were amazing! It was nice to be able to see him at all transitions, and throughout the swim and run.. It was also really nice for family to be close enough to drive out to support him!

Our friend Jayme convinced him to do this one with her and I am so glad she did! It was fun for Jake to tell her all about it and give her a few tips as this was her first (Olympic).. They did a little training together, but I think it helped both of their nerves knowing they had each other. She did amazing as well, I'm so proud of her! She is 37 and the mom of two boys. Her motivation totally inspires me!

We woke up at 4:45 am that morning, got ready, got some food in Jake and headed to Daybreak. We were there just as the gorgeous sun was rising. The atmosphere, the adrenaline, the buzz.. it was amazing and I tried to take it all in with Jake. You could just feel the excitement and anticipation in the air.. It was a high I hadn't felt at any of his other triathlons. It truly was an incredible experience!
 
Such a gorgeous sunrise. Daybreak is a beautiful place!

I love this man!!!

Wetsuit time! What a babe!

Minutes before he climbed in that chilly water!

 
 He finished the swim in great time, and seeing him come out of the water and run down to the next transition area had my heart pumping like crazy!!
And he's off!!



Running from the lake to 1st transition

Stripping his wetsuit!
 


Getting his biking gear on..


Almost ready!

And he's off again!

We went back over to the swim exit to look for Jayme. She started a few minutes after Jake so that gave us some time to watch both! That was neat, and I was excited for her to see she had lots of support there too. Her husband and two boys were there and her sister and nephew showed up while she was biking.
Go Jayme!
 
 The last stretch was the run and it was twice around the lake. Same transition area, that was really nice! We got to see them both finish the bike and then throughout a lot of the run since it was a double loop around the lake. By this time another one of our friends Nicole had shown up, so it was  a lot of fun for Jake and Jayme, and us spectators who were able to see them!


Here come's Jake!

Go baby, go!!


 


 
Beginning of the run

 
What a babe! SO dang proud!

Here comes  Jayme!




  
Jayme's started her run! Those are her boys and nephew waiting to slap her hand, so sweet!



Almost to the finish line!

SO close!
 
HE DID IT!
Proud wife!  
 

Jayme and Jake! Daybreak Tri 2014


Love these people!
 
Being there, watching these athletes get prepped, compete and finish was so inspiring.. it MAYBE has me considering trying out the Sprint distance, just to get a taste of it! :) Did I just put that in words? Oh boy!

Big congrats to Jake and Jayme. I am so proud of you guys! You're both amazing and absolutely inspiring! Thanks for setting such a good example for our friends, families and especially the kiddos :) A big thanks to JoLene and my mom for coming out and supporting Jake, it meant so much to him! :) Until next year!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Our Talented Little Miss!

As I said before, Kailee had her dance recital last month, which concluded her 2013-14 dance year. To say we are all so proud of her is an absolute understatement! This was her first year on the Competition Team at Ultimate Dance. It was a new experience for us all, and I think its safe to say, a great one! I am so excited K has chosen to dance again next year, and this Summer! :) Hopefully next year she'll be a little more comfortable and social with her class. She is pretty shy sometimes, I'm just hoping she wasn't quite so shy when we weren't around. :) Although she may be pretty shy, put her on that stage and the girl SHINES! She loves it! :) She said that was her favorite part about her dance this year.. Competitions and dancing on the stage!

Her first competition was at Thanksgiving Point. She did great! I was so excited to see her 1st performance after all that practicing! :) Her team did great and it was a good 1st experience for us all! She had lots of support at this one! Her Grandma and Grandpa Reynolds came to see her, Grandma Andrus and of course, her mom and Jason, Jake and I. She was a little star up there! She even got to lead her team off on one of their dances by saying '5-6-7-8'. She was pretty concerned everyone would hear her, it took a few competitions to realize we couldn't :) That was also the start of Jake's tradition of yelling 'Go Boo Boo' as she walked out on stage! I thought for sure that would embarrass her. I asked her about it in private so I could kindly tell Jake not to do it anymore, but she said she liked it and it helped her tell where we were sitting :) cute!
 

 

 


Her next competition was in St George! SO much fun! We got to stay in a hotel, swim, eat out AND watch her dance! It was a fun weekend! The 5 of us decided to ride down together and even had adjoining rooms and I know Kailee loved being able to have all of us right there.. Her team did great! We lucked out and she danced pretty early during the day Saturday so we had the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the pool, warm weather, a little shopping and dinner! Can't wait for next year!


Fun on the drive down! Girls in the back, dad's in the front!

Yummy local place for lunch! It was pretty good!


One of my favorite pictures of her! SO excited to dance!

My loves giving kisses! Love that she is on her tip toes! :)

 
 
 Practicing in the hallway!


 
 Kailee and her friend Monet!

 Pretty girl in her Baby Mine costume! :)

Her group




 





Her third competition was at Corner Canyon High in Draper. Holy GORGEOUS school! She had the 4 of us there, her Grandma Mellor and Grandpa Kevin. Lots of support for the little dancing queen!

Her fourth competition was on Jake's 30th birthday down in Spanish Fork. We got to drive down in some crazy rain, and enjoy Kneaders between dances for Jake's big day :) He was so great to not make it about him and to just support Kailee.. Such a good daddy! My mom and Tony came down to watch this one, so she had extended family support even in Spanish Fork :)
Kailee and daddy on his 30th birthday!

Her last competition was at Lagoon :) I'm sure this one was her favorite! On the way there she told us that she was so excited because today, one of her dreams was coming true. To dance on the stage at Lagoon! I thought that was so sweet! She did great and was a good sport to stop riding rides to go back for her 2nd dance. Her cute friend Sadie got to come tag along with all of us for the day and ride rides so I know that was fun for Kailee. Grandma Merrilee and Brody came to see her and spend the day, and so did Ammon and  Amber and the kids :) what a fun day!! Another day Kailee got to enjoy with all four of us. I know it means a lot to her when we are all in the same place so that was fun! Plus, Jason and Jake were good to push the strollers and hold bags while the girls rode rides! We got to Lagoon at 8 am and left at 10pm! Long, warm, FUN day! Apparently too fun for many (or any good) pictures! here's what I have!


 




Her final recital was at Vista Mesa in Saratoga Springs. Another awesome day for Kailee! She had a TON of support at this one. What a loved little girl! The four of us were there, Jason's grandparents, Grandma Mellor, Rachel, Brock and Brody, Linds, Joey, Brooklynn and Brody, Grandma Merrilee, Grandpa Kevin, Kelly, Grandma and Grandpa Robbins and Uncle Brett! Her cheering section took up an entire row!! So fun for Kailee and meant so much to us to have everyone come support her this year! What a great year! GO K BUG!!! We are all so very proud of you! I can't wait to watch you grow this Summer and next year into an even more beautiful dancer!
 


Kailee and Sadie :)

Kailee didn't stop at dance! She also had her first year of 'baseball'. We decided against signing her up for T-ball, due to her age, the nights they played and her athletic ability, we felt she could handle coach pitch. The Taylorsville Rec league had coach pitch on Tuesday and Thursdays which works our perfectly because those are the evenings we have Kailee. She did AWESOME! By the end of the season, she was hitting the ball every time she got up! We were so proud of her! She made lots of new friends and huge improvements in the short 4 weeks. Her coach (Heather) was awesome with Kailee and a very patient woman! ha ha. I don't think I have ever seen a set of kids more different! I do have to say, I don't know that I've seen a group of such different kids ALL have such good manners! I was really impressed! We brought treats and snacks the first week and every single kid said thank you without hearing it from their parents! What a fun group of kids! They got to end the season with an ice cream celebration at Leatherbys! What a sweet coach! Kailee had so much fun and I'm thankful for patient parents who volunteer to help coach these kids. Jake was the unannounced assistant and I know Heather appreciated him getting practices started, warming up with them, helping out to pitch, etc. He's a good man!


 


 






























It was fun to see Kailee try something new and work hard at it. There were times at the end of the season, as with dance, she appeared to be sick of it.. So i'm not sure yet that we've found her niche ;) But I'm so glad she's trying things and sticking with it! Some day, she'll be grateful that she tried EVERYTHING. It will not only help her to decide what she loves and is passionate about, but will teach her dedication, hard work, accountability, teamwork, discipline and responsibility along with so many other wonderful things! Maybe we'll give soccer a shot this Fall? Or gymnastics? :) Awesome seasons Kailee! We are so dang proud of you and hope you keep working hard!