A Weekend at Bear Lake

To prepare for the Bear Lake Brawl Triathlon, we decided to go up to Bear Lake and check it out. We invited my nephew Luke to come with Jyson. We got there early in the evening on Friday and went straight to the lake. The boys got in and swam a few minutes and then John joined them. Suddenly a windstorm came in. The waves were huge. I chickened out. They stayed in there longer than I thought they would. Tough boys! Here are a few photos of the swim...

We went back the next day but I didn't take any more pictures. I swam while John rode his bike. Then the boys rode their bikes while John and I ran. We all enjoyed a big shake before heading home.  :)

Ruby Macdonald

 Let me introduce you to Ruby, my newest niece. Isn't she precious?!! I was supposed to be there for her birth, but she came 2 weeks early - a few hours after I finished the Spudman Tri in Idaho. Her dad (my brother-in-law) was down in Goblin Valley with the Scouts when my sister went to the hospital. Tanya called the Ranger Station and asked if they could find Eric. He was hiking on a trail. The ranger asked other people hiking to pass the word along if they found him. When some strangers asked Eric if he had a pregnant wife, he said yes but that she wasn't due for awhile. They told him she'd gone to the hospital. He and the scouts ran back to the car and headed north. Sweet little Ruby stayed in until Eric got there. Love that story.

 We went to see her the next day. She is beautiful!

 Just pretending she's ours for a minute.  :)

Spudman Triathlon (7.30.11)

This was my first Olympic triathlon and John's first triathlon. It was a .9 mile swim down the Snake River, a 25 mile bike ride, and a 6 mile run. We got there early and put on our wetsuits, ready to swim.

My brother-in-law Travis did it with us as well. Julie was our photographer.

Can you see me swimming? The current was awesome. It totally carried me along. That is the only way to swim long distance!

Getting ready to ride...

Just starting the run. It was by far the hardest part! I met a sweet 18 year-old who kept me running the last 3 miles.

John & Travis finished within minutes of each other and WAY ahead of me. Way to go boys!

Feeling pretty proud of ourselves.

Bikes are loaded and ready to go home.

Until the next triathlon...

Girls Camp 2011

 We were the VIPs - Very Important People because we have Individual Worth. 4 leaders, 7 young women, and lots of fun!

Sunrise Hike

YUM!!

 Savannah turned 12 at camp and we had a party with birthday games.

 

 

I won the Oreo challenge. It was the highlight of the day. I laughed my head off!

Jake is an Elder

Jake is growing up fast. When I met him, he was a 5th grader at Cascade, where I was principal. The last Sunday in July, John ordained him to be an Elder. Last week he started BYU. Today he met with the Bishop to begin his mission papers. Where has the time gone?
Yes, sometimes he is a normal teenager who leaves messes and needs more money, but he is also a great kid with great goals. He's taking mission prep this semester and is so ready to leave on a mission. He has a solid testimony and a strong desire to follow God's plan. What a blessing.
His brothers LOVE him! It is sweet to see them all together. Jyson has loved having him live at our house this past year. He is a great example to them.

OXFEST 2011

July 13-18 was my family reunion in Brianhead, Utah. My parents found 2 big cabins that we all shared. We had a grand ole time hanging out for a few days.

This was the first night. If you're an Oxborrow girl you have short legs. We had to laugh when we looked around at each other. Within minutes we all had our legs up.
The next day I went with my mom & dad into Cedar City and saw The Music Man as part of the Shakespeare Festival, even though it's not by Shakespeare. Quite enjoyable.
Biggest source of entertainment for the kids: airsoft guns.
This is my adorable niece Anne.
Lots of game playing was had by all.
This is the big family photo - much too squishy in my opinion but here we are in our cool shirts designed by my brother Marc. (Babe the blue OX.)
The original Oxborrows.
The sisters. I love this pose, focused on Tanya's pregnant belly. We were cracking up.
McKelle was able to come with us. Sadly Jake & Jyson couldn't be there.
We rode the ski lift to the top - check out that elevation!
John rode the trails with my brothers Eric & Aaron & nephew Tosh.
A hug at high elevation.
The kids were fascinated with John's bike - how fast could he go? were those really pedals (pointing to his clipless cleats)? how many gears did he have?
Coming down with my cute nephews Luke & Sam.
The cup corner.
Remember the airsoft guns? The BBs were EVERYWHERE, so my parents held a contest to see who could pick up the most and everyone earned some money.
The M's: Mom (Marilyn), Morgan, Madison, MacKenzi, Maya, McKelle, Misty, Me (Michelle) - missing Mitzi. I guess we should have included Marc and Matt too.
John went back a day early with McKelle, Matt, Eric, & a few bikes.
The kids loved playing with Tosh. They didn't want him to leave.
Sunset on our last night.
I love hanging out with my family. Always looking forward to the next gathering...