Run, Erik! Run!

Not too long ago, Erik was up and looking around on the computer. I was probably reading a book or something like that. Anyway, he casually says, "I think I want to do the Crater Lake half marathon." I think my only response was , "Uh-huh." You see, to me to run a marathon or half-marathon or even to run down the street is absolutely crazy. I'm not thinking he's really serious. No way would someone willingly want to put themselves through that kind of pain and torture. If I had gotten my nose out of the book and really thought about the man I married, I would've realized just how serious he was.

He signed up and set up a schedule to get in shape for the torment. Now the Crater Lake Rim Run is a pretty big deal around here. People come from all over the country to run in this race and it's all around a volcano that erupted, who knows how long ago, and is now a lake.

Now, the kids and I didn't actually get to see him run but we were with him in spirit! There were 133 people who ran the half-marathon and Erik placed 38th! That's pretty awesome to me. I feel so lucky to be married to someone who sets goals and works so hard to achieve those goals. What a great example to me and to our children. Great job Erik! We are soooo proud of you!

If you want to see the pictures of Erik running go HERE. I don't know how long those pictures will be up so look soon!

The drive to Crater Lake took us about 5 hours. We decided the best thing to do was to camp. I really have nothing against camping....honestly! But I think the last time we went camping together I was about 4 months pregnant with Preston. I'm just not that interested in taking little kids camping and staying up with them all night because they are too wired/cold/hungry/uncomfortable to sleep. The boys are at the age now that it's more fun to do these things but Makayla......not so much. I would still prefer to keep Makayla at home in her crib.

Oh well. We packed it up and made the trek.

I was so glad when Makayla finally slept. I made everyone be quiet as soon as she was out.


Crater Lake


This was the best we could do. I think the kids were done with the day.


Preston ran free while Bryce huddled close to the fire.


And everyone at s'mores until we groaned with stomach aches. All in all...not a bad trip. Maybe we'll try it again in another 6 years! :) Just kidding Erik!

***I decided to add the rest of the pictures but I think they're self explanatory so I'm not writing anything else...starting now.***

4 Years Old

Our little Bryce has turned 4 years old. Where does the time go? I keep looking at pictures of when he was born and it really doesn't seem like that long ago. But I guess that's what every mom says. We had a joint b-day celebration with my sister's daughter Deveny since their birthdays are so close together. It was a princess/pirate birthday party so needless to say, it was awesome!

Here are some pics from the party.

I think this past year we've been spoiled with having my sister Amy do our birthday cakes. But she and her family have unfortunately moved to Texas (bleh), which sucks for more reasons than just cake decorating and I was very worried about what we were going to do for Bryce's pirate cake. We looked in to buying a cake. We love you Bryce but a $40 cake isn't going to work for us. So in the store Erik says "I can do it". So I say "Okay". I mean, there's no way I'm going to be able to make a pirate cake. So Erik stayed up really late the night before we left for a camping trip and made this cake. I think Erik did an awesome job and the boys were soooo excited about it!


Bryce and Deveny opening presents. They really had fun sharing the birthday party.


I love this picture! But I think Deveny is disappointed in her gifts. :)


The birthday boy!

Here's a few things about Bryce:

-His favorite breakfast is either oatmeal, cream of wheat, or bran flakes.
-He loves to help no matter what.
-He's very mischievous.
-Preston is his best friend.
-He could never have too many Transformer or Spiderman toys.
-I think he may have selective hearing disorder.
-He loves "family night".
-He lets you know right away that he will give hugs but no kisses! (and he doesn't want to be on the receiving end of those kisses either!)
-He falls asleep at the dinner table all the time.

Oh Bryce! You keep me on my toes constantly and I wouldn't have it any other way! You bring so much joy and a great spirit into our home. I love you sooo much my little Bryce! And even though you're getting older and you're not so much into kisses, I get to squeeze those little cheeks and kiss them because I'm your mom and I love you too much not to! Happy Birthday!

Ballerina

Untitled from Rachel Witbeck on Vimeo.

It seems like little Makayla is always wanting to twirl around when music is playing. We're working on the last little bit but other than that, she's on her way to becoming an excellent dancer!

Beach

It seems like we are always heading out to the beach these days. But who can blame us. It's gorgeous! And since we'll be moving to a place where the beach isn't so easily accessible, we're taking advantage of it. And it helps to have friends come from Utah and want to go surfing.

Preston was actually brave enough to get in the water and enjoy it!

You can't deny it. This is beautiful!


Little miss here wasn't about to set foot in the water but the sand was her friend.


See what I mean.


Pondering life's mysteries....



So cute.

Bryce really wanted to make a sandcastle. Well, this is about as far as we got. At least he went around and found the "perfect" feather for the occasion.


Erik and Dave getting back from surfing.


My surfer dude!