A Personal Best! And a little vacation

Dear Kate and Riley,
What a week! We have been on the go for over a week now and I'm happy to be home. It started with a drive to Phoenix so I could run in the Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon. It was by far the biggest race I have ever been a part of (something like 30,000 people!) so that was crazy. But it was exciting and a flat easy course. I was hoping to better my last time but never imagined I'd knock 16 min off of it! I came in at 2 hours 8 min which I'm sure is really slow to some people but was speedy for me! I felt great and like I really raced and gave it my all so I was happy.

We spent the weekend in Phoenix with beautiful weather at a beautiful hotel (I am getting so spoiled, dad better not ever get a different job!). Then we left the sun and headed to cold, smoggy Utah to see Uncle Bret off at the MTC. We got to spend some time with the Hansens and play with "aunties" Liz and Michelle. Zach had fun playing with Henry, Owen and Taylor! So many new friends. And I decided that even a huge house with a basement wouldn't be worth leaving our California sun! (I still don't understand what people do with kids all winter)

We are excited to get back into a routine and be boring for a while. I'm training for another race in April and am hoping to get just a little bit faster.

Love,
Mom

Swimming with Dad in Phoenix

The best support crew (who had a hard time finding mom in the crowd!)

Mom and Zach at the finish line

Uncle Bret with Zach

The "O-H" original Hansen family at the MTC with Uncle Bret

Zach and his new best bud Henry at the children's museum
Zach LOVED the water and was soaked!

Zach and Henry

Zach snuggling with Taylor, I wanted to bring her home with me,
she was GREAT with Zach!

January Surprise!

Dear Kate and Riley,
What a fun surprise to have an 80 degree weekend in January! Even for the spoiled Californians that is a treat. Combine that with a visit from Uncle Andrew and fam and you have a perfect weekend! Zach hadn't been down to the beach really since he could walk (at least not when it was warm!) and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. In fact I would venture to say it was one of the best days of his life so far. Combine sand (yes he's still eating it by the handful), water (another of his favorite things) and older cousins and he was in HEAVEN! We had a blast too and it made me really excited for this summer. We are headed to Disneyland tomorrow and are going to try to enjoy every minute of this warm weather until it leaves us again for a few months.

Love,
Mom

Dad's future quarterback?

Zach and Camryn

This is my favorite, it totally captures how much fun he was having!

Happy New Year!

Dear Kate and Riley,
Happy 2009! We took it easy with just dinner and hanging out at home with a few friends. We did make it to midnight though which I have to say I was pretty surprised about!

2008 was a good year for us and we are hoping for an even better 2009!

Love,
Mom