The Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon

 

OK, this race was reeeeeally hard for me. It might have had something to do with the fact that I did not train well for it. I'm not sure though. :)  For some reason, I could not get myself to run on a regular basis. I just wasn't motivated.

 

I started the race feeling really good and had a good pace. After mile 6 or 7, I started to feel pretty exhausted. We had to walk a few times, but not for long. To be honest, I did better than I thought I would. Especially because this course it so hilly. I don't think I'll do this one again. (I did it in 2011.) I'll choose a flat course next time. If there is a next time! I'm not sure if I'll do more half marathons.  It feels so good when it's over and I like challenging myself, but I don't know... maybe I will try a different challenge. Square dancing? Frisbee? We'll see... running long distances does make you feel pretty accomplished.

 

 

 

Before the race. I was pretty nervous because of my insufficient training.

 

This face I'm making sums up how I felt. ^^^

 

 
Steph did so well. She ran some of it alone, which everyone knows is HARD! Love you, Steph!

A Carver reunion in Gig Harbor

The weekend of September 11-13 was SO MUCH fun. My sisters and I planned to run the Tacoma Narrows Half Marathon months ago, which we were excited about. We all miss Gig Harbor so much and we had never run a half marathon all together. Then a few weeks before the race, Stephanie and Miguel decided to be sealed in the Seattle temple that weekend, so my parents both made the trip also.

 

We rented a cute house on the water for all of us, and we had a really fun weekend. I'm not gonna lie... having little Miguel as the only child there helped to make it relaxing and low stress. I'm sure Mel and Em enjoyed the break from kids as much as I did. I

 

On Friday me, my mom, and Melanie drove from Spokane to Seattle and picked up Emily from the airport. Then we walked around Pike Place Market, which is always fun.

 

 

Melanie tried a dragon fruit, I think? 

Then we met up with Stephanie, Miguel and little Miguel and did the Ride the Ducks tour. I thought it was fun. Our driver was a cool guy and made it a lively experience.

 

I was nervous when we went into the water. "Are you sure this is safe?"

He is very proud of the fact that he used to be a commercial fisherman in Alaska, and was on the show "The Deadliest Catch."

 

After our half marathon on Saturday, we headed to Seattle for Stephanie and Miguel's sealing. It was a great evening. I'm happy for you guys!

For lunch on Sunday we ate at this super cute new café/shop called Harbor Market. They have sandwiches, crepes, etc. I took pictures because I love that nautical, beachy style of decorating.

I just noticed that girl. ^^^^  hahahaha

Hi, Dad. :)

 

It was fun going to church at our old building. I'm famous! Young Women's for life!

Stephanie makes a great coat rack.

 

 

 

 

We had lunch at Anthony's in Gig Harbor. Good food and a beautiful view.

 

We all decided that this house is adorable!!

Me and my sisters in the back of the beach house we stayed at.

 

 

 

It really was such a great weekend. I only wished it lasted a little longer.

Luke is 1!

Time sure flies for baby #4. I can't believe Luke is one already. I decided to throw a little party with Nate's family, and I chose The Hungry Caterpillar for the theme. (I love that book.) It was really fun to put it together, and thought it turned out cute.

 

I am so thankful to have little Luke in our family. He's such a fun, sweet baby. He is also super active and high maintenance at times, but we love him nonetheless. He's 13 1/2 months now and he can stand on his own, but hasn't taken any steps yet, which is OK with me. I'm sure he'll be taking off any day now. At his 12 month appointment, he weighed just under 18 pounds, so he's a little guy. No surprise there though, since the girls have always been on the small side.

 

We love you, Luke! I can't wait to watch you grow and show even more of your cute personality.

 

"How dare you take a picture of me. How dare you."

 

 

Family Pictures 2015

A very talented photographer in my ward (Randi Brunt) took our family pictures back in 2013 and I loved them, so I knew who to call when I wanted pictures done this year (end of July). I had no professional pictures taken of Luke, up until that point, so I was excited to have some. We met her at the Liberty Lake County Park because I love the scenery there. I am so happy with how these turned out!!! Randi is amazing.