Cancun Slide Show

Chile Slide Show

It's over

Ahh. That was me breathing out. I feel like I have been holding my breath for the last month while preparing for the triathlon. Now I can think about something else. Well, almost. I am going over and over in my mind what we can do to improve next year. I will get over it. So, on to the next thing. I guess that will be Emily graduating from High School. Yikes, my nest is getting emptier. Odd how I resented the "empty nesters" when my kids were young. Now, I don't want to be one of them. The next month will be full of end of the year activities, especially Ems. I am much more relaxed about her graduation than I was about Dallin's. I guess experience does that for you. I wrote a rather harsh letter to the editor of USA Today newspaper. An article in the paper was blaming global warming on religion. Specifically the Catholics and Mormons. His theory was that over population was the downfall of our planet and because the Catholics eschew birth control and Mormons are encouraged to have lots of children, we were mostly to blame. Can you believe it. WOW. So, I wrote a letter deliniating the evils of newspaper journalists. I hope they print it. He was an idiot. Ok. enough ranting. Read the article if you get a chance, it is ridiculous. It is in the April 21 edition of the USA Today, by Oliver "Buzz" Thompson. Okay, I feel better now. Ta Ta

A FEW MORE PHOTOS

So many of you said how much Jesse looked like Darrin that I had to go find a picture. Jess is a little older than Darrin in this picture, but they have similar expressions. He's just a chip off the old block. Here are a few more of my favorites. Enjoy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARRIN

Darrin's birthday is April 16th-poor thing, it falls between taxes and triathlon. He deserves much more, but here is my Ode to Darrin:

He is everything a girl dreams of...

cute, funny, strong, happy, compassionate, strong, spiritual, loving, patient,

handsome, successful, humble, adventurous, athletic, smart, respectful, helpful, easy-going, enthusiastic, great husband, great dad, great leader, great son, great son-in-law, GREAT catch. It is a good thing he was fishing.

I love you, honey. Marcie

"Mayan Massage"

Those of us who were able to go to the Coba ruins in Cancun had a memorable trip. Our guide, Edgar, was comical. The last ten minutes to the sink hole were horrendous. Of course, we laughed like little kids the whole way. Nona was especially entertaining. Ask her about photos from the front and the back of the van. Ha Ha. Love ya Nona. This video captures just a moment of the ride.

I NEED TO LEARN TO SAY NO!

For those of you who don't know, I am the director of the Varsity Scout Triathlon held in our valley every year (18 and counting). After spending such a relaxing time in Mexico, not worrying about anything, the reality of the event is weighing heavily. It is April 18th and 19th in Pima. We were at EAC for all the previous years, but they had to close their pool, so.....It has been like starting over. I have great staff members that ease the stress, but with over 1,000 participants (latest count) I don't stop stressing until it is over. Last year we had an unexpected storm that brought freezing temps and 40 mph winds. Yikes! The show goes on though. Only serious lightning can stop us. Most of the racers come from the Phx area. It is a huge deal to them. They prepare all year and really get into it. Some of them get into it too much. hehe The race consists of a 200 meter swim, 6 mile bike, and 2 mile run. This year we have added a rock climbing wall and a Life Flight helicopter to entertain the boys during the down time. Should be fun. I will be CRAZY for the next two weeks, so I am not responsible for anything I do or don't do until it is over. This first picture is of my great nephew Dylan, after the swim.

CANCUN SHOOT THE MOON!

We did it. We all went to Mexico and had a great time. Mom was well and so was Jayna. We were so well taken care of. Our package allowed us to eat all we wanted, whenever we wanted, whatever we wanted, and we took advantage! Filet Mignon, Grouper, Rib-eye, Shrimp, Veal Shank, Pork cooked in banana leaves, fruit, Daquari's, Pina Coladas, and Miami Vices(all non alcholic of course) it was amazing. With no responsibilities we all (even Uncle Mark) relaxed at the beach or by the pool in our tourist clothes. We went to the Mayan ruins in Coba, an awe-inspiring place. There we rappeled into a cenote (sink hole) and floated in clear blue water with fish and stalagtites. Next, we experienced a Mayan blessing by a shaman. Interesting. We canoed, hiked, kayaked, sailed, rode a zip-line, and climbed 120 stair steps up a pyramid. We went to church in Cancun Centro at a lovely large building that was a haven in the midst of town. There we met some lovely people. The bishop's counselor and a priest came to the hotel and gave mom the Sacrament with us. That was a truly moving moment. We shoped at the flea market and spent a lot of pesos. We befriended a fantastic young man named Isreal(he is in the back in our family pic). He was the head waiter at the buffet we attended very often. He instructed us in the art of peeling a mango and dazzled us with card tricks. When we returned from church he told us he was a member. WOW! He has two children 7 and 4. His wife died in childbirth with the 4 year old. He was at our beck and call. We were spoiled beyond belief. I can't possibly write enough or share enough pictures to convey the experience, so.......talk to one of us!