Getting back in shape is always rough the first couple of weeks and this first week is as rough as they get. Shin splints and tight hamstrings I am sure are just the beginning of the pain in using muscles that haven't been used in months (not to mention the pain from riding a bike for the first time in 3 years). But you plug along, or it doesn't get better. That much I have learned over the years. All is well, moving on and getting in shape!

In pondering upcoming events in my life, it dawned on me that my 20 year reunion is in 2010. So I immediately decided it was time to get in shape, and now. I am going to do the St. George triathlon again in November to give me something to work towards and keep me motivated. Then there is plenty of time to decide what to do after that. I told Miriam (a friend from high school) that I would love to see her next year as well as many others, but I really want to see who got fat and bald. I just don't want it to be me, and thus, the triathlon. Wish me luck, or come walking with me!

We had a great time in Utah last month and before Kyle flew home and Mitch went to EFY we got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Clingo and Great Grandma Musick. We don't get to see great grandma very often so it was good to be able to have that time with her and her sweet, fun spirit. We are glad to see she is doing so much better from her stroke last year and that she still has her sense of humor. We love her dearly.

Our South Dakota Vacation

Our trip to South Dakota was filled with fun and friends. We stayed with our good friends the Policki's who were the most gracious of hosts. All nine children got along wonderfully, like we had never moved away and they all had grown up together. Even Matthew would ask,"Trenten house?"

Anyway, we did lots of cool things and the kids (even Courtney) had lots of fun. Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park were part of the cool part but boating on Pactola Lake 4-wheeling and mini-golfing were definitely part of the fun.

We stopped at Martin's Cove on our way to South Dakota last week. What a wonderful experience. Realizing that the pioneers pulled the same kind of wagons without being on a smooth trail (and having to watch out for snakes). And every day for months! Well, once we really started pulling we didn't wear our jackets for long, it was quite the workout. It was a three and a half hour trek, part of the way gratefully without the handcart. The cove was peaceful and reverent and the missionaries there told us stories of the pioneers hardships. Courtney, Spencer and Matt got to ride most of the way back in the cart (it actually made it easier to balance). As we parked the handcart we were grateful for our own challenges and then climbed back in the car for our seven hour drive to South Dakota.