Saturday Salmon run!

Here's where the butterflies started!

Lena, Dawn and I before the race

The kids getting ready for their race. Lizzy had a hard time at first, but with Aaron's help she did it.

Meliah was very impressive! She finished 3 overall as an 8 year-old. The pain in her face really makes me wonder if she is the competitive one in the family.

Our picture after the race! Notice I'm still not standing up straight.


I did my first real run as an adult this last Saturday at the Salmon run in Oroville. I almost put it off but I decided I better stick with it and just bare through the butterflies and do it.

It was the most difficult thing I've ever done next to giving birth to my children. I think I should have carefully checked out the course, because I didn't expect any hills. I didn't train at all for climbing any slopes. I also have been training in the early morning when getting overheated is never an issue. 6.2 miles of heat and hills made for a very torturous run!

I am grateful I did it now, because I think any other race I do will seem a breeze to me. The kids came too and did the Kids Run, which was a half mile. They did really well! I was able to run with 2 awesome ladies that I totally love. Funny the mind games that I play with myself while am miserable! I think runners really have to be a positive people to overcome pain and to continue on. I was amazed at how many people pay to run in events like these. But I must say, eventhough it was a super challenging experience I am grateful for it and feel so much stronger because of it!

Baptism and anniversary!

The whole Eller Family! We could tell it was a wonderful day for Mom and Dad Eller and it was so nice to see everyone eventhough it was for a very short time.

Some of the cousins that were willing to pose for me. (oh, and uncle Jon)

Taylor after the baptism and a couple of her cousins her age.

Can we go pick up Meliah?

Meliah and Lizzy

It's so funny that she thought she had to look at the camera even when she is kissing me.

It has started and I'm not sure how I am going to deal with it. Lizzy misses her sister so much during the day it drives me crazy. Luckily today Lizzy has preschool so I won't have to hear her say, "Can we go pick up Meliah" until about 1 o'clock. Yesterday, we had to go grocery shopping and Lizzy thought we were going to pick up Meliah. She was so upset! I guess I just need to try to up my playing skills so I can be as fun and energetic as Meliah (ha ha - impossible)! Meliah is really fun to play with and I'm so grateful for her... listening to them play, I could never compare to her imagination!

Christian plays for the Kaliodoscope Black and White Dinner

Christian getting ready to perform "Spanish Caballero"

Christian with his new friend, Alexander

Christian played the piano for the Kaliodoscope Black and White dinner this weekend. He was able to play with some amazing pianists. One that he was impressed with was a senior in high school, Alexander Apogoti (Greek, so I'm not sure if I spelled it correctly), who is a very accomplished pianist. Alexander also composes his own music and performed one of his own pieces. It was amazing! Christian always gets really excited to see male pianists that are very talented because he's still in the stage of wondering if he shouldn't like it because it's mostly girls that do it. Christian played a song called, "Spanish Caballero" and he played it perfectly. It was a great opportunity for him. My shy guy is learning to share his talent.

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad as the baby with his mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. (Longevity runs in the family)

Dad with 5 of his children (I was the next to come)

My wedding day!

My dad turned a year older today. He looks way younger than he is. My dad is one of the greatest men I have ever met. He has always been there for me and for my little family. He has taught me to be righteous by his quiet example. He is a funny guy that loves to tell stories and has the quickest witt! I always laugh at his jokes... probably because they are simple enough that I get them. I remember my dad giving a talk in church one time (He didn't seem to have any notes with him) and I was shocked at how easily he was able to share the gospel by what was just in his head. He began his talk by telling how many members were in the church at various points in history and how the church has grown in his lifetime. He told about the changes he had seen in his life as far as his service and experience in the church. Then he said something that really stuck with me, "I am so grateful to be a part of this church, I know it is true". I felt the spirit so strong and knew that my dad has lived his life for the gospel and for building the kingdom of God. I'm grateful for him and for all those who came before him that contributed to the kind of man he is.

Back to my stomping grounds!

3 generations - Grandpa Lee, Aaron and Christian

The kids playing at the beach.

Grandpa

Rick, Becky and Lexie around the campfire

Becky, after I made her stop to pose during our bike ride. I love you Becky... I couldn't put the one of me with you, you look way too skinny next to me. ha ha!

The kids eating muddy buddies! They acted like I caught them... maybe they were feeling quilty about eating so many treats!

Christian spent a lot of time with his sling shot! He wants a cousin his age, or one of the boys to hang out with. Jon, Scott, Alex, Rick and his dad were his buddies though. They said he kept up on the bike ride and everything!

Meliah and Taylor

Twas Scott's birthday while we were there! Happy Birthday Scott... 29 right?

Christian trying to act really excited while watching Scott and Jon play chess. He loved the hammocks and wants to buy one with his savings.

Aaron with his mom! Like I said... way too many treats up there.

Lizzy and her buddy Bella! Really like two peas in a pod. Unseparable!

Cuties in the lake

Aaron with his brother, Jon. Jon just got back from his mission in Brazil.


The guys trying to set up Kerri and Alex's mansion tent! It took forever, but they got it, finally!


Over Labor Day weekend we went up to Little Grass Valley Reservoir with Aaron's side of the family. It's only about 30 miles from where I grew up, I realized that I need to share more of who I am and what I love with my kids and husband. I absolutely love to see the stars at night, the pine trees and just the smell of the cool air.

I went on a jog one morning with plans to run 7 miles but the altitude was so much different from what I am used to. 4 miles was good enough!

We played a ton of games and went on a really fun bike ride. Becky and I did our own little extended bike ride... it was so beautiful. Kerri did a neat thing every day that if the kids found the rock that was painted like a bee, they would get a treat. They really enjoyed that. Grandma and Becky did a ton of crafts with the kids, which they loved. Bella and Lizzy had a blast together and were followed by Lexie the entire time. They played in the dirt for the majority of the time. Meliah and Taylor played non-stop too, riding bikes, doing crafts and inventing things to do! They giggled together so much!

There is just something about the outdoors, no cellphones, computers, video games or t.v. to distract from what Heavenly Father created for us to enjoy.

Busy few days!

Christian - 5th grade - 1st day of school

Teacher - Mrs. Shannon

Jon returned home from his mission on Saturday. He served in Brazil for 2 years!

The kids holding the welcome home poster that they put so much work into!

Christian and Elder Eller