House O' Sullivans

Three Saturdays ago we hiked our second major summit of the season--Mount Aire--on the ridge line between Millcreek and Parley's Canyon. It was similar in distance and elevation gain to Mount Flagstaff (the one we'd done the week before), but this one had a trail all the way to the top. That trail made hiking seem easy compared with the previous weeks epic although it still took us the better part of the day. It was hot (high 90s in the valley) and Sophie kept asking me if there would be trees on the summit so she could rest in some shade. Her wish was granted! We had an Oreo, trail mix, quinoa salad (to offset the Oreos), and fruit fest on the peak that lasted at least an hour. Zeke used his time on top scurrying around, discovering and claiming several "forts" in the mahogany trees.    Lindy and Sophie in the shade of a mahogany tree near the summit of Mount Aire.  Lou and I demonstrating the concept of yin and yang: eating organic apples (above) and Oreos...

I finally did it! I ran a marathon again!!  The Saturday before last, I woke up at 4:30 am, nursed the baby, then had Casey drive me to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon and drop me off. It was still dark, although nearly 6 am by then. Something about being on an epic adventure--like a self-supported marathon--in the early morning in the mountains is incredibly invigorating.  Going solo just added to the epicness.  I'd made a goal this year of running another marathon. I haven't run one since Casey and I were married and after ten years and four kids I felt like it was time to get off the couch as they say in the industry.  I've been running for several months to get ready and it hasn't been easy. I've needed to do my running in the mornings while Casey is still home but before the kids wake up and before Casey needs to be at work. Lindy often wakes up once or twice (or on occasion many times) at night and it is hard to get myself out of bed. I often get u...