Finally the frog

We go walking around our lake almost every night.  And while walking we are obsessed with catching or at least trying to catch frogs.  We have been unsuccessful for a while now and Scott and I both have been getting so mad.  Probably ruining these great memories for my kids.  Anyway finally we got one.  I was acting all tough, like totally cool with grabbing him and holding him.  But I got close, and completely freaked out.  I couldn't do it.  What the crap happened to me?  I used to catch frogs all the time as a kid.  It's like being an adult makes you think everything through way to much.  Like, what if he bites me?  Well my fearless child casually grabbed him and wouldn't let go, he was instantly in love.  He named him kermit of course:)  

Life is so fun with kids, just seeing his happy face brought me pure joy.  Isn't that the point of life?  Pure joy. 

This is him saying good bye.  Hugs. 

Liberty & Carthage Jail & Nauvoo

Isn't this Temple majestic? 

This is the view from the Nauvoo Temple, so pretty. 

Liberty jail was a surprise to me.  I don't know what I was expecting but it was pretty shocking to actually see where these men were held, and the conditions they lived in.  I was impressed with the church recreating the look and the feeling of this part of history.  The spirit was very powerful, but then again it always is when Joseph Smith is involved.  Love that prophet so much.

Carthage was interesting, mostly because we randomly met up with Alicia and Britton.  We had planned at some point to meet up with them in Nauvoo, but ended up running into each other in Carthage.  This place is prettier than I expected.  Very simple and clean.  I felt like I had been there before probably because of the church movies.  I found myself wondering what those men in the mob where feeling after it was over?  Or what they are thinking and feeling now?  Such a sad day.  I personally love Joseph Smith and I am so grateful for his life and his love and testimony.  I also gained a deep love for Hyrum Smith, always dedicated and supportive of his brother.  What great men.

This was funny to me.  Alicia and I served together on our missions (she was my trainer).  We always kinda joked about the quote by John Taylor, "In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated." 

This picture is yet another example of my darling daughter who can't smile for the camera. 

Iron Girl Triathlon

My crazy yet genius sister Mandy, forced me, against my will to do another Triathlon.   We as a team of 50 women from all over, connected together through her website averagetrigirl.com for training and inspiration.  I personally trained alone, and wished I had a team around me.  But when we all came together at the Las Vegas Resort it was magical, to have so many women supporting each other.  I was thrilled to be doing it along side my mom and sister.  My thoughts right before we started the race in open water was.... What the H???? Why am I doing this.  I so hate my sister right now!  But once the swim was over I could somewhat enjoy it.  It is incredibly rewarding crossing the finish line knowing you, all by yourself accomplished something very hard.  Victory!  I am so glad its over, we will see if she gets me next year.