Is it really over??

Fall is in the air. Really? Is summer gone? Yes, I think it is. What did we do...where did the time go? As I look back at my summer pictures, here is what my kids did:

Tied each other up:

Played dress-up (actually, this is what she really wears.)

Catching frogs in our window wells (scary that I don't really know any of these children in the picture?!)

Swimming.

Goodbye summer. See you next year.

Hidden Gem...

Well, come Friday last week, Jesse could tell that I was in need of a time out. Ever have those days/weeks? Yep - I had one and I needed out! So....off we went to a getaway not too far from our home. Destination: Park City, more specifically, The Canyons Ski Resort. I had no idea such a little gem was waiting there to be explored. We've made many trips to Park City, but never stayed at the Canyons. I am taking more time outs....SOON!

This trip entailed:
- School shopping at the outlet mall
- Cafe Rio
- Laying by the pool
- Sleeping in

Next trip:
- More sleeping in, perhaps a nap
- More pool and barbecuing by the pool
- Exploring the hills - perhaps a hike
- Some fun with the kids on Main - they love the Alpine Slide.

Ah....Bring on the next week. I'm ready.

Happy Anniversary!

This wedding picture still makes me giggle every time I see it. It looks like it was taken in 1977, not 1997. 13 years.....what a ride! Love you, Jess.

Bike parade...

Our Primary had a bike parade for Pioneer Day last week. The kids were so excited to decorate their bikes and ride from the church to the park.

*notice what Emma is wearing...it was like 100 degrees that day.

Calling all women...again...

Ok girls - over a year ago I posted the blog post below when a friend of mine, Kristi, and I started a fitness and nutrition company. Well, one year later we are still growing and want to continue to help thousands more women. Some have asked me what we do and how they can take part. I am having a little Girls Night Out Thursday, July 29 @ 6:30 pm at my house. Come try some of the yummy food and find out how to lose weight, keep it off, and love your new body. Visit our website to see more before and afters and register for the event. So....here is a repost:

As you can imagine it is not without a little hesitancy and a lot of anxiety that I'm putting these pictures out there for the world to see. As many of you know there has been a "life-style" change at the Allen house. The change wasn't easy at first, but the results were exactly what I wanted and I couldn't be happier. Since making this change I've lost 17.6 pounds, but more importantly I lost 12.88 % of body fat, 5 inches of my hips, 3.5 inches from my waist, and 2.75 inches from my thighs. More importantly I gained a new found respect for setting and achieving goals, gained greater self-discipline and respect, and a new appreciation for my abilities. So if a chocolate loving, candy craving, sugar devouring, sweet-aholic like me can do it so can you, and that is the real point of this blog. Together with my good friend Kristi Attaway, we've started a new company to help women maximize their potential and achieve their fitness goals. Bring a friend....You'll have a blast discovering you're true potential, and you'll be able to do it while being accountable to your friends.

Before:

12 weeks after:

Graceful Exit...

You have to watch her exit after the jump...classic Emma!

10 places I want to visit....

1. Italy -- just sounds romantic.
2. Turkey -- heard it is amazing.
3. Greece -- with Susan and Wayne, of course.
4. Boston in the fall -- one of my favorite seasons.
5. Oregon Coast -- I went when I was little, but would appreciate it more now.
6. Brazil -- Jesse served his mission there. (although he is scared to take me)
7. Tahiti -- who doesn't want to go there?
8. Washington DC -- in the spring preferrably to see the cherry blossoms.
9. Texas -- go big or go home.
10. Outer Banks -- I keep seeing stickers on people's cars for this...I feel like I am missing out. Am I?