Salt Lake City Half Marathon 2012

Over Christmas break my cousin announced that she'd be getting married!! I so wanted to go, but since it was in Utah and during deployment I didn't think that the odds were in my favor. That is until my parents volunteered to watch my babies while my brother and I went to the wedding. I love my parents. They will never know how badly I needed this little adventure. 
As the date drew closer something dawned on me. I would be without my children for two whole days. Suddenly I started feeling really anxious. Like really anxious. I mean, what in the world would I take pictures of?
What's going on here? Snap out of it Jess! It's just two days! Your babies will be fine. In fact they were more than fine! They were being spoiled by their grandparents! I know people probably thought I was crazy missing my babies so much, but seriously guys- two days is a long time for Mommies. 
And of course, what's a vacation without waking up at 4:45 in the morning to run a half marathon? Certainly not any vacation I'm interested in. ;)

I was so excited to be running with a buddy this time! CAITLIN! Yes!!! She is amazing!  We had such a great time.

I thought it was appropriate to begin with the "port-a-potty" picture. After all, it is the first thing on the agenda for race day... 

Mountains!!! LOOK!!! Do you see them? I was in awe the entire trip. Every time I walked outside, or got in a car- Mountains people! Aren't they just beautiful? All the Utah people thought I had problems every time I shouted out... "Look! Mountains!" Can't find those in Texas...gosh I just want to go climb one!

The start! Can you find us?

Ah-Ha! There we are!

Caitlin and I had so much fun! I had no idea how much fun it would be to run with a buddy. We talked and laughed the whole way! I didn't even turn on my ipod! We are such goofballs! Just a little dance for the camera. We were tired, but you'd never guess.
I'm a fan of sun-spot pictures. I don't really know why, just am. Still talking and laughing... And look! Mountains!Sprinting at the finish!!! 
We did it!!! And even with all the goofing around we managed to finish in 2:07! I was excited about that.

We are weird. How else do you take a picture with Caitlin anyway? haha!

At least we think we're hilarious! hahaha!

My brother and this girlfriend along with Jared and Devin Payne came to the finish! And I got to meet the newest member of the Payne Family! Little Ayden!

 Ayden was adopted only a month ago! He is the cutest little thing ever!!! Sometimes I am in awe at how awesome this family is that I married into. It's good to be a Payne. Welcome Ayden! And Congratulations to Jared and Devin...