Fulk Family Olympics 2012

While in Utah, we had a Fulks Family Reunion. I was in charge this year, and we did an over night event with an olympics theme...considering that the olympics were going on this summer, it fit perfectly. It was a lot of planning getting this reunion planned, but so worth it. I love every bit of it, from the trampoline contest, to the diving contest, to stories around the fire, to the family run, to the opening ceremonies, to the family games and events.  It just made me so happy to be with my family doing such a fun thing. We had the whole event in my mom and Dad's back yard, and just set up tents there.  The whole event was perfect and great memories were made. I have the GREATEST FAMILY EVER!!!! 

Okay...I HAVE to admit. The family five K was MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!! I loved running with so many members of my family through Farmington. I seriously kind of got emotional about it. I just miss out on so many things with my family, that something like this was extra special. 

We made it to Utah!!!! (August 2012)

We truly didn't know if we would make it to Utah this year. It is so expensive to take the whole family, and though I had been saving and saving, we only had about half of what we needed (because airfare is SO high this year). But at the last minute, a miracle happened, and we were able to buy tickets for the exact amount we had saved. I know the Lord provides for us. It was such an important year for us to be together with my family in Utah. Our last summer before Kinsey goes to college, and we were SO anxious to get to Utah to spend time with Brooklyn and support her through her chemo. Me and the kids were able to go for 3 weeks, and John came from one week...and then I stayed an extra week to get Kinsey settled at school.  OH THE MEMORIES we make each summer with my sweet wonderful family. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH, and I love having our summer of fun with them. Swim parties, sleep overs, barbeques, movies, outdoor plays, etc. etc. Love!

The absolute BEST part of the summer was getting to spend time with Brooklyn.  She is a TRUE INSPIRATION.  She has had such a hard summer and had such horrible reactions to her Chemo, but when we got to utah, a true miracle happened. She was pretty much "well" the whole time we were there. She got to spend so much time with us, and Kennedy and her were the same old best friends/cousins, that they ever were. Brooklyn is so brave, and so positive.   I felt like I learned from her daily. We love you Brooklyn. 

 The twin cousins...back together again...like nothing has changed a bit. That is what true friendship and family means. circumstances might change...but what is important stays the same. 

 One day my dad had my boys and Parker help him get an old stump out of the ground. It took them HOURS, and I honestly think it was one of the best parts of their visit.  My boys worked and worked for hours, two days in a row.  Cooper never stopped and was in there with the older kids the whole time. I love it that my Dad is teaching my boys to work hard on his property. I love it that my boys were so happy to do a hards day work. 

Kennedy and my mom. We all enjoyed quite a few wonderful nights over at the new Farmington "Station Park" shopping area. Fun playground. Great restaurants, and a really neat fountain with music and a light show all evening long. 

 My sweet sister in Law Jodi and baby Emme.

 We were SO excited to be in Utah for Madi's baptism.  We miss all the good stuff like that, so to be there for such a special event, was pure heaven. She was like a little angel. 

Had a great girls night out with my mom, my sisters, and some grown nieces. We enjoyed City Creek shopping area in SLC. It is so beautiful and brand new. I got to meet my great niece Isabell for the first time. We ate at the Cheese cake factory and had such a nice night. 

I met three new babies this summer. Caden my great nephew, Emme, my niece, and Isabel my great niece. I hate being so far away from these sweeties. 

                                                           

Family 5K on the 4th!

On the 4th of July, we decided to run a five K. It was going to be me and the girls and Carver, and John and Coop were going to cheer for us, and maybe run a little bit.  So we started the run (and let me remind you this is Florida in July...and it is HOT HOT HOT), and as we finish the first half of the race and turn around, Carver and I realize that Cooper and John are not far behind us. Cooper is running running running. What in the world?  My five year old has run half the race!  We kept running, Kinsey was way out in front (and she and a big group even ran an extra mile because they were guided to go the wrong way), and every time I looked behind, there was Cooper running right along side of John and Kennedy.  He was soaking wet with sweat, but he just kept going. Kinsey and I and Carver finished the race, and then we watched for the the others, figuring Cooper would be walking by then. Well, here comes John and Cooper and Kennedy...and Cooper is STILL running.  That little guy ran THE WHOLE 3 MILES.  He is only five. And it was 90 degrees. And he is only five. John said Coop just wouldn't stop and wanted to do the whole thing. He passed quite a few people too. He was not last to come in or anything. I think he did the whole thing in about 36 minutes. It was a fun run for all of us, followed by a baseball game and picnic with the ward, and then fireworks and a 4th of a july festival in our neighborhood. I ALWAYS miss being in Utah on the 4th. I love being with my family and running with them and going to the parade, but we made a pretty fun memory for ourselves.