We had a really fun time in St. George over the weekend. We went down to see Macy compete in a half-marathon down there, but we ended up doing a lot of other stuff too.
After arriving Friday night, we went to the dinner with the Beans (Kerstin was running the race too) and then we all split up to our different accommodations. By that I mean that Kerstin and Macy went off to their hotel to get a good night's sleep away from the family chaos, while Wade and I bedded down with the kids at the condo (generously provided by the Bean relatives). The kids get their sleep, Wade and I get to watch a game, and Macy and Kerstin get to relax- everybody wins.
In the morning Wade and I got up and took all the kids to see Macy and Kerstin off. Due to our just-in-time arrival (did I mention it was two guys and four kids?), there was no time for 'before' photos. But it was fun to see Macy and Kerstin all pumped up and geared out, flying high on the energy beans and 'Rocktane' GU, strapped up to their iPods and various layers of breathable synthetic fibers. The starting gun went off (was there really a gun? I don't remember now. If there wasn't, there should have been), and off they flew, buoyed up by our cheers.
Wade and I had some time to kill. We drove up to the St. George airport, which is on a big bluff overlooking the city. The planes fly in right over your head, and you can look out over the big valley for some great views. Then we drove back to the race site, which is adjacent to a big Wildlife Museum. This Museum was really something-- exactly the kind of quirky institution you'd expect to see in a smaller city trying to be sort of cosmopolitan, but letting its backwater roots show through the cracks. First, you see a bunch of taxidermied animals (they have an exhibit on taxidermy which specifically tells you not to call these animals 'stuffed,' because it's very insulting to taxidermists. And you need to be very careful with stuff like that, because taxidermists are everywhere, and are easily offended). This big exhibit, the main part of the museum, is like being at Cabela's, but with an entry fee.
If you click on this photo to expand it, you'll see that the reeves muntjac to the right of Rex's head has fangs. Seriously. Messed up.
The museum outfits every kid with field glasses. You have to wait til the end to handle the hunting rifles.
This place was heaven for Molly. She wandered and wandered, only rarely mingling with the animals themselves.
Kanga and Roo
Baloo and MowgliThen, after you see all the exhibits honoring all these extraordinary animals, simulating their poses in their natural habitats, you go into the hunting room, where you learn how to kill them. After that, there's even a rifle range that allows you to take simulated shots at simulated forest folk. (It was out of order, sadly).
Rex and Lucy ready to head in nature and spread death among the furry animals they've been admiring.
Lucy and Charlotte loved playing in this replica of a camouflaged hunting stand.
The fish pond was the biggest hit with the two little ones, who were less into the guns and hunting gear.Then you go see the exhibit on taxidermy, followed, finally by, (I kid you not) the "Exotic Insects Exhibit, brought to you by Morgan Pest Control." Message of the day: Animals are beautiful. The best way for us to enjoy the beauty is to kill them and mount them on our walls.
After that little adventure, it was time to walk out and see the ladies coming in. An accomplished runner himself, Wade had predicted they'd be rolling in about 2 hours and 30 minutes after start time. We headed out at 2:10-ish, just to be safe. And lo and behold, at exactly 2:16 into the race, what did we see?
That's right, she crushed it. Kerstin was just a few strides behind her too (sorry, Kerst, no photo, as we were running to see Macy when she finished). I have to say that watching Macy cruise through the finish line was a really satisfying thing- moving even- a moment of real pride for a pretty significant accomplishment. It looked like she was still at top speed as she finished. We were all very, very proud.
After that, it was time to relax for a while. Late breakfast, afternoon swim, dinner and a video. Given that all four of us are board game fans, it was surprising that none of us had the energy to gin something up that night, but the race had exhausted us all (no, it wasn't quite as hard on us as it was on Macy and Kerstin, but then we didn't get the free drink and snack that Macy and Kerstin got either).
Next morning the Bells checked out from the Bean condo, but on the way out of town, we stopped at Snow Canyon National Park, for a little time in the beautiful, soft fine red sand dunes.
The kids LOVED playing around in the sand. So much that later that night, after a five hour drive, when I took Molly's tights off, I found a big pile of red sand sitting on her belly. That was cool.
Pulling out of town, we had to hit In-n-Out for lunch on the way home. I asked the kids how they were enjoying their burgers, and Rex said "I am totally glued to this hamburger." I think that means he liked it.
Anyway, three cheers to Macy, the motor that keeps our family running, the center of the whole outfit, and now, by far our family's most accomplished athlete too!*
*I know there will be objections to this label, but really, there will always be other days to discuss the fourth place showing of my college intramural football team. Let's let Macy have her moment in the spotlight.
