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50th Wedding Anniversary

July 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

My Grandma and Grandpa Tanner just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and we were able to have an amazing family celebration with them! During the previous week they were able to visit Navoo with some of our parents. They all had a wonderful time and I know they made many great memories together. After flying back to Utah on Thursday night, we all met up at a church house on Friday afternoon. All of their kids were able to be there along with most of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

When they first arrived at the church house we greeted them by throwing rice in the air. It was a time of celebration, but we all got a little emotional too. We love them both so much and we know they love each other!

It was so fun for all the kids to be there and see their great grandparents still so in love after 50 years together.

At the church house we had a little talent show. Their were many talents that brought back old memories of great times we’ve had together and new talents being developed.

After the talent show we headed back to the Coleman’s home where we got a chance to watch Grandma and Grandpa open some gifts. One of my favorites was the book of memories. Tom and I were able to write a few of our favorite memories for the book. It was really neat for all of us to have that opportunity to share those with them. They are so loved by so many people. It might take them a year just to read all the memories… hehe We also got to watch a really neat slideshow and some video of them.

We had a delicious meal together and then enjoyed swimming in the pool for hours! The kids loved it, but the adults may have loved it even more. I got to swim while Lilah took a nap for 2 hours, then she woke up and I played and swam with her for a few more.

We were all quite tired, but very happy by the end of the day. I am so grateful to be part of this family! They are all so incredibly giving, and loving, and it all started with Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you for your love for us! Happy 5oth!

Filed Under: family, food, out of town
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Boise Ironman 70.3

June 12, 2011 By 1 Comment

Tom just completed his first half Ironman! This event consists of a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride, and finishes with at 13.1 mile run. Back in 2009, Tom did his very first sprint triathlon and has toyed with doing this distance ever since. This weekend he got his chance! The race took place in Boise, Idaho which was quite convenient since my family lives up there. We drove up to my parents house on Thursday night and spent the weekend there.

Friday afternoon we headed downtown for the race registration. Grandma Tanner so helpful with Lilah while Tom and I waited in line to pick up information and supplies. During registration, we found out that Lucky Peak Reservoir (the location of the swim) was only going to be 53 degrees on race day. Tom had his own wetsuit, but it was the sleeveless kind, and I was worried about him swimming in that freezing water. Luckily, we were able to find a swim shop downtown that still had 1 long-sleeved wetsuit available for rent. Big relief!

After picking up the wetsuit, we met up with Nathan and Kendra. Nathan and Tom headed up to Lucky Peak to drop off their bikes at transition 1,  while the rest of us headed back to my parents house. We all had a fun family dinner together and stayed up a little too late making race plans and getting prepared. Everyone seemed excited and a little nervous, even those that weren’t competing.

The boys got up earlier on Saturday morning than the rest of us and left for downtown. They had to catch the shuttle bus to the starting line. Each bus ticket was $8 (plus you would be stuck up at the lake until everyone was done swimming) so we decided to cheer the boys on at different portions of the race instead of watching the start. Nathan and Tom’s wave started at 12:45pm, so we left for Boise around 1:30.

We first stopped at the Boise Institute building, where my mom works, and made that our home base. We set up our pack-n-plays and put the 2 kids down for their naps. Then my mom, listened for the kids while Kendra and I set out to cheer on our boys! (Thank you Mom!!) We were able to see them finish the biking portion of the race and watch them transition to the run portion before having to head back to get the kids. Both boys looked good at that point!

After seeing them we ran back to the institute building, grabbed the kids and we all headed out again. We only had to walk about a mile from the institute building to be right down in the action again. Kendra headed to the finish line and Mom and I picked a portion of the running trail where we could wait for Tom. We had a great time cheering people on and being inspired by all their hard work. Lilah actually started cheering and clapping for people too! It was really cute. It sounded like she was yelling “guay guay!” then she’d clap and yell every 30 seconds or so… I don’t know what she was trying to say, but she was definitely cheering for the runners.

We got to see Nathan run by, but hadn’t seen Tom yet after we had been there for about an hour. We decided to head to the finish line since we weren’t sure where Tom was. Sadly we found out later that we had probably just missed him before getting there and missed him coming around for his second lap pretty soon after we left for the finish line.

At the finish line Mom was so nice to walk around with Lilah in her stroller while I watched for Tom. We were all so excited to see him when he came around the corner! He still looked great and crossed the finish line strong. We had a fun little reunion before he headed off to grab his food. After he’d gotten through the food line he started feeling really sick. We gathered up his bike and transition bags, but by the time we got to the car he was feeling pretty sick.

Saturday night was rough for Tom, but he was still quite positive and very happy that he had been able to finish. He woke up Sunday morning feeling good and we were able to enjoy going to church with my family.

After church we had a delicious dinner, and then Mom and Dad spoiled Tom and Lilah with gifts for their birthdays. It was really fun to see Lilah learn to open gifts for the first time. She did pretty well, especially when she could see that there was something she wanted inside. I think her favorite was a doggie book…she didn’t even know what to do with herself, she was so excited! She also got some adorable clothes and a little purse with bracelets in it! (You’re so thoughtful and fun mom! Thanks again!)

Mom also picked out a really nice polo shirt for Tom and bought him an awesome T-shirt from the race! Tom had just been talking about how he wished he’d bought a shirt. Then my Dad surprised us by giving Tom his very own, old-school BYU sweatshirt! Tom has been a huge admirer of that sweatshirt ever since we first met. We had a hard time accepting it, but Dad convinced us that it would make him happy to see Tom enjoy it so much. (Thanks again Dad!)

We had a really wonderful weekend, and we’re glad we all made it back home safely!

Filed Under: exercise/sport, family, out of town, outdoors
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Salem Springs Triathlon

June 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Today Tom got to participate in the Salem Springs Sprint Triathlon. Nathan and Tom decided to do this triathlon last minute to help prepare for their Boise Half Iron man next weekend! Nathan and Kendra spent the night at our place on Friday so that the boys could head down to Salem first thing in the morning. Kendra and I met them down there for the beginning of the race so the kids could sleep in a little longer.

The course was set up very conveniently for the spectators. The transition area was right in the middle of a park. So first, they swam in a lake connected to the park, then they did a bike lope twice which went by the park, then they did a run loop and ended in the park. I loved being able to cheer them on so many times.

While we were watching the bike portion of the Tri we actually saw a pretty bad bike crash. One biker ran into 2 other bikers and those 2 fell off their bikes & hit pretty hard. They slid in the gravel and one of them flew into a parked car. It was kind of crazy! I was very grateful that Tom and Nathan didn’t have any accidents.

Tom and Nathan both really enjoyed the race, and it made me excited for the big race next weekend. It is going to be really tough! I’m proud of them!

Filed Under: exercise/sport, family, out of town
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Christmas in Acton, MA

January 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This year we flew out to MA for Christmas with the McConnons. Lilah has already flown a few times now, but she’s to the point where she doesn’t spend the whole time sleeping anymore. Luckily for us she was really sweet–even if she didn’t stop moving the entire time. Holding a squirmy baby in a confined space for 5 hour blocks is quite a workout.

At the airport we confirmed her love for water fountains…I’d pin her arms to her sides and she’d try to sip water for as long as I’d let her. At one point she drew a crowd of admiring old ladies who insisted we needed to take a picture.

The whole family was there this year, which always makes for a good time.

Kristie and I prepared a special multi-course Christmas Eve dinner, which the brothers thought was silly. I had to remind them we weren’t raised in a barn. The barn is at least 30 feet away.

Christmas morning felt a little more magical than it had in many years for me, having a new child in the family. Even though she was likely oblivious to everything save the Christmas spirit and whatever wrapping paper she happened to be eating at the time, it made me excited for years of this to come.

We’re so grateful for all the generous gifts from friends and family (you know who you are), it was certainly a year to remember.

While out east, we got walloped with a pretty decent snow storm…so dad kindly built us a super sledding ramp with his tractor.

On the 30th we headed up to our cabin-house in NH to play and spend an evening. The next day we strapped on some snowshoes and took Lilah out to experience the outdoors. In an inspired moment, I decided to attach her car seat to a sled with some bungee cords and so we could pull her around with us in the snow.

Then, seeing the gradual slope behind the house, I couldn’t resist taking her for a ride. I don’t know which of us enjoyed it more…

While out plowing, dad lost the car keys (nice one), so the rest of the family decided to head home in a spare (smaller capacity) vehicle, while Kristie, Lilah and I stayed and spent New Years holed up in the cozy little cabin.

When it finally came time, it was really hard to go…but we had a blast and will miss everyone till we meet up again.

Filed Under: family, holidays, out of town
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Westgate Resort Weekend

October 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A while back we were walking down Main Street in Park City and were approached by two solicitors. They told us that they were promoting a local resort hotel (the Westgate), and could get us a killer deal if we paid an upfront deposit that evening.

At that point, the scam alerts were sounding in my head, but we decided to hear them out. The deal went that if we paid a $60 deposit, we could stay for two nights at no additional cost–all we had to do is listen to a time share pitch sometime during our stay.  The offer sounded nice, especially since Kristie’s birthday was coming up…so we decided to pull the trigger (but not before looking twice at their business license). We figured that if it turned out to be bogus, the most we’d be out is $60–and the potential upside seemed worth it.

So we booked the stay for this weekend and made the trek.

Much to our satisfaction, the whole stay was exactly as advertised. The room and accompanying kitchen were great, the indoor/outdoor pool was awesome, and the other amenities were top notch. They even gave us a $25 voucher to use at their house restaurant. Another plus was that our room was within baby-monitor-range of the pool, so we could slip out for a swim at night and still be within earshot of  Lilah.

Then, after listening to (and declining) their offer to buy a condo, they unexpectedly returned our whole $60 deposit. So we essentially got paid 25 bucks to stay there for two nights. Can’t get much better than that.

Filed Under: out of town
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Grandma Hiller’s @ Asian Star

October 14, 2010 By 2 Comments

Just like last year, and the year before that, great-grandma Hiller invited us to celebrate her (and Caleb’s) birthday at the Asian Star restaurant in Midvale.

As always the food and company were terrific. We pack two long tables with family, and consume enough Walnut Shrimp, Sesame Chicken and Mandarin Beef Sirloin to feed a small army. Grandma shared some neat stories with the group. When one of them was interrupted by a hearty chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ from a table nearby, we all joined in, carried it away, and dedicated it to Grandma and Caleb.

Really fun tradition…grandma is as feisty, fun and darling as ever. It was great to have Lilah with us for the first time as well.

Filed Under: family, food, holidays, out of town
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Cape May Vacation 2010

August 19, 2010 By 2 Comments

This summer we returned once again, further solidifying Cape May as the McConnon-family summer tradition. In fact, this tradition now spans four generations, with Grumpy and Bossie visiting regularly in the 50′s and 60′s, my father working as a night watchman at the Chalfonte hotel in the 70′s, me and my brothers discovering the beach and boardwalk in the 90′s, and now Lilah, the newest McConnon, making her first trip in 2010.

This year we crashed at Nathan and Kendra’s awesome new pad, and flew out to PA on Wednesday morning. Luckily Lilah did terrific on each flight, not crying once the entire time (that came afterward in her carseat in the car).

My brother Andrew flew in about a half hour after we did, so the rest of us (inc. mom, dad and Coleman) occupied ourselves by packing and unpacking the Expedition to look busy enough to avoid getting asked to leave curbside pickup.

From the airport we headed downtown near Rittenhouse Square, to visit my great uncle Jim and his wife Nancy (who own the house we stay in at Cape May). They’re a delightful couple–it was great to catch up with them after many years. After our visit, we headed over the the Marathon Grill to meet my Aunt Cathy, where she graciously treated the family to dinner. We only get to see Cathy about once a year, which really isn’t often enough. She surprised us with gifts for the boardwalk, and even brought a picture of me when I was almost exactly Lilah’s age. Great food, and great company and lots of fun conversation.

From there we headed down to Cape May to spend the rest of our days playing on the beach and our evenings biking around town. Lilah spent a good portion of it strapped to one of us in her carrier (thanks Jer and Ked!), which was a lifesaver.

Some memorable events that come to mind:

  • Sunset swims with the bothers, after the beach was closed
  • Jogging every morning to the end of the boardwalk (Kristie, not me)
  • Dad getting interviewed about his experiences at the Chalfonte, to be included in a book being published next year
  • Biking to Cape May point as a family, the Washington St. Mall, dinner at Louie’s, etc.
  • Catching up with the Chalfonte regulars (Dot, Lucille, Anne Leduc)
  • Coleman’s ordination
  • Ella’s whole-fruit smoothies
  • Lilah’s first contact with the ocean (a little cold for her taste)
  • Getting burned to a crisp on Saturday
  • Guesstures, modified Whiffle-Ball
  • Our “best-of” pictures in a frame for mom and dad

Can’t wait for next year — we’ll be missing Coleman!

Filed Under: family, holidays, out of town
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Tanner Family Reunion

July 4, 2010 By 1 Comment

This week we got to take a trip up to Boise for a Tanner Family Reunion. We left on a Wednesday and stayed through Monday (since the 4th fell on Sunday, and we got that day off at work). It was a blast…I’ll let some of the pictures do the talking:

Thursday: I had to catch up on some work during the day, so I missed out on a trip to Uncle Steve’s pool. It looked like everyone had a blast, though.

Sisters at the pool

Jeff, with his and Angela's new baby, Emily

The Tanner girls

Caleb, observing

Friday: Among other things, we got to go iceblocking at Simplot Hill, and Lilah got her first bath.

Going up...

...and sliding down

Classic Cole

Kristie, soaking up some sun

She handled it pretty well, until we washed her hair ;)

I can't remember if this was a protest or yawn.

Saturday: Some fun yard work as a fam, and then the big kids got to go out to dinner.

Projectile spit-ups -- this one was epic. #newdad

There's always the circus if things don't pan out...

Cheescake Factory with the Fam

Sunday: Lilah and Emily’s baby blessing

Tanners, Stevens and McConnons!

Baby girl and her baby daddy

Proud parents

Yellow dress and pretty eyes

Filed Under: family, holidays, out of town
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Holi: Festival of Colors, Utah 2010

March 27, 2010 By 2 Comments

For years I’ve seen pictures, advertisements and promotions for this springtime event at the Krishna temple–and every year I’ve missed it for some lame reason or another. Well we finally made it. And, yes,  it was everything I was hoping it would be, in case you’re wondering.

If you want to learn more about the history and origin of Holi, read this cop-out Wikipedia entry. Otherwise, understand that it boils down to a friendly Woodstock-like atmosphere where it’s socially acceptable (in fact strongly encouraged) to toss brightly colored chalk at complete strangers. Especially after a climactic countdown that follows the burning of a witch effigy (and chanting “hare krishna” a million times).

We actually would have blown it again had it not been for Leah and Jonny, who kindly invited us the night before. Luckily for us, Jonny was a seasoned veteran, who not only knew the back roads to avoid the ridiculous traffic, but also knew where to buy chalk at a fraction of the price they charge at the event.

Within minutes of arriving my white shirt became a multi-colored canvas. We settled into the crowd, took pictures and participated in some “hare krishna” chanting along with the crowd, MC and band. I can tell you now I’ve never been so grateful for nose hair and eyelashes. For all the chalk that was thrown around, however, it was remarkably bearable. We ran into a bunch of old friends and enjoyed ourselves immensely…it’s easy to see why the event gets steadily bigger every year.


[before]

[after]

Filed Under: entertainment, out of town, religion Tagged With: , , ,
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Weekend at Solitude

February 15, 2010 By 4 Comments

The Wagstaffs (family friends of the Tanners) invited us up to their beautiful cabin at Solitude ski resort this weekend. Being the ski bum that I am, I was beyond excited for another opportunity to get out this season. So Friday night we picked up Houston and made our way up a snowy Big Cottonwood Canyon, arriving at our destination just after dark. It wasn’t long before we settled into deep couches to watch the Vancouver Olympic opening ceremonies with a big group of family and friends.

The next morning a bunch of us struck out early to the lifts, hoping to get in as many runs as possible. It had snowed a bunch the evening before, and it snowed the entire day…so conditions were perhaps the best I’ve ever skied. Since Denny had been coming to Solitude his entire life, he and his son Drew were able to take us directly to the best stashes of thigh-to-waist deep powder. I decided to forgo lunch and ended up skiing for seven straight hours. Pure bliss.

Kristie “I Don’t Want to Squish the Baby” McConnon wasn’t feeling quite up to skiing, so she decided to run 9 miles at their home gym and play with Therese’s adorable nieces back at the cabin instead. That night we watched moguls, short-track, luge, biathlon and a bunch of other awesome Olympic competitions, taking a few breaks to play Scatagories and some other fun games. Watching Apollo and Kearney take silver and gold respectively were certainly highlights.

[check out that gnarly curling iron burn on Kristie's neck. That has to be some kind of record, poor girl]

On Sunday we went to church at the Brighton Branch, which was literally at the base of a ski hill. It was one of the prettiest churches I’d ever attended. Later on we had a big family dinner and dessert, complete with a Valentines Day party put on by the little kids.

We were planning on heading back that evening, but one of Kristie’s client’s rescheduled and I didn’t have work, so we didn’t have to take off till this morning. All in all it was a wonderful weekend escape with great skiing, great activities and really great company.

Filed Under: exercise/sport, family, holidays, out of town, outdoors Tagged With: , ,
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