The Updike's

Crew and Boston absolutely loved playing soccer!  It was so much fun watching them play! Boston with Coach David Card

I have loved running a couple of times a week with friends this summer.  Good exercise and good conversations.  I am definitely feeling my age, however.  Running doesn't come as easily as it once did for me, but I still very much enjoy it.  My friends decided to sign up for the half-marathon, but I opted for the 10K instead.  (And I am so glad that I did).  It was a very beautiful run and I am always so grateful for my family who always come and cheer me on.   Emily, Alisa, Vanina, Me

 Lily having fun with her piano teacher, Michelle

 How lucky am I?  Garrett surprised me with tickets to see Josh Groban in concert!!  I remember flipping through the channels years and years ago and happened to come across a PBS special that included Josh Groban.  I was instantly mesmerized and became a big fan of his throughout the years to come.   His concert was absolutely amazing!!!  I told Garrett I would definitely pay big bucks to see him in concert again . . . that was how good he was.  It was so fun to spend a night out with Garrett and enjoy a great concert!

 I have such an overwhelming feeling of love for the temple and I am forever grateful that we had the opportunity to walk through the temple with our children.  To say that our morning was chaotic - is an  understatement.  There was crying and whining in the car about who knows what and Presley would not sit still or quiet her voice during the introductory video.  Despite the craziness, the minute I walked into the temple with my busy family, I felt the spirit so strongly and so clearly.  It took me by surprised because I felt like I wasn't in a state of reverence herding my children through.  But the distinct feeling was undeniable.  I know that our Heavenly Father's plan includes temple work.  I am eternally grateful for this blessing and pray that I will make a better effort to visit His holy temples more often.  I am so thankful for eternal families.  My family is everything to me.

 We sure love our sweet and energetic Lily girl!  She keeps us on her toes with her deep and thoughtful questions.  We can't imagine life without her! Very energetic and loves to have fun always. Very creative.  Loves to draw and participate in any craft. Such a fantastic reader.  Flew through all of the Junie B. Jones books. Complete night owl.  Has the hardest time going to sleep.  Reads for a couple of hours. Dad and Mom's great helper. Still our little Punky Brewster.  Loves to be creative and colorful with her outfit choices. Love/hate relationship with Piano lessons.  Wants to quit so bad - but then loves to play the songs she learns over and over again. She has a hard time if things are hard.  But she is a fast learner and once she gets things she usually loves it. Loves junk food like her mom. Insists on eating a turkey sandwich every single day for lunch. Pizza snob.  Only likes "Papa John's" pizza. Loves he...