Week 8

DOWN 5.7 POUNDS! I missed last week's weigh in since we were on vacation. So this weight loss reflects two weeks of work. I've almost met my goal for a 20 pound loss (while doing this program) and I am happy to say goodbye to a certain number on the scale which I plan to never meet or exceed again.

This is my last week of The Biggest Winner. Next Wednesday I will weigh in for the last time with my nutritionist and then I'm on my own. I will miss my trainers and teammates. I will miss the support I had while participating in the program. But I will move forward and find success. I feel better than I have in years and I want this feeling to continue.

What did I learn this week? That it is OK to relax about exercise and eating once in a while as long as I commit to pick up where I left off. I relaxed a lot while we were on vacation, but I needed it mentally and physically. I am trying to find a new, healthy lifestyle - not a short term diet. And living life means doing what you need to do each day as well as allowing a break now and then. So I commit to work hard and focus so that I can enjoy a few vacations from time to time.

Family Time

We spent one day of our Washington trip at the zoo with my Aunt Sue, Cousin Danielle, and her children. It was a very sunny day and we were too tired to see everything at the zoo, but it was great to see our cousins and be together for a little while.


We also took family pictures...to be posted later and did the Ride the Ducks Tour in Seattle. the tour was hilarious. Lily and Annie were both so overstimulated that they went to sleep. After the tour we went out for burgers at a place called The Lunchbox Laboratory. Totally delicious! If you're ever in Seattle, try that place.


We also visited the girls' great-grandmothers. Lily enjoyed seeing her grannies. Annie snuggled right up to Grandma Joey. We wish we could have visited longer with both of them.

Fun at the Cabin

We spent Fathers' Day at the cabin. And as you can see from the photo above, we played hard. Lily had so much fun on the property. She played until she was exhausted. Her favorite things to do were: toast "shmarshmellows", ride Papa's tractor (really a mower), and ride the tire swing.













We had a great time Puna, Papa, and Brady. Thanks for the wonderful weekend. Happy Fathers' Day to our Daddy and Papa.

Leavenworth and Merritt Lake

I was nervous about still getting my exercise in while on vacation so I asked my Dad to plan a good hike for me to do. He suggested Merritt Lake since it is so close to our cabin. I was a great hike and I had a good time. Near the lake we lost the trail in the snow so we ended up turning back. Dad was the only one brave enough to search out the lake.





Brady and I both fell through the snow. And my boot sole broke off. Brady was also wearing running shoes that didn't protect his feet enough from the snow so he was anxious to get back home. We'll have to try the hike again with better shoes and less snow. Thanks for a great three hour cardio session Dad.

After the hike we ate a late breakfast and drove to Leavenworth. The weather was perfect. We took it easy and just visited some of our favorite shops. We also took turns resting on the grass with the kids. It was a glorious day to be in the mountains.


Lily has a fascination for all things motorized. She loves cars, trucks, airplanes, tractors, motorcycles, buses...you name it! When I spotted a free trolley car I knew I had to get Lily a ride. She was so excited. For the first half of the ride she sang "The Wheels on the Bus."





Jeremy loves to take these old fashioned photos. This time we got the whole family involved. It was fun to dress up and be a little ridiculous. I think Lily and Annie look so sweet. And Papa looks like he really belongs in this era.

Brady's Graduation

I've been away from the computer for a while because we got to enjoy an eight day trip to Washington to celebrate Brady's high school graduation and be with the Wanners for Fathers' Day. It was a really fun trip and we were able to do so much. Here are some graduation highlights.

Brady marching in. He is the one in the middle.

Brady singing "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" with the choir. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain so the microphone was covered with a plastic bag and made the sound cut out a few times. But Brady did a fabulous job.

Receiving his diploma.

Celebrate!

Our handsome guy.

The highlight for Lily was getting to hold her own umbrella.

Brady and Morgan

The family

Delicious lunch at Salty's

Followed by Lily's favorite moment of the day with Papa....throwing rocks into the ocean. We're so proud of you Brady and really enjoyed celebrating with you.