June 2008

Here's a slideshow of the month of June:


It includes:

• Sophy's Friends: (listed in order of appearance) Griffin, Alex, Jarom, and Bunny- part stuffed animal/part soft blanket.
• Sophy's Tricks: She's become quite talented lately. She accidentally turned her mobile on in her crib before we came to get her (guess she wanted to get the party started without us). She also has been showing us how flexible she is by eating her feet and sometimes her hands at the same time!--though it's been difficult to get that on camera. She's been learning a great deal playing in her ExerSaucer (though she can't understand why the large objects don't fit in her mouth. Afterall, her feet do!). The mirror has been her new best friend. She seems very excited and shy to meet the baby in the mirror. She can crawl up things and scoot on her back quite well. The trick that seems to work the most is her smile. She is already getting away with far too much!
• Mommy's Race: On June 28th, Emily ran her first 5k since Sophy was born, The North Salt Lake 5k Fun Run. Her only goal was to finish, and she almost did, but had to walk a few steps toward the end of the race. She was very suprised to find out that her run was in the 26 min range and she ended up placing 2nd in her age group-winning a prize waterbottle! Sophy and Troy were there cheering her on, and that made all the difference!
• Gerber Family: It's hard to believe that Sophy is almost 5 months old. She is talking, eating, and sleeping up a storm, and LOVES to be a part of everything! The College even gave her a Westminster bib sporting Westminster Class of 2030. Scary to think that she'll be going to college someday, much less, moving around!
  
  

Volunteer Event

Well, anyone that knows me knows how much I enjoy keeping busy and love the chance to help managing events--it may just be my weakness (or my strength depending on who you are I suppose). I recently have become involved in the coordination of the volunteer aspects for an event called "Summerfest International." The event is a weeklong celebration of International performances, art and food from 10 different countries around the world. It is similar to an event I assisted management of at Westminster. The difference is that they are bringing in the performers from the actual countries they represent! I love the people I've been working with so far, and I am loving the opportunity to gain new experiences in the Event Management world.

While I am not incharge of the advertising for volunteers, I told them I would help out because I believe this to be an amazing opportunity for anyone who needs something to do, wants to share your testimony, meet new people, experience cultures from around the world, work on your second language, or most importantly wants to be more involved in the community.

The event itself runs from August 4-9th, 2008 and is held mainly in Bountiful Park. Here's a link to the event: http://www.bdac.org/summerfest/summerfest.htm. The performers are coming from China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Greece, India, Israel, Mexico, Mongolia, Romania, Russia-Cossacks, Russia-Siberia, and a clogging group from the USA. There are currently volunteer opportunities in many areas and schedules to fit the needs of the volunteer.

• Host Performers in your home during event
• Poster Distribution before event
• Runners to pick up and drop off In-kind donations
• Grounds Crew keep park clean and safe (get to ride 4-wheelers!)
• Security during event
• Stage/Lighting for performances
• Park Set-up/Tear-down before and after event
• Serving Food during the Mayor's Reception
• Sales Booth during the Street Dance
• And More!

Volunteers who qualify will be treated to a complimentary breakfast, lunch, receive admission to the Summerfest International as well as the Bountiful Rec Center-during the week of the event-and of course, a new and nifty free T-shirt, and so much more!

To sign up for the opportunity to be a host family and/or volunteer during the event, fill out the form at: http://www.bdac.org/summerfest/contact/volunteers.htm or contact me at smilyrunner@gmail.com with any questions you may have.