Welcome to The McLaren Log! This is the landing page, also known as the “runway” lol. My name is Shannon McLaren and I run this blog as a way to document the life of my husband and me. 

I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah as the middle of nine kids. After high school, I did pilot training and became a flight instructor (hence, the aviation theme). I found my passion for learning and teaching as I instructed people in aviation and then later taught as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ in Arizona. I am an artist and specialize in doing realistic portraits in watercolor and oil paint. I love listening to audiobooks, rock climbing, and spending time alone and with close friends. After my mission, I met my sweetheart, Gavin, and we got married the following January.

Gavin grew up all over Europe in a military family, mostly living in England, Belgium, and Italy. Gavin is the second to last of seven kids. He spent much of his teenage years sick with POTS, but was later healed and able to serve as a missionary in Gilbert, Arizona. Gavin graduated in 2024 from UVU and specializes in project management. Gavin loves to try new things, spend time with family, get to know people, and play disc golf. He is the kindest and most patient man I know.