"Almost There......"

Hood to Coast 2008

After 29 hours, 11 minutes and 45 seconds we finished and what an experience it was. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to do this race. If asked if I would do it again.....in a heartbeat!!! I can only hope I get another opportunity.

L. to R. Thomas, Mike, Steph, Kristin, me & Jeremy

"Our Ride"....Van #1

Each team comes up with a name, and "Almost There" was ours. I won't mention what some of the other team's names were....let's just say that ours was more on the conservative side.

A quick pass off by Thomas & Kristin

Still smiling going on very little sleep!

The big finish!

Are we excited to be done or what??

This gives you just a glimpse of what the finish line was like. It was crazy, but absolutely beautiful! Imagine 12,000 runners plus, who know how many spectators. There was a live band, food and FUN!!!

The best part was seeing Bryan and Mia at the finish line. Bryan is so supportive of all the crazy things I do and I couldn't ask for a better husband. He and Mia had a great time together.

Do we look tough or what???

With 1,000 teams and 12,000 runners it was by pure coincidence that I ran into one of my high school friends, Suzanne. It was so much fun seeing her.

I had to take a picture of my poor swollen, blistered foot. I think that is the biggest blister I have ever seen!!

After the race, Bryan and I decided to stay on the coast in a little town called Cannon Beach. I pretty much think I need to live here. We stayed in this cute little bungalow.

Haystack Rock

Aunt Jalene

Sorry boys....She's off the market!!!One of my very best friends.....Jalene....finally took the "plunge" and is getting hitched. I got a phone call from her late last night letting me know that she is officially engaged. I am so excited for her, and Jeremy is one lucky man. Congrats!!

Mixing a little business with pleasure

The downfall of going on vacation is actually having to come home. Last week, Bryan had a conference for work in San Diego, so Mia and I decided to tag along. We were able to stay downtown which was great because there is so much to do. While Bryan was working Mia and I hung out at the pier, went shopping and just relaxed. This is just my kind of vacation.

Every time we are away from home, it seems like Mia does something new. While we were there, Mia started rolling over. She's rolling from her tummy to her back, but can't figure out how to get from her back to her tummy so she gets really frustrated. She's also discovered her curly locks. It cracks me up because she will get a hold of her hair and pull on it....silly girl! Anyway, here are just a few (actually, there's more than "just a few") pictures of the trip.


I was a little worried about how Mia would do on the plane, but she did great (for the most part).

We had a spectacular view from our hotel room. Every night we could see fireworks being launched from the pier (can you see the full moon in the background?).

Our little bathing beauty.
Padres vs. Phillies

Petco Park was located just a few blocks from where we were staying, so we decided to hit a game on Saturday night. I love baseball games, but they do tend to be a little lengthy. We made it until the bottom of the 5th, which I'm surprised Mia lasted that long.

The Gaslamp District had some fun outdoor restaurants. The highlight was getting dessert at the Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.....Mmmm!

Coronado Beach

We took a ferry over to Coronado Beach. I expected the water to be nice and warm but it was downright COLD! So, no swimming for us :(

San Diego Zoo
The last day in San Diego we spent at the Zoo. That place is HUGE!! We were there for over 6 hours and still didn't get to see everything.

I have to laugh because I think this little outfit makes Mia look like a boy. I forgot to put a headband on her and everyone who saw her thought she was a boy......sorry Mia!

After spending 7 days in San Diego, we headed to Portland for a few days.....post to follow!!!

Drooling QUEEN!!!

I never imagined that one little baby could drool so much. This picture just gives you an idea of how much drool we are dealing with. Notice how wet her shirt is???......at least she's not "drooling" over the boys yet!

13.1 or BUST!!!

In preparation for the Hood to Coast relay coming up in 12 days....I decided to run the Provo River Half Marathon yesterday and what an experience it was. Here are just some highlights of the day:

• Waking up at 3:45 am to feed Mia and out the door by 4:15 to catch the bus in Provo by 4:45
• Arriving at South Fork Canyon at 5:30 am and waiting for the race to start at 6:30 in the freezing cold (I wasn't expecting it to be so chili)
• Uhhh.....witnessing runners choosing not to stop off and use the outhouses along the way and doing the alternative.....not stopping at all (if you've ever run a marathon, you know what I'm talking about and it's not a pretty sight)
• Seeing Bryan and Mia at the finish line cheering me on
• Nursing the MANY blisters on my poor feet

All in all, it was a good experience. It feels good to finally get back into the running groove. Hood to Coast.....here I come!

Uncle Buck

Uncle Buck came to visit us last week and after seeing this picture, I can't believe how fast Mia is growing up. Last week she laughed for the first time and she doesn't seem to stop. She is such a happy baby. It is so much fun. I just don't know what we are going to do about her CRAZY hair though. It is getting so long, but not long enough for curlers.....lucky for Mia.

Fun Walk/Run

We belong to an organization called Intermountain Heaaling Hearts which is a support program for families of children with CHD's (congenital heart defects). In September they are putting on a fun MILE walk/run to raise money for the organization. After the run, there will be a short ceremony honoring those who have passed on.

Saturday September 6, 2008

Check-in 8:30 am
Race Begins 9:30 am

Location: Riverview Park

4620 North 300 West - Provo, UT

If you are interested in participating, I have included the link for more information: Olympic Gold Medal Mile