El Tour de Tucson

We just got back from Tucson, AZ. Derek and I drove down to St. George last Thursday night and stayed with my parents. Friday morning, we left early and drove the additional 8 hours to Tucson. When we got there, we ate Dinner with the Petermans and then got to our hotel and went to bed. The next morning Derek woke up and rode El Tour de Tucson (100+ mile) bike ride. He did awesome! 

It was so great to reconnect with some Tucson friends. I miss AZ sometimes. The car ride was sooooo far (25 hours round trip). After Derek was done, we drove back to St. George arriving at midnight and then came home the next day. It was a whirlwind trip!

As we drove into Tucson, a beautiful sunset welcomed us. Arizona really is the land of the sun and the sunsets are amazing down here.

Derek starts the race at 7am. He is more than ready to get on his bike and RIDE!! 

I drove up to Oro Valley and cheered Derek on at mile 70. 

I loved watching with our good friends the Spaldings. It has been too long since we have seen each other. What a great reunion for Derek and me.

Von rides with Derek during this part of the race.

And he's off for another 30+ miles!

The finish line was awesome...Bikers coming in at top speeds. Derek finished in 6:24. 104 miles completed! I wonder how he does it? He hardly has been training on his bike, but I guess he just has strong running legs to push him along.

Kevin and Derek

Bike masters and great friends

Celebrate by throwing the bikes up!

We had to stop at the famous Taqueria Juanitos after the race. New murals covered the walls. Amber and Von joined us too. 

Amber was my best friend in Arizona. She was in the top 4 women finishers today. Last year she took 1st place. She got another trophy and talked on the radio about her biking experiences. It's fun to have a famous friend.

Let's Go Cougars!!!

Freezing?? YES, We Were!!! We all bundled up to the top (handwarmers in our pockets), but still we were extremely cold. The girls were such good sports and cheered loudly for BYU. There has to be a true fan prize for venturing out in the cold like this...the stadium was only about 1/2 full.
The cougars played fierce! Big win! 42-23.

We were loyal, strong, freezing and turned blue!

Mission Moms + 1 RM

I feel so grateful to associate with such wonderful inspiring women! We've been supporting each other for the last 16 months since Jake left on his mission. Every month we share ideas, scriptures, thoughts, fears, tears and happy things.

I love these missionary moms and their missionaries too! Together we have 18 missionaries out spreading goodness throughout the world.  Three of the sister missionaries just returned home last month & one was able to join our lunch today.

Spectacular Sunday Spa!

Kayli was the first one to experience this wonderful relaxation place. Then the word was out and Sara had many customers. Great idea, Sara!

 Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner and grandma had no idea she would get a special foot treatment from Sara...with bubbles, rose petals and lotions! Soft music played in the background.

Next, it was Madi's turn. She sat happily in the chair as her feet were being massaged with bubbling water. 

 After Sara shared her skills, Madi decided to pamper Sara. Two happy girls at the spa! Time ran short, so I have a future appointment next week...I can't wait!

Trick-or-Treat! Can you tell we love Halloween?

Look who made it to help with Halloween this year? Elder Butters sports a black cape to be in the spirit! 

Madi switched her costume and headed out with Lindsey to Cornbellys afterschool. 

And then there were two 60's girls! Audrey's mom dropped her off early to eat dinner with us before it was time to head out for Halloween night.

Groovy girls meet up to be able to go trick or treating together! 

Jake is happy to be part of the festivities...

He looked great at the front door greeting all the trick or treaters! Some of the kids would peek through the window and the first thing they would ask is..."Who is that dark tall guy back there?"

Some of our favorite people that came to our door:

Madi and Lindsey

Brianna, Sara, Kate, Lili, Jacinda and Audrey

Best costume of the night was my good friend, Lisa (working at Ebay). Her brother dressed up as her to the tee! I couldn't stop laughing. He was hilarious and even handed out Christmas Cards with her (his) picture on them. Oh yea, Lisa was a cute minion too!

Around 9:00pm we all met over at our neighbor's house for a gourmet waffle bar. Their garage was decorated from top to bottom!

 Look who showed up!? Kip and LaFawnduh. First place costume winner! I can't wait to send this picture to my friend in AZ who knows the Cannons too!

The sorting and trading begins...too much candy!!
Sugar high 'til Christmas!