Our little frog

Weston's first Halloween -

The Friday before Halloween, we went to the Stake Track or Treat. You would think that with two huge bags of candy from Costco and a pumpkin basket full of candy, that we would have enough - oh no we ran out.

Weston was a good sport and kept his hat on all night, but the feet were another story. He was taking those off every chance he could.

On Halloween night we went trick or treating with our good friends, the Brown's. They have a little girl Sienna, who dressed up as Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). Check out her fancy wig - I laughed at it all night!!

Can't wait for next year!!

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Revenge on the Virgin River Rim Trail

We took a quick weekend trip to Brian Head last week. Got to see some family, ate some great food, and had my revenge on the Virgin River Rim Trail. If you look a few posts back you'll read a tale of pain and suffering on this very trail. This weekend was quite different, in fact the ride was super enjoyable. Just a quick disclaimer...we didn't ride the whole trail this time but I'm sure that if we had it wouldn't have sent me permanently to the "Hurt Locker" like last time. Not to be confused with "Davy Jones Locker" but relatively close.

Unfortunately the cold hit a bit early and most of the leaves had already dropped. It would be worth the trip to Cedar Mountain just to see the early fall color change. Team Sabrosa (minus one team member) pushed the pace so hard we didn't have much time to enjoy the scenery anyway. You know it's been a good ride when you're breathing hard and start to taste blood.

LOTOJA 2009

When I woke up in Logan at 5:00 am on Saturday I couldn't stop think about how strange it was that I had actually paid a good amount of money to torture myself in an all day event. Fortunately I had a later start time so I was able to get in a good breakfast and some last minute preparation on the bike. At the starting line there was a lot of anxious and nervous folks. I had to laugh at the guys that couldn't stop sizing up their competition. Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress; if I remember right I was singing primary hymns in my head (I Am a Child of God).

I'll spare you the details of the 11 hour ride and just say that there was a great deal of suffering that occurred in the 206 miles between Logan, UT and Jackson Hole, WY. You learn a lot about yourself in a race like this; the emotions range from the incredible feeling of joy when you finish a long steep climb, to the dark and evil places your mind goes when you're in the flats in a nasty headwind. My goal of breaking 11 hours was missed by 3 minutes. Although there where multiple times through the day that I thought, "What in the HELL am I doing" it wasn't 30 minutes after the race that I was already planning what I could do different next year to do it faster. I can't explain it, but it has to be some kind of mental illness.

I couldn't have made it without some great training partners and an awesome support crew that included Paul Harber, an my imaginary friend that was with me on the Geneva Summit and Salt River Pass. The biggest thanks goes to my sweet wife for supporting me through the last few months and not complaining about the long Saturday rides.

I'm definitely in need of a short break, but I'm sure it won't be long before I'm planning the next event.

Good-bye Hailstones! We'll miss you!!

Lauren, Cole, Jackson, Travis

Ben's sister, Lauren and her family moved to Reading, Pennsylvania this week. We are going to miss them so much! Good luck in your residency Travis!!!

Visit down south

At the beginning of the month, we (Weston and I) flew down to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to spend some time with my family. I was so nervous to fly by myself with a baby, but Weston did great! I had no problems!!

When we fist arrived in Baton Rouge, we made our usual trip to Tiger Mania, where Weston got an LSU t-shirt and bib (I have to start him early!). Then we went to Coffee Call for some beignets (French donut) - a Louisiana favorite. I have to make a least a couple of visits to Coffee Call while I'm home or my trip doesn't feel complete!

My aunt Carolyn and my cousin Diane came in to town to visit. Diane's little boy, Andrew, is only two months younger than Weston, so it was fun for them to finally meet. It was so good to see them - it had been way too long!

Weston, my nephew Patrick and Andrew

Diane, Andrew, Weston, me

A few days after I arrived, we left for Gulf Shores, Alabama for the annual Moody family vacation. I love Gulf Shores and look forward to this trip every year. I call it the "happiest place on Earth". I know most of you think that's Disney World, but one visit down here and you would change your mind.

This trip is the only time each year, that my family gets together.We had a blast hanging out on the beach, playing the Wii, and going to the "Shark Store" (my brothers love this store!) The "Shark Store" is a huge place filled with souvenirs (0r junk). It's just like the souvenir store on Sahara here in Las Vegas, except you can get air brushed t-shirts here. It's great! :)

Ben flew down for a few days to join us at the beach. It was so much fun to have him there - I even played Risk with him (that's true love because I really hate that game!)

Weston loved the beach. He would sit in the sand and laugh when the water would come up. It was so fun!!

Back: Tricia, Dad, Mom, Weston, Laura

Middle: Phil, Will, Chris, John, Ben

Bottom: Phillip and Patrick

Weston - notice all the sand on his face - he really enjoyed eating it

Weston and Daddy

After spending a week at the beach, we traveled back to Baton Rouge and Weston and I spent another 4 days with my parents. We were able to go see my grandmother and great Aunt Merle. It was so good to see them and I know they were so excited to see Weston for the first time.

I was also able to spend some time with my best friends from high school, Jenny, Allison and Kim. I can't believe we have all stayed so close for over 16 years!!

I love Louisiana and spending time with my family. Thank you so much mom and dad for a wonderful trip. I can't wait until next year!! I love you!!

Grandmommy with 4 of her great grandchildren: Patrick, Phillip, Weston, and Will

Weston with Grammy (my mom) and Mick - he loves dogs!!

Weston with Pawpaw (my dad)

Ride Log for July 25, 2009

Start at Brian Head Ski Resort (9,600 ft elevation at base)

Mammoth Creek

Long Valley Junction

Town of Panguitch (lunch stop w/ incredible cherry pie)

Panguitch Lake

Back to Brian Head

105 total miles with 7,800 vertical feet of climbing

Is this ever going to end....

So, it's 3:30 in the morning and I've been up since 2 am listening to Weston cry. I'm trying to get him to sleep through the night, but this is really not fun! I know I should be sleeping in bed tuning out his crying, but I can't.

 He is over 5 months old and still wakes up at least once a night - although we had some good nights this past week where he slept from 9:30 pm until 4 or 5 am. I don't understand why he can't do that every night.

Does it get better???

4 months old and growing...

Our little man turned 4 months old on May 8th and weighed 14 lbs 6 oz and was 25 1/2 inches long. It's amazing how much they change in just a short amount of time. He talks all the time -  I didn't know a little baby had so much to say!! He can roll over from his stomach to his back and can sit up for a short amount of time by himself. Our very serious baby even laughs and smiles a lot. It's so much fun to see his personality.
We decided to take him swimming for the first time a couple of weeks ago and this was his reaction:

I can't really blame him - the water was really cold. I wouldn't even get in!

He has also tried rice cereal. Although I'm not sure how much he has actually tasted. Most of it ended up on his face and chin. 

He is such a fun little boy and I can't believe he'll be 5 months old in just 1 week!

Hardcore Granny

Just a little tribute to my granny that's headed for the Florida mission field this week.  She's way more hardcore than the chick in the video.

Good luck grandma!

Like Father, like son...

Just thought I'd share these pictures of Ben in a velvet romper (with lace) and a sailor suit... and he's worried about what Weston wears! He wore the same type of outfits when he was little and turned out just fine.

Easter Outfit

One of the biggest disagreements Ben and I have is dressing Weston. I love the cute little rompers that baby boys can wear. Ben thinks they are gay and a boy, no matter their age, should never wear them. Well, for Easter I dressed Weston in one and I think he looks adorable. Maybe it's just a southern thing!

I can't believe he is already 3 months old!!

Smith & Wesson Thanks You Mr. President

Potential Halloween Costume

You're Not Hardcore

I'm not suggesting that I am either; but the reason I can make the statement in the title is that I witnessed two stunts that raised the bar in my mind.

A few weekends back I cruised up to St George to do a quick ride with the Sabrosa Crew. Before I headed up I was told that there may be a few different calibers of riders that might be tagging along. It was meant to be a leisurely century (100 miles) up to Zion and back so no big deal.

1st Stunt

John decides to ride a damned newspaper boy delivery bike. Now granted it's a beautify handmade bike built by his own hands but it's a fixed gear outfitted with fenders and a freaking canvas saddle bag on the back. I'm pretty sure he does this kind of crap to make people like me feel like a tool that show up with a light fancy-pants bike. He's not in the picture above but I can assure you he has a subtle smug smile just like the one he has when he beats you up a hill on a bike that weighs twice what yours does.

2nd Stunt

Now when Mr. Sabrosa plans a ride he will typically invite all types. There happened to be a couple of folks just getting into cycling and then there was the guy on a mountain bike, carrying a backpack equipped with a telescoping handle and rollerblade wheels in case he wanted to just pull it behind the bike. Turns out he didn't plan on riding the whole 100 miles and got picked up around mile 40. The 2nd stunt is in reference to Billy; he's the guy in the picture wearing sweat pants, cargo shorts, and skate shoes. This crazy sucker tried to leave his house without a water bottle because he claimed he didn't need it. Now Billy did ride the whole thing and kept up with the group.  It's scary to think how fast this guy will be once he figures a few things out. 

Despite getting schooled by the folks above it was a beautiful ride, and great to knock out the years first century.  Next time a plan on wearing my one piece speed suit and and the teardrop time trial helmet.  Maybe that'll give me a edge.  

Weston at 2 Months

Yesterday was a tough day for Weston. He had his two month appointment and was given his first set of shots. I swear he was mad at us for the rest of the day. He would wake up from his naps screaming and would not calm down. He would scream for 30 minutes to an hour and then fall back asleep. By 4 p.m. he forgave us and was smiling and playing again.

Here are his current measurements:  11 lbs, 11 oz (50th percentile); 22 1/2 inches long (30th percentile); and his head measures 15 inches (10th percentile - I think the girl measured wrong because he seems to have a big head to me. Maybe it's just his cubby cheeks that have me fooled.)

Here are some new pictures of the little chunk. Thank you cousin Aubrey for his "I love NY" onesie. He loves it!!

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24 Hours in the Old Pueblo

I'll start by saying that out of the two 24 hours races I've done in Tucson this was probably the more enjoyable. Not to say that last year wasn't a good time, but this year was a blast. The weather was perfect, we had a rad team, and oh yeah I didn't have to sleep in a tent. Lucky for me Rob's buddy pulled his camper out. I don't like to be a pansy but when you come in from a lap at 2:00 am I'd much rather climb into a heated camper than a cold tent.

2009 Racers Sabrosa Cycle Team

Sorry ladies the hot gentleman showing his nipples is happily married. Not that it needs justification but this was taken after riding bikes for 24 hours, needless to say we were pretty beat.

Rob coming into the transition tent

Just a minor correction from Laura's previous post, we actually came in 15th out of 135 teams. John and Racer (as always) pulled some super fast laps; I'm proud to say that Rob and I had a few decent laps ourselves. On average I think my laps time were about 15 minutes faster than last year. I'm sure it's due to the magic that that Mr. Sabrosa weaved into the Surly. With a few new bits and pieces she rides like a whole new pony.

John was picked for the Lemans start; he did his first lap in the Hot Rod suit. Imagine how you'd feel getting passed by a guy in a one piece dickies suit, wearing a cape?

This is just a small shot of a few of the bikes lined up at the start. The intention was not to include the guy in the goofy hat, and no I don't know him.

Dan finishing a lap.

This was a great weekend that I'll definitely look forward to next year.  I've promised to drop some time on my laps next year so that I can continue to ride with the same crew.  Rob, you better get on that pony; I plan on widening that 12 second lap average next year! 

President's Day Weekend

Ben went out of town to participate in a 24 hour mountain bike race in Arizona. (They came in 13 out of 135 teams. I'm sure Ben will do a post about it soon.) So, my brother,  sister, brother in law, and three nephews came into town. It was so much fun to have them here to keep me company.

New pictures of Weston

After many request - here are some updated pictures of Weston!

A New Tax

IT’S JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT OBAMA IS GOING TO CALL FOR A 40% TAX ON ASPIRIN!

THE REASON GIVEN – IT’S WHITE AND IT WORKS!