Awe and Wonder...

Are two things I felt as I waited to cheer on one of my very best friends while she competed in the Ironman St. George. And the same feelings returned later that day while we watched so many athletes as they crossed the finish line in downtown St. George. I can not begin to relate the range of emotions that came and went during the three days we spent in southern Utah. I am so glad I was there to experience it all with a girl I consider to be my long lost sister and her little family and her wonderful parents. Sally - Brooke - Liz
Love these ladies...we were pretty much attached at the hip our whole senior year of high school
This the night before the Ironman at the kids race. Liz was there helping her sister, while her brother-in-law ran the Ironman. Brooke's husband Rich and cute mom Kelly...waiting in Ivins to cheer on Brooke during her bike.
Layla was only concerned with food...if you know her, you know thats all she really cares about!Here is she is! I almost missed her...but I was happy to see her and show how proud of her we are!

Shortly after this checkpoint Brooke was pulled from the race because of heat stroke. Such a hard and devestating blow to her and all the hard work and training she went through, but there could have been something far worse happen if she went on with the race. The day of the race tempuratures climbed nearly 20 degress higher than the previous day. This caused so many to have to involuntarily leave the race early. Nearly 1/3 of those who started the race ended up with a "DQ"...basically meaning they had to leave the race. This course is probably one of the toughest in the Ironman circut...a huge props to those who completed! There were a few familiar faces I saw cross the finish line...way to go guys!!!Maycee LOVED splashing and running around in the little river near the finish line in downtown St George.We were there to see Liz's brother-in-law Mark finish the race. This is right after he crossed the finish line...with his three ladies, Jane-Ali-Suri.Bailey got a little wet...Love this girl to death! Brooke, you are amazing and I am so lucky you want to be my friend!!