LOTOJA 2008

LOTOJA 2008 was a success.
This past weekend Brad completed the 206 mile bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the second time (see last years race here). This year there wasn't a crash involved so hooray for that! Brad did very well and it is seriously unbelievable that people do and finish this race. What is even more unbelievable is that when it was all over Brad didn't even act tired. I don't think he pushed it hard enough. Or maybe he is just that incredible :)
I am so proud of Brad because not only is doing this race unbelievable but the hours of dedication and training that goes into it is too. Brad is one strong man physically and mentally and it shows in every aspect of his life. He works so hard to accomplish every goal he has ever set for himself. That makes me a very grateful and proud wife. Way to go Brad!!!!
We were lucky enough to have my great parents come again this year. My Dad was Brad's support driver so he made sure Brads water and other drinks were filled and he prepared food for Brad at every feed station along with cheering him on and motivating him. He basically kept my husband alive. Thanks so much dad!! My Mom rode with me in the car doing the most superb job ever helping with the girls and keeping them entertained with her "grandma bag" full of snacks, books and toys. Thanks Mom! We really appreciate both of your love, help and support and we had a wonderful time with you this weekend!
Thanks also to our great friends, Hayley and Josh, for allowing us to over run your house for a night again this year! They let 9 of us stay in their beautiful house in Logan and they were unbelievable hosts doing everything they could to make us comfortable. Thanks for all your hospitality. It was also really great to get to see you guys.

Now on to the pics...This is my great mom reading a bedtime story to all the kids. (Drew, Ayden, Alex and Will)

These are our great friends and hosts for the first night, Hayley and Josh.

The kids all had so much fun playing together. Here they are going crazy wrestling, jumping, and running around.

My parent and the girls at one of the feed stations waiting for Brad to come along.

Here he comes!

The girls needed some hugs before he took off again. What a good dad.

I stopped on the side of the road at one point to cheer him on.

Grandpa and Ayden walking to the finish line. Ayden was dealing a little crack.

Brad coming in for a strong finish!

Brad with his proud girls!

Jeff Bastar (who brad road most of the race with), Brad and Jeff Sherrod (our bro-in-law).

On our way out of town we stopped for a picture with jackson in the background.

We decided to try a different route home and made a stop at Craters of the Moon National Park. It was pretty impressive and Ayden loved hearing about the old volcanoes and how all the cool formations came about. She refused to enter any caves because, "WHAT IF THERE IS LAVA? WHAT IF!!!" We climbed one of the largest Cinder Cones in the world. This peak you see in the picture is only the first one but it keeps going up.

We made it to the top! The girls decided give dad their cheesy smiles in this picture.

Ayden and Dad on the top.

Brad and Ayden skipping down the cone.