Little Birdie

We were out playing on the tramp last night while we watered the garden and we had another new animal experience. Jeff and I were watering when all of a sudden I look over at the kids on the tramp and Jaxon is catching a baby bird. We have this cute little nest we have been watching in our pine tree. He seriously caught the thing! Jim ran over there as did I and it was having a hard time, it was super windy outside and the poor thing couldn't fly yet. So sad! We figured we had better put him where he goes and I figured it was in the pine tree, so we got the ladder and scared the mama bird out of the nest with a fight and Jim tried to set the baby in there. Naughty little bird it just flew out, so we did it again and it flew out again. Must be the wild child of the bunch I figured. But Jim took a closer look in the nest and the babies were much smaller than this one, no way it could be from the same nest. So the kids had a look at the babies and then we kept the bigger baby. It just so happens that Jax was attached to this nasty old bird cage from the hotel we just refinished in Kanab and I have been meaning to secretly DI the thing. Well, it came in handy yesterday and we put the bird in there so the kids could look at it.

As soon as it was in the cage the kids decided we needed to feed it so we went on a search for worms. I wish I could have gotten a picture of them all lined up digging as fast as they could in the dry dirt. But alas, no worms to be had. After a while, I couldn't stand the thought of the baby dying in our home where the kids could see, so we convinced Jax it needed to go back to its family. It took some convincing but he let it go and followed it for quite a bit to make sure it was in the safest spot. I don't know how the kid does it, but that kid can catch anything!

Isnt' he tiny! I love it!

This kid has got a knack for making animals feel comfortable, it was howling wind and look at that bird! It didn't even move, like he knew Jax would make it ok. With the other kids it was chirping up a storm and flapping all around.

Bye Bye Birdie

Ogden Excursion

As of late we (well mostly Jeff) has been working his bum off trying to open a new hotel in Kanab. He has been gone a lot and I figured if he was going to be gone again why not trek up to Ogden and see my family since my parents are out of school for the summer. We left on Tuesday morning and except for a few whiny spouts the kids were great. We stopped in Lindon and went to the GREAT pool with Cami and Cooper. It was awesome, seriously if Lindon can have this why can't Cedar City??? Totally outdoor, huge slides, zero entry, lap pool, diving boards, hot tubs, lazy river! We had a blast I didn't want to leave but knew we must if I was going to stay awake the rest of the drive. It is so relaxing to see my family, I miss seeing them so much and it gives me a renewed sense of myself. I also love seeing all the places a grew up, my old street and the memories.

Jax is so good with little kids!

They were so worried about Cooper

I can't get enough of this kid! Couldn't be more heavenly and handsome

The next day was Wednesday and my dad and I got up at his typical 4:45am and headed to the gym, love to exercise and get it all out even if its that early. I saw some old friends while there too which was awesome! After we all got ready to headed to SLC to go to the This Is The Place monument. I never knew there was so much to do there, half a day is not enough. It was for a little bit older of kids but I think the kids enjoyed it. We went to the petting zoo, dipped our own handmade candles, and rode the train.

Jax is in the stripes in the background

Jake lost interest halfway through so Grandpa finished it for him, Jax though was very thourough and followed the ladies instructions exactly.

Then we headed up Emigration Canyon and ate at Ruth's Diner, super good. Don't ask Jake though, he slept through all of lunch on the stage outside by our table. Totally zonked out! We got home late and went on our 90th trip up to the school playground right by the house. Thursday we went and hike 29th street trail and the kids hiked the whole way! They were so good, my dad carried Hunter in the packer and we had a blast. We spotted poison ivy and it reminded me of all the times I hiked and ran this with my parents and they would point it out. The most exciting part however was the squirrel. We were just about done with the hike when Jaxon told us all to shush and be quiet. We all stopped and it was right next to him on the path, he took a step closer and quick as can be grabbed it by the tail and caught it! It was so unexpected I didn't know how to react I just stood there in awe. Who seriously is fast enough to catch a squirrel (must be all the chicken catching he does for Jayme). It curled up and made this creepy noise and bit him and then he dropped it and it just stared up at him like, "Is he going to get me again?" Then it ran away. I wish I could have gotten a picture but I will never forget it and Jax won't stop telling the story!

Hunter was just woken up and stuck in this thing, what a mean mom, but he loved it once we started moving. I love those mountains!

We left early Friday morning to come home so I wouldn't get tired and it was a miracle from heaven that I didn't fall asleep (got to get that thyroid under control!) Loved being there and will miss them until next time

Lucky

I just can't stop thinking about how lucky I am, for lots of things, but in particular for family. Unlike most families who as they grow tend to grow and move further away from one another. The Burgess family is the opposite. When we first were married it was a little overwhelming all the time that was spent with one another, I was amazed and always wondered if it would stay like that, would everyone get along??? It is amazing. Don't get me wrong, we all have different personalities and in the family there is a myriad of opinions. But we do it and we love it. I would never want it any different. The guys all work with there dad and mom, everyone is involved and everyones opinion is assessed and taken into consideration and then decisions are made. You would think initially that it would never work, but it does and so efficiently as well. Some of the things that I love are: my kids are best friends with their cousins, no awkwardness like I only see you once a year, they are best friends! We all help with everyone else's projects, canning, weddings, dinners etc... We are there for one another and you never feel alone like you have to do it on your own. We all work hard together, just this past weekend we were in Kanab trying to open a new hotel and I was amazed as I listened and watched as each took a task and went at it and worked hard. I hope that my children will see the example all of their grandparents, aunts and uncles have set for them and do the same. We play together as well, just today we all went over the Jim and Mari's and just hung out, swam, talked, ate while the kids played and swam. There are so many things I love about being a part of this family I couldn't name them all but I am lucky and so are my children. Sometimes I feel like this is what heaven is all about, helping, talking, and loving you family and I am lucky to have them all in my life!

Memorial Day

Now that ironman is over we have found ourselves enjoying life a little more and relaxing a lot more. For memorial weekend we went and stayed in St. George. We had a BBQ with the Thomas family, went swimming at the Fairfield and boy was it nice to actually see the sunshine and feel warm. On Saturday Becky and I went on an eight mile run and I couldn't have done it without her, it was actually so much fun to talk and get my exercise at the same time. Jeff and Ryan then went for a bike ride and then we all headed up to the Burgess Ranch.

They have a fishing pond there and all sorts of fun things to do. The kids rode the zip line and played on the swing set. Then we went fishing! Jax has been dying to catch a fish and was sorely disappointed when he didn't a few weekends ago at Newcastle Reservior.

This time did not disappoint, he caught two big ones and Jake reeled one in as well. I forgot how much I enjoy fishing, even the worms don't bother me. It must have been all those camping and backpacking trips we went on as kids. You always had to bait your own hook at Bear River, thanks dad for teaching me. We then roasted marshmallows, starburst and just hung out. They had a paddle boat which was fun for the kids. Monday we did the flower thing and then planted the garden.

Ironman Continued

Well here we go! as I started lap 2 of the Bike I kept looking behind me hoping and knowing that Nick and Kyle had to be close. I headed out towards Ivin's knowing full well what was ahead of me. The few times that I had done the loop twice had been humbling and I knew I was going to need all the energy I could muster for the run. The Ivin's aid station was nice because I saw Matt Hamlin a longtime friend. He made sure I had some gatorade and was doing okay. Leaving Ivin's I headed out to the highway and started to mentally prepare myself for the climbs that were ahead. Since the first lap I had grouped the ride into 6 parts in my mind and I had completed 3 of the 6 (gunlock hill(2), Ranch Hill (2) Wall (2)) I took it easy out through the Indian Reservation and made it to Gunlock 4/6 without any trouble. My speed however had decreased considerably from the first lap. Just before the town of Gunlock I heard the sound i'd been waiting almost 90 miles to hear. Kyle and Nick had arrived. It was nice to see them and ride with them for a little while. We made a pit stop just out of Gunlock ( First bathroom break of the day for me) after the short stop we rode together for a few more minutes and I could tell I was going to have an important decision to make. Whether or not to keep up with them or just go at my own pace. We got to the Ranch hill  (5/6) and they pulled away and I decided that I couldn't chase them and risk blowing up out of Veyo as I have done numerous times chasing those two. So I kept to my own pace watching them ride off into the sunset (well not quite) Later that night I would regret not pushing it up the last hill and hanging with them... The wall the second round was harder then the first. Lasse was in the same spot right at the top to offer encouragement and advised me to make sure and get some food in me so that I would be ready for the run. The climb out of veyo wasn't as bad as I thought it might have been. I was a little discouraged when I showed up to the aid station that previously had the special needs bike bags to find they were no longer available. I wasn't sure if they would be but i could have gone for a little snack. The rest of the ride into town was uneventful the wind had changed so top speed dropped down to the mid 30's 36 I think I saw. but it was a nice little break all the down hill from Dameron Valley into St. George. I didn't realize how tired I was until I had to turn onto snow canyon parkway for the third time that day only to do a little loop and climb back onto Bluff before the home stretch to T2. As I headed into T2 my watch told me that I had done basically what I thought I would do i was going to be off the bike in just under 8 hours. I had wanted to be out of T2 by 4:30 and was going to make it. Although it wasn't my best time on that course it was right were I thought I would be.

ST. GEORGE

Well its Saturday May 8th one week after the race. Melina wanted me to post about Ironman. I actually started a blog to document the whole thing but with training and work I just never seemed to find the time. Who knows maybe now that its over ill get my notes and workouts and go back and recap the whole experience on the other blog. Looking back I think that signing up was the hardest part, it took days of convincing to get the courage to do it. Once it was done the excitement, fear etc... set in. Anyways Ironman St. George was my 10th triathlon but it might as well have been my first because of the difference between a Ford Ironman event and all the others I have participated in. Race day was Saturday but the process started Wednesday when they opened packet pickup. Nick, Kyle and I took basically the day off to fully be able to enjoy it all. We picked up are packets got body marked (3 days before the race). After body marking we spent a ton of time and quite a bit a money in the Ironman store. They had everything imaginable for a Triathlete. Thursday was pretty low key we got our families together for dinner at Kyle's parents house and then went to the banquet and pre race meeting. It was awesome to see all the athletes there and feel the excitement with an event this big. Friday was a busy day in that all transition areas needed to be set up before 3 pm. I met Kyle and Nick we headed to Sand Hollow to set up T1 then stopped for some lunch at Pizza Factory and then set up T2. So by 2:30 or so all of our race stuff was dealt with it was time to relax for awhile and wait for the kids race at 6pm. Kids race got over my family headed home about 7:30 which left me alone to try and get to bed early and be ready for race day. Not sure if that was a great idea cuz all it did was make me anxious and not have anything else to think about but the race. 8:45 I was in bed watched the Jazz for an hour and was asleep before 9:45. 2 am rolls around and i'm wide awake i spent the next hr and a half trying to get back to sleep. No such luck. 3:30 I hoped in the shower grabbed my stuff and met Nick and Kyle at 4:15 am. I probably could have done a better job with breakfast but it was hard to get anything down. We dropped off our special needs bags just before we boarded the shuttle (School Bus) at the tabernacle in St. George and headed to Sand Hollow. We were in T1 by 5:20 or so. Checked our bikes pumped up tires etc... at about 6 i left Nick and Kyle in the changing tent and never saw them again until mile 90 in the bike. It was crazy how many athletes were there all ages, shapes, sizes because of the number of people I wasn't able to find Nick and Kyle before the start. At about 6:30 the announcer started telling everyone to make sure they were ready for the swim start. 6:45 the pros started and I was ready to get down to the water. It took a full 15 minutes get to the water and when the gun went off I was standing in then middle of some knee deep water talking to Troy Ence we looked at each other put our googles and it began. My goal for the swim was to finish between 1:10 and 1:30 I started at the back right of the pack and really didn't get to beat up. by about 5 minutes into the swim I was actually enjoying it. I stayed wide right got bumped by a few people but for the most part had a great swim to the first buoy. At the turn I stayed wide just because the inside still looked pretty congested. I probably swam a little extra but this being my first Ironman I wanted to avoid problems at all cost. I've been in the middle of the chaos in other events and figured this was the safest route for me. Turn 2 came and I decided it was time to get a little closer to the buoys so I angled in to the main group after turn 2 and at the final turn was right at the turn buoy. heading to the ramp I followed a couple of guys and pushed it a little harder then I had been. I stuck to my plan of just enjoying the swim and it worked I had a great swim felt good only breast stroked a little bit but just felt good overall. As I approached the ramp I stood up and saw all the fans there cheering it took a minute with the cold and all to get my feet under me  running up the ramp I looked over and saw Nick right next to me. The wetsuit strippers got my suit off and I headed to T1 I grabbed my bag and was heading into the changing tent when Nick said lets just change out here so we changed just outside the tent and Nick said to go ahead he was going to wait a minute for Kyle so I left knowing they were stronger bikers and would catch me soon. I ran through the changing tent got sunscreen rubbed on me and was off on the bike. I felt great getting on the bike and briefly saw my family cheering me on as I rode past. Weather was perfect for the bike I took it easy getting my legs warmed up from the cool swim. and by the highway I was feeling good and enjoying the ride. It was exciting to see all the spectators. Turning on to Telegraph I figured Nick and Kyle would catch me shortly but I pushed it down the hills which usually I don't but I figured ever fast mile I could get would help down the road. The next 2 hrs and 30 minutes went well I stopped briefly at the aid stations for water or a banana. I stayed according to plan as far as nutrition and I kept my pace as best I could. Still no sign of Nick and Kyle. Climbing into Gunlock I felt good but slow. The ranch hill and the wall came and went like usual. Lasse was waiting at the top of wall to give some support and update my family of where I was. Special needs stop was just what I needed just before Dameron Valley. I stopped and Mari Bleazard was there we talked and she told me where my family was. I ate a PBJ and had a couple handfuls of Pringles filled my water bottles and was on my way. The wind was perfect coming down the volcano hill I actually saw 42mph on my speedometer usually with the breeze there i keep it under 40 but with no traffic to worry about i was able to just go which was nice. At the turn for lap 2 I briefly saw my family I probably should have stopped but I knew the hardest part of the ride had begun. TO BE CONTINUED........................

My Ironman

He did, he did it, he did it! He is an ironman and wow was it the most amazing event I have ever been to in my life. So inspiring and motivating. We want to says thanks to everyone who was there to support. I got teary everytime I heard of someone new wanting to know how he was doing and who was there giving their support. It was such an example to me of what a true friend is because he had so many cheering him on, it shows me what an amazing person he is. So caring about others and never forgetting little details of their life. He is always interested in them and takes time to build those relationships and Saturday was proof of that. What a crazy week it was the week before the event. I have never seen him so serious, he wasn't much for talking and when we did it was about times and transition and race prep. On Friday we went down with my family for the kids race, Jax was totally stoked about this! We ate dinner with Ashlee and Bret Nelson and they were so sweet to invite us, it worked out perfectly! The kids ran their 200 meter race and finished across the same finish line as Jeff. I didn't even see Jax, he was a blur! We went back to Cedar while Jeff stayed at the motel and tried to get some needed sleep. On Saturday I woke up at 3:30 am not able to sleep, so I texted Jeff to make sure he was awake. Obviously he was and just getting ready. We left the house at 5:15 AM right on schedule and I was all nerves for him. When we came down the Hurricane hill the traffic was at least 2 miles long waiting to get in to park at the fairgrounds. We made it on the shuttle buses and ran over to the race. I wanted to see him so bad before but there were way too many people, I just kept shouting his name and getting funny looks. Bev and Joe took Hunter and that helped so much! The boys were seriously the best troopers ever! We watched the start and my gut was hurting 2000 people swimming all at the same time! When they sounded the gun some people were still not even in the water. He did so awesome! It took him 1 hour and 22 min. and transition went well. We saw him fly by on his bike and it was so quick I was having withdrawls not being able to see him for longer than 2 seconds. Long story short he had a GPS to track him on the race and it didn't work, so so bummed. Luckily we had tons of friends helping and I have never been so thankful for texting and my phone. Their updates saved us! We got shuttled back, hurried up with lunch and booked it over to Red Hills Parkway to see him go around on his second lap! The whole family was there, his side and mine, looking for him. We kept debating whether he had passed already or not and while thus debating speeding past us he went with Mari screaming there he is! He had the funniest look on his face, like why aren't you all cheering? Here I am! We screamed his name and then we went to the pool for a quick swim. I was dead set on seeing him get off the bike and start into the run. Luckily Bev and Joe had staked out an excellent spot and we saw him get off the bike. I told everyone I was ignoring everyone so I wouldn't miss him this time and my mom was so great to take Hunter (who was starving) and bounce him around. He did the bike in 7hrs. 53 min. We knew the run would be tough all around and it was. He finished the run in 6 hours and 22 min. and I could tell on the turn around it was going to be tough. He did so awesome though, this was his first ever marathon. Not exactly the best time to do your first marathon after a 2.4 mile swim and 112 bike. He finished in 15:58 and I have never been so proud. My mom was so great to stay with the sleeping kids and he had so many people there to support him. It was a crazy day but I will say the most motivating and inspiring day ever. I learned you can't judge someone from the outside because they come in all shapes and sizes and finish just the same. It takes a lot of heart and not only is this race a physical challenge but a mental one as well. He was sore the next few days, after a lot of icy hot and massages twice a day he was back and having training withdrawls. The part that makes me cry everytime though is when each person crosses the finish line the announcer says, "Jeff Burgess You Are An Ironman!" He is and will always be our ironman! Way to go babe. Pics will come later and video