IRONMAN ST.GEORGE

The first annual Ironman St. George is in the history books and we were there to watch it happen.  Ra, Ammon, Rakai and me spent Saturday night at the finish line.  Well, Ammon and Rakai lost interest and left to hang out with friends but Ra and I were there to experience the exhilaration of the countdown to the finish.

With only a few minutes left to go they announced there were 6 runners left.  Volunteers, spectators and event athletes who had finished earlier cheered them across the finish line.  It was the hour of 17:02 when the final finisher crossed under the sparkle of the fireworks.  They bent the rules just  a little and declared the 57 year old man an Ironman.  It was spectacular.

The Ironman St. George website is already scheduled and the clock is counting down...only 364 days to go.        

ISAAC'S MISSIONARY FAREWELL

Isaac reports for his mission on Wednesday. We celebrated this weekend. We enjoyed a family gathering on Saturday night - good food and good conversation. Today he gave his talk in the Bloomington 7th Ward. He is so excited to serve his mission.

The focus of his talk was his love for the Book of Mormon. He quoted scriptures and told stories and said that he feels addicted to the words. He just can't get through the day without reading it.

Isaac has experienced complete conviction of the heart and is ready to serve. We are happy for him but will miss him very much.

Not far from our minds throughout this weekend is the fact that Rakai will be leaving for New Zealand on November 30. His one way ticket is scheduled and he is ready for new adventure.

Everything changes.

TRYING TO LEAVE

After Isaac's farewell and all the pictures were done, Karamea tried to leave...this is how it went.

WE ARE SICK

About a month ago Isaac got sick. Then Ammon...then ME...then Asa...then Rakai...then Isaac again. NO it is not swine flu. But this has not been enjoyable. I was particularly bummed because I had not missed a day of work for 10 years and then I missed 1 day. Now I can't say that anymore. But still...

Take EmergenC everyday of your life and you will continue to be healthy.

Despite our germ infested house, some of Ra's family visited for the weekend. Tali was baptized yesterday and we celebrated just the way Puriri's celebrate - lots of food and fun. Colin and Coi and their family stayed with us for a couple of days. They boys always have fun together and we enjoy having them come. We said goodboye to Grandpa and Grandma for a while. They are headed to New Zealand until January. We are sad that they will miss Isaac's farewell but happy that they are going to their native land for a while.

Karamea had to work so she couldn't come. We missed having her home with us.

DAY TRIP

Today we decided to escape the heat and head for Kolob Reservoir. It was a beautiful day! We love the peace and simplicity of the world around us. The drive was wonderful, the reservoir was perfect. I even had a chance to do a little tree meditation and read my book.

On the way home Asa noticed a beautiful meadow. A wide open expanse of yellow grain, cows grazing in the pasture and exquisite red rocks in the background. It will take your breath away. As we passed Asa said, "I love this world."