Sneed Family Fun

Emily and Joe

2012-01-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend Emily, got married this last weekend. She was so beautiful and they were so happy. We love you Emily and wish you and Joe all the best in life.

Seattle Trip Fall 2011

2012-01-29T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is another late post, but I wanted to get these pictures on the blog and just remember what a great time we had.

Brad and I took a much needed trip to Seattle. We spent a week there and it was wonderful to relax and just enjoy ourselves. We stayed with my Mom and ate and ate and, oh yeah, we ate again. We had our fill of Fish and Chips, but that is why we love Seattle.

St George Fall 100 mile road race...(posted about 5 months late) Better late then never...

2012-01-15T17:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's been some time since I did the Tour of Zion in St George Utah last September. But Lolly is good about keeping me to task about blogging about my events and she wanted David to have some thing new to see on our Blog.

This event was at the end of September and a few weeks earlier I had just completed the PCP2P race and this event was to enjoy a good road ride through some beautiful country, and it did not disappoint.

This race started out in Washington and turned east and headed towards Sand hollow and then up into Hurricane and up into Zion, and then we headed out through Toquerville and out to the I-15 and then back around into Washington...it's a 100+ and a great day on the bike.

Okay, I wanted to get a good ride in so I tried to stay with the lead group as long as I could which was going pretty well until we crested up that large hill coming out of Hurricane...I always wondered what it would be like to climb that hill and now I know...at any pace it would be a pretty tough climb...problem was I was trying to say with the lead group of 7 guys, I made it over the top with them but man It took to my max effort for 10 minutes plus way early in the event.

After that I shut it down a bit as we rode into Zion and rode with two other riders who were riding at strong pace but a bit more manageable. After leaving Zion where there was a aid station we headed down out of Zion at a brisk pace and headed out through Toquerville and out towards the I-15...may I say this might have been the toughest part of the event...we were now 60 miles plus into it and now I remember why you don't want to go real hard at the first part of a long event...this is not my first 100 mile event but I am a slow learner...I always want to see if I can push myself a bit harder and a bit longer than before and the only way to find out what the threshold is, is to push hard until your body says no more.

Anyways, I made it out to the I-15 to another aid station and got a few bars and filled up my bottles and head down the frontage road towards St George and it was a long rolling 15 miles or so...I got a second wind some where out there and came into Washington feeling pretty good...I think some where in the 4:33 time...maybe 15th or so...I really enjoy these 100 mile road events, and will do more this year 2012. I do like the events that have a bit of climbing in them and have some country in them that I would enjoy sitting on the seat of my bike...both of which The Tour of Zion had in spades.

It would be fun to do one some day with my wife...Hint, Hint!

Thanksgiving Day TD5K Run......

2011-11-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

This year, Sammi and I started a new tradition, we ran in the Las Vegas TD5k downtown. It was really great time and we had fun. Marissa Moss and her family were also there and Brad was sweet and watched Sarah and Jane while we ran.....I really am looking forward to the next one for Santa....

Numbers, check, free tee shirt, check, preburn off some of those Thanksgiving calories!!!!

Lets do this.....

Marissa Moss

Brenda, Marissa, Sammi and Lolly about to run

Lolly just steps away from the finish (and the ankle held out :) 0

Sammi and Sarah after the race

Sarah May Moss looking so beautiful

Also just a note...On Monday before Thanksgiving, Sammi and I were out running and I rolled my ankle on a rock and this is what my ankle looked like just two days before we ran.....

Park City Point 2 Point 2011

2011-09-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

3rd Year of P2P

Well its been a week sense I rode my 3rd Park City Point2Point bike race. For the record, I ride/race lots of different events each year, but point2point is the pinnacle of my racing season. In my mind,every other event is training ground for his race, every time I feel I can't push a bit harder on another 5:30 am ride in the middle of summer here in Las Vegas...I think about P2P, I don't know why my year and mind is always drawn towards this event...well maybe I do.

Brad at 7am start

Up until I rode my first p2p back in it's first year in 2009 I mainly raced shorter events like the Utah Intermountain cup series in which events consisted of two or three laps of varied courses ranging between 7-12 miles long at which you bust off the starting line and stay pegged at 90% the entire race. Now these are fun races and I enjoyed racing them, but you often drive a long distance for a race that might last 1 to 2 hours and then you get to wait another 1-2 hours for the awards and so you get the picture(long day) and then you drive home...all day event and your on the bike maybe 2 hours!
Once I raced my first p2p I knew that I had found something different, this was mountain biking...You still get that off the start jitters and but you get to ride your bike all day. But I believe p2p is in a class of it's own...Park City is that difference...it has a never ending supply of breath taking single track to ride...no where else have I found the quality and quantity of trails that Park City possesses to ride. I also think that what makes this particular event extra special is that so many of my good friends with the same passion that I have in this hobby/obsession also participate in it. I look forward each year to seeing old friends and making new ones...okay now about this years race.

Brad at the start

Times for past years of P2P

2009- 10 hours 42 minutes
2010- 11 hours 48 minutes
2011- 10 hours 38 minutes

Just so you know my goal was 10 hours this year, and I really believed I could do it, I had started early in the year riding, raced more events than ever to build my stamina for P2P.
I watched everything, well almost everything I ate for the last last six months(I even became vegetarian) to give me that edge...I became the lightest I've been in almost 20 years, 173 pounds so I could climb mountains with those little guys. I went into race day having done all things in my control to break the 10 hour mark!

Alex Grand and Tinker Juarez coming in at PCMR

Tinker Juarez, Mountain Biking Legend and 50 years only came in 2nd this year

Josh Tostado

Race day started out with a brisk start temperature of 33 degrees, everything I had been watching said a low of 45 so I came to the start line well under dressed, along with many others I spent the first 60 minutes of the morning trying to feel my toes and fingers.
I started off with the 9-10 group which took off way fast, I rode with Keith Payne for the first 3 minutes and I backed off. I wanted to ride fast but P2P has a habit of breaking you down over the day and I knew that all to well so I slowed a bit and dropped to the back of my group, but i couldn't ride to slow because you have another group right on you tail chasing you down...loved the re-route of round valley this year.
Then we headed up skid row headed towards Deer Valley and ultimately to Silver Lake, all was going as planned feeling good and eating and drinking as per plan and really enjoying all that Park City has to offer.
I made my way to Silver lake where the first real aid station was located and also where my sweet daughter Sammi was waiting for me with food and fresh bottle of Carbo Rocket to keep me going...I can't really tell you what it means to a rider to see a friend or loved one at a aid station, those brief words of encouragement are priceless...more on that later.
We made our way to the top of the mountain, to bow hunter and then down to mid mountain for a short time and then headed up to Shadow lake, this is where this race starts eating people, you have now been riding your bike somewhere between 4-6 hours and the 7,000-9,000 feet of climbing is starting to hurt a bit or a bunch depending on who you are...I made it around Shadow lake great this year, no walking and even speaking to a few people along the way...as I was coming down the long 30 minute downhill into Park City I ran into fellow team mate Ken Costa, Ken and I rode into the finish line together in 09' as we talked we were telling each other that indeed the 10 hours was within reach...in fact we might even do 9:30 or something crazy like that...we rode into Park City's aid station right about 2:00...I had 3 hours to finish this thing...easy pickings...right?

Lolly at PCMR

Okay I have to digress for a minute here for a minute...Lolly works this aid station and has every year...Yes, I look forward to riding this race...but I know Lolly looks forward as much or more to running her station...she takes it seriously, every year she talks about what went well and what the riders were asking for...she works hard to make sure that thses riders get what they need and fast...I love that she loves it...it's hot!
And can I say it's a bonus to see my loving wife there to encourage me to kick butt on those last 20+ miles...

Okay all I can say is once you leave Park City to head up Spiro....you are headed to a point of no return...and you defintally get a energy rush leaving that aid station...but it quickly fades...very quickly!

There is not much to say here other than this is where I really struggled to move at any pace...I thought i had that 10 hours in the bag....all the way to the last mini aid station at the Colony I thought I might make 10 hours...I didn't even stop I just kept on riding....I was watching my Garmin and I knew I had to hit the finish line at 5:00 to get 10 hours...keep going I would tell myself, the re-route was better this year...but that doesn't mean it didn't suck,because it did...But some where before getting on Rose bud heading down the canyon I watched as 5:00 came and went...what do you do....keep pedaling. The last climb up the canyon to get on Holly's was the death of me I really struggled to keep riding and now my goal was gone I really had to stay focused on getting this this done... if you keep turning over those pedals every event eventually comes to a end.

10 hours and 38 minutes!!!

See you next year....

You may wonder why people go through this kind of torture...because it keeps you alive, it makes you want to be better and enjoy all that this world has to offer. And I think we also believe that if we work harder next year, skip that one cupcake and ride a few more training rides it won't hurt next year and we will kill it and we will break 10 hours with ease...I don't know...but I will let you know this time next year!

Pierre's Hole 100

2011-08-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

6:15am Start 100 miles to go...

Lets go....

Okay, so lets talk about the Pierre's Hole 100 mountain bike race. First, I've never done a true 100 bike race...I've done endurance races that are considered as hard "Point2Point" and completed 12 hour events where I have ridden 100 miles...But it is a big day when you ride off the start line knowing you have 100 miles to complete not to mention the 16,400 feet of climbing.
The area of the race, Grand Targhee is just the garden of Eden, so, so pretty. We got a place to stay right by the start and finish area which is nice for me but even nicer for Lolly so she can be close to the room...The night before I didn't sleep a whole lot, nothing uncommon the night before a race and it started at 6:15 am...which was really 5:15 my time so it seemed really early, but at that point I just wanted to get going and ride my bike...it was about 45 degrees when we took off and you warmed up quickly, considering you climb right off the start line.
I didn't really have any expectations except to finish and not to go to hard the first two laps. Also I wanted to eat every half hour or so and make sure I stayed hydrated and kept my electrolytes in order.
All of those things I did really well, Its getting easier to eat and drink...you would think that when you are working so hard and riding 10-12 hours you would be hungry but somewhere out there your body sometimes shuts down and you just don't feel like eating...but this I know if you do not eat and drink alot...You will shut down and once you do it's very difficult if not impossible to recover.
Lap times 2:33-2:53-3:03-3:33...so I basically got about a half hour slower each lap. Loved the course, but it was up and up and it was really hard doing 4 laps...it's tough to have the opportunity to stop and not go back out on lap 3 and 4...but we went through alot to get to this race and I decided going in I was to going to ride or walk this thing to the end...and I did my share of walking on lap 4...I'm getting stronger on these endurance events, it takes a year to two to understand what you are capable of and at what pace you can go at and what your body needs to endure a day like these events demands...but I love it...so much more than a 2 hour XC race event. I still enjoy those events, but the thrill for me is really riding my bike for 6 hours plus and really see some country...
I took 10th place in my age group and was happy with the event and thought the promoters did an outstanding job with the aid stations as well as the food and awards...first rate event..

See you next year!

I was able to meet Brad on lap 3 and Give him some much needed Diet Coke....

Yeah....Ice Cold Diet Coke.

99 miles done, 1 mile to go...

100 miles, 12 hours 4 minutes My man rocks....

Hope I can get him back up. :)

Brad and Lolly.

P2P Practice...

2011-07-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Brad was able to make a quick trip back up to Park City and ride the Point 2 Point course with friends, Justin and Jared.. They rode for about 13 hours and had a great time. The weather was beautiful and the trails perfect, Brad said it was like riding in the Garden of Eden....Thanks for the pictures Justin....

Park City 50

2011-07-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

The finial item on our agenda for this trip was a bike race (surprise!!!!) It was with the Utah State Championship Series and called the Park City 50. 50 miles in the mountains above Park City with 10,000 feet of climbing and ended at The Canyons Resort. I will now turn the computer over to Brad so he can post all about it.....

Ready to Go

Brandon, Brad and Justin ready to go....

ready, set, go

I went into the PC50 bike race with a bit of of nervousness, having the last 50 mile race in Big Bear California kind of kicking my butt. This race had about 8,000 feet of climbing as well as being held at 7,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation so that always is something to respect.
But like with all my endurance events it is the difficulty that is it's allure to participate in the event, and again to help me prepare for P2P race coming up in September.
We headed up the mountain at 7:00am sharp, 300 hundred of us. I just started to use a heart rate monitor in my events to help myself pace my effort throughout the day. My target rate was 155 and my goal was to keep it under 160 through the first half of the race...it's a tough thing to do as other riders are riding away from you in the first part of the event, but I stuck to my plan.
There were 6,000 feet of climbing in the first half of the race so I knew if I could get through that and feel okay I would turn it up a bit for the second half.
So that is what I did, probably for the first time, I stayed with the plan and watched the computer on the bike and rode within the target numbers and can I say it went fantastic.
When I got to the aid station at the top of the mountain at mile 23 I really was feeling pretty darn good and then I thought this is where I turn it up but we kept climbing and climbing, and just when I was hitting a wall a bit we started the long downhill to connect to Mid-Mountain trail and over to the canyon resort where we finished the race, this is a trail that I'm very familiar with...but again I was feeling good and I was trying to keep my pace as strong as possible knowing we had about 20 miles left along with a tough section called the re-route. I got with a guy I think his name was Rich, he was wearing a Bike Fix kit and we rode the next 10 miles or so together and I was grateful for the companionship and the pace he kept, we parted ways at the mile 40 aid station. He stopped a drink a coke and I just wanted to get finished...so I rode the last 10 miles basically by myself, I was grateful that Bob let us go on down the canyon with out any nasty uphill surprises like they did to us in the P2P race...So I came down the canyon seeing the finish line and of course my faithful wife Lolly who volunteered at the event, my time was 5:43 and 7th place in my class...But the main thing I took away from this event is that I love Park City trails and that pacing yourself with a heart rate monitor helps in these long endurance events..It was a wonderful week with friends and family to in Utah! Missed my David...

Brad at finish line

Park City, Oh Yeah!!!!!

2011-07-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

We were able to spend 4 days up in Park City this summer (we will be back for Labor Day) and enjoyed every minute...Brad and I have decided that we need to figure out how we can live in Park City for June, July and August and then Vegas the rest of the year...With all of the snow fall this year they had a late spring and due to that everything was just so green and fresh. We enjoyed dinner out for Sammi's 24th Birthday and a great hike on the Mid Mountain Trail and of course on Saturday, Brad had a 50 mile bike race. It was such a wonderful escape for us and great to spend time with Sammi, Jane and Julie. Thanks to Stan for use of his wonderful Condo in Deer Valley.

Sammi and Brad on Sammi's 24th Birthday...

Jane and Brad

Julie and Brad

Sammi and Lolly

We had a fun dinner for our Sammi's 24th Birthday...She is an amazing Young Woman..

Brad and Lolly

Brad, Lolly and Sammi

Brad, Jane, Sammi and Lolly

Brad and Jane

Our Brady Bunch Shot

Friday Morning we went for a beautiful hike along the Mid Mountain Trail.....It was wonderfully green and peaceful...

Jane at 13...

Lolly

Sammi and Julie

Jane on the Mid Mountain Trail

Lolly (shot taken by Jane)

Hiking up to Mt Timpanogos Cave

2011-07-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

On Sammi's 24th Birthday, we hiked up to the Mt Timpanogos cave and did the tour. It is a great hike up a little over 1000 ft in 1 1/2 miles, then 1/2 mile through the cave and then 1 1/2 miles down. Sammi great friend Julie was here for Sam's birthday and so the 6 of us girls, Sammi, Julie, KK, Brookie, Jane and myself, with our water bottles, light jackets and almost awake, headed up the mountain. We left the bottom at about 7:40am made it up in an hour and were done by 10:30am. It was a great morning and saw some beautiful wonders of nature.

The Start, 7:40am

Highland below..

KK and Jane

Just to prove I was there also....

Almost there....

At the top waiting for tour.

Inside the caves you really see some amazing things. It is dark and narrow and you are not allowed to touch anything, but it is really fun and so worth seeing.

Really narrow inside...kk is a small girl...

Mountain Goats on the trail

After the hike we went over to check out the American Fork River. With the snow fall this year in Utah being about 300% over normal, the rivers are really high and fast and they are asking people not to get in them....

Summer fun in Utah...

2011-07-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well we have been having a wonderful time in Utah visiting family and friends....We started in Grantsville with a baby blessing on Sunday and then a fun filled 4th of July. We were able to celebrate Sammi and Brads Birthdays with Brads family and then off to spend a couple of days in our old stomping grounds of Highland Utah. Our Niece Jane is here visiting from Seattle. She has been staying with the sweet Strickland family, but tomorrow we are heading up to Park City for 4 days of fun.

Flowers at South Willow Canyon

Fields of flowers

Beautiful Flowers in South Willow Canyon

South Willow Canyon July 4th, 2011

Our first Morning in Grantsville, Brad took a ride up South Willow Canyon on his bike. The river had been really high due to the large snow fall this year and the road was closed to cars, but Brad said it was not to bad and the the green fields and beautiful flowers were amazing....

Jane Overmars....

Sammi and Jane waiting for the candy

cool cars in the parade

Jane got a bouncy ball

Jane lost her bouncy ball

Old Fire Truck

Jane got a 4th of July lei

Adam, Seth and Skyler Hart

Sammi trying to feed the sheep

Jane and the Moose the horse

That horse loved Jane's Hair...

Jane....

Brad and Lolly

Jane

Brad playing the ball toss...He and Allen beat all of us over and over again.

Miriam and Randy

Frankie Sneed

Birthday Cupcakes for Brad's 50th and Sammi's 24th Birthdays.

Birthday boy and girl

Sammi and Grandma Janet

Sandy and I went and watched the fireworks at the Grantsville city park...

After our time in Grantsville, we went out to Highland and were met with a huge thunder storm...lots of rain and thunder and lighting....

Thunder storm in Highland, UT

Look at those dark clouds....

We also enjoyed out time with the Thomas Family. Their kids are so fun and we just love spending time with them....

Lolly with her Mega Lolly and Izzie with her Izze

Izzie Thomas

Brookie Thomas

Max Thomas

Izzie Thomas with her princess umbrella

Pool Time!!!!

2011-06-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

With the weather heating up, it is time to enjoy the pool!!!!

We had our dear friends the Moss family, come on over to enjoy it with us and even the dogs got a chance to cool off....

Sarah ready to show us her sweet swimming skills

Marissa and Jane Bug...

Sarah and her Daddy show us their flying show...

Rocky enjoys cooling off.

Max enjoys showing Rocky (Max is the little one) who is boss...

Sweet Jane Bug...

Is she asleep?

Never!!!!!!

Missy...

And of course, the Boss!!!

Camping Trip to Zion National Park....June 2011

2011-06-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

When the kids were little, we use to camp in Zion a few times each summer...it was always fun to sleep in the tents and to tube down the river and Zion has some wonderful hikes that we always enjoyed.....it is a bit different now, you have to have reservations and they have to be made quite far in advance...so I was very excited when we were able to find 2 days in the middle of the week and I booked them. Sammi and her friend Julie decided to drive down and join us for a couple of fun filled days....

The weather was perfect, but because of the snow fall in Utah this past winter, the river was really raging and cold, so we were unable to tube this trip, but Brad and the girls did play a bit in the water, but it was really just too cold.

Julie, Sammi and Lolly

Brad and Lolly being silly

Julie and Sammi.

some of the mountains around Zion National Park

Our cute little friend.

Hiking down.

Waterfall at Lower Emeral Pools.

Virgin River, Utah

River was really high and cold due to huge snow fall in Utah

Tram ride back to campgrounds.

Tent camping with electricity and your lap top for a movie...

after a quick bike ride, chilling by the river.

Sammi and Brad

Sammi and Me, (Lolly)

Waterfall at Emerald Pools

Sammi and Julie.

Middle Emerald Pool

We dusted off all of the camping gear and got the tents up and set up camp. We had some great meals, (thanks again girls for the great lunch) and played Yahtzee (just a funny note, Sammi said before we started to play that she always get a Yahtzee, always!!! Well after 6 games and 6 Yahtzee's I guess she is an amazing Yahtzee player) and of course had smores...It was just wonderful to get out of the city, relax, look at the amazing stars, enjoy a hike and each others company...

12 Hours of Mesa Verda

2011-06-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well this time we are off to Cortez Co for the "12 Hours of Mesa Verde...." We had to drive through the "4 corners" so we were able to stand in 4 states at one time...The drive was long, and not very much to look at for most of it, but always fun to drive a different road...

I wanted to race the 12 hours of mesa Verde for several reasons:

1- I had heard it was the funnest course out there from all my Revolution Team Mates.

2- I wanted to complete a 12 hour race while I felt strong enough to do so...You never know!

3- I needed another event to build my base for preparation for Point2Point race at the end of the year.

In regards to the course, oh my gosh...it was the best race course I've ever ridden, really great for a 12 hour event. Just enough climbing to make it hard and a ton of fast flowy single track. The first lap was to fast after that everyone seemed to spread out a touch and calm down.

I felt pretty strong through out the race, it was good to ride with friend and teammates, there were a large showing from northern Utah and again, what makes these events extra fun is seeing friends and getting to see them through out the day out on course and at camp. But by lap 4 things were starting to ache a bit, my feet were getting some hot spots and my legs were starting to lose some push...I did eat and drink well all day so I never cramped at all...another reason to do more events is to sample different drinks and foods and to see how your body responds to them in an actual event. I did electrolytes in my water and ate food on every lap, I even did some pizza between laps 4 and 5...all good on the food and fluids.

But by lap 6, 10 hours plus into the event I knew this would be my last lap...that was at 99 miles into the day...I was feeling done. I ended up taking 3rd in my category, all good with me, just had a great day of riding and had a fun, fun weekend with Lolly...I know I say it alot, but I love my wife...she is the best pit person ever!! She is always there with food, water, and support....which means a smile and on occasion a kiss...and I just enjoy the road trips with her to see new places and meeting new people in the process.

This event was defiantly a good 12 hour event if your interested in doing a 12 hour race, I will be back for sure next year, Lolly willing.

1st lap...warming up, time to take off jackets and arm sleeves

lap 5...

This guy on a unicycle did 4 laps...amazing

look ma, no shoes.....after more than 11 hours, shoes had to come off...

One tired biker..

3rd place in the Old Geazer catagorie...

Whiskey 50 2011

2011-06-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well early in the year the Whiskey 50 went onto my 2011 race Calender. I had heard from Revolution teammates and others of how fun and challenging this race was.

I talked my good friend John Moss into going to Prescott Az and racing this event together. It is always fun going away with John and riding bikes together, it's a bit tougher on John to get away now that he has two small children at home and a demanding job to juggle as well...Thank you Marissa! lolly on the other hand has been married to me for 28 years and is always ready for a girls weekend while I'm out of town, and she is also very supportive of my bike riding, thanks my love.

John and I made the 4 hour drive to Prescott on Friday and had time to pre-drive some of the course...notice not pre-ride, but pre-drive...much easier on the legs. We then found our hotel and got some food in our bellies. We made it to Whiskey Drive and walked around the booths and checked out the downtown for a while...very good support from the town with this event. We did the pre race meeting and then got our pre race ice cream and headed back to try to get some sleep before the big day, sleep before a race is always a difficult thing to obtain for me the night of an event but all in all I slept okay.

My start was at 7:00am and the weather had been fairly cool so I suited up with a couple of layers and hoping for it to warm up. The Whiskey 50 is a big event, there were about 250 of us taking off and that was with no pros, they raced on Sunday. The tough part of this race was the first 4 miles of pavement, it steep and then steeper, at the top before hitting the dirt it jumps up around 17 percent and we were riding at a brisk pace. My plan was to stay in the front 15-20 percent so not to get behind slower riders when hitting the single track which I accomplished but to no avail, as soon as we hit dirt we came to a complete stop...and everyone was yelling and making stupid comments about other riders and doing crazy things like running around through the bushes to gain a spot or two...it really didn't matter it was a long day and a lot of miles.

It was a fairly tough climbing for the next few miles as well, but because of the amount of riders the pace wasn't to fast and things started to sort out which was great. By the time we hit the short down hill sections things were opening up...and then we started climbing again. In the Whiskey 50 there is about 7,400 feet of climbing so there is a bit of climbing in the course which I like for awhile but it was a long day. I really enjoyed this event, but i must say there is alot of fire road riding is the event, but I knew that going in...but it is like a pure 12 miles of 4-7 % fire road at one point and it starts to wear on you after a hour or so of spinning up the mountain.

I completed the race in 4:24 or about and thought for an early of the year race I felt pretty good and had a great weekend it with John. John also did extremely well and we both left feeling like we got our monies worth.

Good times in Arizona!

Spring Tour de St. George....

2011-06-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

We drove up to St George Ut for Brad's first road race of the year, well really his first road race ever...

Well, its been some time since I did my first century bike race. I was excited to try my hand at road riding (I've always been a dirt guy) Thinking most roadies were weight wienies and stuck up snobs who don't even wave as you ride by...But after so many of my friends ride road bikes and after moving back to Vegas and watching so many ride up Red Rock I decided to buy a road bike and join the snob club.

I can tell you that I enjoy it way more than I would have guessed, it is easier to ride, less gear, you can ride right out of the garage and I don't get as muddy or even dusty...and it is fast, you can cover fifty plus miles in a few hours and be back home showered and ready for the day.

Down sides, cars! You have to be on your toes and watch what is going on...But I really enjoying riding my new Specialized S-Works Roubaix!

Okay back to the St George race, it was scheduled April 9th and you would think that means nice warm like spring weather, that's why I choose St George...Well the weather is really the story here, the report called for cold damp weather all day...I watched the weather everyday for two weeks until Lolly told me I couldn't tell her the weather any more...I still looked. Nothing changed the morning of the race it was raining and in the high 30's...I must say I consider my self a warm weather rider...David has hauled me out into the weather he considers nice and I freeze...Utah fall and spring rides...sorry back to the story...I figured I signed up and I wanted to do it...so I guess there were about 200 or so stupid people willing to brave the elements for the love of cycling and away we went.

We rode out of down town, out around sand Hollow and through Hurricane and then they routed us back through town out to snow canyon...I really felt good all day, it rained a good part of the day, it snowed for 45 minutes as we went through Hurricane and I think we lost 20-30 of the riders there...I must say I feet were numb and I won't mention the other numb areas...but that comes with the territory.

I finished the race some where in snow canyon where the race organizers turned us around because of Snow on the roads(it is called snow canyon) so I think the total for the day was 88 miles in 4:28 and I must say it's not what I thought my Spring Tour of St George was going to be like, but I always enjoy a challenge on the bike and love to accomplish a new adventure in my life...I see more century rides in my future. Can I take a minute to thank my wonderful wife, it's a long day out there on the bike...but even more so driving from aid station to aid station...on this day listening to me cry about how wet and cold my body parts were and having her help change my socks and warm my feet in the car by the heater and the whole time telling me what a great job I'm doing...I know I say it alot, but I have the sweetest, kindest wife the walks this earth who I love and adore. Now bring on some dirt!

Dressed for a cold ride....just 100 miles :)

At the Start...7am

coming in at a check point...

Done and ready to get warm....

Don't ask.....

Weekend Get Away!!!

2011-04-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Brad and I were able to getaway to Flagstaff AZ. It was a great weekend and we had so much fun walking all around Flagstaff and then a quick trip to Sedona (only about 30 minutes away) and did a bit of shopping and taking a few pictures...

When planning this trip, it was a bit funny, because we kept going back and forth between Fontana Ca, where there was a bike race, or Saint George Ut (an other bike race) or AZ... at the last minute Az won and Brad found a really cute little cottage that was built in 1920, to stay in for two nights.

Flagstaff was a great little town. Right on old Route 66. We had fun driving down the Route and seeing all of the wonderful old Motels along the way...Kinds of takes you back and makes you wonder what it was like back in the days when all of the Motels were full at any given night. Also Flagstaff had wonderful little shops and restaurants and we made the best of both. :)

Sunday Morning, we drove into Sedona. I had never been there so it was really fun to see all of the wonderful red rocks. Reminded me a bit of Zion (which we have spent a lot of time at) The weather in Sedona is about 30 degrees warmer then Flagstaff and just a really fun town. Again lots of great shops and we also had some wonderful BBQ at a place called Sally's .

It was nice to get away with my wonderful Hubby. Thanks Babe....

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2011-03-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Dad..(Ted)

March 7th was my Dad's Birthday....My dad has lived in Hawaii most of my life so I have not been able to spend many birthdays with him, so this was a special night and we had a great dinner with Dad, Judy, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Vicky and friends Carol and Rich....Thanks for a great night and Happy Brithday Dad....We love you...

Judy and Dad

The Nut of the family....Uncle John

John and Ted

Fun in St George..

2011-03-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

Max with the water gun...

After the race, we had fun in the pool at the hotel...

Brooke

Izzy

Justin and Brad talking about the next race...

Sara....Not sure how she planned on getting any sun?

Sweet Sammi

Brooke, Max and Izzy all had fun jumping into the pool for my camera!!!

Brooke

Max

Love this picture and this girl...Izzy

Brooke and Max

Brad forgot his swim suit, so I bought him one at Kmart, but it was to big and almost fell off..this is Sammi trying to sew him into it.....that did not work, so he just had to hang on...:)

Just a really great weekend, with wonderful family and friends....

And Were Off....The 2011 Racing Season Has Begun!!!!

2011-03-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Brad taking off!

Yes its that time again!!!! The 2011 racing season started March 5th with the first race in St George, Ut...we were able to have a great time with our sweet Sammi Fay and great friends...We enjoyed wonderful weather, great food and a really fun movie...oh yeah, and swimming.....

Our friend John Moss raced his first Intermountain cup race and placed 4th in his class!!! He had a great ride...way to go John Moss!!!

John Moss at the finish

WOW...That was fun

John's 4th place finish....

Brad placed 3rd in his class!!! He had fun and we had a great time cheering him on....

To be a fan, you must have these shoes....

Max and Brooke Thomas

Brad at the finish

Brad with a 3rd place finish

Lolly (me) and my Hubby, Brad

3rd place

Yeah!!!

Our friend Justin Thomas also had a great first race, and this sweet family really enjoyed getting out of the cold Utah weather, Oh and they also brought us our sweet Sammi.....

Justin Thomas at the start

Go Justin

Justin coming in at the finish line

Justin, way to go!!!

Sammi, our sweet girl

We just had a wonderful weekend and let the season begin.....

Izzy

Brook and Izzy

David leaves the MTC and arrives in Denver!!!

2011-03-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

David at the MTC in Provo.....A few pictures

2011-03-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

David had sent home his card from his camera, so I thought I should post a few pictures.....

Snow in Vegas Baby.....

2011-03-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is an old post, but I have been really lazy about posting since David left on his mission, so these next few will be older, but need to get a few in....

So one morning, Brad and I were leaving the gym at about 7am and when we got outside, it looked like we were in Utah.....The snow only lasted about 4 hours, but it was fun....

Elder Sneed Reports!!!

2010-11-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

Elder David Sneed

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010.. Elder David Sneed reported to the MTC to Serve the Lord in the Denver North Mission for two years. It was a beautiful Fall day and with Brad, myself and Sammi, we drove him there and said our good-bys at the curb. We will miss him, but are so proud of his choice to serve the Lord. We love you Elder Sneed....

Sammi, Brad, Elder Sneed and Lolly

Lolly, David and Brad at MTC

David and Brad

Sammi and David

Brad and Elder Sneed walking toward the MTC

Trip to Utah to take to take David to the MTC

2010-11-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

David was set apart on Saturday evening as a Missionary, by President Tew. He came by the house about 9am and it was a wonderful thing to see..

Elder Sneed and Brad

The next morning we loaded up the ever faithful Yukon and headed to Grantsville so David would have a chance to say good-by to family there. We had a great dinner at Randy and Tracie's home and stayed the evening there. The next morning we did some shopping for items on his list and visited some friends. Then on Tuesday morning we again drove to SLC and went with David to the Salt Lake Temple, We stayed with some friends in Highland and had some great fun with games and just visiting. A dear friend, Aaron Prado came up from BYU say good-by to David.

Izzy

Sammi, Brookie and Izzy

Brad and Justin were also able to get in a bike ride (really good for November in Utah) Brad had not brought any cycling cloths, so he had to borrow a Mad Dog outfit from Justin and with the wig, well it is just a hot look.....

Justin and Brad

Tomorrow we drive to Provo and drop David off at the MTC....

Christmas at Rod Works Las Vegas

2010-11-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a few pictures of the Christmas product that we have received into the store. It looks beautiful and we are reallying looking forward to the season!!!

6 Hours in Frog Hollow

2010-10-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend was spent, well riding bikes!!! (not a surprise) The boys had a fun race near Virgin Utah, in a place called Frog Hollow. The race started at 9am and they rode until 3pm. Brad and David both completed 5 laps which was about 64 miles.

Great weather, race start 62 degrees and at finish 73 degrees. The trail had rain the days prior and were in excellent condition. About 70 racers came out and it didn't take long to get some space. The race started out with the first 5 miles or so with some gentle climbing and then it got to some fast flowing single track that was to just to fun every time I went around. I loved this course, it was one of the funnest race courses I've raced on in a long time. One of the best part of the weekend was that David raced with me, we didn't stay together the whole time but we were able to see each other through out the day. He did 5 laps and felt strong through out the race. I will miss riding with him and look forward to when he gets home from his mission in two years, he will be an outstanding cross country racer when he returns. Well, I have one more race in November at Bootleg Canyon outside of Las Vegas. B~

Brad finishing lap 4

David finishing his 5th and last lap!!

Just a last note from me (Lolly) after the race, I enjoyed a quite ride home :)

Park City Point 2 Point 2010!!!! Here we go again!!!

2010-09-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Pre Race Carb Feast!!!

Brad decided to punish his body just a bit more this year and signed up to ride in the Park City Point 2 Point race again. 82 miles and 14,000 feet of climbing (check out their web site parkcitypoint2point.com) I will post some pictures and let Brad post about the ride. I had a great time again this year working at the mile 57 food/aid station. It was a great day and a big thanks to Jay and Shannon, who put together a great race again this year, can't wait until next year.

Well, I signed up for PCP2P again last February while still living in Highland Utah, having done it the previous September in Park City. So I went into this race knowing full well what was in store me and my fellow riders. It took m 10:43 minutes in 09' and I had just completed a full season of racing the Intermountain race series. Well alot changed in 2010, we moved back to Las Vegas to open a Rod Works Home decor store and I raced 5 races all year instead of 15, I also missed me 3-4 time a week rides with my good friend Justin Thomas in the Utah Mountains, I also forgot how hard it was to train in the summer months of Las Vegas. I tell you all of this as a set up to tell you PCP2P kicked my butt this year, it took me 11:50 minutes to complete. My goal after the race last year was to break the 10 hour mark, well that didn't happen. I knew it was going to be tough when the week prior I went to Brian Head for some training and about died on the mountain at a 11,000 feet after only 45 miles of riding, I immediately called Justin to try to convince him to do the PCP2P as a duo, but nooo he wanted to do the whole enchilada.

The race started out great, went out with the 9-10 hour group, the ride around round mountain was nice the pace was brisk and the morning cool, the ride up to Silver Lake was a bit harder than I remember and I was a a lot more tired than I think some of the other riders were at this stage after reading almost every blog posted. My daughter Samantha was there and it was good to see her smiling face, it's always good to see my baby girl. So with that I topped off my camel pack ate a half of a banana, took two more Tylenol and got on my bike and headed up Silver Lake. Now this part of the race I clearly remember from last year, I had been told be several friends that they had rode all of this section of the race, so I was determined to pedal more and walk less this year, well that did not happen, I think I did better this year than last but I enjoyed last year more because I walked with Brad Mullen and it was great company. I made it to the top and came around the loop back into the aid station in about an hour and was feeling pretty good, a bit worried about my riding companion Justin Thomas, but Sammi and David (my Son) said he was only 15 minutes behind me so I felt he was doing well and just riding at his pace. It again was great to see my kids and they gave me lots of encouragement. I ate some cookies, stocked up on some goodies and headed out of Silver Lake...this is were things turn a bit ugly...see I forgot to fill my camel pack with water, the whole point of going with a camel pack is so you don't have to worry about running out of water, well needless to say I ran out of water about 45 minutes on the way up to the lake, I was now on the bike about 7 hours or so and I was starting to really feel the pain, but I was determined to get to the Park City aid station (mile 58) so I could quit this stupid race, no just kidding (kinda) so I could see my wife (the best volunteer Jay and Shannon have) at her station and to see my kids again, which I did making the cut off by about a half hour or so. I was feeling okay but knew it would take me a long time to ride the last 25 miles to the canyons resort, I warned David saying don't be overly concerned if you don't see me for several hours. I got Lot's of cold water thanks to Sammi and Sarah and felt good leaving for the finish. I knew I would need to walk up some of Spiro to be able to finish mid-mountain which I did. And then along comes Brad Mullen just spinning up the trail I greeted him and got in behind him and put my head down and pedaled my stupid bike up that mountain until we reached the turn off to the mid-mountain trail head. There I met up with a couple of Revolution riders and was feeling okay and they helped me reach the canyons some how...all I can say at this point is PCP2P race is a test of will and stamina and it test the best of riders, I finished this year, which I'm happy about, but I still believe I can and will break the 10:00 mark in 2011. My focus next year will be on longer rides with several 50-100 mile events prior to PCP2P and I will reach my 9:48 minute goal in 2011...Thank you to my wonderful wife and children for spending there whole day waiting for a slow rider enjoy what he loves most...a good kick in the butt mountain bike ride, I love my family !

Racers line up!

Brad and Justin ready to Race

And GO!!!!

Justin

Park City Point 2 Point (2nd year)

Brad on his way

Alex Grant (who took first place) taking a quick drink

Food/Aid station at mile 57 (where I spent my day)

Need more water please!!

Brad at mile 57!!

Waiting for my hubby!!(and checking my email's)

Here he comes!!!

Heading to the finish

Brad with Brad

relaxing at condo after race!!

Fall in the Utah Mountains.

2010-09-21T00:17:00.000-07:00

After the boys were home, fed, clean and resting...we left them with Sarah and with Marissa's mom in the drivers seat, we headed up the mountains with our toys, camera's!!!! The leaves were beginning to change color and with cameras in hand, when into the hills and took some fun photos (Marissa's are sooooo much better), but I had a great time.

Weekend at Brian Head with the Moss's

2010-09-20T23:21:00.000-07:00

Brad and David near Bryce Canyon

We had a fabulous weekend at Brian Head with our dear friends the Moss family...John, Marissa and their sweet Sarah May. Brad and David are doing their best to get in all the bike riding in that they can before David leaves on his mission in just 5 weeks. While Marissa (who is 7 months preggs) and I enjoyed some fun shopping and just relaxing time this weekend, the boys did EPIC RIDES!!!

They were able to drive to Bryce Canyon and get in a quick ride the first day. All of them went on about how beautiful the ride was....They got there late in the afternoon, but were able to finish the ride.

David

John Moss

The next day I drove them up the canyon and we dropped off John's car and then preceded up the canyon past Duck Creek to Strawberry and then I just left them and headed on my hour drive back to the cabin. The boys were gone about 7 hours, but had a wonderful time. They rode 32 miles and David was just so pleased with himself because that was the longest ride he has ever done. He and Brad have a 6 hour race coming up in October, so now he is not worried about being able to finish it.

Brad and David up near Brian Head.

Brad and John in the Mountains somewhere!!

We just had a great time and great fun.

Thank you as always Moss Family

David's going on a Mission to.....................

2010-09-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Denver North Mission....He leaves on November 3rd and we are so excited for him. I have to post just how getting his mission call went that Thursday morning. We were leaving on Thursday morning to go to Park City for the Point 2 Point bike race. All calls in Vegas arrive in Thursdays mail, but we really wanted to get on the road early because Brads family had planned a party that evening for us. We found out from a note in the mail box to the carrier, that mail is delivered about noon, but she gave us a number for the Post Office, to call and see if they could pull it and we would pick it up. Brad called and the woman on Wednesday morning said that if should not be a problem, but to call back the following morning and see what they can do...so we called Thursday...car packed (in hopes that this would go down) and the call to the Post Office that morning was not as hopeful. The gentleman said that it would almost be impossible to do that, but to call back in about an hour.

Brad, being Brad, could not wait, so he and David got in the car and drove to the Post Office to see if they would have more luck standing there, and they were Successful!!!!! They walked in the door with the large white envelope, which within held the future of David's next two years.

We were going to get in the car and arrive in Utah and with Sammi there, open the envelope, but we could not wait...so with Sam on speaker phone David opened his call!! Colorado will be wonderful for him.

Denver North Mission

He reports to the MTC on November 3rd 2010

Thinking of Ryan

2010-08-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Ryan at 5 years

Another year has passed since we lost our Ry. Not a day goes by with out a thought of you...with out smiling because I thought of something you said or did.... I miss how loud you were....how you just loved life and your family...but most of all, I just miss you!!! We love you, Always.

Night Owl Race

2010-08-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

The boys, Brad, David and John Moss, signed up to race in a night race. The race was a fund raiser for Cancer and the different part is that it started at 8pm and went until midnight!!! So lights charged and off we went.

They had a great time and both Brad and David were able to complete 3 laps and felt really great about that. It was a 9 mile lap, so they did 27 miles in the dark with no compilations!!!! Again I was the pit crew and if I do say so myself....I do a great job!!!!!!

Ready to Race!! David, John and Brad

Lights Ready!!

John Moss

Brad in Race Mode

David

On your mark.....Get set......

GO!!!!

David, John and Brad just chilling after the race.

Brad has two weeks until Point to Point in Park City, so he is on the bike a lot until then.....I will keep you posted.

Seattle Fun!!!

2010-08-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

I was able to sneek away the first week of August for a fun filled trip to Seattle. It was my 30th High School (West Seattle High School) and also a great time to see family and friends.

I always love going to Seattle. It will always be, well, just home.   I love the city, the weather (I know, but I really do) and just about everything about it.

I arrive Thursday morning and Mom picked me up from the airport. We drove straight to Alki Beach and to Spuds Fish and Chips. Mom, for years, has been trying to tell me that Spuds is just not the same, but I love walking into the store and smelling the fish and vinegar!!! It is still great fish, but they are using new oil (healthy or something like that) and it is a bit different.   We enjoyed our fish near the water with a friend.

The reunion was a blast. There were two events, one on Friday night and one on Saturday. It was a bit strange seeing some of these people after SO many years, but with Jenny in tow, off we went. We had a great time at both events and it was wonderful to see old friends.

Jenny and Lolly

Monty, Jen and Lolly

WSHS Class of 1980

Lolly and Jenny

Evan working the Booth

Lolly and Merry

Mom and I then spent Sunday at Browns Point with my sister, Katie's family. Every other year, Brown's Point has a huge event called the "Salmon Bake" I happened to be in town the right year and Annie and her husband came down, so we were all together for the day. It was a beautiful day and we had fun and had some great fish.

Chris and Annie

Jane

Bob cooking burgers!!!

Lolly, Merry, Katie and Annie

Cooking a lot of Salmon

,
On Monday Mom and I hung out for a bit, then Annie and I went downtown to do a bit of shopping. I love looking in the old shops at the Market and just enjoying the energy at the Market. The flowers are amazing and having been in town for just 4 full days, I did make it down there twice.

Gum Wall at the Market

Love those flowers

Fresh Veggies

The Market

Monday evening, Mom had all of the cousins, there kids and all of the Nye Aunts and Uncles over for dinner. This was the first time in a lot of years that both myself and Carrie were in town. Carrie live in Austrilia with here sweet family and was in Seattle for a few weeks. We had a great time catching up with each other and taking some great family photos. I can't believe how grown up all of our kids are.

Annie, Lolly, Merry and Katie

Nye Cousion kids

Poor Chris, the only Boy!!

Jane and Auntie Lolly

Nancy, Joe and Merry Nye

Carrie with a Kiss for Max

Julie and Paul

Katie and Chris

Suzi, Lolly and Carrie

Merry and Ann

Ella and Kate

Annie

I hope I can make it back up there soon.
Thanks to all who made the trip so wonderful and a big thanks to my wonderful husband, who is always willing to let me have my Seattle fixes.

Sammi's Birthday Gift

2010-08-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

Sammi is 23 yeard old and all she wanted for her birthday was a cruiser (cool bike) so that is what her Dad bought for her. She is having a great time with it and there is not a better place to ride then Utah.

She is a wonderful daughter and we love her.

Happy Birthday!!!

Boys and their toys.....

2010-07-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

David riding in Brian Head.

Brad, at the top.

Last weekend, Brad and David took off for Brian Head, Utah for two days of bike riding. They left on Friday morning and got to Brian Head about noon. Friday's ride was about 25 miles and 3000 ft of climbing to Lauder ponds to the Peak, down Dark Hollow and up through Scout Camp, just a great ride.

Lake in front of where cabin use to be

Home Sweet home

The toys.

David catching dinner.

Why I love this place....

After the ride they went to the spot where Brent's cabin use to stand, and set up camp. They did a bit of fishing and caught two fish and had a great spaghetti dinner. As a family, we use to just love going to the cabin in Brian head. It was about the most relaxing spot on earth and I do miss going there. Saturday morning the boys got up, broke down camp and set off on an other ride. This one is called Bunker Creek, it is a fun, downhill ride that is about 12 miles. George from "Georges Bike Shop" Drove them to the top, elevation 10,500 feet and set them loose, then picked them up at the bottom and took them back to his shop. Just a great chance to spend some time with each other doing what they both love, some great biking through the beautiful mountains of Utah.

David stopping for photo,

Somewhere in the Mountains

David

Red Rock Hike,,,,,

2010-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Brad and I enjoyed a quick morning hike in Red Rock....Kim opens the store in Tuesday morning, so we get a chance to do a little something in the am. The weather has been cooler this week, so we went on a short hike. It is just so beautiful in the canyon.....but going into summer, we will have to get up there a bit earlier.

I also had a late call from a dear friend from Highland, Shannan Busby called and needed a place to sleep....so she arrived about 11pm with her niece and after knocking on my neighbors door (I said 4th house on the left, but we are the 5th...sorry) she arrived and we had a nice visit. But poor Shannan woke up sick and is still here so nice to still have her around :) but I hope she feels better soon.

Mom, Sammi and Stricklands come to visit!!!

2010-06-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

My Mom came for a visit!!! Yeah, I always love when she is able to come for a few days. I love just sitting and visiting with her and catching up on all the news...

To say the least, it was HOT, HOT, HOT while she was here and our AC unit for the downstairs, well was not working. She was a trooper, but with temps reaching 110, it is draining no matter how you try and not get wiped out. Just going back and forth from a store to the car....well it's HOT.. I had to work a lot, but David was here and Sammi came down on Wednesday with two of the Strickland kiddo, so she had company while Brad and I were at the store..

Miss them all :(

New Employee!

2010-05-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that there would be a legal issue with her age, but she is just so cute, I hired her on the spot!! Thanks John and Marissa, hope that driving her to and from work will not be to hard on you. :0

Sarah May Moss

Employee of the Month

Sarah, just to fun.

Ryan's 24th

2010-05-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today our Ryan would have been 24 years old.

What would he be doing?

Would he be married, have a child?

What would he be doing?

Miss him everyday. Miss how loud he was, the house was just to quite when he was gone..

I miss him coming home from school and yelling out "Woman, I'm home!"

I miss that flash of red hair and those brown eyes.

I miss our talks,

I remember once when he was 3 and Sammi 2, I was pregnant with David. They were in the tub and Ryan kept asking me to get in with them. After a bit I said "Fine" when and got on a bathing suit (being 8 month pregnant not getting in without it) and when I started to get in, Ry turned to Sammi and said "Now watch how deep the water gets!!!"

I miss all of the car rides to Utah in the Summer and how much fun we all had with playing the ABC game and listening to fun books on tape on the way to Grandma and Grandpa Sneeds.

I miss our trips to Seattle and showing the kids around the city I love. They always loved the Market and the ferry rides across the sound.

There was an article in the paper once that asked "If you could spend the day with someone who has died, who would it be and what would you do?"

Well that is an easy answer for me. I would spend the day with Ryan and I would love to watch him play hockey. He loved that game. From the first time he ever set foot on the ice....that boy was in love. Sometimes, someone is given a gift and his was on the ice. He just floated across the ice. He was a true puck hog, but it was always a joy to watch him.

There have been empty holes on vacations, Holidays, and just in everyday life, but I do have peace in my life knowing that you are well and with others who love you. You are with Heavenly Father and best of all, with Christ.

This was a sad year with the loss of one of Ryan's dear friends. Robi Sundell passed away in Oct. It was such a sad loss, but in some ways I was happy for Ryan to have a great friend now with him. Boy I hope that they are not causing to much havoc.....

I love you Ryan!!!

Mom

Party Night!!!

2010-05-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

On May 7th, we had a party for Friends and Family. We had a great turn out, and had some really fun food from the resturant next door (The Edge of Town). Theresa and Heather stayed and helped on the cash registers and Aaron and his wife Heather came down from from Utah.

Lot of fun friends.

Theresa, one of our wonderful employees

Heather, another great employee

Aaron, helping out on the registers

If you build it, they will shop.

family enjoying the evening

Great Friends

Mark, Heathers husband not wanting to go public.

Lots of great food

Friends checking out the store.

Brad and Rob,

Shoppers all over.

Brads Mom, Sister Sandy and her husband drove down with our Sammi for the weekend and it was so sweet for them to all come down and support us. We were also able to enjoy Mothers day with them before they drove home on Sunday.

We were touched by how many people came to support us and we Thank all of you.

Thanks and Lots of Love

Brad and Lolly

3 weeks down!!

2010-05-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Well we just completed our 3rd week!! And the best news is that we are still alive and kicking!!! Things have gone well and having a great time seeing old friends and making new ones. We love having people come into the store who have never been in a Rod Works, and just look around and take it all in.

We have have many wonderful customer who come in and then get on their phones and call friends and family and tell them about the store, or tell them to drop what they are doing and come up to the store to meet them.

We are working on getting Brad and myself out of the store a bit more. I am going to start taking Mondays off and Brad is going to take Tuesday Morning off, for a much needed bike ride with John.

We have 3 great employees who have been great with us as we get use to the whole schedule thing. We are a bit slower on Thursdays, so on those days, Brad and I are running the store. Saturdays are busy, but so far we can do it with Brad and I and one other girl.

We have really enjoyed doing this, and I love working with Brad.

We are having a Party on Friday night for friends and family. We are going to have some great food, and are looking forward to seeing some great friends and having them check out the store.

More later.

First Week

2010-04-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well we survived our first week!!! It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. I do not think I have ever worked 13 hour days for weeks straight ever, but we did it and the store did well.

We had really had not problems to speak of. Aaron was there from Monday to Wednesday afternoon helping us and Mark flew in on Wednesday to check out the store. I really think he liked what he saw. :) We are so thankful to both of them for the wonderful opportunity.

People loved the store!!! It was fun to watch them come in and to, well just watch them look at everything.

We heard over and over again, how wonderful it was to have a store like this here in Vegas. Others had been in the stores in Utah and were so excited that we were now here. They really had fun, and that is what we want for our customers.

We had our first really big coupon go out on the front of the Sunday paper, so we are excited to see what that will do for business this week.

Its here!!!! Rod Works Las Vegas, Baby!!!

2010-04-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

Almost 6 months to the day that we decided to open the first franchise of Rod Works, it is Go Time. We opened on Monday, April 12th 2010 and had a wonderful first day, (second day looking good also)

Ashley, working her magic!

That Sweet Baby Boy

New Product

Fun Spring things.

Lady bugs all over

We want to thank everyone who came in and helped open and price and get everything ready to go.

Aaron (who I'm sure is sick of us, but we love him)

Sandy (Brads sister) was amazing. She sat for two weeks and opened, priced and put away product.

My Family, Katie, Jane, Even, Dad and Judy.

Our new employees, Kim, Thersea and Heather.

Friends, like Lisa, John and Marissa Moss and many others.

And Ashley Eller, my friend from the Lehi Store. She was amazing!!! She arrived on Friday, and my Sunday night we were ready to Rock and Roll. Thanks Ash, Joanne and that sweet baby boy!!

So we are open and ready for business and excited for this new chapter in our lives!!!

Our very first customer!!!

One week left until store opens!!!

2010-04-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Brad, Lolly and Sandy after a very long day.

We have been working really hard this past week getting ready to open the store. We have had wonderful help from friends and family (I hope we have not abused anyone). We really could not have gotten as far as we have without the help. My sister Katie even spent a lot of her vacation with a box cutter in hand, along with Jane and Even. Brads sister Sandy has been here for 6 days and is staying for 3 more and she has been wonderful.

My Sister, Katie, working hard.

Even was a great help (those are many, many jellybeans in his hand)

Jane and Evan.

My wonderful Sister-in-Law, Sandy

My Wonderful Friend, Lisa McIntyre.

Theresa, one of our first employees!!

Marty (brother-in-Law) he was a huge help in the backroom with Brad.

Brad telling me, that is enough pictures and get back to work. :)

Aaron arrives from Utah tomorrow to get all of the computers on line and the credit card machines working. I will start training the girls on the tills this week and they are all looking forward to Monday as we are.

It almost Go Time!!!!

2nd Day!!!

2010-03-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

Brad and Paul Roundy

Another long day, 6am until about 7pm, but we (with wonderful help) opened, priced and placed 7 pallets worth of product!!! Now just about 40 more to go. Brad and I had help from David, My Dad and Step Mom, Paul Roundy and Aaron. Aaron leaves today and won't be back until next Monday, we will miss all of his help and hope things do not fall apart this week. Thanks again to all.

Dad and Judy pricing flowers.

Aaron pricing more flowers!!

Brad also doing more pricing

Piles and Piles of Cardboard!!!!!!

Rod Works Las Vegas!!

2010-03-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Truck arrives!!!

Well I posted last time that Brad and I moved back to Las Vegas to open a new business called Rod Works. Well today was a big day for us. We received all of our displays and our first 7 pallets of product. We where there from 8am until about 10pm and will be back at 6am to start opening those pallets. We had a lot of help today from my Dad, David, Paul Roundy and Aaron (from Utah). We are having fun, but it is a lot of work.

Working on the back room, Brad watching the work.

David helping to open many boxes!

Aaron checking it all out.

First pallets arrive. Brad handles the fork lift like a pro.

easy does it.

Aaron keeps a safe distance.

First product for Rod Works Las Vegas!!! Yeah

Store taking shape.

The Baby is 20!!!!!!

2010-03-22T16:07:00.001-07:00

It is official! We no longer have any teenagers!!! (and we survived) David turned 20 last Friday. He is a wonderful young man and we are proud of him. I think he likes having us back in Vegas. He and Brad have been on many bike rides and our kitchen has also seen quite a bit of him. :)

Well lets see.......

2010-03-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Home in Utah

Well lets see..... What have the Sneed's been up to? Well selling a house, buying a new house, moving back to Las Vegas, Buying a business, opening that business..... Renting moving trucks (two different loads) and then renting a home for a month, moving out of that home and into our new one and then unpacking..... Boy Im tired just typing it and I had to do all of that. (Thanks to eveyone who help us pack in Utah and unpack in Vegas) :)

New Home!! And Grass!!

New back yard. Fun to have real grass in Vegas

The backyard.

We have been really busy. I have been working at a great store in Lehi Utah for the past 4 years, and in October they started to franchise, so what the heck, we will be Rod Works first franchise!!!!

The Store!! Got our sign up on Friday, March 19th

We hope to have the store up and running the first week of April. Fingers crossed!!!

Janes Last Day:(

2010-01-02T17:19:00.001-08:00

With this being Jane's last day we wanted to take her out to Grantsville and watch Brad's brother, Frankie and his Son-in-Law, Todd race their chariot horse team. Of course we took Kaitlin with us and we had fun watching the teams practice (racing season starts next Saturday)

It was a beautiful day and Brad and the girls had a couple of snowball fights, I think Brad won!!!

I will miss her when she leaves tomorrow, but we will have a week or two this summer!!!

New Years Day!!

2010-01-02T17:05:00.000-08:00

Well 2010 started off with a beautiful day and Jane going up to ski with the Strickland family and Brad and I having a quite day with going out to lunch and watching movies making cookies and then a cake for Mark Strickland to thank him for taking Jane up to the mountains. Jane had a great time and really enjoyed skiing in powder for the first time. They left at 7am and did not get back until 7pm and then Kaitlin spent the night. They are just so cute and remind me of Ryan and His friend Robbie in Grantsville, everytime we would go to Grantsville, Robbie would be at my Mother-in-laws house with in minutes of our arrival then they would just pick up as if they had not been apart for months. Jane and Kaitlin are the same. They never seem to get tired of each other and almost look like twins. We have so enjoyed having Jane here and will miss her when she go home.

Welcome 2010

2009-12-31T16:59:00.000-08:00

We welcome 2010! Jane is heading out to a New Years Eve party with our sweet neighbors (the Strickland Family) and both she and Kaitlin just looked beautiful. Brad and I are laying low this evening and just hanging out and watching a movie (I'm not feeling well, so that is a wonderful reason to chill). I just wanted to post a couple of pictures of the girls. The best to all this New Year.

Jane and Kaitlin New Years Eve 2009!!!

Jane and Kaitlin heading out to a New Years Party!!

Snow for Jane!!

2009-12-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

Jane arrived Sunday, (I thought she was arriving on Monday afternoon, so thank you sooo much to my Sister who called to make sure I knew she was coming that day) She was able visit for Sammi and David for 1 evening so I was happy for the mix up in arrival dated.

She has been asking for snow, snow and more snow since she arrived and today her wish was granted!!! It started snowing this morning and as I type at 10 pm, it is still snowing. I had to work today, but Brad took Jane and Kaitlin to a movie and then they came home and played outside for hours!!!! She came in, left and had dinner at the Strickland's and then back out side and is still outside as I type. She has been having a great time and Brad and I really enjoy having her come and visit.

Jane and Kaitlin having fun in the snow!

How much snow can we eat?

We have the most amazing sledding hill behind our home. It is a wonderful place for a bit of sledding or boarding. Jane and the neighborhood kids have been having fun going down the hill.

Sledding Hill!!!!

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning broke cold and clear. It was about 6 degrees out, but with hot chocolate and a fire, well who cares. Kids opened their gifts and had fun. David had already received one of his big gifts and has been using it in Vegas (a season ski pass for Lee Canyon) and Sammi got a Kindle from Amzon (it is an electronic book, really cool) she was really surprised. We are grateful for everything in our lives and are thankful for our Savior and thinking of him at this wonderful time of the year.

David

Sammi, opening her suprize gift!!!

She does love to read.

Our Christmas Card for 2009

2009-12-25T10:08:00.001-08:00

This was our first complete year as Empty Nester's, so we thought the Christmas Card should reflect that. We have enjoyed the house to ourselves, but on the other hand, really miss the kids. It will be wonderful to be back in Las Vegas and closer to them.

Christmas In Utah 2009

2009-12-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying a beautiful Christmas here in Highland, UT. Sammi and David came up from Las Vegas to spent the Holiday with us. I am enjoying having them home and all of us under our roof safe and sound.

David with Santa (aka Uncle Randy)

Sammi with Santa

Last night we drove in the 4 wheel drive sled, out to Grantsville to spend the evening with Brads Family. We had a wonderful dinner and then after dinner, Santa arrived to hand out gifts to all.

Great Grand Kids with Santa

Grandma with Santa

Today will be spent in new PJ's and enjoying new movies and then a great dinner (which smells really great right now).

Merry Christmas to all.

Promise, Last pictures of Fall

2009-10-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

Brad and I went for a beautiful hike in the mountains behind the new Draper Temple. It was a wonderful day for a walk and the colors were, well outstanding!!! Missy and Max had a great time also. My Mom comes in on Friday, and I was hoping that the colors would still be here, but we had a huge wind storm last night and most of the leaves were blown off of the trees, but I am still hoping that there are some left for this weekend.

Point 2 Point Race in Park City

2009-10-17T08:47:00.001-07:00

Brad had one finial race he wanted to ride (I'm not sure why, I think he is a bit crazy), but the race was called Point 2 Point, and it was in Park City. 75 miles with 14,000 feet of climbing (yes I said 14,000 feet, that where the crazy part comes in), but he did it in only 10 hours and 46 minutes. He was one tired boy when it was done, but he loved it and can't wait for next year. I also had a great time and was able to volunteer all day at a feed station, received a free jacket for doing it and had a blast!!!

getting ready to race

the start of the 1st Point 2 Point Race

Fall 2009 in Utah

2009-10-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

I really love the fall season. Thing just seem fresh. The air is cooler and the colors are unbelievable!!!

Stream up in Alpine Loop

Bridal Vail Falls in Provo Canyon

Back of Mt Timponagos

John and Vicky on the lifts at Sundance

View from the Ski Lift at Sundance

Color in the Mountains

John and Vicky

Dad and Judy

Brad and I have taken several hikes to just enjoy the color. Dad and Judy, along with my Uncle John and Aunt Vicky, came for a visit and we took them up over the Alpine loop to see the fall colors. It was a fun visit and I hope that they do not wait 3 years to come again.