Iron Girl Triathlon and Red Rock Spa

This past weekend, I was in Las Vegas for a triathlon and Spa Day for Mother's Day weekend. It was a fun filled and very packed weekend...but oh so much fun (and somewhat relaxing at times).

I made the trip with my mom and we caravanned up to Vegas, following my best friend, Jen, her 3 kids, her cousin, aunt and Jen's mother and stepfather. We left around noon Friday from San Diego and arrived in Las Vegas a mere 6 1/2 hours later. Lots of stops for pee-breaks for the kids (and the pregnant gal).

Jen and her husband own their own business and have a branch in Las Vegas so we were lucky enough to stay in their rented loft style home. It was massive and so nice! Forgot to take pictures but I'm sure to be back to visit the house so I'll take some then.

On Saturday morning we woke up at a very reasonable (not!) 4:45am as Jen had to be at the All-Women's Triathlon by 6am for a 6:35am swim start. Me, my mom and Jen's mom went to support Jen in her all-women's triathlon.

Jen did awesome! She conquered her anxiety about the swim ...

and despite the blazing heat and horrendous hills (she swears a man designed the course!) finished in a great time of just over 3hours 31 minutes. She even had a smile on her face as she crossed the finished line.

Of course besides me, her mom was very very proud of her "Jennifer Wennifer"

Both Jen's mom, Irene, and I had also planned on doing the event but due to a back/leg not cooperating for Irene and my ever expanding pregnancy belly, we were religated to cheering on the sidelines. However, the event was so inspiring we both vowed to compete next year so all 3 of us can enjoy the 'joy and pain' Jen experienced this year.

After the Triathlon, we headed back to the house to pick up Jen's Aunt/Cousin and then to the Red Rock Resort Spa for some much needed Mother's Day pampering (hey cheering someone on for almost 3 1/2 hours in the blazing sun is hard work).

The spa was luxurious and wonderful. Here's a few shots of us waiting for our treatments.

Irene, Jen and Aunt Diana

My mom and me (again I swear I look larger than I am...white is not flattering on a 6 month pregnant woman).After my much needed pedicure, I met the ladies poolside in a cabana for some fruit, fun and sun. I guess I didn't get the memo about 'shades off' or 'smile wide'.

We finished the night with some penny slots and video poker (I won $40) while we waited for dinner reservations at an Italian Restaurant in the Casino. A good and exhausting time was had by all.

I think everyone crashed out by 10pm on Saturday and were back up by 5:30-6am on Sunday morning (apparently small children have an early rise button programmed in them). Jen's hubby, was kind enough to buy us donuts and coffee (for those who needed it) and then my mom and I were on our way back to SD by around 8:30am. We made a quick detour to Pomona to visit Gabe (baby's daddy..hehehe) and ended up having my mom meet most of Gabe's family (it went really well) and I got to see the new stove/oven we purchased getting installed (so excited...I'll blog about it when I talk about the whole home renovation or Gwen taking over Gabe's house entry).

Finally, we finished our jam packed Mother's Day weekend with dinner/presents at my parents house with my brother and sister (my other sister, Moira was in Detroit for work).

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother/Daughter Day at the Spa

Each year my best friends (Jen & Becs) and our moms (or in Becs case, sometimes her daughter Savannah) try to get together for a Mother/Daughter day in December to celebrate another year of friendship and the holidays. In the past we have gone to the Nutcracker and dinner. This year we decided to pamper ourselves with a much needed Spa Day and a movie.

Unfortunately Becs and Savannah were unable to attend because their family was traveling to Mammoth for a last minute family get together. While we missed them terribly, we were still able to buck up and enjoy the pampering all the same.

We went to our new favorite spa spot Coldcreek Spa (I have mentioned the spa before and will probably again in the future). In the reception area we had time to show off our matching Christmas sweaters.

Jen & her mom Irene

The 'old biddies' aka our moms (Irene & Fiona)

The 'babes' aka the Daughters (Jen & Gwen)

In the spa area we were treated to soothing foot baths, lavender scented neck wraps and tea while we waited for our treatments. My mom and Jen both got massages while Irene had an Ultimate Spa Pedicure/Manicure combo and I with an Anti-Aging (oh yes, I needed it) Facial.

Can you see the look of relaxation on our faces?

After the spa experience, we headed over to the movies and caught a showing of 'Nothing Like the Holidays'. While Jen and I enjoyed the flick (we could totally relate to some of the characters as those of people we know), our moms were less than thrilled, with my poor mom not getting a lot of the references and Irene just thinking the movie stunk. At least all of us got a good laugh out of discussing it on our way home.

I'm so happy not only to have my Best Friends in my life, but am really happy our mothers get along so famously. Heck, when Irene & Fiona get together, I don't know who giggle and laugh more, them or us!

Ah the Spa!

Yesterday, my two gal pals, Jen and Becs, and I met up for our October GNO: An evening at the Spa then dinner. Here's us pre-treatments (visions in white...we know!)

All of us having been running ourselves in overdrive lately so the Spa was a natural choice. No, sing alongs or bull riding here...just serenity now! Plus, we gave Becs a giftcard to the Spa for her birthday and didn't think she should have to go by herself, so being the best friends we are, sacrificed and treated ourselves to a couple of treatments as well. Look at all the pampered little piggies (I'm referring to Becs' fingers & Jen's toes that is...pigging out comes later read on!)

It was heavenly and blissful, and all of us agreed that for a day spa, probably the best we have been. (If you get a chance check out Coldcreek Day Spa in Otay Ranch...though their front desk lady needs to attend a customer speedy service seminar...the treatments were worth it!)

Oh yeah almost forgot: Dinner. After our 3 hour blissfest, we were starving (hey, being pampered is hard work), so we headed over to Macaroni Grill (high class...again, we know!) and proceeded to take down our pasta dishes like no one's business. We shared food, wine and laughter and had another great GNO evening.

Thanks ladies...can't wait until next month's adventure....LOVE YOU GIRLS!