Kicking off 2009

Andy and I began 2009 by driving down from Vancouver B.C. to Salt Lake City. We visited friends and family along the way in Seattle and Portland and made sure to push the "adventure," button from time to time. Multnomah Falls was a beautiful site that soaked us to the bone. Needless to say the next few hours of our drive we were bearing little clothing, as it was drying in the back seat!

Winter

I spent the winter living with cousins, Teresa and Ryan with adorable Kendra in Taylorsville, Utah. I watched Kendra during the day and worked at Bohemian Brewery some evenings during the week tending bar. It was great to be back in Utah, with family, friends, and the great outdoors.

On to Vegas...

Now to Vegas! Andy was hired by Cirque du Soleil in April. He joined a cast of over 70 performers from all over the world and joins them on a magnificent and magical stage inside the Bellagio in "O." We have had several visits from family and friends, which has truly been rewarding. It is hard living far away, so it is always exciting to have visitors!

Summertime!

Travels for the summer included Maine and California. I had a wonderful time in Maine with my parents and grandparents. (My dad has all the photos!) It was nice to get away from the desert heat! A road trip to the Grand Canyon is easy from vegas. Hot dogs on a roasting stick accompanied with beer and a beautiful hike into the canyon the following morning. In August we drove up Highway 1 to San Francisco, and to top off the trip a run down the Kern River with friends.

Back to Work

After returning from our trip to California I landed a job tending bar at the prestigious Las Vegas Country Club. After going from job to job here in Vegas, working conventions, hair shows, and auditions with no hire I found this to be much more financially secure. I have made new friends and connections and also have learned more about the history of Las Vegas through many of the members.

For Halloween Andy and I dressed as Juno and Bleeker from the film, "Juno." My parents also came down to Vegas for a visit that same weekend. We had a great time hitting up all the hot spots, as it was their first official trip to Vegas together.

Fall Fun

Running season began this fall. With the temperatures

more at a comfortable degree I started training for some

races.

Andy and I ran the 6 tunnels to Hoover Dam on Thanksgiving morning. It was a beautiful run on the old railroad trails, where there are no longer tracks. It helped rev me up for the Las Vegas Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon, which I raced on December 6th, finishing in 1:42:33. It was pretty awesome running down the entire strip, which was closed for several hours that day just for the field 27,000 runners.

Also being in Vegas we have been fortunate to see lots of shows. There are dozens in town, so it will take some time, but we are slowly knocking them off the list.

Andy also became an Uncle! Congratulations once again Dave and Elise. Little Owen Jones was a blessing this year, arriving

this past November.

Holidays

A ladies week was a wonderful surprise for me. Mom and Brie came down for a week for some girl time. We squeezed a lot in as they were busy elves preparing for the holidays and we even did a 5k race!

Once again I want to wish you a wonderful holiday and a joyful new year.

As for 2010 we already have booked a trip to Jamaica for April vacation! Yipee!

I will also soon be busy applying for internships at several summer dance festivals in hopes to land one. An Alaska trip is much overdue and will happen as well. I need that fresh mountain air and family time. Otherwise we are here in Vegas, so if you are planning on being in the area please let us know, you are always welcome.

Love and hugs,

Alena