W.O.W Garage 23, Leesville LA

I was fortunate enough to be able to cheer on and support my sister in person as she participated in her first Women Only Wod (W.O.W) fundraiser at Garage 23.

We arrived early enough where I got to check out the gym before they prepped the space for the WOD (Workout Of the Day) event.

Some of her Fort Polk ladies, coming to support her and cheer her on!

A few more lady participant friends.

Prepping for her WOD...wrist wraps and taping up.

I feel so blessed to have been able to capture this moment for my sister.

 She is such a strong woman in so many ways and I am so inspired by her various levels of strength. These pictures obviously show the amount of time she reserves to taking care of herself physically.

Hydration station

Quality vs quantity. She kept amazing form throughout these sets.

Don't forget, this is supposed to be FUN!

How she manages to look so angelic and serene while sweating up a storm is beyond me!

She is definitely out of this world!

Hydrating!

Kettleball overhead swings! Yikes.

Remind me not to challenge her to an arm wrestling match!

Keeping a good attitude despite the physical pain.

I love this girl!

Digging deep! Last set Shawna!

Three sets of 6 different moves and as many reps of each move in a certain amount of time (2 minutes I believe) ...

Yay!!! And you're done! You survived and thrived!

That is one tough circuit...but she is one tough cookie!

 My beautiful sister, still smiling and on her feet...I'm pretty sure they would have had to wheel me out of there on a gurney, complete with oxygen mask and chest compressions! You are such a motivation and inspiration for me!

Roadtrip part 4: Garden of the Gods

Hello Colorado!

After a very pleasant barbecue, wine and dine and overnight stay with some of Ben's friends after their recommendation we headed out early the next day. Water bottles topped off and hiking shoes laced, we are ready to check out the Garden of the Gods.

I am so thankful that Ben loves the great outdoors and spending time in nature as much as I do! As for the rest of this hike...I think I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

Yellow blooming cacti! So beautiful!

Go visit when you get the chance! There are so many paths that are very walking friendly!

Road Trip Part 3: Pictograph Cave and Little Bighorn

 Hello Yellowstone National Park! Although it was a little out of our way we both decided that we couldn't be this close and not take the opportunity to gawk at this beautiful preserve.

 Immediately following entry into the park we were greeted by wildlife!

We stopped off along a couple of roads and made a quick trip to Mammoth Hot Springs before it got too dark...not to mention rainy.

What a view! We definitely want to make plans to come back equipped with more appropriate weather gear.

Now it's back on the road heading to Billings Montana! We found a directory of sights and attractions to see and decided that first thing the next morning we would venture to the Pictograph Cave State Park.

We were both pleasantly amused at this little guy enjoying an early morning breakfast right along the walking path that lead to the caves.

 What a view!

Ben and I both agreed that this place was an unexpected and ethereal gem.

 

It was so interesting to learn about the pictures and meanings and how different markings show at different times in the year due to mineral changes.

This was the view looking out from the caves.

Thistles and yellow wildflowers

Leading the way!

Say cheese Ben!

On the way back to our truck, this little guy poked his head out to check us out!

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument:

 Words will never express how powerful an experience it was for both Ben and me. 

We both felt very moved by this monument and the equal representation of both sides of this battle were respectfully included at this site.

This was definitely hollowed and sacred ground.