Fun Run

I began running about a year and a half ago. Before that time I couldn't run a mile to save my life! This past 4th of July I ran in one of the largest 10Ks (about 55,000 people) in the US. I was pretty proud of myself, but I was even more proud of Emma this weekend. Emma has always taken an interest in my running. She started calling her sneakers her "running shoes" and will always make sure to stretch with me before I leave for a jog. Last summer I signed her up for a Tot Trot that was taking place after my own 5K run. She ran for about 50 yards and got a nice purple ribbon to remember the race. Since the beginning of summer she's been asking me when she will get to do another run. So I found one in the area, but this time I didn't sign up to run myself - I just wanted it to be about her.

Having fun running

We got there a little early so we had the chance to watch runners from other races. We had a pretty good time watching and cheering the other runners while we waited for her race to begin. When it was time to run her race, Emma told me that I could wait at the finish line because she didn't need my help. A minute later the man in charge yelled "Go!" and it took her a second before she realized it was time to start running. But when she saw everyone else going, she took off running! She is always so happy when she runs - her face just lights up. I don't know what place she came in, but I really couldn't care less. I was proud of her for just trying and for being the outgoing energetic girl I hope she will always be.

Emma with her Blue Ribbon

A Day to Remember

I wanted to start a blog to help me remember wonderful days like the one I had Saturday. Ben needed some quiet time at home to work so I decided to take the kids to the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) where they were having a butterfly festival. The adventure began with the kid’s first School Bus ride as we rode the shuttle bus from the parking area to the festival. The kids enjoyed the ride, laughing and smiling the entire time. As we entered the CNC we saw a giant tent with tables set up with awesome crafts sponsored by a local Girl Scout Troop. After making clothes pin butterflies, a butterfly fan, a headband with bug antennae and a fun life-cycle of a butterfly craft we moved on to the face painting table. Emma got a cute pink butterfly on her cheek. Matthew didn't want his face painted but enjoyed the giant bubble machine that was set up outside the tent. We moved down by the river to do sidewalk chalk and stroll down a small nature trail where we compared all the different leaves. As we walked back thru the garden to visit a giant beaver we spotted several different butterflies floating around the flowers. Then we enjoyed the Aviary where we saw Owls, Hawks, and a Bald Eagle. We saw a dance group dressed as flowers, a puppet show about the Monarch Butterfly and the release of several species of butterflies that later landed on and around us. We ate a picnic lunch and then played with the Giant Butterfly kite on the Great Lawn. The kids ran thru it a hundred times. The day ended with us putting on our antennae and waving the fans we made in a children’s parade around the CNC. The weather was absolutely perfect, the kids never left my side (unless we were racing!), and Matthew cried just a few times for seconds as we left one exhibit only to quickly stop at the next exciting one. The kids were perfect and we had so much fun. On the bus ride back to our car, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I am to have such wonderful children and how I never wanted to forget that special day we spent together.