Eastman Race

Colin is usually the one racing, but we (he?) decided it was time for the rest of us to do something while he watched. So we entered Izzie and Ben in a kid's race, and I entered a 5k. (Don't ask me how the 5k went because after we'd driven half-way there we realized I didn't have my race number so I didn't run.) And in my defense, I did have the kids dressed, changed and fed, had snacks for them, books for the car, diapers and wipes in the diaper bag, wallet, keys, phone and was dressed in my race clothes. With the important exception of my number, of course. And as it turns out, I actually remembered what my race number was, but we didn't know if there would be any way to prove it. So instead we went to a yard sale, ate breakfast at McDonald's and the kids bounced in a bouncy castle that we came across. Actually, Izzie didn't want to go in without me and no other children were in it or waiting to get in so I bounced too. Colin will attest that we bounced for a long time, but probably not as long as it would have taken me to run 5k! Luckily, Ben and Izzie's race the night before went off without a hitch.

Here's Ben getting his number pinned on. He was doing a lot of thumb-biting that day.

Here's Izzie getting her number pinned on. And look - I'm in a picture!

And another one too!

??? Your guess is as good as mine! Actually I think they were warming up - Ben decided to invent his own stretches when he couldn't quite follow the ones everyone else was doing.

Daddy getting Izzie all set. I was worried Izzie was going to end up on her face because these shoes were slightly too large for her and she didn't have a lot of practice moving around in them. She stayed on her feet though, and to be honest, it probably wouldn't have fazed her if she had fallen down.

Ben, getting into his zone.





Izzie copying Ben.

Izzie practicing before the race.

Daddy giving her some encouragement.

Izzie was so excited she ran straight into my arms on the sideline laughing and cheering and thought she was done! I had to run with her to finish the race. She came in last, but was very happy about it and proud of herself, as were we!

Technically Izzie was one day short of the 2 year old age group but we figured that didn't matter either. Look how proud she is of her ribbon.

I asked them to show me their ribbons and this is what they did! The ribbons say, "I ran 75 yards at the Eastman Youth Runs. We definitely plan to do it again next year.