Years ago my parents decided that we were going to participate in a 5k on Thanksgiving morning. For weeks leading up to the race, we tried to talk my parents out of it. Really, 6 am on Thanksgiving? Were they crazy? Well, we knew the answer to that, but it didn't matter. They really were crazy, but there was no talking them out of it. No whining or complaining worked. (And being from a family of 6 girls, we had the whining and complaining perfected.) At least we were all in it together.
Maybe it was the stretching that my younger sister Collette decided to lead the whole group of a few hundred people in that left us all barely able to breathe from laughing at; maybe it was the turkey breakfast waiting for us at the end; maybe it was the whole race cheering as my 70 year old Grandpa crossed the finish line (after being slightly distracted by the gardener attending to some roses along the path); maybe it was the thrill of winning prizes at the raffle at the end; and maybe it was the joy of being together.
However, I never would have dreamed that 11 years later, we still go every Thanksgiving morning at 6 am.
And more than that.......
It is our very favorite part of the holiday.
This year was a monumental one. My 9 year old ran the whole 5k for the very first time. Words could not express how proud we were of him. He ran the entire time. He and Mark ran together and they did it 30 minutes. Pretty dang amazing for a 9 year old!
I was supposed to run the mile with Caleb this year. We started jogging together, however I figured out quickly that it was not going to last. NO, he didn't get tired. He started sprinting. I couldn't even keep up with him. Luckily, Layne decided to run with us and she was able to run and catch up with him. 8 minutes. Yep, my little 6 year old ran it in 8 minutes. I know I am bragging a little, but I think they deserve it :).
My three boys.
Layne, Nat, Dad, C, Claire, and Robert
Nat, E, Mark, Big E, Dad, Claire, Robert, Layne, and C's head.
Both my Dad and Little E won 3rd place for their age division. Pretty impressive!
Little E was very proud of himself. As well he should be.
Here are a few more pictures from the day for your viewing pleasure........
My parents neighbors, Christiana and Paul- who are very much like family, came over for dinner as well. After we were done eating and we were sitting around talking, Paul disappeared for a few minutes and came back with a surprise for the boys to see.
I am not an animal lover. These adorable baby tortoises that he rescued and was taking care of nearly changed me for a few minutes. We had so much fun holding and watching them.
(And don't worry. The spell soon wore off after he took them home. I am back to normal and we do not have any tortoises at our home, much to my children's dismay.)
Soon after, we went to our annual movie. This year it was The Muppet's. We loved it.
And then the Roskelley's came over for pie as usual.
I was so disappointed when the day was over. I really was. It was a perfect day. And I went to bed that night with even more to be grateful for.
