Life With The Shirleys: the mayor's first race

We started today with a trip to our favorite pumpkin farm. We have this down to a science...we literally spend more time traveling to and from this pumpkin farm then we actually do inside the pumpkin farm. But the kids absolutely love this place...and to be honest, so do we. We took some pictures on the tractor while we waited for the ticket window to open to buy our hayride tickets. We were on the first hayride of the day and the kids were just as excited on this ride as they were on their very first. After the ride we picked out our pumpkins. The Mayor found his pretty quickly; Love Bug took a little longer. She refused to get one of the big orange pumpkins because she said she was tiny so her pumpkin needed to be tiny too. We compromised and she got a decent sized white pumpkin.

On the way home we got "icy drinks" (slushies) and then went to our favorite Saturday lunch spot. We ran by Target and then home to organize the basement. The playroom was getting out of control so we organized, consolidated and put toys into storage. Now everything fits in the actual playroom and the rest of the basement can be enjoyed by the adults.

We got Love Bug ready for a birthday party and The Mayor ready for his race. The mom for Love Bug's friend actually wanted me to just drop her off at the party so I was able to go with The Mayor and D to volunteer and help set up for the 5K. The Mayor helped D put the cones down for the course and gave out waters at the aid station. I picked Love Bug up from the party in time for us to make it back before the 5K, and she decided to hop into the double jogging stroller with Emma so our friend Gary could push them. She was determined to be a part of this race.

about to enter the birthday party

Love Bug and the birthday girl, Paige

Before the 5K, Love Bug with Gary, Cathi, Alli and Emma

The Mayor's one mile race was scheduled to start one hour after the 5K, but he didn't understand that. He saw all the racers and started getting upset because he thought he was missing his race. It took a lot of convincing but D finally convinced The Mayor he was not going to miss his race. D actually ended up coming back from the aid station early and met up with Gary, Cathi and the girls on the course and let The Mayor finish the 5K with them. It was a little pre-race warmup for his 5K.

His one mile race was awesome. He did great. He didn't want D or me running with him, but he said we could run behind him. D ran behind him encouraging him as he went. The Mayor got tired but that probably had more to do with the 50 laps he ran around the parking lot while we were setting up then it did from actually running one mile. I kept trying to tell him to save his energy but he kept saying he had to run so he could have energy. One day he will learn!

He received a medal at the finish line and that made the race all the more better. He was so proud of that medal he actually kissed it.

Love Bug participated in the Tot Trot in her dress and sandals. She didn't care and she didn't let it slow her down. In fact, the course was too short for her so she asked D if she could run it again. It is kind of sad that my 3 year old runs faster and better than me all while wearing a dress and sandals.

We were at the race site for almost 4 hours so needless to say we are tired. We made a quick run to Zaxby's for dinner then home for super fast baths and bed. The Mayor slept in his race shirt with a big smile on his face. After our bedtime prayers, I kissed him and said "goodnight my little runner" and he said "goodnight my little cheerer". I love him so much.