Was That A Weekend?

We had quite a weekend!! Try to keep up, 'kay?

Friday Night -- ACU Homecoming Carnival

We saw precious little Natalie Jones get her face painted with a wildcat paw. Here she is "saying cheese to daddy" so I could get a picture. We also ran into several old friends and spent a lot of time talking.








Riley was on some crazy backwards-tug-of-war thing. He wore himself out! There was a kid attached to the other end of that rope, trying to do the same thing. He was a smaller kid, so he was kind of hanging by his waist. It was a hoot!!

Riley also climbed on the faux rock wall. I wanted to try, but didn't want to stand in the line! Ashley was in attendance at the carnival, but I never caught up with her long enough to get a picture. We usually go to the chemistry circus which is a blast with lots of smoke, loud explosions, and fun. We missed it this year. We tried to get in bed early because. . .

Saturday Morning -- McMurry 5k

A big goal for each of us. It was Ashley's third 5k, I wanted to run one, and it was Riley's first. We all accomplished our goal -- FINISHING, and without whining or crying! Yeah!! for us! :-)

We each had at least one "running buddy" that we knew was running with us. Laura Ashlock was my running buddy. We didn't stay close together, but I think we finished within 30 seconds of each other. I think it may have been her first 5k. In the last 2 years, Laura has lost 30 pounds and gained all kinds of muscle. I'm really proud of her -- but at the same time I fear she will blow right past me in our next 5k!!

Riley and Nelson Bruce were running buddies at first. Nelson took off so Riley ended up running with Lindy, our next door neighbor who is the same age. Riley (remember Mr. Angst?) had a great time and a great attitude the whole time. I'm so proud!

Ashley and M'Lee (the older girl) are running buddies. M'Lee is a very gifted athlete and came in a few minutes ahead of Ashley. But there are never any hard feelings between them and they are still the best of buddies. We really love all of the Grahams at our house. Sweet, sweet people. M'Lee's little sister, McCall, is also in the picture. McCall was supposed to be MY running buddy, but she left me in the dust. She did great!

This is a picture of the kids from Austin Elementary that ran the McMurry 5k (MOST of them are pictured here -- some had to leave afterwards to still go to soccer, etc.) Mrs. Sanderson (K-2nd PE teacher) and Mr. Graham (3rd-5th PE teacher) are also pictured with them. Obviously, Mrs. Sanderson and Mr. Graham have a fabulous PE program that encourages the kids to develop life-long healthy habits. Mr. Graham is M'Lee and McCall's dad (also Malone, but she is too young to run this year!) Check out little Sam, #40. He's 6 years old! Riley, standing right behind him in maroon, is 7. Sam ran the whole way, though, and his little legs were going about as fast as my little legs! He came in about one minute behind me!

Ashley placed 2nd in her age group! The McMurry PE department was most kind and made 2 age groups for kids since so many ran in the 5k. Ashley placed 2nd in the 9 and under division. That is M'Lee in first! Then McCall in 4th and Abigail Zeller in 5th. Way to go, girls! I don't know the cute little 3rd place finisher, but what a great job!

Moving on. . . while we were running, Troy was eating with old band friends at the Big Purple reunion/ reception! The 3 runners ran right home, then got cleaned up and dressed. We headed to Homecoming chapel -- Troy sang on a praise team in chapel. The weekend also included the football game, the Perkins' visit to our home, a Sunday lunch at ACU and concluded with Seussical, another fabulous production by the ACU drama department. I don't have pictures of any of these things. But now I really need a nap!