CTE Cross Country

Julia is doing cross country again this year.  She's been having a lot of fun with it too.  I can't tell if she likes the running or earning charms for her backpack in five mile increments more. Practices are on Monday and Friday morning before school. Stacey usually runs with her on Mondays and I usually run with her on Fridays. Typically she runs a 5k each practice.

Today she ran at a cross country meet with a couple of other elementary schools around Liberty High School. It was fun for them to get to start and finish around the track (the same track I used to run on back in the day). Although she had a slow start (socialize and trying to stay with a friend), she eventually started running on her own after a little "encouragement" from Dad. She ended up finishing 50th out of all the 4th and 5th graders (boys and girls). Good job Julia! That is pretty good considering she spotted most of them a head start. I'm just happy that she's enjoying getting out and being active. We want the kids to each be involved in at least one physical activity during the times they are in school.

The Kid Life

It was a nice, sunny day and the kids decided to play out back with one of Jonathan's new toys...a Hot Wheels Car Wash stand. It was a huge hit with the locals. They were lined up bumper to bumper (by the kids) for their chance to get the best wash in town.

The next picture is at Jonathan's class party at Skate City. He is with his buddy Cade in the picture. The last few weeks Jonathan has insisted on wearing shorts to school, regardless of the weather, because he doesn't like the look of jeans. We were able to convince him to wear jeans roller skating though. His friend Cade was getting really worried about Jonathan wearing shorts and thought it was because we didn't have enough money to buy him warm clothes. Ha!

Here's a sign that Julia is growing up. This weekend, after the neighborhood garage sale, she decided that she wanted to sell all of her American Girl clothes and equipment. She netted a little over $400 from selling all of her stuff. Ridiculous. With half of the money she was able to buy the digital camera, case, and strap that she had been eying in the store and online. She was so excited to get it.  I hope she continues to learn how to use it and gets into photography.  That seems like something she would enjoy.

World's Best Cat

When the weather gets cold the lap cat shows up. So, if it's not summer and night time and I'm watching something on television or reading, this is pretty much the scene. Freckles sleeps on me while we're on the couch, but she switches to Stacey at night in bed. We call her the heat mooch!

Labor Day Balloon Glow

This year we made it down to Memorial Park for our first balloon glow. The kids are finally at the age where we can keep them up late (after sunset, plus driving time) and not pay for it the next day. They have been to the balloon launch first thing in morning a couple of times, so this was a fun change to see them all lit up at night.