Things That Make Cross Country Awesome

There are a lot of things that make Cross Country an awesome sport.

I, personally, enjoy the opportunity to spend an afternoon

in a beautiful park

and the weather has actually been pretty nice throughout the season.

Class A sports are really on quite a different level than

the C & D schools that Jim & I attended.

Southeast has their own tent.

Which is pretty awesome.

There are 75 kids on the Cross Country team.

And even though it's an individual sport

the group really works as a team.

The night before each meet, they gather for a

spaghetti feed at one of the runner's homes.

Each athlete brings a side dish or dessert

and they all get a nutritious meal.

Just look at all of those runners!

Awesome!

I have noticed more than once that runners will congratulate

one another, and will cheer each other on

even if they're representing different schools. 

They all know that running is not easy

and they don't miss a chance to give credit when credit is due.

Even though they wear different school colors- they're all runners first.

I have enjoyed seeing Cole blossom as an athlete this year.

He works hard and has set some personal records.

As the Cross Country season wraps up

I find myself feeling a little bit sad.

I really do enjoy it. 

Just look at the wonderful location-

so much better than sitting inside of a smelly gym getting bleacher butt.

Stella has learned what it's like to be a 

Cross Country fan.

And a Knight supporter.

She loves to get out and enjoy the great outdoors

just as much as we do.

And a ride on Daddy's shoulders around the park isn't bad either!

Really, what I think makes Cross Country an awesome sport

is that these 2 athletes can compete side by side.

And some times the little guy wins.

It's the great equalizer!

Stella in the Kitchen

Stella has found her place in the kitchen.

No, she doesn't cook, or even help me cook that often.

She has discovered a favorite cabinet.

When she is in the kitchen with me

she makes a beeline to her favorite door

and soon she has several pie tins and a grill basket

strewn about the kitchen.

She also really likes to play with the wooden spoons.

"Oh hi Mom- I'm playing with these pans."

"Yes, I realize that my foot is inside of the cake pan."

Sometimes Cole likes to help Stella

and show her how it's done.

I think she just humors him.

She already knows what to do.

Swinging!

Stella got a swing set for her birthday.

Jim and his Dad built it.

And she LOVES it!

Just look at her face when she got to try it out for the first time.

I think this is a gift that she will be able to appreciate for many years to come.

Running Man

Cole has been having a great time doing

Cross Country in High School this year.

He has hit some

personal best times.

Here are some pics from his first meet.

Don't they look like they mean business?

Last minute strategizing before the race.

Lined up- ready to run.

And they're off.

Looking strong.

Finishing strong.

First Birthday Fun

Here are a few shots from Stella's

First Birthday.

We had a football party with some friends

and family.

Stella acted like she knew exactly what to do with the cake.

She had tons of fun!

She Likes It... Or Does She?

A little late to the game,

but our garden is finally producing some tomatoes.

Well, to be honest, it's producing a LOT of tomatoes.

Stella found out that the cherry tomatoes

are the perfect size for her hands.

Yummy!

I like it!

It's delicious!

Whoa! It's juicy.

And maybe a little bit tart.

Oh yeah, it's tart.

Hmmm, what was that thing.

I kinda liked it.

I wanna try it again.

Touchdown!!!!

Stella has a new trick.

We think it's adorable.