3 jogs in 2 days!

Now that Hailey is on the high school campus the school jog-a-thon is spread over two days. The kids really enjoy Brian running with them so spreading all those laps over two days is definitely easier on his body. The jog-a-thon is always a fall highlight for our kids. Today, we had someone ask us how many jogs Brian and I have participated in...SO, I added them up and unbelievably the number of jogs totals 42...and counting. The jog represents so many things to our family...diggin' deep, giving our best, supporting our friends, Lions Pride, sore legs, Gatorade, grandparents, unpredictable weather, Popsicles, orange slices, spray bottles, loud music, Mr. Hannold starting each race, connecting with school parents, cheering for siblings...

Every year, I leave the school feeling so blessed from the fun, fellowship and joy of watching these kids, 'doing it all for the glory of the Lord'.

HIGHSCHOOL JOG-

Hailey completed 20 laps (5 miles)! She is one determined girl. Few people knew that Hailey ran with two bandaged toes from having surgery on end-grown toe nails a week ago. We could not be prouder!

The next generation. Three brothers came to cheer on their 7th grade sisters. When we pulled up to the track, Kelden clapped his hands and yelled, "Yeah!" -Too cute!

Brother, Josiah Handy, would not leave Brian's side. He cried when Brian took off to go run with Hailey.

The little guy I watch during the day enjoyed a few hugs from his sister, Amaris...

and a lap around the track.

Kelden joined in on the fun on daddy's shoulders.

Friend, Korine, giving the Lion a high five. Even the older kids need a little entertaining.

ELEMENTARY JOG-

1st Grade

Landon and Bethany so excited to start.

It is always good to have old friends cheering us on.

I just love this face! Landon was definitely giving it his all.

Bethany truly had fun till the end. She ran 14 laps. Way to go girl!

One more jog to go!

Even Grandma & Claire joined in on the fun!

My dear friend, Kristin, ran with her son Jack all while holding one twin with all her purses and jewelry.

Walking their free lap gave these three plenty of time to compare stories.

Two very tired kiddoes.

Wouldn't miss a hug from grandma before heading back to class.

5th grade-

Mr. Wickline is ready to start this race!

Every year, Mr. Hannold starts each class off by leading the kids around the track for the first lap.

These three boys agreed to fun together...in the end, Keagan and Tye were still together.

At times, Tye was pulling Keagan along, but they both finished with 21 laps, finishing top of their class. Congratulations boys!

The first graders came out for recess to cheer on the 5th graders.

Bethany and Landon were so cute as they kept their eyes locked onto Keagan and his friends.

Keagan and Tye left Brian in the dust. So, Brian came alongside a few of his soccer players to encourage and run with them. He is loved by so many of the kids. I just love that about him. He sees a need and goes after it.

Keagan woke up this morning feeling awful. This photo captures the anguish he went through to run 21 laps. Way to plow through son!

One sweaty dad and one happy son.

"We did it!"

Tye is one GOOD friend!

5th grade class

Congratulations son! You were amazing!

A morning with my niece

Claire joined Kelden, Alex and I for a morning of play. Kelden and Claire had a blast with the play dough(Kelden's favorite activity) while Alex played on the floor. We need to do it again real soon, Claire!

Catching our breath!

This weekend was so incredibly relaxing. For the first time in about 2 months, we were able to spend the evening on Friday as a family. It seems so hard these days to find an evening and even harder to find an entire day where we can all be home together, engaged in the same activity. The kids crave it and more importantly we all need it. Here is a glimpse into the first 24 hrs. of our much needed weekend of R & R before daddy headed off for a 48 hr. weekend shift.

I love watching these two interact; so far apart in age, yet, so much alike in personality & looks.

Bethany & daddy have been diligently picking & shelling almonds for the past 2 weeks in 30 minute increments of time, here & there. Bethany is always on cloud 9 when it is just her & daddy.

The evening family project was to trim a few good size branches off of the oak tree to allow more sunlight into the rose garden. Eventually, the oak tree will completely block out all of the sunlight, leaving us with an even bigger job of moving the entire rose garden. Until then, we will stick to the small job of trimming one branch at a time.

Brian is always impressing us with his knot tieing skills. Keagan, on the other hand, will use this opportunity to swing like a monkey on Brian's pulley system; while Brian figures out just how he is going to safely trim this branch.

This poor praying mantis made it onto every one's body & off again several times AND it is still alive!

"Wher d it go?"

"See guys, I'm not afraid of him."

"Whoa, he makes my hair stand on end!"

Swinging with sissy

"Stakin' wood for daddy."- notice his motor is running. What is it with little boys and motors?

"Daddy always says, 'You got to have the right tool for the job!', I think I have both. "

I walked into the rocking chair this week and possibly broke my pinkie toe. It has been hard to get around the last couple of days, so Brian offered to get down the harvest tote from the attic before heading back to work. Hailey & Kelden wandered up to the attic and this was the end result. It took everything in Brian & Hailey to get him down.

"Daddy, you can't get me."

"Oh, man"

I started my day on Saturday at a baby shower for my high school friend, Meredith (Morrison) Smith. It was so fun catching up with both Meredith and Crystal (Hannold) DeMerrit.

The kids and I spent the rest of the weekend napping, watching movies, playing games, crafting & preparing for the week ahead. It is feeling like Fall!