In good form

On Sunday we loaded up the kids and headed for St Johns and the annual Pumpkin Festival where we promised E she could do a race. The weather was just perfect for a short dash as was her event with temps in the 70's and sunny. When we got to the park E was excited about the race but really only had one goal in mind, "That really big yellow slide". We had plenty of time to play beforehand so that is where we headed as M got E registered. She had loads of fun on the playground equipment while I dragged MHM about on my shoulders.

Race time! M took E over to the start line and I am sure gave her a good pep talk on how to best win the race. Trip, gouge, push and shove. OK, maybe not quite like that. I didn't see the start of the race as I was entertaining MHM but heard a roar of excitement as the kids bolted out of the chute. E took off and really showed great form and whooshed past me with nary a glance in my direction. You could tell she was very focused on chasing down the kids and showing them what she was made of. As the dash was around the perimeter of a fenced in Pumpkin Patch, when E got to the end, she blew through the throngs of other kids and the parents congratulating them and did what I am sure was a "Victory" lap. This time around, she saw me at the corner and came to give me a quick hug before setting off to finish the lap. Once she reached the finish for the second time, M scooped her up and brought her to me for a chance to heap on more praise which I did with joy.

After her event was a kids 1K. We went down to the finish line to watch the entrants as they finished, and E was taking a cue from those around her by clapping and cheering as they crossed the finish line. She seemed to enjoy that very much as well.

For her prize, she got a T-shirt, donut and cider. I don't know if she realized what she got but I think just participating was enough for her. E was just happy, smiling and enjoying her moment after "wining" the race.

You sure did E! Congrats!