Mardi Gras 5K

Michael is gearing up for a bunch of races this year...the Mardi Gras 5K is the 2nd one (his first on new years day). It also had a kids fun run 1K and the boys were VERY excited for the race. Matthew's first, Tyler ran his Turkey Trot at school (not an official race, but he thinks so). Our friends joined us, Dan running the 5K and their son Nathan running the 1K with the boys. Stacy and I stayed out of it with the little girls. I did initially plan to run the 1K with the boys, but after the false start "practice run" I decided to just watch. The boys had utter determination and smiles all around. It is so fun to watch them, as they enjoy running. They actually came out quite ahead of the rest of the pack.

They lined pre-K up first (matthew and Nathan) and then kinder and 1st (hence Tyler being further back).

Tyler coming in....
up close
Matthew and Nathan
Look at that smile:)

Finished and happy!

Michael and Dan run at similar paces, and even thought they started apart from each other, it was fun to see them coming in together (which was a fun surprise for our two families waiting). All the kids cheered as they came in and I took lots of pictures (shocking, right?) Michael came in 12th overall from his time chip. His time was 19:17 which he says he hasn't run one that fast since college. He even got 1st place in his age group (sorry, I have to brag) which really meant a lot to him, and was awarded a Mardi Gras mask as a prize. The kids very happily wore their "participant medal" the rest of the day. After, the kids got free candy corn, popcorn, and balloons.

Michael graciously acknowledges his fans with a wave...

We all went out to dinner for Texas yumminess at the County Line, I'd never been and really enjoyed it:)