Stache Dash 5k

 Last weekend Quincy and I ran the C-Mo's Kids Stache Dash.  This is the first 5k at "full speed" that I've done since my stress fracture.  I could not have picked a better comeback race.  The course was really good.  Part of it was over a boardwalk next to a river.  It was really lovely.  Quincy and I were both impressed with the run and have declared it a keeper.  As far as my time goes, it was better than I thought it would be.  I ran a 27.46, and I'm happy with that.  Quincy ran very well and placed second in her age group.  I am very happy to be running again.  I really missed it.

The Father-Daughter Dance

 The Father-Daughter Dance is always a much looked-forward-to event for both Brian and Olivia.  This year was no exception.  Olivia started planning her outfit and hairstyle weeks in advanced.  She chose to wear the navy blue dress that Poppy and Nana got her for Christmas and she wanted to wear her hair down in curls.  Her date arrived promptly at 5:30 with a corsage in his hand.  After a few quick pictures, Brian and Olivia were off to eat at her favorite restaurant and then to the dance.  They returned around 9:30 with tales of how much fun they had had.  Olivia saw her cousins and several of her friends at the dance and they all danced the night away.  I am so glad that our community has this opportunity available.  It's such a special time for fathers and their daughters.

While Brian and Liv were at the dance, Owen and I had our own little date.  We went out to eat at Chic-Filet and then to see Paddington at the movies.  We also had a great time.

Basketball

 Owen and Olivia both participated in basketball with the rec. department this year.  I must confess that I was pretty excited for them to try this sport.  I played b-ball every year from the time I was in elementary school until I graduated from high school, and I was hoping that the kids would also find a love for this game.  Not only did they love the game- both of them have declared it their own favorite.

 Olivia played in the 7/8 year old division.  Ava and Claire were also playing in this division, and I was really hoping that they would be on the same team.  All of the kids were on different softball teams last year, and it was difficult to get to see them all play.  Fortunately, Kelly decided to coach a team and drafted Olivia.  We had the best little team.  All of the girls played so hard and worked so well together.  My niece Ava is a really good ball player and she scored the majority of the points for the team.  Olivia and Claire also did well- especially for it being their first year.  Olivia was really good at hustling and getting after the ball.  She took several shots during the year, but none of them went in.  During the last game of the season she got fouled and rang one of her foul shots.  She was so excited to have scored.

 Owen played in the "cubs" division.  This division was really more about having fun than anything else.  The rules were not exactly enforced (at all).  Owen enjoyed it, but I think that he probably could have gone up a division.  During the season, Owen scored one regular basket and also one foul shot.

Even though basketball season was fun, I am glad that it is over.  For the last month we have been at the gym five nights a week with games.  It is going to be nice to have a break- at least until softball/baseball starts =)

Olivia's WINGS Fieldtrip

 Olivia recently went with her WINGS class on a field trip to Statesboro.  While there, the students got to participate in a lot of fun and educational activities.








The day began with a 6:30 a.m. meet-up time.  Like Owen's WINGS trip, this one included a charter bus.  Neither Brian nor I could attend, so Gigi filled in as chaperone.  By her account, the fieldtrip was a success.

 The first stop on the field trip was the Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education / Lamar Q. Ball Jr. Raptor Center.  While there, the students learned about birds of prey and wildlife native to Georgia.  The kids also got to go on a scavenger hunt, see a flight demonstration, and touch some animals.

 Each kid had their "wing span" measured.  Based on her span, if Olivia were a bird, she would be a snowy owl (her favorite bird).

 The kids also visited a planetarium, which was great because Olivia's current science unit is the space unit.  It was nice that she could get a visual representation of the things that she is learning about.  I don't have any pictures from the planetarium, but it sounded like a lot of fun.

The happy travelers returned mid-afternoon with a stuffed Eagle named "eggy", and many tales of their trip.

The Wedding Reception

 Nick and Cassie's wedding reception was loads of fun.  They had a wonderful buffet and a DJ.  The night was filled with fun and dancing.  The kids especially took advantage of the dance floor.  The happy couple spent time visiting with all of their family and friends- many of whom had traveled a considerable distance to attend the wedding.  This was the perfect ending to the day.