It's not even Halloween...

...and someone had already drawn up her Christmas wish list

Here's one from 3 or 4 years ago

The kid is still waiting for a pet, but there is no doubt that she is cool.

Cross Country Champ

Last night, we plotted strategy while cuddling in bed:

- Get in the lead pack as early as possible.

- Keep a comfortable pace.

- Be ready to sprint at the end to push past some of the other racers.

This morning she executed the plan to perfection.

Our little athlete took the lead from the start. For almost the entire 1600 metres, she had one girl keeping pace right behind. Sometimes 3 feet, sometimes 20. (Yes I'm mixing units of measure, but feet are what I visualize here).

The last stretch, the two girls were side by side. One would go ahead, the other would catch up. Leah said that she had never run faster in her life. Neck and neck the last 20 feet, Leah managed to thrust her shoulders over the finish line ahead of the other girl. All she could hear was "I see green" from the race judge. Leah had to look down at her, yes, green shirt to confirm that she indeed had won that hard fought contest.

What a thrill to hear her on the phone telling me she had won. What pride hearing her recount the race to us at dinner time. What a kid!

Post Script

Thanks to a mom of one of Leah's team mates for the following pictures from the meet:

At the starting line

In the lead

Thanksgiving 2010

The usual wonderful weekend...Fun, Family, Friends and Food

Repeat

December 1984 - October 2010

December 1984 - The first time I met most of these kids - the cousins.

I had no idea how much they would mean to me. They have enriched my life beyond my wildest dreams.

October 1st we celebrated Tanya's wedding. Here are the families, partners, friends and children of those cousins who joined in the celebration.

Championship Swag