Walleye Weekend 2013

Walleye Weekend is always a fun time for the kids and us.  It's so fun to see them run with their friends and cousins.  It's also fun to catch up with some of my own friends that I don't see very often.  This year, unfortunately, Mike missed the kids' runs.  He was away for work.  He was very sad to miss all the fun. There are plenty of pictures and a couple videos, but still hard not to be there.  Felt bad for him.

The kids all were signed up to run.  Wasn't sure if they'd actually run or not... the little ones, that is.  Rachel and Eli were signed up for the mile and were excited about it.  Kate and Nate were signed up for the 1/3 mile.  Kate had been very excited about it for weeks before, but you just never know what she'll think about it when it's actually time to run.  Last year she was signed up, but had no interest in running when it was time.

We met my parents and Mike's parents at my parents house early.  The 5-mile run goes down there street and it's always fun to cheer on the runners there.

[inside before heading out to watch the runners]

[watching the runners]

[they have so much fun together!]

Rachel and Eli did great!  They had fun and did very well.  Eli was second in his age group... very proud of him.  Rachel beat the time she had in gym class, so also very proud of her. : )

[very determined]

[always smiling!]

Kate and Nate ended up running.  It's always so loud when the race first starts.  They both got a little scared, but we made it through the craziness and once it was less hectic they both ran.   Glad we didn't give up on it.  Rachel helped with Kate (and did great) and I ran with Nate.  Kate ran/walked the entire way and I had to carry Nate part way... basically to keep us with the end of the pack and not too far behind.  He loved running!  I thought that would be the case since he runs everywhere when we're home and outside!  He looked so cute running.  Only fell twice and no scrapes.  I was prepared with bandaids... thought for sure I'd have to use them before the race was done on one of them!

[the beginning - really had to convince Kate to keep going]

[he had a smile and was giggling almost the entire time!]

Here is a link to a video that Christy took... thanks Christy!  http://youtu.be/CapcBbYO7kQ

[sisters ~ love this]

[Eli giving Nate a five for a job well done!]

[the kids love the certificates they get!]

[lunch time!]

[nap time]

Good times!!!!

I took the kids to Walleye Weekend on Friday evening, too.  It was so nice out and we had nothing else to do, so last minute decided to go check it out.  Lines for the kids' stuff were much shorter and we got our cheese curds, too. : )

These are always such great memories... love it!

A huge THANKS to my parents, Mike's parents, my sister and Tim and Christy for helping with the kids Saturday during the races... I definitely needed the extra hands with Mike not around.  Thanks!!  Also, thanks mom and dad and Mary for taking so many pictures!

Keep smiling!