1st Day of School

Junior year and senior year - time sure flies, doesn't it? They're ready to challenge themselves!!

3 years of running the Triple Crown 5k races!

Maine Blue Dog

Last year our community reeled from the horror of a puppy who was found with his mouth duct-taped shut! Fortunately, donations poured into a local veterinary hospital and the life of this sweet dog was saved. He is now a happy, healthy dog, who seemed to think that my older son was his long-lost soul mate! Blue was walking by with his owner, and the next thing we knew, he was up in my son's lap. Every time he was coaxed down, he would sneak back around and climb back up again! It was so funny, and sweet. I'm really glad that we had the opportunity to meet this wonderful dog. My son is now a pit-bull type dog fan and is going to do his best to help the plight of these loving dogs that are so gravely misunderstood.

LA Bridge Run 5k

He had a 'feel good' race today! He didn't place particularly well because he wasn't racing fast now that cross country season has started, but he had a good workout, and enjoyed it. He also had plenty of energy left at the end to come back and find me about a mile back on the course and run with me towards the final bridge crossing. That was nice. Oh, to be young again!

Every year they award those of us who ran all 3 races throughout the summer. (My son didn't, which was another reason not to push this race since he wasn't eligible for a prize like last year!.) This year we got these really cool medals!

Energy to burn:

Paw for a Cause 5k

1st meet of the season!

Today they are racing in the Laliberte Invitional at Cony High School. It's blisteringly HOT, but they're ready for this!

Oh, the irony!

They're done!

In training...

Teaching & Learning

Working Together

The Dawn(e)s!

During today's family gathering, we finally did something we should have done years ago - the 3 of us took a picture together! We have loads of cousins, but the 3 of us share more than blood, we share our name. Happily!!

Welcome Little One!

The Stars of Summer

Is it just me?

Or did someone install that sign upside down?!

I'll have to keep an eye out for them...

That view!

Lake Pennesseewasee from Roberts Farm

Some like it hot!

And some don't...

Happy 5th birthday!

Both of them!

I am, once again, so, so proud of my boys!!

Teeny Tiny Crabs

Because l haven't got a clue...

I hope he always loves dragons...

Finally!

Cookies & Milk

This afternoon he learned how to bake his favorite cookie, so we all sat down and enjoyed a glass of milk and warm-from-the-oven Peanut Butter Brownies/Cookies:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 tbsp butter (melted)

2 tbsp baking cocoa

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

If the dough seems stiff, you can add some more milk. Bake 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Beach to Beacon 10k

My older son and l ran it, while my younger son was our 'official' photographer. They both did a great job! Here we are before the start...

This is such an incredible World-class event every year, but this year (the 19th edition) it was extra special. For the first time, an American (and native Mainer!) won it. Ben True is from North Yarmouth, and has run this race many times, coming as close as third place 2 years ago. He currently holds the record for the fastest North American 5k road race, and was definitely a home-town favorite for this race - everyone was hollering his name! This is what complete concentration and sheer determination look like:

But, there are so many more incredible stories; anyone who has run this race will tell you the same thing. Whether you're running or walking, you have a reason for being there - in memory of a loved one, supporting a family member or a friend, for your health, for fun, whatever that reason is - it's inspiring to all! Endurance events are not easy, and this course is particularly challenging. Nobody appreciates and understands that more than the founder of the event, Joan Benoit Samuelson, an amazing athlete in her own right. She spent the entire morning standing at the finish line greeting competitors as they completed the race. Not just the elites -ALL the competitors. She even shook my hand. I am so honored. She is my hero.

I took this photo on Friday evening as Ms. Samuelson congratulated the girls who had just raced in the inaugural Beach to Beacon High School Mile.

The people are what makes B2B so special. Whether they are cheering spectators with their noisy cow-bells, or kids giving out high-fives, or homeowners that had set up stereos in their yards blasting music to help us keep running, and in some cases dancing, (Like the older gentleman stepping-out to 'Black Betty' up a hill that I wasn't sure l could climb - we laughed and made it over the top!) or families that had set up sprinklers to spray us because it was so hot, (That cold water felt so good.) or holding up clever and sometimes hilarious signs, or volunteering at one of the many water stops, or a fellow competitor offering encouragement as it was needed. It is truly an event that everyone should experience! Plus, the finish line is seriously top-notch...

Everywhere you turn there are photographers, which is such a wonderful service that this race provides. Especially since they'll even take your cell phone and create an image for you like this one:

One of them caught me crossing the finish line (Thank you Jenny McCarthy!) and I was smiling...

This Year

Brightening Up the Day

Yup!

Worth it!

We had to run up quite the hill to get here, but just look at that sky!

We're not spoiling her at all...