Special Olympics - Track and Field Regionals

Today was a long day and I didn't go to bed soon enough : ) I woke up with help from Ryan at 6:30am, jumped in the shower, and got two very tired children out of bed and dressed. I didn't even have time to look out the window to assess the weather but as I walked out the door I was greeted with pouring rain. Oh NO! I said a quick prayer and loaded the kids - we're on the road and a little early to boot. Three minutes into the drive I realize I forgot the directions, so back home we go. Run in and get the directions now off to the gas station to get batteries & coffee and than a special treat of McDonald's for McKenna & Bostin and a Fruit & Yogurt Parfait for mommy. To my surprise we are on the road and on time at that. About five minutes into the drive McKenna realized she forgot her book but I was in the midst of a victory (being on time) that I was not going to forfeit. Besides, I was saying quiet prayers that when we reached Shoreline the rain would be gone.



We arrived exactly when we were supposed to and I didn't have any difficulty finding it. If this wasn't a blessing enough, the rain had also passed. The sun was peeking out but the wind chilled to the bone leaving me regretting not bringing a couple of blankets. All in all I was very pleased with the morning. Just before 9 the events began and everything was well in the world of Kelly. : ) Pretty quickly the kids had their first and McKenna's only event, the Unified 1x400 relay. Bostin took the first leg flawlessly passing it to Alan. Off Alan went with speed and grace to pass the baton to McKenna. The were in second place at this point but McKenna pushed forward to pass the first place runner and pass the baton to Crystal who ran with strength and fervor to secure easily first place. We were all ecstatic! A gold for the Unified Relay which secures their spot to State! This excitement turned to confusion when they awarded them the bronze metal. We hope that this Monday this will all be resolved and are confident that it will be since the opposing coach, who had two legs in the race, also said that Federal Way was clearly in first place. We shall see. Until than - please enjoy this picture below of these hard working kids!



Lets just hope that the efforts of these kids is recognized appropriately! They did a great job and regardless of the metal I'm proud of this race. : )

The rest of the day consisted of a lot of waiting, a lot of running around both fun and in races, and cheering for others. It wasn't until the end of the event - so close to 4pm - That Bostin had his last two races. Bostin and I had a little prep talk about fast dinosaurs and imagining that he was one of those and off he went to the 50m dash. It was fantastic! : )



My prep time worked - maybe too good because he kept running! : )




He was very pleased with himself and so are we.
By the time his 200m dash came around he was pretty much done but still ran, which is fantastic, and came in 4th place. It was a good day full of fun, friendship, and sportsmanship. Another reminder of goodwill towards others and appreciation of one another. It never rained once, Praise the Lord, and no one got hurt. What more can we ask for! : )

Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
(Psalms 26:2-3)