Inaugural Color Run

Mile day at school is generally Fiona's second least favorite day of school. Topped only by track and field day (unless this year's field day put mile day in the lead). [Worth noting, mile day is Quinn's second favorite day of school. Topped only by track and field day ...] A few days after mile day, a flyer came home from school about a 1 mile color run in June at the school. I thought about asking Quinn to join me, but asked Fiona instead. She thought about it for a minute, set her chin, and said "mom, I'll do it." I was so so proud of her. The mile is very difficult for her and I love that she was willing to push outside her comfort zone. We discussed and drafted the other three Vs as well.

Then life happened and Mike ended up being out of town for the weekend. Because she was coming down for Q's field day, I put my marketing skills to work (and maybe a guilt card or two) to convince Auntie to take Mike's entry and do the mile with us. Auntie's least favorite things are mornings, people, and running. So a mile run at 8:30 am with other people sounded like just the perfect fit for her ... Because Auntie is the best, she agreed to join us, despite hating everything about the plan. She's a good Auntie!

We were up bright and early Saturday morning with our game faces on. We got to the school, got our white t-shirts (including a men's large for Auntie), and hit up the face painting line and playground. It was a little bit chilly, so we had layers on. We headed to the upper parking lot when we got our 5 minutes warning. Up there ... far away from our car ... we decided that we didn't want all the layers. So we stashed two sweatshirts and baseball cap in the bushes. About a tenth of a mile into the race, we stashed a third sweatshirt by a pine tree. Basically I got as much exercise after the race just retrieving all our stuff!

The color stations were so fun and spread out at good intervals. Every time Dec would start to run low on energy, he'd see the next station and find another wind. Dec ran almost the whole time. Quinn split the difference between Dec and me and Auntie and Bugs (I think she was pretty worn out from track and field the day before). Auntie and Fiona held hands the entire time and jogged most of the course. Our goal was to have fun and finish - we agreed that we weren't worried about our speed. And we accomplished both goals, while going at a decent clip for six short legs.

As D and I crossed the finish line, I heard big cheering for him. Original Ms. A was there to run the 5k right after the mile. So we got to hug her and have our own cheering section. The kids clearly still had energy because they headed to the playground for a bit longer. Then, I delivered on a promise and took everyone out for donuts. I figured if Auntie could run, I could buy treats! We tried a different donut shop in town and it was delicious. We will definitely go back there. While we ate, Fiona told me how much fun she had. And Auntie admitted it was not as awful as she had anticipated. I'm pretty sure that's code for "it was amazing and I can't wait to do it again."

After donuts, it was a five minute pit stop at home to drop off Auntie (she needed to go home and take a nap) and get Dec ready for soccer. It was his first soccer game of the year. We were all still colorful (Dec had pink hair and a pink line across his forehead), but off we went anyway. It was a 40 minute game of 3-on-3 soccer - and only 4 kids on D's team showed up. So the dude got plenty of playing time. About 10 minutes into the game, something clicked and Dec ended up scoring five goals. His team scored a total of five goals - so he definitely pulled his own weight. He was so tired, but proud!

We did all of these things before 11am. Then we hit up the playground near the soccer field. Needless to say, lunch was extremely quiet. As was bedtime.

Track and Field Days are Exhausting

It is time, once again, for school track and field days. You know, the day that Fiona is pretty sure was invented to torture her. And that Quinn has been anticipating for two years ... basically since day 1 of kindergarten. I'm pleased to say that we've survived two field days and both our participants thought their days were fun! Their cheering squad may need a nap ...

Friday afternoon, Auntie and I headed to Sun Path to watch Quinn's 1st grade field day events. The excitement started early - before we even got to the school. Now field day pros after our "no chairs, no water" showing last year, we were all set to bring camping chairs and waters. 

Except when we got out to my garage, I realized all the camping chairs were up in the rafters. We grabbed a nearby ladder, but it was too short. I was ready to give up and sit on the ground. But Emmy, being a good sister, grabbed a taller ladder and we got a chair down. 

Except when she went to put the ladder away, she bumped one of the many hockey sticks on the shelf, knocking it down and right onto the bridge of her nose. It was very painful and she ended up with a cut right in the middle. Being a good sister myself, I handed her a couple paper towels to stop the bleeding while we drove to the school. 

Emmy, her now not-bleeding nose, and I arrived at school just in time for the first event. Which also happened to be Q's first event! Thank goodness we weren't late! Q's running event was the hurdles - or the "hurnles" as she calls it. [there may or may not have been a ridiculous sister argument in the back of my car about "hurDles" vs "hurNles" ... sigh] She did a great job in her heat and came in third place. Event number 2 was the hippity hop (the big bouncy ball with a handle on it). We obviously have these at home, because Quinn left the field in the dust and collected herself a first place bracelet for her effort. 

Then it was time for my favorite event - the class tug of war tournament. Quinn's class didn't really have any "big" kids, but they are clearly scrappy. If I wasn't already a hot sweaty mess (I was), tug of war put me over the edge. It was IN.TENSE. Quinn's class won the championship and was undefeated. But it was not as easy as it sounds. They were within an inch or so of losing the championship round, but didn't give up and pulled that rope all the way back. It was close to a 2 minute match, which is no joke when you are 6 (or a mom or auntie). Q was pumped. And proud. And hyped up on adrenaline. She tried to play it cool, but was clearly thrilled.

Auntie and I retrieved both girls since it was near the end of the day and brought them home with us. When we pulled into the garage to unload the car, I grabbed my camping chair to throw it in the corner. Where I spotted two other camping chairs ... that weren't up in the rafters. Auntie and her nose were not amused. 

Fiona's field day was supposed to be last Wednesday, but was rescheduled to today because of weather. The weather last Wednesday actually turned out to be fine, but I was excited about the reschedule because it worked out better with my schedule. Mike was bummed because it meant he couldn't make it. And Bugs was thrilled ... until I explained the concept of "postponed" rather than "canceled." Then Mike's phone buzzed this morning at 7:15 and just like that, his conflict disappeared and he could come. Bugs was so excited. Maybe this field day was salvageable after all. 

It was a lovely 68 degrees out this morning, partly sunny, and oh so delightful and pleasant. Since we both had to go to work afterwards, we were pleased to not be big sweaty messes! Bugs was incredibly happy to not overheat this year as well. She told me it was much more fun when she wasn't so hot. Her first event was the 50m and she hung in with the pack pretty well. 

She and I had to make a quick run into the school, and ended up missing her second event (also the hippity hop). She was pretty bummed, so her teacher raced her during recess and Fiona crushed her. Her teacher this year is pure gold! Thankfully, we were back in plenty of time for ... the class tug of war tournament. 

Just like with Q's class, Fiona's was definitely not the biggest - and didn't seem terribly locked in during the other events. That changed when it came to tug of war. These kids brought it! They won the tournament and were also undefeated - even when they competed against all the second grade teachers (after they had won the championship). Fiona is not super competitive in the individual events, but she was locked in for the team event. And was so so so pumped when they won!

She was also completely gassed and had a pretty significant headache from all the effort. That didn't stop her from taking first place in the bean bag competition by scoring 8 of 10 bags. Neither Mike nor I could stay for that part, so she was pretty pumped to show off her blue bracelet when she got home. 

Who knew that the "not large" children we are raising are tug of war ringers! 

Took Grandpa to the Baseball Game

Gma and Gpa came down to visit for part of Memorial Day weekend. Since they were coming, I took a chance and put my name in a drawing for tickets to the Saturday Twins game. I won four tickets (plus a pre-paid parking pass!) for the Legend's Club, which is my dad's favorite place to sit. So Gpa and I planned to go to the game ... with two children to be named later.

The selection process went surprisingly smooth. Quinn and Declan both wanted to go. Bugs said that she was indifferent and if they wanted to go, that was cool with her. [Such a mature approach!! When did she get old?!?!] When she found out that not going meant a special date with Grandma, she was confident in her decision. Quinn waffled for several days (Grandma or Grandpa? Grandma or Grandpa? ...) before she fully committed to the game. Mike mowed the lawn and did homework.

There was very little traffic on the drive to the field, which was delightful. We paid the price as it took us longer to get through security to enter the stadium than it did to drive up there. We parked 30 minutes before the start of the game and sat our butts in our seats as they threw the first pitch. Apparently it was a sellout game. Mike told me the announcers said that people were still waiting to get in at the third inning. So I guess we should be grateful that it only took us a half hour!

The first inning was great - and then two rather large (and tall) people chose to not sit in their assigned seats, instead sitting directly in front of the two tiny members of our group. So by the 2nd inning, Gpa and I each had a lap buddy. Quinn predictably attached herself to Gpa and I got the pleasure of entertainment by the dude. We had such fun conversations about all the important topics ... which way to wear a baseball cap (sideways, he decided), why it's called a baseball cap, why you wear a baseball cap to t-ball instead of a "t-ball cap," what the nicknames of all the Twins players are, and how many innings he has to wait until I break down and buy him ice cream (it's five).

The kids and I made a few trips up to the Legend's Club concourse for various reasons, not limited to filling the water bottle, the bathroom, and ice cream. Especially when we have the kids, I appreciate how it is much less busy and easy to walk around for folks who want to make it for the whole game but have the wiggles. But the highlight of the trip was when Quinn noticed that the Twins mascot, TC Bear, sat down IN OUR ROW! We hustled down to get hugs, high fives, and a picture or two!

It took nearly three hours to get to the 8th inning, so Dad and I decided we would leave then. Dec was game (the small fortune I dropped for an even smaller amount of ice cream was long since inhaled), but Quinn was ticked off that we were going. She was enjoying the game and hoping to see a Twins homerun and its accompanying fireworks. But it was getting late and we had dinner plans with the rest of the crew.

Knowing it was a sell-out crowd, we were happy to get out of the stadium and the parking ramp before the big rush. We turned on the radio to listen to the rest of the game ... and wouldn't you know it, the Twins hit a homer in the 8th. In case you were wondering, YES, Quinn is still mad about that. But - the 8th was 35 minutes long, so Dad and I stand by our choice. The game ended just as we were pulling into S-town and it was another Twins win for the books.

Going to a game with my dad is one of my favorite things and we truly enjoyed bringing a couple new fans to train them up. Word on the street is that Fiona and Gma had a pretty great date as well. A girls lunch, the library, trying on clothes, and tricking Gma into buying you a new Barbie ... what could be better!?!

In case you were wondering, Mike got an A on his homework too!

The Funny Thing About Life

Our day started with several faces pressed against the master bedroom window because there was a duck stuck in our trampoline. It ended with Mike in the garage duct taping the back window of my SUV because the hinge randomly broke at the garden center tonight, we were afraid it might come off, and we don't have time to get it fixed right now. There truly is never a dull moment around here.

As we hold on for the sprint that is the final two weeks of school and buckle up for a June that defies the laws of scheduling, it was only fitting that our Memorial Day celebration was completely unorthodox and 100% Vanneste. After a beautiful Saturday and Sunday (more on those later), the Monday holiday was rainy, cold, and windy. Blech!

We, however, did not want to be stuck in the house all day. So early afternoon, everyone grabbed raincoats, rain boots, and umbrellas. And out we went. It was the best decision of the weekend. We came home laughing so hard we were crying. From the wind turning Declan's umbrella inside out, Mike jumping in a puddle so hard that he splashed puddle water into his mouth, or Declan's overly aggressive jumping that caused his pants to fall down, it was just the family adventure we all needed.

Sometimes it has to be okay to get wet, make extra laundry, literally dump a stream of water out of your boots, and laugh together. I told Fiona that it was the rain versus the Vannestes. And that when Vannestes are a team, we rarely lose. I'm not sure she bought it when we started out ... but by the end, even the doubters amongst us had to admit it was a good time.

While not the ideal weather for kicking off the summer, how often do things work out in the ideal way? We love opportunities to take a less than ideal situation and turn it into a fun family memory. It doesn't hurt that Mike and I truly enjoy these kind of adventures as well.

Life in the last couple of days has taught us this: when it rains on the holiday, or you're stuck in a trampoline with your mallard partner quacking what I assume was pretty useless information, you put on your gear, back up your runway, and get the extra air under your wings to take you over the top. And when all else fails, you get out the duct tape.

Fiona's First Theater Performance

I have been beyond excited to write this post. The blog in the last few months has been full of hockey and gymnastics and soccer and Q and D and their activities. Do not for one second let that make you think that the adults in this house are overlooking the talents of one Fiona Grace Vanneste. And now, at long last, I get to brag her up in all the ways she deserves.

Last summer, I did my very best to convince Bugs to do a week-long theater program. She couldn't quite get there and was adamant that she had stage fright and couldn't perform in front of all those people. In the fall, I found a class called "Six Skill for the Theater" that taught kids how to get into character, enunciate, project, and deal with stage fright (and clearly two other skills I don't remember). Fiona was super pumped about it and had the best time. Which brings us to this spring ... when I was able to convince her to participate in the production of Mystery Under the Big Top.

Everyone in her class had a part, but they went through an audition process, got their parts, memorized their lines, rehearsed for weeks, and finally performed for their families this Monday night. Fiona's been rehearsing two hours every week for the last two months leading up to Monday night. She has worked so hard and clearly put a lot of effort into learning her character, her lines, and how to be part of an ensemble.

Sunday, Fiona was a puddle of nerves. Believe me when I tell you that I use the word "puddle" intentionally. It was a disastrous spiral of tears and freak out moments. That stage fright things is tough to overcome - but after a good night's sleep, we were back on track. She was super pumped that Auntie was also making the long drive to S-town to watch her perform. Everything is better when Auntie is there!

Mike dropped her off for her final practice, took #2 and #3 to the playground, and Auntie and I met them there after we finished cleaning up dinner. We connected with Aaron, Beth, and Oliver on the playground as Fiona's friend Ellie was also in the play. Mostly promptly at 7pm, we filed into the school gym for the performance. There was a set, props, and a bunch of costume and prepared actresses. You guys, it was SO good! The plot twist was that Ellie was the villain and let me tell you - Declan did not see that coming. It was a hands cupped to mouth kind of twist!

Fiona was wonderful! She remembered her lines, embraced her character of Boppy the Clown, was so funny, and shined with pride and joy. So did those of us watching her. Mid-performance, Quinn leaned over to me and said "I just want to go hug Fiona so much." After the final bows, that is exactly what Quinn did!! After all the practices, games, and tournaments that Fiona has attended in the last few months, it was great for her siblings to show up as her cheering section.

Fiona's favorite part of the evening ... after the performance, their teacher gave a short speech about how much bravery it took to perform and all the work they put into rehearsal for a "one and done" performance. Then she awarded each of the girls a medal . Fiona wore it for the rest of the night and I ruined her life when I made her take it off to go to sleep. Unfortunately I have strict "no strangulation" rules ...

She brought her medal to school today for her sharing day and it is the envy of both her brother and sister. She's still glowing with pride and cannot wait for her theater camp this summer. Most of all, she did something that she was really scared to do and rocked it. We are so proud of her and love that she has found a thing that she truly enjoys and makes her feel successful. I think Quinn was dead on in the desire hug her!