Sami's 26.2 Mile Marathon

Sami's running club at school works in conjunction with a local program called Kids Running America. This program is all about encouraging activity among youth. The kids have to run/bike a total of 25 miles over a short period of time, then come together for a big final event where they run the last mile of the marathon. This year the final 1.2 mile run took place at Elitch Gardens in downtown Denver. Sami has been really excited about the program and has been working super hard to get all her miles. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning she has attended running club before school and has averaged about 2 miles per day. We have also been taking walks/bike rides around the neighborhood after dinner with all the kids to help her reach her goal.
Saturday was the final event at Elitches. Sam was so excited and wanted me to run the final mile with her. There were over 1100 kids participating in the marathon from various schools within the Denver area. They divided the kids into age groups and staggered their start times so the little kids wouldn't get over run by the older kids. The race started in the parking lot and wound all the way through the park, then finished back out in the parking lot so family and friends could watch the kids finish the race. As the kids crossed the finish line they were each given a medal for completing the marathon. Sam was so excited! I am so proud of her! She worked so hard for so many weeks and completed the marathon with a total of 28 miles. She definitely earned that medal and I was so happy to be able to share that fun experience with her. Way to go, baby!
After the marathon we were able to stay and enjoy the park with the kids. We had never taken them to Elitches before, so they were all super excited. Mike's parents were so generous in helping us and watched the babies while the rest of us enjoyed a day at the amusement park. We had a perfect day and the kids loved every second of it! I think we rode just about everything they were tall enough to go on, some even a few times. Of course their favorites were the little roller coaster, and "Ghost Blasters" - a ride where you ride around in little cars and win points for every ghost you shoot. No, I'm not all all surprised that was among their favorites! The park was all decked out for Halloween, so the kids loved the spooky decorations and creepy music. They even got to do a little trick-or-treating in the park. It was so much fun to unwind and spend a fun day with the kids after such a hectic couple of months. Thanks so much for the help, Grandma and Grandpa! We definitely needed that!