Last meet for the boys in TN at Daniel Boone HS

Last meet of the season for most of the crew.  There was one more meet but it was only for the 6th grade and up.  Our team is mostly 4th and down.

Our biggest. littlest fans out to cheer on the middle school runners and of course their brothers.

Hunter making a charge out of the woods.

Hunter finishes third!

This race even had assigned shoots for the teams to start.  I know I have mentioned this in the past but this brings back so many great memories for me.  I hope my boys love it at much as I did and still do.  Still running.....25 years later!

Sullins Academy 'mock' Cross Country meet

Winner, winner!  This kid can run!  He was the lead runner for Sullins CC all season.  We did a mock CC meet at Sullins for the little guys who simply didn't get to participate in many of the races due to age and grade restrictions.  They cam to practice and worked hard but that can get old if you don't have the opportunity to RACE!  This is coming straight from the horse's month.  Ms. VW made a course around the school property and the big guys raced 2 miles, the 4th grades 1 mile and the littles did half a mile.

Our two first place finishers and one second place finisher hanging out after a hard run in a big hilly field.

Fourth Grade finishers.  Go Gavin in the cast!

And the biggest field of competitors goes the the second and third graders...and one first grader!

Thanks again to Ms.VW for hosting this event for the kids!

Trip to Alexandria

The Simmons finally made it to Alexandria to visit the Yo-Sims at their new digs.  I really felt with the hustle and bustle of Northern VA that we were right back in Atlanta!  They live in a great neighborhood but I must say the cost of living is more than $$$$$.  I will take our little piece of SWVA and the peace and quiet.  Alexandria and the hustle of DC will be a fantastic place to visit.  So much history, I love it!

I love this picture of the kids and the shadow of the flag.  Beautiful.

Getting ready to slide down the steps of the Lincoln memorial.  Lucas was not pouting he was simply ready to make the first slide.

Space ship simulator at the Smithsonian Institute.  

The Discovery I believe.  I have to say, space travel is sort of the most amazing human accomplishment ever.  It really blows my mind.

A beautiful sight.  Thankful every single day that I am an AMERICAN.

First Obstacle course 5k and Animal chase 5k

Thanks to the Furrows for suggesting this race!  Boy, this was so much fun.  We had had a very busy weekend and I couldn't imagine trying to fit one more thing in for the day but the boys were begging to run this race.  You don't have to twist my arm when it comes to running so off we set for Kingsport with 2 tired kids and parents.  Who cares tho, this race was EPIC for kids.  It was a 5k that went through 3 creeks, hay bale jumping and ended with a corn maze.  Really, this was super fun and will be on our schedule of events for the future.

Lucas and David finishing up the Animal Chase 5k.  We never pass up 5ks that are on the Creeper and go right by the house.  A perfect Sunday afternoon run.  Lucas and David had a great run and scored in their age groups.  Hunter and I ran together and he placed in his age group as well.  It won't be long before I can no longer pace this kiddo.

Rhythm and Roots 5k

Man, I wish this had been a clearer picture.  Theses boys are the greatest.  After a late night performance for the school at the festival they made the turnaround for the 5k the following morning.  We have always heard great things about this race but have never participated...this was our year to dominate!  Gavin was the winner in the 8 and under division with Blaine and Lucas on his heels.  Usually the little guys get grouped with the 14 and under so they never win a thing...they are used to this and understand they simply can't compete with teenagers at the ages of 5,6,7 but that never stops them from trying.  I wish I could have captured Lucas's excitement when his name was called for an award.

Our frist place age grouper in the 8 and under goes to Gavin!

Smiles all around from this group, who cares if the award is a gray coffee cup!

I think he has watched mom finish one too many times.  In my defense I do a victory arm raise after 4 hours plus of racing, not 25 minutes! Ha!

Buddies until the end.  I am sure Blaine and his never ending supply of energy is literally dragging Lucas to the finish line. I love watching their friendship grow stronger every year.

The Sullins team and their great coach leading the warm-up.

Sullins Academy and Rhythm and Roots

 The school had an opening act for a few of the shows at the Rhythm and Roots festival.  Thanks to our amazing music department and the direction of Mrs. Wishon the kids were a hit!

Sullins Academy Cross Country--First Meet

 I don't know who was more excited to run cross country, me or Hunter. I was so happy that they let him and at the rest of his fourth grade buddies run for the team.  It was a short season but it was oh so fun and Hunter loved, loved being a part of the school team.  The first meet was at Providence in Johnson City and the guys ran 1.8 miles.

 Evan was 9th and the 10 placed and were in the hardware.  Super proud of him for racing hard and he was the only 6th grader!

Hunter pushing up the last hill towards the finish line.  He was the second place finisher for Sullins and finished 20th overall including the 7-8 graders.