Monday, July 4, 2011

Whitewater Independence


I pretty celebrated the 4th yesterday. What better way to do that than a 12 mile run first thing in the morning. Overall it was a really great run that was only 6 minutes slower than my 10 mile run two weeks ago. It should have been a little faster but I started to break down mentally in the last two miles. This happens to me almost every long run, no matter the distance, the last two miles mess with my head. I start walking more and feeling like I'll never get there. I've also been blistering a lot on my right foot in the same spot every time. It happens in my Nike's and my Adidas which are two totally different types of shoe.

After my run came the real workout. The U.S. National Whitwater Center has been hosting a weekend long 4th of July festival with live bands and fireworks. I have NEVER seen it so crowded at this place. This is looking at the back of the stage where the band was playing. Look at all those people hanging out on the rocks in the whitewater. It was HOT.
I went totally unprepared. I thought, maybe the kids and I would watch a band or two, walk around a little and then head back home (all you have to pay is the $5 parking fee). I didn't bing a blanket, chairs, snacks or even a stroller and I only had one spare diaper. Worlds best mom, right here!
My kids are too small to participate in any of the major activities, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, zip lining, ect. But the Center has other things to keep wee ones entertained and thoroughly wear them out.
What I love about the Whitewater Center is what you saw in the picture above. You can get right up next to the water as rafts float by, bring your dog, and even dip your feet in the water (so long as your not going to get hit by a raft) and it's not big deal. They're not up tight there at all and I really like it. It's my responsibility to make sure that MY kids don't go running off into the water, as it should be.
Things started to go down hill a little when we all got hungry. We had to wait over an hour for a table at the Riverside Grill. We were off doing things in that hour, but we were still hungry and cranky. I had a great BBQ sandwich will sweet potato fries and the kids peanut butter and "Fluff" sandwiches with fries. Fluff is a marshmallow spread. "Healthy" was not a concern. I just wanted them to eat and be happy. They did, and we were. We ended up staying for the fireworks that didn't start until 9:30. At 9 I realized I no longer had possession of my car keys. I had a brief moment of hysteria, but it was all ok. They were at the lost and found. I got a beet to celebrate this victory. We watched the fireworks (petty good but short(twss)), Braden freeked out a little bit, Alaurie caught a frog and we headed to the car.
The parking lot was a total PARKING LOT after the fireworks. I only went to the car thinking that maybe the kids would fall asleep as soon as I turned on the AC and then I could have some quiet time with the radio while waiting for the traffic to clear. I do love people watching in those situations. Like the lady next to me who kept backing up, inch by inch, because the stationary line of cars behind us were going to part like the Red Sea and let her in. Meanwhile I chilled in my car and played brick breaker on my blackberry. Patients paid off, because the traffic cleared and the opposite direction that the dumb lady went and I got out way before her.

Happy 4th everyone!
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.


5 comments:

  1. Whoa, Alauries hair is sooooo long now! Glad you had a good time!

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  2. She has beautiful hair but it's a chore to take care of.

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  3. From the way you spoke about it, you don't seem to be aware that there is a name for peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiches - they are called "fluffer-nutters". Sounds like you had a fun 4th!

    Since you're having recurring blisters on your feet, have you tried different (read: better) socks? Also, try putting a blob of Vaseline on the spots that are prone to blistering to cut down the friction.

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  4. The Vaseline is a good idea. If I had ever heard the term "fluff-nutter" I probably didn't think they were talking about a sandwich.

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