Unfortunately I didn't get my camera out at the expo, but Drew is just adorable at these. All the different vendors give away free samples of a variety of things and Drew loves to try them all: apples, carrots, chocolate milk (it had some kind of energy boost added in), mini protein bars, fortune cookies (the marathon sponsor was P.F. Chang's), and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting. He always heads up to the samples hesitantly but happily takes one when told it's okay and always says thank you.
On the morning of the race, despite the fact that it didn't start until 7:40, we had to leave the hotel around 6 to get Bill down to the start line in plenty of time. It didn't seem to faze Drew to be woken up at that hour and be brought out to the car in his pajamas.
I actually kind of hoped we could drop Bill off and I might be able to carry him back into the hotel without him fully waking up, but as soon as he saw the people eating breakfast in the hotel lobby area he was raring to go.
Our first stop: Bill at about mile 8 1/2.
It was much easier to follow Bill around the marathon course in Las Vegas when Drew was at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Drew was not pleased at the amount of walking we had to do to get back to the car after our stop at mile 8 1/2. The whole time we walked he pleaded "Carry me Mommy, carry me." Even after I carried him part of the way and got him back in the car, he continued to cry, "Carry me Mommy." This was one little boy who had woken up far too early. He couldn't even be calmed with drinks or snacks. Next time, we'll bring a stroller.
About 10 minutes later, as I tried to negotiate my way around the road closures with a tiny Phoenix map and the GPS, Drew gave in and fell asleep. So, rather than attempting to see Bill at mile 12 and 17, we opted to just head right to 17 and Drew got in a little bit of a nap.
At mile 17, we found a parking lot near a park. There was no playground equipment we could see, but there were police and fire department command vehicles there. Drew was thrilled (though he doesn't look it in the picture) that he was as big as the tire on the big fire truck.
Drew clapping and cheering for the runners at Mile 17.
Bill at mile 17. Unfortunately due to his headphones and the fact that we were across the street from the runners, he didn't see us, but we saw him!
Bill approaching the finish line. Phoenix is part of the Rock & Roll Marathon series, hence the large balloon music clef.
The marathon's finish line was set up a little bit differently in Phoenix so we couldn't meet Bill right after he crossed. Instead we headed to the family reunion area, where we had arranged to meet at the letter C. After waiting a while with a little boy that was getting hot and hungry (it was in the high 70s by noon that day), we headed for some treats. Happily, we found a shaved ice stand and just take a guess at what color Drew opted for.
After one more exit from the family reunion area to go to the bathroom, upon our return, Daddy had finally found his way to the letter C.
Here's a little boy very happy to see his Daddy!
Here's a little boy very happy to see his Daddy!
Drew pounces on Bill in a way that communicates he has no concept of what running 26 miles does to Daddy's body.
A picture's worth a thousand words, right? Bill is taking a little break from the marathons for now. His knees need a break and we'll be glad to not lose him for a few hours each weekend for training time. But we continue to be amazed and proud of his achievements. I can't even make it a mile!
No comments:
Post a Comment