This morning was the Boosterthon to raise money for the girls' school. This well organized group of men set up a track complete with blow up tunnels and flags on the school field. The kids run with their grade level around the track as many times as they can all the while listening to blasted familiar energetic music. The kids received pledges ahead of time from parents, grandparents, etc. , and receive prizes for each pledge including beach balls, water bottles, headbands, glow in the dark bracelets, and even ipods for the overachievers!
As I watched the girls participate, what we already know was confirmed. The Leffler girls are not athletes. This should come as no surprise if you remember both of their first soccer experiences. Kirsten's began at 4 years old (not of her own desire, but of her eager father's, if you recall) and was less than interested. She stood on the field watching her teammates run back and forth scoring goals. One little girl was even paid by her father every time she scored a goal... I mean, really???? At 4 years old!
Katelyn's experience was worse. She asked to play so we signed her up at 4 years old in a noncompetitive league, but she quickly discovered that she was scared of the ball. So scared that she cried. We did what all loving, nurturing parents do and said, "You asked to play soccer so you are going on the field. You can stand there and cry or you can play but you're going on the field." I don't need to tell you how much fun it was! No one has participated in a team sport since. We switched to dance... ballet, jazz, hip hop. But no Sports! Lucklily Brad has Josh who is turning 3 in a week. Only a year (if I'm lucky) before he starts his 1st team sport!
But back to the Boosterthon. Katelyn started off running enthusiastically as evidenced in this photo:
But quickly began walking and asking if it was almost over. It wasn't. She did 26 laps - most kids do around 35. Her favorite part was the last lap: Walking with Josh to "We are the Champions. She LOVES her little brother. Last night she told me when she gets married, she is going to ask Josh to be her ring bearer. So sweet until her compassionate mother reminded her that Josh will be taller than her by that time.
After the 1st graders went inside, the 2nd graders came out. Enthusiastic, sassy Kirsten ran quite a bit and enjoyed herself.
She stuck her tongue out at Josh every time she passed and he popped her with a blow up Boosterthon stick. She did 30 laps! I was impressed. She ran and walked a little and ran and walked a little pacing herself well. Here she is in just out of the tunnel in the center (black pants, brown coat under her t-shirt).
It really was fun! I am expecting a good night's sleep tonight due to the girls' exhaustion.... something I haven't had in a very long time. Yeah!!!
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