Meet The Bulldogs!

Starting probably about a year or two ago, I have been trying to get all the kids to "learn to run".  It has been a mission of mine!  I remember when Brett and I were first married, and I suggested a "family 1 mile run"....well lets just say it wasn't well received...Fast forward a bit, and all 3 have run more than I ever thought.  Kate and Christopher are still a bit lukewarm, but will indulge me on some shorter runs.  Emma Grace, on the other hand, told Brett and I this past spring that she wanted to be "a runner for life"

melt my heart

And she has held true to that.  Brett and I have helped her increase her distance, and basically just "learn how to run effectively".  She has done all the hard work herself, and has impressed us both!  She decided that she wanted to be on the Opelika Middle School Cross Country team (the bulldogs!).  This meant that she went to practice this summer, 3 times/week, at 6am.  If that is not some determination from a tweleve year old, than I don't know what is!  She has her first meet at the end of August and we can't wait.  Now that school is back in session she is practicing with the team every day after school for about 2 hours.  She is getting into amazing shape and is so healthy!

Tonight, the schools had a "Meet the Bulldogs" night where the different school teams are introduced with the band, cheerleaders, etc.   Kind of like a big pep rally.  Brett was staying over in Atlanta for work and couldn't be there, so Caroline and I went to represent!  She even wore her Opelika Bulldogs shirt...so cute!

Here is EG and her sissy

I tried to make this picture big, but EG is on the front row about 5th person from the left.  The football team is standing behind them.

 

On a random note....does anyone know what kind of plant this is?  It is starting to bloom these pretty orange/red flowers.  This plant has survived some major neglect including outside in the snow and being moved and transplanted....I need to give it some cred!