Day 17

I posted about this in my first thankful post...but wanted to wait until I had some pics to share with it. But, I am EXTREMELY thankful for the organizers of the awesome Hero's Triathlon that was held here on base last month. My kids were so excited to sign up for it. I was a little torn because it was the same date as Patrick's Combat Endurance Challenge...but I knew it was important for them to do something like this. Being able to foster their enthusiasm for this healthy event was something I was not about to pass up! I knew it would benefit them physically, mentally and emotionally. They were so proud when they signed up...I knew it would be an awesome day for them when the actual tri came! And it was :-)

When the day came, it was a bit chilly and gray. But that didn't stop the 100+ kids to come out and participate! They had different age brackets that had to compete in differing lengths. Evelyn had a 50m swim, 1 mile bike and 1/2 mile run. Gavin was 100m swim, 3 mile bike, 1 mile run. All the kids were sooooooo well behaved and so encouraging to the other kids. It brought tears to my eyes watching the positive characteristics flowing out of these kids. It was really inspirational. And to know my kids were a part of it made me proud. And to top it off, ALL the monies raised went to a non-profit charity to help stop human trafficking called the Polaris Project. I am so very thankful that people are willing to volunteer countless number of hours and energy to help kids and help a wonderful cause! Oh...and ALL the kids got these awesome medals! The 1st, 2nd and 3rd (girl and boy) in each division also got a trophy. There was a DJ, bouncy houses, games, food, etc - totally can't wait for the next one!