Pumpkin Patch

On Tuesday, a group of Spartans gathered at the Pumpkin Patch in Blue Mountain. The girls and the boys loved the jumping houses and the inflatable slides. Kirsten slides down the big slide.

Alec, Macain, and Parker slide down the slide. Kirsten, Margaret, and Martha ride on the big tricycles in the "Haytona 500 Speedway."

Alec takes a turn at using the water pump.

Looking cute with the pumpkins.

The girls (and Preston) are ready to ride the wagon to the pumpkin patch to select their pumpkins.

The boys (and Chance the puppy) are just as excited as the girls.

Alec crawls out of the hay maze.

Kirsten found her pumpkin quickly.

Alec also picks out a winner.

The whole gang that visited the pumpkin patch. We had a great time. It was not long enough, but we had to rush off to get to XC practice.

HAPPY FALL

I wish I could take credit for these fabulous pumpkins, but I must credit the zoo for this display of fall beauty and creativity. Happy Fall to Everyone!!

Ballard Park 5K

We had to leave this morning at 6:15 (and it was very cold) to drive to Tupelo for Alec to run a 5K. Kirsten opted not to run this one. Coach Heather gives the runners last minute instructions.

The race was well attended but we were a big part of it.

Alec comes through the chute to finish in 27:00. It was not his best time, but this is one of the more difficult courses.

A group of girls huddled up to stay warm while we waited for the awards.

Catherine climbed a tree -- maybe to see if it was warmer up there.

These boys all had a good time.

It was very cold while waiting, but the girls still had a blast.

Tyler -- 1st, Scott -- 2nd, and Alec -- 3rd. Way to go Spartans!!

These were just a few of the Spartans who won shirts -- some had already left.

Alec loves his new shirt.

The Memphis Zoo -- Gotta Love It!

On Friday, my kids and I tagged along with another homeschool group for a field trip to the Memphis Zoo. I love all zoo animals. If we lived closer to Memphis, we would have a family pass and go several times a year. It has been almost 2 years since we went to the zoo and we had a blast. I took over 400 pictures (just having fun with my camera and long zoom lens). I also let the kids have my smaller camera and together they took almost 300 pictures. They did a really good job and captured some great pictures.

The cheetah has always been one of my favorite animals -- so sleek and fast.

Kirsten's favorite animals are TIGERS, no matter the breed.

This gorilla is contemplating! He looks like he wants to make a break for the fence.

Fall picture time.

These wolves are part of the zoo's new Teton Trek exhibit. It was truly AWESOME! They did not have too many animals in it yet, but they are working on it still.

These bears are the main focus of this new exhibit. They played in the water almost the whole time we watched them. They are amazing.

They were playfully attacking each other and learning survival skills.

Kirsten and Alec sit on rocks by the beautiful fountain in front of the Lodge-like building.

Martha, AnnaBeth, and Kirsten -- best friends forever.

The girls strike a pose.

This animal (I forget what is is called) is pretty hungry to stand on its tiptoes to reach over the wall.

This colorful toucan makes for a great picture.

I always enjoy watching the pandas.

This momma monkey kept the baby behind her or hanging in front of her the whole time. It was so CUTE!

Imagine how much hay five giraffes can eat. Giraffes are so interesting to watch.

The fountain turns into a geyser at certain times -- so beautiful.

The BALD EAGLE -- so majestic! It makes my American heart swell with patriotism.

We loved the sea lion show.

Temper Tantrum Mom Video

You have got to watch this video. My brother posted it to his Facebook account, my mother showed it to me through her facebook account, and I belly laughed after watching it each time. The little boy's face is priceless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WwGtzAacVA

Walnut Firehouse 5K

A few of our Spartan team showed up at the Walnut Firehouse 5K this morning.

The start of the race.

Brandon finishes his fastest 5K ever -- 22:20 (I think, for the official time).

Alec did his fastest time of the season and had a really good run -- 25:15. We are proud of his determination.

Alec missed 3rd place by around 10 seconds. He was pretty disappointed, especially since his time was so good. He thinks he would have gotten a trophy if he had not slipped and fallen on a slick bridge.

Kirsten nears the finish line.

This was her fastest time EVER!! She got first place in her age group. We are so proud of her.

The Spartans have such a good team spirit. They all went to finish with Maggie to encourage her to the finish line.

Kirsten and Sarah

Sarah won 2nd place in her age group and Kirsten won 1st.

The Spartans made a very good showing at this race.

Brandon finished 1st in his age group with a time of 22:20; Ben finished 2nd in his age group with a time of 22:58; Alec finished 4th in his age group by just seconds, with a time of 25:15; Ryan finished with a personal best time of 25:35; Kirsten finished with a personal best time of 26:40 and placed 1st; Sarah received a 2nd place trophy; Claire finished with a personal best of 28:16; and Caroline finished with a 3rd place trophy. Jonah and Richard also had their personal best finishes and Maggie ran well too.

I did not get everybody's official times or placing yet. I hope to have that information soon.

Female 10-14 winners.