Parley P. Pratt Freedom Run 2009

For the last 15 or so years, Columbia has hosted the Parley P. Pratt Freedom Run on July 4th, in commemoration of his escape from the Boone County Jail in Columbia on July 4th, 1839. The race is organized by one of the members of the Columbia Ward. There is a 4 mile race for the more competitive folks, and a 1 mile race for the rest of us. We participated in the event 2 years ago, though Elise rode in the stroller and Emmy rode on my shoulders.

This year Elise graduated from the stroller to Papa's shoulders while Emmy and Eden ran the whole way. Eden placed 1st in the category of 8 & under girls (time of ~9:30); Emmy would have been first if there had been a 6 & under division (her time was ~ 10min). Elise and I were a second or two behind Emmy. It was great fun despite the torrential rain the night before and the light rain during the race. Eden's "trophy" was a painted watermelon. I was proud of both girls for completing the race and doing it so well.

kicked by a horse

On Saturday May 9th, Eden, Emmy, Elise and I went to my friends Chris & Jennifer's house to ride horses. Elise went first and did a fine job. She really enjoyed it, so much so that she was reluctant to leave the horse when it was Emmy's turn. I was leading the horse and Elise was following behind the horse despite my warnings. She came up next to me and then drifted back towards the rear of the horse again, but this time she decided the horse needed a belly rub. I'm not sure if the horse was tickled or irritated, but quick as a whip the horse cow-kicked and Elise was in the mud. This all happened behind my back, though I quickly became aware of it when Elise started crying. My friend Chris saw it happen and came running over to help. Fortunately, the horse only struck her leg; it could have been much worse. Elise was in a great deal of pain and was unable to bear weight on the leg, which was colored with a good sized bruise.

The horse riding session was brought to an early close, and I dropped Eden and Emmy off at home with Sara before taking Elise to the hospital. The news that we were going to the hospital was terrifying to Elise; she did not want to get a shot. She was very nervous when it was time for her leg to be X-rayed, but she survived and we were relieved to find out that nothing was broken. The doctor gave her some ibuprofen and sent us home. The next day she was walking, though with a noticable limp. A couple of days later she was back to normal, though the bruise lasted for some time.

Interestingly, Elise is looking forward to the next horse riding adventure, though I imagine she will be much more respectful of the horse's space next time.

Creative kids

I'm not exactly sure where the inspiration came from; one day Eden simply decided to create thid diorama. It is a desert scene with a lizard and a snake.

I'm not entirely sure where the inspiration came for this picture either; I went downstairs to find Elise for dinner-time, only to find the startling image of this creature. She said she was a super hero and that her name was Super Elise. I brought her upstairs, but the mask made eating dinner a little difficult, so she was forced to remove her disguise. I think she looks like one of those Lucha Libre wrestlers.

Speed Reader, Speed Reader!

Taken at Stephanie & Carlos' place, the girls showed off their mad reading skills.

It reminded me of the intro to Speed Reader from The Great Space Coaster.