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.

Emmy's birthday #6

We had a small celebration at home last Thursday. Emmy's special dinner request was sloppy joes. When we asked her if she wanted cake or pie for her birthday dessert she replied "ice cream!"

On Saturday she had some friends over for a Barbie birthday party (no boys allowed). They watched a Barbie movie, colored and decorated full-size outlines of their bodies, and busted up a pinata. Emmy had made a special request that one of the activities be cutting Papa's hair (with the clippers, supervised by Sara), but unfortunately (fortunately), they ran out of time for that last activity. Here is a picture of the cake that Sara made for the party.

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.

Emmy's Dance Recital

Emmy loves dancing, cooking, dress-up, etc.
She had a great time with her dance class this year, which culminated in this performance to Hit the Road Jack.

Emmy's Birthday

Yes, this posting is quite after the fact.
Initially, Emmy wanted to have her birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese's, like Eden did. We somehow talked her into having a party at Going Bonkers. It was cheaper than the Mouse, and the kids had lots of fun.