Some time while living in Washington state, my brother James turned into a super elite, mildly crazy distance runner. After running a few marathons, including Boston, James signed up for the Houston marathon and would come back to his home turf. With him, came his family and close friends. It also meant a small vacation for our family. We stayed one night in downtown so that we could spend time together as well as see James race. On Saturday, we arrived, and Carys and Grant worked on a poster to cheer for James on one side and his friend Andy on the other. I had already created 4 posters before their arrival, creating the excitement for the event. Here they are working away.
The grand unveiling, a sticker mosaic on one side and a colorful collage on the other. Nice job kids.
Papa James was playing with all three of his grandchildren, Ava included. The cousins love playing together.
Up and out early! We had to get out of downtown before we were blocked in. Mom went to the start while we went to mile 4. Carys and Ava all bundled up.
Grant ready at sunrise to see his dad race. He has his poster ready.
Charles and Jennifer Gault took TJ around the race course to show him all the spots to cheer for James. Because of them, we were able to catch James in five spots! Thanks!
Holley and Grant ready.
The start of the race...here they come. Look at the view of downtown.
TJ ironically standing at the top of the only hill in downtown Houston.
Holley cheering on James..if you can't see him...he is wearing the green shirt.
Mile 9...our second spot. TJ and Holley cheering.
My arm was sore moving it like Lloyd in Dumb and Dumber but I did get smiles. James' cheering section.
Carys giving her noise maker a shake for James.
Here he comes!
Go James!
Mile 13...There's Andy! The only picture I got of him because he was already past us when we realized it was him, twice. Next time...not a white shirt Andy...bright pink.
There's James at the halfway mark...taking a turn to get a high five from Grant.
Sweet.
Mile 19, we literally walked up to see James turning the corner! Close call, but we got our high fives.
A break for the kids...Grant on the monkey bars.
Carys and Ava going down the slide...and then we were off.
Our last spot was blocked off but we got to see James right after he finished. Yes, that's right, he just ran 26.2 miles...and I can't see him sweating. Great job James, a PR.
Our family all together, proud of our marathon finisher. Sarabeth is a friend of the family holding the purple poster.
Both men ran PRs...now to celebrate! Pappasito's, anyone?
As the self appointed vice president of James' fan club, I promise to organize more spirit related activities in any and all future marathons that require a passport to attend. That is if the treasurer of his fan club can fund my cheering expenses. ;)
James and Holley's friends from Washington were in town too because of the marathon and joined us. All the kids in the shark cage but one is hidden behind Ayden. Grant and his best friend Tate are in the back. Ayden and her little sister Devon are in front. Sarabeth in the middle. Carys and Ava on the right.
James "underwater" with Sarahbeth.
Carys, Ava and Grant waiting to go to the next exhibit.
Ribbit, Ribbit, look at those frogs.
The rainforest pyramid was the next exhibit and it was really neat. Here is a saki monkey seeing if Papa had any treats.
Carys loving the alligators.
Andy with Ayden and Tate...Carys and Ava striking a pose with the parrots.
James, Holley and Grant sporting the new parrot hats.
Our family showing the humidity of the rainforest. Great exhibit, now on to the Rainforest cafe for lunch!
