Autism Speaks 2nd Annual Light It Up Blue Gala

Dressed to the nines! :-)

LNC Table

Ted's company, Lionel NASCAR Collectables, was one of the sponsors for the Charlotte Autism Speaks 2nd Annual Light It Up Blue Gala. So, he and I joined some of his co-workers for a night of food, fun, silent auction and a night to be "grown-ups."

The event was black-tie, so we got dressed up all "fancy-fancy" (as Katy would say), left Katy in the capable care of her Nana and Bapa Jones and we enjoyed ourselves out on the town! Since our seventh wedding anniversary is on Monday, we decided to kind of count this as our "anniversary celebration." It was nice to get all dressed up and stay out late :-).

From the report we got from the grandparents, Katy had a good time, too. She was well-behaved (at least that's what they tell us, now- we'll see if that story changes in ten years or not ;-P) and only really started asking for me around bedtime.

Lionel NASCAR Company Picnic

Katy befriends a puppy

Friendly game of volleyball

Race car themed cake (using company diecast, of course! :-)

This afternoon we joined Daddy's co-workers at Frank Liske park for a potluck picnic. The weather was cool and windy but nice and sunny. While Daddy played some volleyball with some co-workers, you and I went to the playground and ran around the different fields. There was plenty of good food and goodies to go around and we had fun!

Tunnel To Towers 5K

Tired and sweaty, after the race

Yesterday, while you stayed home with Nana and Grandpa Jones, Daddy and I ran our very first 5K. We ran in the http://www.tunneltotowercharlotte.com/ race to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks ten years ago. Daddy's company, Lionel NASCAR Collectables was one of the main sponsors of the race.

I can't say that either one of us had a life-long goal of ever running in a race, but the opportunity presented itself to support a worthy cause, so we both went for it. The morning dawned cool and crisp, with no rain. We joined up with some of Daddy's co-workers and everybody did a great job! Daddy ran 3.1 miles in 24 minutes and 32 seconds, coming in 17th place out of 145 finishers (10th place for men). I ran 3.1 miles in 29 minutes and 1 second, coming in 57th place out of 145 finishers (24th place for females).

Both Daddy and I ran the complete race, without having to walk one bit of it. We both had personal best times and were satisfied with the results. Let this race be a life lesson for you, Katy; You, dear Katy, can do whatever you put your mind to. You don't have to be the best, just run your hardest and try with all of you might!