Riley and Avery

So the girls ran their first running race on Sunday. Some runner's group here sponsored an adult race (3 1/2 miles on a trail, 1/4 mile down the middler of a river, complete with obstacles) and free kiddie races. I thought the race for Riley's age group (0-3) was a little short for Riley, about 50 yards, but was great for Avery. It's a four-race series, one every two weeks in a different part with increasingly longer runs. It's not like anyone won the toddler race, since most of the children were closer to Avery's age or younger and the parents were running with them. It was like a buffalo stampede. Kelly, our neighbor, came with us. Her girls were in the 7-10 age group and ran 8/10ths of a mile. Poor Caitlynn is asthmatic and had a hard time with the run. Three women that I know from West Side Moms were running the adult race. As soon as we pulled up and parked I saw Maida run by, followed by Paige, and then Candy. We waved and cheered. I think perhaps this may be something that I would be interested in participating in next year. You know, the strange thing is that I don't really like running, but like an Alzheimer's patient, I keep returning to it for some reason. I think that road races are not very interesting, but perhaps a trail run in our gorgeous Colorado would be more fun. The girls got a ribbon for their participation, which they quickly forgot about, which means that they're scrapbook fodder for sure. They get a "large" trophy if they complete all four races, but I didn't tell them that since I only want them to participate if they enjoy the participation.

A group of mothers from West Side Moms has gotten together and formed a preschool homeschooling group, mostly for participating in field trips together. On Tuesday, while Riley was in school, I took Avery to the Fire Station for a tour. It was really great to get out and do something just Mommy and Avery. All the kids were around Avwery's age, so that was nice for her. For some reason, I was the one volunteered to try on the firefighter's outfit. The fireman said that I made him feel fat, since the pant hung off me like a clown costume. I tried the hat on Avery, who slowly tipped over backwards under the weight, but I caught her in him. Next week's field trip is to the pumpkin patch, but I think that I better not exclude Riley from that, and probably won't be able to squeeze it in between dropping Riley off at school and picking her up.

I took Riley in to the doctor's today because of her cold (Rudi insisted) and got the usual rest and fluids recommendation. The up-side is that I got the much-coveted referral to the developmental pediatrician. The appointment isn't until January 7th, the soonest they had available, and it's a two hour appointment. Now that I think about it, I'm regretting not scheduling it for a day when Rudi can either come with us or stay home with Avery. I went to a new doctor who I wasn't really fond of. First, the immunization posters were all over the place, as well as shelves full of formula. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. And even a poster for Gardasil, which neither of my girls will never ever ever get. Ever. And the doctor was a relatively young woman who was socially awkward and shy and withdrawn. I feel bad critiquing her,and I have no reason to doubt her medical ability, but a parent should have confidence in the abilities of the pediatrician, and that's not what I got at all. And the receptionist was about as incompetent as they come. After the appointment, I was standing at her window while she was making labels on a label maker (important work, I know) and after a few minutes she asked me if I needed something. No, lady, standing at this window is just a fun way of passing my day and watching you make labels spices up the monotony of my day-to-day existence! I tried to make a payment, and she refused (too lazy to figure out how much I owe, since I owe a percentage not a flat rate). She told me to wait for the bill. Then I asked to make an appointment to see Dr. Sayers and she gave me a card and told me to call and make an appointment. Dr. Sayers is located in the same practice as the doctor we saw today, so it's not like he's in a different office or different practice. Geesh. It was like Medicaid central in there. So the search is still on for an acceptable pediatrician who participates with our insurance. Mission impossible.

Oh, what else is going on? Hmmm...I'm sure there's something...

Having problems uploading photos...

Oh, yesterday I was making pork and sauerkraut for dinner and Riley was playing in the front yard and our door was wide open. The smell of the sauerkraut began to waft outside, and Riley runs in with her hand over her nose, "Mommy, mommy! There's a terrible smell outside! Oh no, it's coming in our house! Quick, shut the door!" Ah, when the smell of your cooking causes such panic in your children!

Most have already heard this story, but I'm recording it here for posterity. I told Riley that it was possible to make our own playdough. Riley says "Hmmm...or, we could just let the people in the factory make it and we can buy it at Walmart." Doh! And she hasn't been to Walmart in months. Rudi likes watching that show "How It's Made" and I think that's where Riley gets her factory information.