Oops!

I'm pretty sure I gave a couple of guys in a work truck an extra thrill this morning. I had just gotten out of the shower and dropped my towel when I realized the blind was open and they were sitting at the stop sign.

You know that moment where your eyes meet? Yeah, this was one of those.

They were either lost or shocked or thrilled because they drove back around the block three times. I'm going with thrilled.

Hump Day Hoop-lah

The guy who sold me makeup today had on more mascara than me. And he looked better, too. I should have asked him what he uses.

The highlight video ESPN missed

Ankeny South or Hawks or whatever we call them these days came in second at yesterday's Waukee Invitational. It was a really great meet. 306 boys from 13 area middle schools.

I really enjoy watching the kids run. It impresses me every time how fast they are and how much they improve from week to week.

As for our Hoop-lah, he ran his fastest race yet at 11:18. Some of you might notice last week's time was 11:15, but that course was shorter by two-tenths of a mile. He came in second yesterday, :09 behind a kid from Ames who is unbelievably fast. He needs to watch out though; Riley is already planning his strategy for next week. That kid totally cracks me up. Stay tuned to see how he does.

And here's a little video. Don't expect much; we're amateurs.

It's no wonder why I love restaurants

My favorite (NOT!) part of being a mom is when I make the dinner and everyone disappears just when it's time to eat. Except the dog. Of course this is after the hour-long discussion about what to eat. Everyone is hungry but no one has any ideas. And then they're gone.

Next time I'm directing them to the box of frozen waffles.

Another day at the races

Ankeny is on a roll. The team came in first today at Indianola.

Remember what I told you about Riley gunning for first himself? Misson accomplished. 11:15.

Get your motor running . . .

Ankeny took first place today in the cross country meet in Newton! Awesome job from those runners. The 2-mile course had three hills -- with a repeat over two. (So five hills in all!) I'm exhausted thinking about it.

Individually, Riley came in second at 12:13. Nice of the Dowling runners to sit this one out!

Sorry, no pictures tonight.

And they're off!

Check out this cool picture from my friend Tricia at Three Men and a Lady. Love it! Her son is on Riley's right. This is the start of yesterday's race in Ames. Riley improved his time by :18 and came in fifth again. Really like this sport - other than the long drives!

Headed to the finish line

Another picture from Tuesday's race. Finished the race in 12:10.

Judging a book by its cover

Read this newspaper article from the Des Moines Register about an ISU grad who was taken off a plane in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 11. Then read her blog post.

What do you think? Better safe than sorry? Or a sad reflection on society?

Hoop-lah Hump Day

This hoop-lah isn't getting much sleep, so I'm updating you with pictures because I am sure you don't want to hear me cry.

Riley won fifth place yesterday in the Valley Invitation, a cross country meet with 220 boys his age competing. How cool is that for a kid who is a newbie to the sport? He told me that his coach expected him to come in around 20. That man is either a master in reverse  psychology or he doesn't know Riley at all. I guarantee that kid will be gunning for the number one spot in tomorrow's race in Ames.

By now most everyone knows that Iowa State won this year's bout with the Hawkeyes. Do these season ticket holders look like happy campers? Riley has been telling everyone that Big Dog shed a few tears when the final whistle sounded.

Do you recognize these boys from the picture above? This one is from 2007.

Prepping for the national championship

And marking my national debut using video editing software.