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.

Quickly becoming the crazy neighbor lady

I've been driving by these beauties for weeks. Today I stopped and bought them. If they disappear I'm coming after you!

I now have more flamingos than children. You can see the original one here.