We were extra lucky during the month of February since less than a week after Nani left, Nonna and Pop Pop came to visit for a long weekend. They arrived on Thursday, February 26th and stayed through Sunday, February 29th. Other than just to visit with us, the main reason for their visit was for Moon to run The Woodlands marathon, which Terri gave to Moon for his birthday (pretty awesome birthday gift for someone turning 65, right?!)
Thursday night after dinner we celebrated Pop Pop's birthday with cupcakes and candy bowls including french burnt peanuts (Pop Pop's favorite and a Ducote tradition). Joseph was excited to help Pop Pop blow out the candles!
On Friday, Pop Pop and Daddy took Joseph to school (he was having a teddy bear picnic so didn't want to miss) and while he was at school the rest of us went to the marathon expo to pick up packets and then grabbed lunch at Market Street. We picked up Joseph at 2:00 and then drove the race course for the following morning. After an early dinner we headed to Towne Greene for Joseph's 2k race. The 2K race was the culminating event for run club. He had to run a total of 25 miles between September and February (which he did!) and then the race gave him the last 1.2 miles to equal 26.2 miles which is the distance of a marathon so he received not only a medal from the race but also a marathon medal. The run club was a great activity which really ended up being a family activity since most weeks we would all go together on Sunday afternoons and taught Joseph the importance of setting a goal for himself without the competitiveness (although most weeks he was concerned with how many marks the other runners were getting!) It was a lot of fun and we look forward to participating next year. Here is his log sheet for the year.
Pop Pop, Daddy and Joseph before the race. Daddy and Pop Pop ran with Joseph which was super awesome!
After the race with his 2 medals. It was in the low 50s so was definitely chilly once the sun went down.
We ordered an awesome picture from the photographer of Joseph crossing the finish line...still can't believe that I paid $20.00 for one 4x6 but the picture is so great that it will be worth it! He put his arms over his head as he crossed the finish line and they caught it on camera. Terri, the girls and I were cheering about 50 yards from the finish line and after he ran by us we started walking away to meet him after the finish line but thankfully I happened to turn to see him cross the finish and put his hands over his head-it was just the cutest thing ever. We'll be sure to include it in his wedding slideshow some day and when he finishes his first marathon (or Ironman ;) we'll pull it out! Once we receive it I'll add it here, too!
On Saturday morning everyone was up early! Daddy and Pop Pop left the house around 5:30 and Terri, the kids and I were out by 7:00. It was cold (high 30s) so we bundled everyone up to catch the racers at mile 7. We had to wake Ella up so let the paci slide for the morning! She eventually woke up enough to get out of the stroller and help cheer.
Daddy was happy and looked strong as he ran by!
Joseph had fun giving the racers high-fives while waiting for Pop Pop. I was holding Ella when Pop Pop ran by so didn't get a picture of him but he looked good although he said he was in some pain (found out later that his hamstring started giving him trouble at mile 5).
After a quick stop at Starbucks to warm up, we headed to Market Street/Towne Greene area to the finish line. Joseph kept himself entertained by rolling down the hills while waiting!
Rich finished the marathon in 3:17:59 (7:26 minutes per mile) which is super fast!! He was hoping for 3:15 so that he would qualify for the Boston marathon next year so he was so close! After the race he signed up for the Dallas marathon in April so the quest continues for Boston and we are hoping and praying for a super fast race there! He was in such a zone here at the finish that he didn't even hear/see us cheering for him...he's so intense ;)
Pop Pop, on the other hand, was all smiles and high fives when we saw him right before the finish line. He looked great and had a fantastic race! He finished in 4:40:16 (10:44 minute per mile) and came in 3rd for his age group!! What an accomplishment at the age of 65!
After we got the guys some food we let the kids burn off some energy in the bounce houses that were set up at the end of the race! They did a great job of cheering all morning long!
We spent the rest of Saturday just relaxing and hanging out! On Sunday we headed to church before their flight took off that afternoon but had to get a picture with the marathoners! Love these guys! Three generations of Richard Joseph Ducotes!
One tough pose...
And, one excited pose!
We are so thankful for this amazing weekend! It was so special having Nonna and Pop Pop here with us and especially special to have Pop Pop run in the same race with Daddy and to run with Joseph together on Friday night. We hope that they are all up for it again next year!!
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