This Saturday was SUPER!

Every September we have one day that is a bit more Super than the rest.  We have our huge adoption grant/orphan care fundraiser complete with a silent auction, bake sale, run/walk, and kid obstacle course. The third Saturday after Labor Day is always a special day for us... but let me back up.  

We were so blessed to have Tom and Judy join us for Super Saturday weekend!  The kids had off of school on Friday which is pretty tricky since that is our big set-up day.  Tom and Judy were able to come up very late on Thursday night and spend the whole day with the kids on Friday.  The kids were so surprised to see them as this was their sixth time seeing them since June.  For some families this wouldn't sound like much, but for our family, that is a lot!  

Tom and Judy and the kids started the day with time at the Y!  Then they went down to Chick-Fil-A for lunch.  After lunch they went to a special GF/DF bakery to get dessert and special treats to eat during the Super weekend!  After the bakery the kids played at a park near the Lake and then went to T's OT and a local University.  They didn't get home until supper time. 

I was a bit overly ambitious and decided to make mashed potatoes, Grandma's corn, ham and gravy for dinner.  I prepped everything early in the morning and then just needed to watch my timers to get things going.  The meat was a little dry, but still great and such a blessing to have good leftovers! 

I was at church until very late Friday night and didn't sleep much, but I still slept more than some on the team.  It always feels like no matter how much you prepare there are so many last minute details to deal with. 

Saturday was BEAUTIFUL in every way.  It was the first Super Saturday that I can remember where the weather was amazing.   80* and sunny! So lovely to be outside and enjoying the day. 

The whole crew before the 5K/2K

I was the only one who did the 5K this year.  Everyone else opted for the shorter 2K.  They get bored easily and the 2K was their speed!  There are two water stops along the route.  The amazing homeowner at this stop (who doesn't go to our church) offered to hook up a mister to cool everyone off!  Wow!  Such beautiful generosity!

These guys LOVE working the water stop!

The brilliant mister. 

M: I ran almost the whole time!

How sweet are they!

Here we come!

Leaping across the finish line!

This year we added a new event to the morning.  We introduced a kids fun course that was well received by our kids and many many others!

T: I was rocking those things!

T: This is just like gymnastics!

M: I loved the wall!

M: Going under the nets took focus.

Making it look easy!

The silent auction and bake sale are held indoors.  This was our biggest and best year ever with each event!  It was so encouraging to see more and more community members participate in the event.

Lots of awesome bidding going on!

Brandon's parents had to head home at 2:00pm.  I walked in the doors at about 1:57.  We are so thankful for their help with the kids and also of the chance they had to see the events in action.  This was their first time.  So special!

What a beautiful crew!

Once Tom and Judy left and I got a bite to eat we headed to a splash pad to cool off.  I must confess with such lovely weather in September we went there twice in two days!  I don't know which pictures are from which day so I put them all together here.  It was such a gift that they kept the splash pad open beyond Labor Day!  We are so thankful for Charissa and her kids.  They helped morale stay highish after Tom and Judy left!

M: Sometimes I hold my breath.

Lots of kids in action!

The perfect place to cool off!

After we got home T spent a lot of time admiring her silent auction victory.  Well, there is actually more to the story.  My sweet friend knew how much T wanted this gum-ball machine and she bought it for T as a gift.  T was so very beyond thrilled!

T: It is mine!

T: I don't have any gum yet, but I already put some money in the slot!

We ended the day with some card games and any other attempts to stay awake that I could think of!

T: Mommy and I played War.  I think she was pretty sleepy! 

It was a full, full, full Friday and Saturday.  With the help of many many people we were able to raise a lot of money for adoption grants and orphan care.  It is a beautiful thing to be a part of!