Months ago, I had this grand plan of getting a group of my girlfriends together to run a relay race called 100 on 100 (100 miles on Route 100-- a beautiful road through the center of Vermont). I knew the date of the race, coincided with John's big Trek send off, so I needed to arrange for someone to watch the kids for at least half the day on Saturday-- and maybe more if John got pulled into a student evacuation. When I called Peg to see if she and Art would be willing to help out, they didn't hesitate to say "sure".
As it turns out, I couldn't rally a full team of six, so I bailed on the race idea-- which was actually a huge relief because I didn't have to think about squeezing runs into my summer. However, I told Art and Peg they were more than welcome to still come and could help me out by watching the kids for a little while so I could do some curriculum work at school.
Fast forward to four days before the race...... A colleague e-mailed to see if I'd be interested in being the sixth person on a team he was running on. I was intrigued. John told me to go for it. So, I called Peg to make sure she and Art would still be up for it and she enthusiastically encouraged me to do it, too.
Art and Peg arrived on Thursday with back-to-school outfits and books for the kids, a meal for us to eat, and plenty of love to share. The kids couldn't wait to see them!
Grandpa enthusiastically played ball with Hazen, while Nana read book and made cookies with Cally. On Friday, I went into work for half the day, so they took the kids and their scooters to the playground and then hunting for books at the library.
On Saturday, John and I left at 5:30am for our various "events". Nana and Grandpa made the kids breakfast, dressed them, and went to a great community event at the Jericho Center Green. They made fairy houses, butterflies, and ate delicious local food.
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All the while, I was running various sections of our beautiful state. I ran three legs (5.5, 4.2 and 6.2 miles respectively). It wasn't easy (probably because I haven't run more than 4 or 5 miles in a single day since May). But I did have such a great experience.
Nana and Grandpa gave me the break I really needed in order to recalibrate my life and get ready to start teaching again. They roll with Hazey's 2 year old irrational ways and seem to really love being here with the kids in this beautiful place. Just when I think I'm losing it as a parent, they make me feel great about the kids we are raising and the job we are doing. Thank you so much for loving us and being willing to help in so many ways.
