Andy ran the Seacoast Half Marathon last weekend. We both trained over the summer and early fall for separate half marathons (mine last month, Andy's in November) because the races are always on weekends and finding childcare for most of a whole day is often a bigger hassle than we want to deal with. So we divide and conquer. It's not the most streamlined solution, but it works for us.
Andy's race day was mild and sunny, and he ran the 13.1 miles lickety-split. Andy, Haley and I drove to Ordione Point State Park in Rye to watch since the runners passed right by the entrance. Aiden was busy holding out orange gatorade to the racers when someone shouted "Thanks Aiden Buddy!" grabbing the gatorade from him as he sped past. Aiden was totally beaming after that, amazed that his Dad figured out he was there and chose his gatorade! Of course Andy had known beforehand that was where we'd be, but I didn't let Aiden in on the secret. It's still easy to make a big impression at age 5! I'm only sad I didn't have my camera right with me to capture the moment.
After Andy passed by, we were free to spend some time exploring the playground and science center, and of course Ordione Point's beautiful rocky beaches. The beaches there are perfect for collecting ocean treasures like periwinkle shells, tumbled sea glass, bits of lobster traps and crab claws. By the time Andy crossed the finish line and joined us at Ordione, our pockets (and minds) were so full of scallops, mussels, snails, and crabs that we had to find a seafood joint FAST! For lunch, Aiden got his own whole lobster for the first time... it was a treat to watch how much he enjoyed it, since I completely remember how much Micah and I loved cracking into lobster dinners when we were kids. Its funny how the best part for a kid is always getting that little bit of meat out of the legs or even sucking it out of the antennae, while most adults couldn't be bothered with anything besides the claws and tail. Andy and I had chowder and greasy fried fisherman's platter delights... which, in case you're wondering, Andy would not recommend subjecting his stomach to again following a long running race.
After lunch we went birding. A very rare thing these days. The bird in question was a Barnacle Goose, direct from Northern Europe, or Greenland, or maybe not direct from anywhere as he had definitely lost his way and was now hanging out in a flock of Canada and Snow Geese in Newbury, Mass. It was a life bird for everyone (including Haley, though it's not fair to start her list before she can really even say "duck, duck goose") and Aiden was especially proud to be able to identify and scope the interloping goose on his own. From there, we made a short jaunt to run around on the sandy beach at Plum Island, and then started the long drive back to New London. It was a beautiful mid-November day on the seacoast.
Aiden and a bunch of other serious birders lined up to see the rare goose
Haley at Plum Island
1 comment:
What a great way to spend day off. I hope Aiden and Haley eventually appreciate how much their parents exposed them to as they were growing up.
Grandma Chris
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