Race Day

Today was the Chosen Marathon for Adoption, a race designed to help orphans around the world.  We had just started the adoption process this time last year and ran with a small but mighty team to begin to raise money to get our daughter.   We did not yet know who she was, but we knew she was out there.  This year in our second race, we had a team close to 70 people who supported us in the run.  This is another time in the adoption process that I have no words to express the appropriate gratitude in our hearts to all of those that gave time, money, training and sore knees on our behalf.  We remained teary eyed throughout (and not just because it was so cold for a Texas morning!) and had hearts that were so full.  A fitting experience to do this run and then turn around and leave this week for China.  Such a sendoff.  Here's a little taste of the morning....

First, I love this man.  I don't remember when we decided to adopt but I remember that he always wanted to do so.  Always on the same page.  (Except the running part...he runs, I cheer until I lose my voice!)

Adoption is an easy decision when you are going to bring a child into a home with these kids.  Such little champions for the cause and excited about everything.  Including free noise makers and pom poms.

Making posters to welcome the runners through the finish.  Shout out to the Phippen kids and Emma Kate Quanz!

Somehow, Mick and Cathy inherited some more grandkids!  Another shout out to the Ackerman kids and Ramsey kids (who are on Team Branstetter but we share the love!)

The Kid's Fun Run...kind of crazy...almost got run down!

Proud kiddos of their super fast Dad!  

Ready to Run!

These kids are not messin' around!

This is our friend Jonathan.  He is on Team Branstetter...we love that team.  I think he won 4th place in the race so we feel really cool that we know him!

My good friend Lisa helping me with the mini van crew and cheering on her hubby!

Some video of the start of the race...please forgive my high pitched yelling...just excited and cheering for these amazing runners!

What a great day and a great race!