State Track Weekend

Addie qualified for the state track meet again this year. Some of the girls in this picture medaled and broke records, others were along as moral support. Addie participated on the famed U of O track. This year was disappointing. Addie did not do as well as hoped, she did not come home with a medal like she did the last two years. The times were also crazy fast. Addie did run her season best times slightly behind her personal best ever. As this track season has wrapped up in our state there have been some truly awesome (not an exaggeration) times that have been recorded. High school kids beating olympians records type times. As this has unfolded meet after final meet Addie has been relieved and left wondering how does an athlete make such a jump? She is a well rounded person participating in many events and truly caring about others. Fastest times against others may not be her destiny, but improving and enjoying the experience are lessons we are working to believe.  

After a long two days and a very late night silly pictures were in order.

This is a meet like no other, and I mean no other state.

 One morning at breakfast Addie and a teammate were talking to one of the officials who was explaining how other states operate. There is one official its at a large high school kids do their thing and move on. Here it is televised on that huge blue screen there are probably ten officials for each event, the stadium is huge and about a quarter to half full at any given point in the day. It is just a top tier experience. 

After the race she still looks strong although disheartened at the sprinting finishes of the compeition. She ran the race in 5-9th place then in the last 300 meters or less is passed by several. I'm happy she was able to be there and to manage the many components of racing. 

In the long stretch between races we went and had our own adventures. One stop this year in Salem was the Woolen Mill. This was fascinating. We stumbled into the weaving room int he top floor of the museum where women gather to rent looms and create cloth. It was fascinating and beautiful. A teacher was up there and showed us around explaining different machines and techniques in the process.

Samples of finished products. 

 

We also finally made it to the Portland temple. I had wanted to be married there while I was growing up. Greg said no way our family is all local we will get married localling. For 25 years I have been waiting to go and this weekend I found a hotel 5 minutes away so we went one evening and one morning. It was HUGE! And so peaceful. I was thankful he was willing to go. Because of the extra studying I've been doing with my gospel doctrine class there was more that I learned, also the lack of stress getting to the temple helped immensely with the experience. 

I'm so thankful that we decided to share our lives. It is a beautiful and confidence building experience to create a marriage. Greg is so good to me. 

After touring the Woolen mill we tried a BBQ place. The meal was enough to fill up Greg for several hours. It was pretty good. 

These getaway trips have been so enjoyable. This one particularly where we can come and go as we please leave us time to relax, visit, and be more calm than our usual pace of life allows. We are thankful for time to renew and rest. Life is good.