feeling the tug

We are down to the last few XC practices of the season.....

I can't count the times I have seen Riggs run back to me from this field as a Goshen Gator after a practice run....

 but those days are now numbered....and I feel the tug on my heart....

 I am pretty sure he feels it too.....

Wrapping up Goshen XC

Man, we love cross country...we just do. It's funny to think this is our second season of running...because we love it like we have we done it all our lives. It's a lot a work....a lot of time...and the season is long. We have been getting in this huddle since July...and here it is knocking on November.  Tonight was our second to last practice of the season....and I already have that bittersweet feeling in my heart...knowing already how much I'm going to miss this place....these kids....and this huddle. This picture seems to say it all....beautiful kids....against the back drop of a beautiful setting sun...taking this...I'll admit I got a little teary. 

 Lucky for me...the practice ended with smores at the fire pit so we all moved right into happy! The kids were happy and excited...they all love being together!

 These gals pals are beyond precious...yet another reason I love this team. Brooke and the Grendi girls are always asking about Sarah Kate and Lila Ray and are genuinely happy when they are around! They are so sweet with them. I certainly have a special place in my heart for them as well!

Rainy but fun

Tonight it was cold and rainy at XC practice! All the adults were a little uptight as it was cold and wet and after practice we had planned on a pizza party and smores.....

Seriously.....the kids were freezing...soaked to the bone and mud covered!

But somehow the air was filled wit more giggles than ever!

and the pizza party went on!

They run...

They run....my boys. Right now it is the season of cross country and we seem to be eating, breathing and sleeping it....and loving every minute of it.  I can not tell you how much this sport means to me....it changed my first born in ways I can't even begin to explain. Running coaxed an inner light right out of him...and sparked a confidence that grows a little more every day.  It has brought me closer to him....being a bridge of one of the many things we talk about and share. The way he thanks me when I hand him a water for practice...the way he looks at me when he sees his lucky socks are clean for every meet....how he excitedly tell me about times and meets and other runners...because he knows I care. 

 Every time I see him run...it takes my breath away...

 truly it does.....

 and now little brother runs too......

 and although he was born with more confidence than Riggs.....I see him learning and growing as a runner everyday.....and more than that, I see him falling in love with it...just like his brother.....

 I have loved watching Riggs share this love with Colin this year...and you know what.....Colin loves it too...I swear the passion and heart that Riggs has for this sport is contagious!

 He is a captain of this team....and he takes it seriously......he understands this responsibility and what it means to him....and others....

 and sometimes being a good captain is cheering your heart out for someone else!

 I love to watch them fly down the hills at practice....wind blowing in their hair...the freedom they feel sprinting.....the satisfaction of knowing their hard work will pay off at a finish line some day soon. I just love XC...it's in my heart and the hearts of the Hardy boys...and for now, we are enjoying every second of the ride!