We had a nontraditional, but amazing, Thanksgiving experience this year. Our good friends, the Paulazzos, who live in Southern Oregon, where in Tulsa for a BMX bike race that two of their 3 kids were competing in. And we thought "Oklahoma is a lot closer than Oregon, so why not?!" The 5 hour drive wasn't bad and there's nothing like throwing the kids into unfamiliar territory to broaden their horizons!
We showed up on Thanksgiving day, helped prep the turkey and side dishes, and then walked from our rental house that we were all sharing over to the races. Zane was immediately taken with Jumbo Jenga.
The environment was much different than anything we were used to. There was an announcer commentating on the races the whole time. The heats, or motos as we learned they were called, were going constantly...some even starting before the previous one was finished (what if someone crashed?!). So the noise was constant, the atmosphere was like a large fair or festival, there were people of all ages on wheels (bikes, skateboards, scooters) zipping through the crowd, vendor tents and pit tents for the race teams. Hannah immediately trusted Lucas to get her through the fray more than us. We supported her decision.
Zemirah, their daughter, is a 9 year old rock star. This girl is ranked 7th in the WORLD for her age group!! She is fierce, kind, and humble and fantastic with little ones.
Thanksgiving dinner. There was no big table so we improvised and enjoyed every minute of it.
Addis (3) and Hannah (4) were two peas in a pod.
The next day we took the kids' bikes over to ride around in the craziness. The balance bike track was open and they both had fun on the hills and turns.
Getting a view of the whole arena from the bleachers. Zane REALLY wanted to try it out, but there were no beginner races.
Watching Tavi or Zemirah race (I forgot which one). I would like to add that the camera lens I would have used to photograph the riders is "not communicating" with my camera body - so annoying!!
Hannah and Addis both entered the balance bike race. They couldn't race each other though since they were in different age groups.
Getting some last minute tips from Zemirah.
This is her game face. They did 3 motos and the first one she was all smiles the entire time and the last one to cross the finish line. Given that there were so many motos of all the different age groups, I'm not sure how she ranked overall, but we are certain that she had a good time!
Gigantic participation trophies for everyone!!
Post nap show with trophy.
Banana guns...because why not.
Braids! I didn't think Hannah's hair was long enough for them, but I was proven wrong.
Big bro, Tavi (11), trying to wade through the younger kids.
At the Pro Spectacular (I think that's what it was called) where we watched the pro riders race, jump, do tricks, and chariot races. It was more exciting than this photo lets on.
And after a whirlwind 4 days...we are home and a deep cleanse was needed :)
