Dragon Boat Races (with scale updates)

Before I begin this post I must pause for a moment and ask for anyone reading to offer prayers for folks around the world affected by recent natural disasters. We've seen a devastating cyclone in Myanmar, strong tornadoes across our own country, and now a massive earthquake in Western China. All caused destruction beyond our imagination and I find myself almost paralyzed wondering what I can do to help... But there are organizations out there waiting for money and volunteers to help, just Google the locations of the events and I'm sure you'll find one that speaks to your heart ~ mine is in China where our next child could already be waiting...

On a happier note, Saturday we got in the car and headed to Lake Lure to attend the first annual "Lure of the Dragon" festival. There were dragon boat races, martial arts demonstrations, lion dances and of course some yummy Chinese food. The festival was (strangely enough) set up to celebrate "our Asian and Mountain heritage," so throw in some clogging and bluegrass gospel quartets and you get the flavor of the day. When we first got there Kylie was so excited that she was ready to climb the fence to get to the lake beach.

Kylie enjoyed it all, but by far was most interested in the races. She got caught up in the excitement and was amazed by the drummer in the front of the boat. The drum beat is used to help the entire boat row in rhythm and the teams that did the best were the ones that followed it. When the first boat came down the lake to get into position she was mesmerized! But she thought it was really exciting when two boats would come toward us from the start line. She got caught up in cheering and pretending to play the drum along with the beat. I'm including a clip of two of the boats in the time trial section of the race. Note the importance of the beat of the drum and keeping in time with all the other rowers.

The day was a bit warmer than we anticipated and after a snack (from home) of apples and oranges, we hit the fresh squeezed lemonade stand. That was located near the playground and of course Kylie had to make sure that the swings and slides were as fun as the ones at home! As I watched her my heart swelled a thousand times ~ it is hard to believe how much she has grown and developed over the past 15 months that she's been with us. Just that morning she put on her shorts all by herself ~ it was one of those moments when I cried mixed tears...

We wandered back to watch a few more races and then headed back down the mountain, "drivin' CiCi's hous!" (Kylie's favorite little self-written ditty to sing in the car). We went to Adam and Traci's for Adam's famous grilled quesadillas and some relaxing family down time. While we were waiting for dinner to be ready, Kylie spied Aunt CiCi's fruit bowl and politely requested yet another orange. How can you tell the girl no? I had to giggle as she tried to crack her orange open like an egg!

The lighting was so perfect that I decided to attempt to get "that shot" of my sweet angel. I know you know what I'm talking about... the one that shows how beautiful your little girl is. I think that I managed to catch it, right along with her personality ~ bite of orange in her mouth and all...

Oh she melts my heart!

SCALE UPDATES

Traci weighed in last night, pretty much even from two weeks ago...

And as for me, I'm detecting a trend ~ one week down, next week up... Next week I should be down again! I guess I shouldn't have had that Cook Out Toffee Heath Bar milkshake Saturday after all! Oh well, at least I shared it with Kylie! (Check out last week)


I think I may switch to weighing in on Thursday nights, I'm always about three pounds down on Thursdays, but the weekends are still killing me...