firsts

Every one can remember their first kiss. Or the first time they rode a bike. Or the first time they got caught by their mother skipping school and got grounded for the fist time.

This weekend was a weekend of firsts. Eddie ran his first race and Noah...well, we'll discuss Noah later.

The 33rd Annual Hell Hole Swamp Festival 10k Gator Run was held this weekend in Jamestown, SC (about 30 miles into the swamp from our house.) Chris and Eddie both participated.

Last year 68 runners participated-up from 33 the previous year. This year maybe 100.
But, Eddie was so dang excited that he completed his very first 10k.
Me- "Eddie, what was your favorite thing about running the race?"
Eddie- "Finishing the race."
He's planning on competing next year. He's already eyeing the coveted Alligator Head trophy awarded to the fastest runner.

It was pretty interesting sitting there with the kids and watching all the people parading around us. Just imaging a tiny southern town and the people in it. Proud of their southern roots. Moonshine and Confederate flag and everything that comes with it.

"And when them other runners, their exploits they do extole; Just say 'Hush Your Mouth' cause I done run Hell Hole!" penned by Michael Lake- The Hell Hole Poet. They even have a Hell Hole Swamp Festival Headquarters.

I do believe the race is just a side note. No local was waiting and cheering on the runners. All locals were either sitting along the parade route, or in the parade.

Which brings me to Noah. My little 4 year old cleptomaniac. As we were waiting for the runners, we stepped into the local gas station to purchase some water. Noah, as always, went straight to the candy and requested some treats. I said no and to "Put them back so we can go." "Okay mom, I'll put them back," was his reply. Later, maybe 45 minutes later, Noah walks up to me, puts his hand in his pocket, and presents to me with great fanfare, a package of M&M's. "Ta-da!"
Me- "Noah, where did you get those?!"
Noah- "At the store."
Me-gasping- "Did you steal those!?"
Noah is looking a bit worried but answers- "No."
Me- "Then how did you get them. I sure hope they haven't called the Police."
Noah's eyes get wider and his little lips begin to quiver. "I bought them."
Me- "How did you buy them?"
Noah- "With my money."
Me- "You don't have any money. Do you see any police? The people at the store call the police when little boys steal things."
Noah- on the verge of tears- "I pretend bought them with my pretend money."
I'm feeling a bit guilty making Noah upset, but I'm also trying to make sure he remembers this.
Me- "We better go back to the store and give them back. You are going to tell the lady that you stole from her store. I sure hope they don't arrest you."
Well, Noah was brave and scared and crying, but he went up to the lady. He placed the evidence on the counter. The lady thought he wanted to buy them, but I explained that he had taken them and had something to say to her. Noah began to really cry and said he stole the candy and was sorry.
Lady- "Now don't cry..."
Noah interrupting- "I'm not crying!"
The lady said that since he had done the honest thing and admitted he had done the wrong thing that she was going to buy the M&M's for him. "That is the right thing to do. Yes it is. I'm proud of you."
Hopefully he doesn't think everytime he pockets candy he'll be rewarded.