Russ, Tony and Jeff all decided to run the Volkslauf 10K.
They began training a few months ago. As you will see in the pictures, the race consisted of first running 6 miles, followed by some pretty difficult obstacles.
All smiles as the race began....
Now that Russ is exhausted from running 6 miles in 90 degree heat, he gets to walk through a 1/4 mile mud pit.
Out of the mud, (at least there was deep water to trudge through at the end to clean your shoes before hitting the next phase) now it is time to climb a wall...
no problem. That one seemed easy for Russ. Next came a trench of water followed by crawling up a hill.
Then you had to crawl down on your stomach.
Followed by yet another trench....
and another wall. This one was brutal. Thank goodness someone was there to give Russ a boost.
Then came the pole wall.
Up and over!!
Guess what..another trench, but this time you had to pull yourself through on your back.
The water was a nice relief from the heat and dust. Russ took his time crossing the log so he wouldn't fall in and have to start over.
At this point Russ caught up with his friends and they all helped each other over the big walls.
One final wall. Thank goodness!
Russ was glad to have his gloves on.
The final swim. These guys are so tired!!
One final hill to climb
And were off to a victory!!!
Three tired, muddy men who should be very proud of themselves!! They completed the Volkslauf 10K!!!!!!
When do we start training for next year?
Haley and Hannah spend six hours a week at the dance studio and they love it. They each moved up to new levels this year and it is so fun to watch them dance. Their feet move so fast when they tap! They are becoming so graceful in ballet.
Emily finished this tennis season off with a bang. She came in first place in the SWYL JV singles tournament.
Here is Emily with her coach and a few teammates.
Emily had several tough matches this year, but she fought hard and came out victorious!
Here she is before a game with her coach and teammates.
Look at the concentration!
Getting ready to serve. She helped her team win this game with several good serves.....Go Haley!
After the big win.... posing with the team!!
Russ, Tony and Jeff all decided to run the Volkslauf 10K. 
All smiles as the race began....
Now that Russ is exhausted from running 6 miles in 90 degree heat, he gets to walk through a 1/4 mile mud pit.
Out of the mud, (at least there was deep water to trudge through at the end to clean your shoes before hitting the next phase) now it is time to climb a wall...
no problem. That one seemed easy for Russ. Next came a trench of water followed by crawling up a hill.
Then you had to crawl down on your stomach.
Followed by yet another trench....
and another wall. This one was brutal. Thank goodness someone was there to give Russ a boost.
Then came the pole wall. 
Up and over!!
Guess what..another trench, but this time you had to pull yourself through on your back.
The water was a nice relief from the heat and dust. Russ took his time crossing the log so he wouldn't fall in and have to start over.
At this point Russ caught up with his friends and they all helped each other over the big walls.
One final wall. Thank goodness!
Russ was glad to have his gloves on.
The final swim. These guys are so tired!!
One final hill to climb
And were off to a victory!!!
Three tired, muddy men who should be very proud of themselves!! They completed the Volkslauf 10K!!!!!!
When do we start training for next year?
Wasn't it just yesterday that you were playing in the leaves at a park in Philadelphia?
Or swimming in Grandma Sullivan's pool?
Or starting Junior High?
Or going to see Wicked at the Pantages?
Or being a bridesmaid at your sister's wedding?
Or getting your drivers license?
Well look at you now....17!!! You're a wonderful daughter and we love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! September 25, 2010
