Kara and Cade spent the drive watching Shrek and having a nap. It was really handy to have her back there with him to help him with his lunch, put him in the carseat, etc. We are thinking about hiring her for all of our car rides!
When we got there, it was time to check-in and weigh-in (thankfully, just Kara) at the meet. This took a looooong time, so Cade and I explored the seawall.
Daddy joined us for a walk down the stairs and a race up to the top!
Then we went to dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. This also took a looooong time (since every female powerlifter, her coach, and her family seemed to be there), so Cade and I toured replicas of the Nina and Pinta ships while we waited for our table. This is the Nina, which Cade said was his favorite because it was the biggest.
We were there near closing time, so the crew let Cade help take down the flags.
Look, Mama! A big ship!
The next day, Cade and I went to the Texas State Aquarium during the powerlifting meet. It was really nice to not have to rush around and see things at whatever pace and order Cade wanted. Our first stop was the alligators and crocodiles.
Next stop, sea turtles. I think this one was waving!
Then, we went to the dolphin show. We had to get there really early to get seats, but it was worth it! Shadow, the 19-year old dolphin, and his younger brothers put on quite a show!
The aquarium has added a splash pad since we were there 2 years ago, and Cade desparately wanted to play there. It was barely above 70 degrees and really windy, but he assured me that he would not fuss or be cold. So we went all the way out to Chance's truck to change clothes and came back to the splash pad. The fun lasted for about 5 minutes before Cade informed me that he was wet and cold and "done with this". Oh well!
Gotta "warm up" with some ice cream!
Our last stop was the dolphin underwater viewing room. On our last visit, this was Cade's absolute favorite spot, and this year was no different. He had such a great time watching the 3 dolphins swim and play.
I am such a sucker for the pictures that people at amusement parks and other places take. Somehow they can always get the most precious smile out of Cade and then before you know it, I've stopped by the kiosk and spent way too much money on a silly photo. So, here is more evidence of my sucker status.
How can you pass this up? Cade loves it that it looks like we are about to be eaten by a shark, and the photo is now displayed in his room.
It has taken me 10 years of Chance coaching to attend a powerlifting meet, and I'm glad I started with the best! Cade and I got to the meet in time to watch Kara compete in her last event, the deadlift. Here she is easily lifting 245 pounds, which is almost twice her body weight. Pretty amazing!!
Her last lift was more difficult and she wasn't able to do it, so unfortunately we left the meet without a medal. But we were so proud to watch her and have really enjoyed getting to know Kara during Chance's time in Caldwell. At this meet I also realized that I am way too emotional to ever be a coach. Kara is a senior and I got all caught up in thinking about this is her last meet, last time for Chance to coach her, etc. I'm so glad we all made the trip together!
I also have to brag on Cade for a bit because he was so unbelievably good on this trip. Our very schedule-oriented child was very flexible and patient with long lines, late bedtimes, and big crowds. He was such a good little companion at the aquarium and I am so thankful for my time with him. As he reminds us all the time, he is almost 4 years old and a very big boy.
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