Off to the Races!!

This Saturday was the Chain of Lakes Annual Sled Race, held at my parents' neighbor's home. It was a fun day, filled with friendly competition, lots of laughs, and great food. Last year was Brad's first year competing, and this year Lindsey and Kyle were able to make it up, so Kyle could represent Straits Lake along with Brad.

Brad and Kyle, with their runner sled my dad got them this year. (Hard to find a classic like these.) They spent the pre-race time taking test runs, and waxing the runners to improve their speed.

Brad and Sonny (the event host).....On your mark, get set, GO!

Brad won this heat with Milo, the race mascot, running along side.

Here is Kyle taking on the champ from the last 2 years in a row. If you look really close you can see the champ wearing his track shoes, complete with spikes. This is serious business. :)

Linds, helping Ashlyn up the kids sledding hill.

Emma Kay. She outlasted her mom, grandma, aunt and sister, hanging at the race until the guys came home. She loved trying the runner sled, with dad's help.

Weeeee!!! Ashlyn loved "bottom" sliding down the hill.

Sisters!!

Although Brad and Kyle won some of their heats, they did not come home with the trophy this year. They are already planning their strategies for next year, to improve their sled and techniques. I heard them discussing aerodynamic clothing, and weighing themselves down........Gotta love a good ol' Yooper competition! :) Thanks to Sonny and Sharon for hosting every year and for including us in the action.

Before the big race, we had a small birthday celebration for Ashlyn, who will be two next Sunday. It is so hard for us to believe our baby is 2!!!!!

Ashlyn Beth, trying on her new coat and boots from Grandma and Grandpa Erickson.

Yeah for cake!!!! She was so excited!!