Our Sunday Evening....

This past Sunday evening, our Community Life Group from church met at our house.

Roughly once a month or so, our group has a "game night" or a "fun night." In other words, it's a little bit more of a layed back evening. We fellowship through games or other activities as opposed to the normal study.

Generally speaking, our group has dinner together. However, this past Sunday night, Marc and I opted for dessert only (whoever hosts makes the decision about dinner and/or dessert).

Rather than making a dessert myself, I ordered a really W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L. carrot cake from Dillon's -- our local grocery store chain.



And Mmmmmm.....was it ever tasty!

And, just to prove how tasty it really was....check out this nutrition label from the cake.



All in moderation, right?

After enjoying the cake, some set out to play Cornhole.







I'm actually not sure who won. But, it sure is fun to be with our Community Life Group. Thanks guys!

And, we did miss you Mark and Lisa...See you next Sunday!

Chits and Meal Plan For the Week....

In case you didn't already know it, CHIPS (as in, potato chips) are Luke's Junk Food of Choice.

In fact, instead of candy, my mom bought him some potato chips for Easter...Gotta love the Grandma gift, right?

But, he doesn't say "chips" properly. He says, "Chits."

Yes, it sounds a little like a certain swear word when he says it.

So, if you're around him sometime and you hear, "Chits," he's simply asking for potato chips.

Luke's gotten to where he thinks anything packaged in a bag is a "chit." We frequently have to try and explain to him (in 21-month old lingo) that not everything in a bag is a "chit."

This evening, for example, I was opening this bag because we were having a salad.



We said, "No Luke -- they're not chips."

He proceeded to sign "Please" and then sit down on the floor to wait on his snack of "chits."

Finally, Marc grabbed a bowl and gave him some "chits" -- at least Luke's version of them for this evening (a.k.a. chips).

Luke was then a happy and contented little boy.





Oh -- how we LOVE this little guy oh so very much!

*****

And, here's our meal plan for the week....

Monday, April 26, 2010

BBQ'd Ham Balls
Mashed Potatoes
Salad w/ "Chits"

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Salmon
Pasta with Olde Westport Spice Seasoning
Vegetable

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Shake 'n Bake Chicken
Pasta Salad
Fruit

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Lunch: Luke and I are meeting Marc for lunch at DQ

Supper: Rummage

Friday, April 30, 2010

Marc: Little Caesar's Pizza

Sarah: Will be traveling to Kansas City for "Girls' Weekend" with friend, Sarah H.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Lunch: Marc -- Rummage Sarah -- In Kansas City

Supper: Marc -- Eating at Sarah's parents' house Sarah -- In Kansas City

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Lunch: Creamy Chicken Pasta Carbonara

Supper: At Community Life Group for Supper

An Evening at the Playground and a Rainbow....

Last night, Marc was out of town -- today, he ran in a 40-mile race; therefore, last night, he and some other runners stayed in a hotel near the race site.

So, Luke and I were left to hang out. I took Luke to the Cora Playground -- the playground at our church which was established by our friends, Joel and Jess, as a memorial for their daughter, Cora, who lost her life to cancer and is now up in heaven.

Luke LOVES this playground, and he plays on it several times a week when in the church nursery.

We met my friend, Andrea, and her daughter, Ava, at the playground. Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of the two kids playing together.

This first photo is of Luke in the little car. This car isn't officially a part of the Cora Playground, but it's out there. And, Luke LOVES it.



And, these next three photos are of Luke simply being a toddler and LOVING every minute of it -- this time, on the Cora Playground equipment.







*****

This evening, before Marc returned home from today's big race, Luke and I took a little field trip to our local Wal-Mart.

It was a fast trip (thankfully), but when we came out, we noticed the typical spring-like ominous sky of Kansas....

There had been some storms in the area (thankfully, none severe), but as I looked up, I noticed a rainbow.

AHHHHHH.....LOVE THAT!

I'm not completely sure you can see it in this photo, but trust me, it's there.

(This is why I like to carry my camera wherever I go).



Actually, I chuckled to myself for a bit. Yesterday, when Oliver and Lily were at my house, Oliver and I had a conversation about rainbows.

So, Oliver and Lily's parents -- you'll have to tell Oliver that I did see a rainbow tonight since he was so inquisitive about my rainbow sightings yesterday :)

After chuckling to myself for a bit, I actually got a bit teary-eyed. Rainbows, as clearly stated in Genesis, are a sign of the covenant between God and all life on earth.

What an amazing thing!

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." Genesis 9:12-17

Twenty-One Months and Discovery of Water....

Two days ago, Luke was officially twenty-one months old. I mentioned in my post yesterday that I had forgotten to take a photo on the actual day -- OH NO!

Don't worry because last night, when Marc was home from work, we captured an "official" photo -- a day late.

So, here it is....of course, with the "bwankie" in hand.



And, just for fun (as we have each month), here is a photo from a year ago -- at 9 months of age.



*****

Many people have told me over the years that I should NEVER stop learning.

And, I can say that, in my life, I think that is true. I truly do think I learn something each day.

Today, for my education, I learned a bit about water. This learned thing today is actually something I've heard about but never really have seen for myself.

I learned about how water puddles are magnets for little boys.

Yes, I'm sure little girls get into water as well, but my frame of reference today involved two boys....specifically Luke and Oliver.

(Oliver and Lily were at our house this morning -- I watch them 1-2 times a week).

And, before I go on any further, in case you're wondering, Lily was peacefully sleeping when all this occurred this morning....

Anyways, it rained here yesterday and I think, a bit last night.

Around 10:00 or so this morning, Oliver, Luke and I went outside to play. The sky was clearing. I knew we'd be safe from downpours.

We were outside for a bit -- playing with bubbles, balls, a kid golf set, etc. We also visited with our neighbor, Willis, where Oliver got to watch Willis load a lawn mower into the back of his pick-up (BIG FUN)!

Then, I noticed that Luke discovered a water puddle by our garage door (water tends to collect right there thanks to the way the concrete is layed).



Very soon, Oliver was right over there with him. Yes, I can say that Luke was the leader in this one (Sorry Kendall).



Then, they both had to "check out" the water -- I'm not really sure what they saw (I'm hoping nothing was "in" the water).



After a bit, Oliver saw something else that apparently looked more interesting (I'm not sure what).



So, Luke proceeded to sit down in the COLD water and play some more.



After that, Oliver suggested we go and play in the sandbox...We just got a "new" (used by another family first) sandbox. The family gave us a great deal -- including a bit of colored sand and sandbox toys. Joel (Oliver and Lily's dad) was able to get some other sand for us at no charge. It was a great way to get some inexpensive entertainment for the backyard.



Fortunately, neither boy wanted to sit down in the sandbox. Wet clothes and sand would've been even more of a mess.

After a bit, we needed to go in because Lily would be waking up soon.

Luke was stripped down to a diaper to go inside. Oliver took his shoes, socks, and pants off in the garage. Fortunately, I have a few clothes that don't yet fit Luke, and so, Oliver wore some of Luke's "too big shorts" home. Oliver went home without shoes. Luke got a new outfit on.

And now, if you'll excuse me, Luke's taking a nap. I must go back outside and hose down Luke's shoes to wear later in the day. They're FULL of mud.

Rainy Day....

So far this spring, it's been fairly dry. While we could use the rain, admittedly, I've enjoyed the dry days.

Today, however, is rainy and dreary. So, Luke and I are a bit stuck indoors.

Here's the view from our front door -- yep, our lawn needs to be mowed. Marc was planning on mowing this evening, but I'm thinking that may not happen.





Before I had a child, I used to listen to my friends who were mothers complain about winter and about rainy days -- to be stuck inside all day.

CONFESSION: I used to always think to myself, "Quit complaining. Deal with it. So what if the weather is bad. Find something to do."

Now, I completely understand. Luke, like most children, LOVES to be outside. So, when we spend time outside for several weeks in a row (like we have recently), it's hard when we have to be inside for a rainy day.

Now, I'm one of those mothers who sometimes complains (and yes, admittedly, I sometimes forget all of the good things God has given us -- like rain) when we can't get outside.

O.K., I get it!!!!! I'll admit it. I'm saying "I'm sorry" to the world if I ever made any wrong remarks about mothers complaining about the weather.

So, for today, here's what our house has looked like -- just trying to keep Luke entertained creatively.





And, of course, toys started but never finished....





I tried to capture a few pics of Luke, but he wasn't cooperating with me today. You can tell he was bored because he just wanted his blanket. If we were outside, this wouldn't have been an issue.



And, yesterday, Luke was 21 months old! But, GASP, I forgot to take a photo. So, I tried to this morning. But, as you can see, he didn't want to. We'll try again tonight with Marc. Marc can usually get him to smile nicely when in this chair.



On a good note, though...I did spend some time this morning on the phone with my very good friend, Tammy. She lives up north in Manitoba. Had we been outside playing, I probably wouldn't have had that opportunity!

But, she did inform me of one thing -- today, up in Manitoba, it was sunny and close to 70 degrees with clear blue skies. It was actually warmer up there than it was down here. That doesn't happen often.

One Cute Photo and Weekly Meal Plan....

Well, once again, it's been a bit since I've blogged. Shame on me!

Anyways, this past Saturday evening, we got together with my parents and my brother and sister-in-law (and their 2 2/3 kids) to celebrate my birthday (which was March 1) and my brother's birthday (which was April 8).

Sadly, I took very few photos! I'm really not sure why -- it just didn't happen that evening.

But, the one photo I do want to share with the world is this one....



It's a photo of Luke with his two cousins, Grace and Natalie (Luke's in the middle). They're all three playing the piano at one time.

It was really quite cute. It didn't last long, but fortunately, we were all able to get photos....

*****

I haven't posted a meal plan for the last couple of weeks. That's NOT because I haven't had a plan. For some reason, it just hasn't been posted.

Marc's taken note of this fact....You see, he likes it when I post meals on this blog. That way, when he's at work and he wants to know what's for supper -- he just goes to the blog :)

And, for those of you who know Marc, that shouldn't surprise you one bit.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Sugar Glazed Salmon
Vegetable

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Homemade Pizza

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

BBQ Meatballs
Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Spaghetti w/ Marinara Sauce
Baked Chicken
Salad
Mozzarella Bread

Friday, April 23, 2010

Marc -- will be in Lawrence, KS -- is running in a race the next day
Sarah -- Shrimp w/ Penne Pasta w/ Mixed Vegetables

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Lunch: Marc -- Running in a race in Clinton State Park; Sarah -- Leftovers from night before

Supper: Marc -- Will eat on way home from race; Sarah -- Rummage

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Lunch: Eating at church for missionary fundraiser

Supper: Rummage/Dessert of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese frosting with Community Life Group (YUM!)

Friday Randomness....

I seem to have "randomness" a lot on Fridays....I guess that's just how it goes.

This morning, I had to wake Luke up in time to get to the library for toddler storytime. I most certainly prefer to have him wake up on his own (the mood is better), but sometimes, this happens.

When I walked in his room, this is what I found....



I usually cover him up when we put him to bed at night. However, he nearly ALWAYS uncovers himself. We see it on the video monitor. Last night was no exception. I remember that specifically because Marc and I had a conversation about whether or not he'd get cold with the fan on (of course, I'm the one who worries he'll get cold; Marc, on the other hand, nearly always says, "He'll be fine....")

Neither one of us had been in his room all night. So, I was surprised when I walked in his room this morning to find him covered up almost perfectly. He must have done that himself.

I guess he's an advanced child (you may roll your eyes now).

But, I will say that it's cute how he has his left thumb in his mouth and his little dingy blanket tightly clenched in his right hand. No wonder his left thumb is like a prune in the morning :)

*****

Since I did have to wake him up, breakfast was a bit of a challenge since he wasn't fully awake and I was doing my best to hurry up a 20-month old to get to the library in time (not easy since toddlers certainly have their own agendas).

It's normally a rule around the Friesen Household that Luke may NOT eat with his blanket in hand. He knows he has to put it down in another room.

This morning, though, I made an exception. He emphatically shook his head "No" when I told him to his blanket down.

I decided that since I did wake him up and he wasn't fully awake yet at breakfast, I'd let him eat with his blanket.

What's wrong with a little food on an already gross and smelly blanket?





And, in case you're wondering, at lunch today, he did go and follow our rule. He went and put down his blanket to NOT eat with it.

Go Luke!

*****

Last weekend, our vacuum cleaner quit working. I was vacuuming when all of a sudden, it made a not-so-normal sound and was smelling.

To avoid sparks and a potential fire, I turned it off.

On Monday, Luke and I made a trip to a local vacuum cleaner retailer (they repair vacuums).

Here is our vacuum cleaner in the back of our Trail Blazer on the way to its funeral (only I didn't know it at the time that this vacuum cleaner would no longer live at our home).



The woman at the vacuum repair shop called me late this morning. The motor is dead (hence, the smell), and they no longer make the motor (it was an old vacuum cleaner).

So, I told her to simply "pitch the vacuum cleaner."

I guess we'll be vacuum cleaner shopping this weekend.

I bought that vacuum cleaner brand new in June, 1995. I was getting ready to enter my sophomore year in college. I was about to rent a house with a friend of mine. Neither of us had a vacuum cleaner. Since I had worked quite a bit that summer, I purchased a fairly cheap vacuum cleaner -- BRAND NEW (not too bad for a college kid, huh?)

It's lasted 15 years with only ONE belt replacement and no other repairs.

Marc and I are impressed with that one! Perhaps our next one will do just as well!

Shoes for a Toddler....

If you've ever seen Luke's feet (without shoes on), you'll notice he basically has "block" feet. I think they're as tall as they are wide.

As an infant, I NEVER put shoes on him. When he was born, several people gave us some very cute shoes for him. But, I was NEVER able to physically get them on him. His feet were just weirdly shaped.

So, he spent the first 10 months or so of his life in socks only -- NEVER in shoes. Then, from month 10 to about month 14, he was bare-footed (it was summer). Seriously, I don't think I put one pair of socks or shoes on him at all last summer.

Then, at 14 months, I seriously knew I needed to find him some decent shoes. Fall was upon us, and I knew he needed some warmth.

I managed to find some extra-wide shoes at Payless Shoe Source for him. They got him by through most of the winter.

And, since he was a LATER than normal walker (didn't walk until 16 months), I was able to get him by on the cheap extra-wide shoes.

For this past Christmas, his Grandma Koehn (my mom) bought him a gift card to Little Feet Boutique. For those of you in the Wichita area, this specialty kids' shoe store is located in Wichita at the intersection of Douglas and Oliver -- next to Heads Shoes.

It took me to late February/early March to get there, but I was able to find him some great shoes. I was VERY impressed with the customer service. They measured his foot (which Luke did very well and let them do it). Then, they gave me some recommendations as to which shoes would work well for him. Luke now has a "file" at this shoe store. They keep track of his foot size :)

Here are a couple of photos of Luke in those very shoes I purchased that day -- these photos were actually taken this past Saturday, though.





This morning, I had a mission -- to have Luke and I to travel into Wichita (20 miles or so) and go back to that same shoe store for some summer sandals.

So, when he got up, here's how he came out of his bedroom after I got him dressed....kind of preppy looking today, wouldn't you say?



We went to the shoe store. Nope, I didn't get a single photo of the wonderful little shoe store inside...I was too busy keeping track of Luke running around.

But, his foot had grown 1/2 a size in the last 6 weeks or so. It's now on his "record."

Now, to get off of the subject of Luke's feet for a bit, I'm VERY partial to the Keen brand of shoes.



I bought these shoes for myself in December, 2006. I still wear them frequently. Yes, I LOVE them. I highly recommend them (as I told you yesterday, Rachel B.).

So today, when the salesperson mentioned Keen brand of shoes being able to fit Luke's feet, I jumped on the opportunity.

This is what Luke ended up with -- a pair of Keen shoes AND most importantly, a balloon.



Yes, they cost WAY more than we really want to pay for shoes for a toddler -- at least my Keen shoes will fit me for a long time. Luke will outgrow his by the end of the summer.

But, not many other, less pricey shoes fit Luke....

He just won't have very many pairs of shoes. So, when you see Luke repeatedly this summer, he'll be in the same shoes.

I've been told that little girls MUST have more shoes (that's what I hear anyways). If we ever have a little girl, she better not have such "blockey" feet. Otherwise, she too will only have two pairs of shoes. But, we'll love her regardless :)

And, as a finishing note, Luke ran up and down the sidewalk for a bit after I took that photo. Finally, when I said it was time to leave and I had to pick him up to take him to the car, he was UPSET.

Here's what he looked like when we left....Kind of sad, isn't it?

Oh -- how the smelly blanket saves the day!

Friday Randomness....

I haven't posted all week, and though I "owe" all of my faithful readers "Part 3 of Easter Weekend," it'll just have to wait. Don't worry -- it's coming.

There are just some other things I want to share today.

Tuesday of this week, I had to wake Luke up in the morning to get to my Bible Study in time....Usually, I don't have to wake him up. I really don't like to do that. He always looks soooooo sweet while sleeping (of course, he's sweet most of the time when he's awake). Plus, he's generally grouchy when we don't let him wake up on his own.



*****

All day Wednesday, Luke was fine -- and by that, I mean "healthy."

Out of the blue on Wednesday evening, he spiked a fever.

We put him to bed early with Motrin. Fortunately, he slept all night. However, Thursday morning, he still had a fever.

Luke had a previously scheduled dr's appointment on Thursday afternoon -- a re-check of his ears from an ear infection diagnosed two weeks ago.

Marc and I were just POSITIVE it would be his ears again. Nope....Ears looked good. Throat looked good. I guess it's just another little bug -- Luke sure has had a lot of "little bugs" this year. Is this the process of building up immunity for the future?

Anyways, Thursday evening, his fever went up again. This time, it went up a little higher.

Here's a REALLY SAD photo of Luke sitting on my lap last night -- with a fever of 102 degrees.



Fortunately, he slept all night again -- we're blessed -- Luke is a good sleeper, even when sick.

This morning, he woke up with a slight fever. After some Motrin and quite a bit of time on my lap (really -- I do not mind)....he's been running around and doing other mischevious things.



Poor Guy -- he just really wanted to go outside. Unfortunately, this next photo was taken right before his nap. When he wakes up, if he's doing O.K., I think we're going to be outside in some fashion. This Mama needs out of the house :)



*****

My EXCITEMENT of the day was getting the mail. My new journal/notebook arrived.





**That's Jeremiah 9:23-24 -- if you can't tell in the photo.

My friend Lori J. has one -- only with different photos, obviously. I just had to have one.

You can order one HERE!

Keep in mind that a certain special holiday dedicated to Mother's is coming up next month -- WINK WINK!

*****

As I was having my quiet time with God this afternoon, I came across a verse I've read many times before.

Somehow, it struck me different today.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

Our Heavenly Father disciplines us because He loves us. We, as parents, discipline our children because we love them. Our discipline may not be "perfect" for our children, but I believe most of us at least attempt to do what we feel is best for our children.

God's discipline is ALWAYS perfect for us.

My prayer as a parent (and I know others of you have this same prayer because I've heard you say it aloud)....is that when Marc and I discipline Luke and any other children the Lord might bless us with, we do it out of LOVE instead of frustration or anger -- which is sometimes what happens. Disciplining with LOVE is how our Heavenly Father disciplines us.

Easter Weekend, Part 2....

So, this will be a short post -- then, Part 3 will come next :)

If you saw my previous post, you'll know that we spent the night (Saturday night) in a cabin after Marc's 50-mile race.

We got up early, quickly ate breakfast, packed up, and headed back to our hometown for church.

We did make it in time!

After church, we ate a true Easter lunch (just kidding) of Subway. Then, we all three took naps before heading to my parents' for the evening (that will be in Part 3 of our Easter weekend).

But, in the meantime, here is a photo of Luke in his "Easter" shirt.



I had actually purchased Luke two Easter shirts -- one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved (and they were different).

For our Easter this year here in Kansas, the short-sleeved won out. It was a GORGEOUS day!

And, just for fun -- here's a photo of Luke last year over Easter weekend -- in his Easter shirt.



My, hasn't he changed?

Stay tuned for Part 3!

Easter Weekend, Part 1....

So, if you read yesterday's post, you know that, after Luke's nap, Luke and I headed to this STATE PARK....about an hour and 15 minutes from our home.



Marc spent most of his Saturday of Easter weekend running in a 50-mile race. Yes -- a 50-mile race.

Around noon or so, Marc had texted me to tell me what time he thought he'd finish. So, we went according to that text.

We hadn't been there long, when all of a sudden, we see this....



If you can see the person in this photo, it's Marc, coming toward the finish line. He ended up finishing a good 15 minutes ahead of what was predicted. So, we had only been there a little under 10 minutes when he finished. That was a close one!

Right before the finish line, he picked Luke up and carried him across the finish line. Luke now has officially "finished" two 50-mile races with Marc. He did this same thing as well last year -- when he was only 8 months old.

Sorry that you can't really see Luke much in this photo -- I was on the wrong side. It all happened too fast in that I couldn't get to the correct side for a photo.



In the end, he finished the 50 miles in 11 hours, 13 minutes, and 53 seconds. Go Marc!

While Marc was recovering in the nearby shelter (supper, snacks, and beverages were provided by the race directors), Luke entertained himself immensely by running out of the shelter, petting some dogs, waving at people, and running back into the shelter. I didn't sit much throughout this time as Luke needed to closely be watched (there are a few too many areas Luke could wonder off into in this park and get REALLY hurt -- some cliffs to fall over even).

But, I did manage to capture one of Luke's "inside" moments with Marc. I had to snap the photo quickly as it didn't last long.



And, here are a couple of photos of the "outside" Luke -- if you look closely, there is a large poodle in these photos. Luke really liked this poodle, Charlie. I didn't get a photo of the other dog that was there, a bassett hound, but Luke liked him as well.

Thanks to my parents for helping Luke get comfortable with dogs (at their home) because that certainly hasn't happened at our home -- a home without any pets.





And, just for some scenery, here is the lake at this state park -- the photogenic area at the finish line of this race. This was taken right around sunset last night.



Then, once Marc was recovered....we travled to the other side of the park (about 10 minutes or so) to stay in this cabin for night....



We stayed in this cabin to avoid driving home so late and to just have a little night away from home. But, it really was a quick night and not so much relaxing. We got up early enough this morning to make it to church in time for the Easter service.

And, two fun facts....

1) I love my husband dearly, but I have to admit that sleeping in the same bed with him the night after a big race like this really has its disadvantages.

While running all day, he takes quite a few "salt tablets" so that his electrolytes stay in balance (a good thing). But, upon recovering from the race, that fluid that has been retained thanks to the salt, needs to get out. Therefore, Marc got up a whopping 4 times to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night -- I NEVER got up that many times while pregnant.

Also, his muscles are sore and tense. The lactic acid built up throughout the day needs to be released. That "release" for Marc comes in the form of restlessness throughout the night. So, I slept (or DID NOT sleep) with my husband who tossed and turned most of the night.

So, while it was nice to NOT have to drive home late from this race, perhaps it would've been better for me to sleep in a different bed in the cabin.

2) Those of you who go to the same church as us might know Lynn M. -- you know, the guy who is married to Jill, the guy who parents 5 boys with Jill :) Anyways, Lynn completed the marathon section of this race yesterday. So, GO Lynn and congratulations for completing that!

And finally, I found a couple of photos from this same race last year -- again, when Luke was only 8 months old.



Luke, with our friend, Jamie, at the finish line.



And, Luke, with our friend, Stacy, at the finish line.



Luke wanted nothing to do with Jamie and Stacy this year. He doesn't see them often enough to know them well. And, those of you who know Luke know that Luke's pretty much a complete "Mama's Boy." So, he doesn't go to too many other people very well.

But, if it makes you feel any better Jamie and Stacy -- Luke was too busy at this race this year (at the age of 20-months) to want to be held by anybody -- even his Mama. His Mama spent all of her time chasing him around.