After talking with my sister and realizing I could actually be the
chaperone for Bobo to go to Hood River, I talked to Drew on his
plane layover. We thought through it and decided I would want
to come to Mississippi within a week and so why not begin the
journey. We also knew our fall trip was coming up so again why
not begin early. It did pretty much come do to, WHY NOT?
Next thing, I was looking around the house to see what I
needed to do to leave it for 2 MONTHS! Deveraux was so
helpful. We packed, cleaned, gathered school supplies,
and I put everyone to bed. My sleep was a bit fretful, but
we awoke in the morning to confident hearts that we
were doing the right thing. A dear friend dropped us off at the airport
and I realized how much I lean on Drew when traveling. It
was going to be all up to me. Rental car, navigating a new city,
finding Hood River and the house we were staying in,
and getting Bobo set up for his paddle race.
We were so affirmed in Andrew going right away to Spokane
as he was able to be with Tara on her first night without
Dale. SO very painful. Andrew was so thankful they
had that time tougher and he was able to have a time
to say goodbye to Dale.
In the airport, thinking of all the people and
appointments I had to call and cancel.
Head space was full!
This is sad but want to remember. I had sent
this to Tia for her and Papa D to look after Bobo.
We just had no idea.
Our first night in our Home exchange Home. It was
very organized, clean and homey.
I found a beautiful path across the street.
Here we go Bobo.
A new paddle from Black Project Paddles,
we are just on the front end of figuring
all this sponsorship stuff out.
My crew
Trying to capture the town. Really cute and
such a beautiful area.
Thank you Josh, a professional paddler
friend who agreed to take Bobo on
a trial run as this was his first river race.
ME. Navigating things and driving random
cars and feeling independent and good that
I am figuring all of this out.
But....my man is also coming in less than
an hour to meet up with us!!
Andrew and I got to connect just the two
of us for a bit before we rejoined with all the kiddos.
Good to hear of his last few days spent with Tia.
We had to drive to Portland to take the
rental car back.
Bobo capturing some images on our drive.
Look at this girls' pony!
Going to Powells! We had to!
Back "home". Big race day tomorrow.
Bobo got snagged with talk with Zane and his brother.
It is super healing to be with your kiddos
when you have lost your dad.
Oh bobo, so much love.
As with all new events, we are learning as we go.
We set up in not the best place because we
thought the race was starting from a different
spot, but it was okay.
GO Bobo!
Might as well have coffee as you wait for
your boy to cross the finish line!
Yeah Bobo! And Chris from Black Project Paddles
waited for Bobo so they could cross the line together.
Post race let down.
But then he was back in the water and with a
new friend who is also a young paddler.
And we found treats!
I loved being in Hood River over those days. It was such
a soothing place to begin this journey with the loss of
Dale and all that was before us.
Of course Dev and I took a minute for a photo shoot.
Next day was the race course.
A lot more kids than we have seen in a paddle race,
but we have also just begun our paddling journey with Bobo.
Dev and I spied this spot and we just had to try it out.
Next we hit the shops on Main Street!
I couldn't believe this row of stickers!
Reminded me of when I was little and my sisters
and I would go into this little stationary shop
and pick out stickers.
Just the house we stayed in.
Had to stop at 5! A special number indeed!
Bobo placed third, we were super proud of him!
Chilling at the Starboard tent. This was a whole new
world for us. All these board companies set up
their tents and their athletes under their umbrella. We were
just taking it all in. One company talked to us about
Bobo and again we were just trying to understand
the process.
Bobo wanted to meet Fiona, she won the
women's event.
Bobo had fun playing.
Slater, friend from Maui.
Jade, a great paddler.
Almost time to hit the road but time for one more treat!
Lara, such a supportive friend.
Fun to be a part of this event. The beauty around us
was wonderful. And good for us to be around other kids
to see how Bobo did in his age category. We are
grateful for each experience and do be traveling this road as a family.
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