Sayulita JR. SUP. Race #2

The Sayulita JR. SUP Team had their second race and I was in town for it. YEAH!!  Ozzy has seen one already so it was super exciting for me. I love this program!  The coaching, support and camaraderie are so amazing for all of the kids involved. On this second event an extra lap was added, so Trace's age group had three laps and Alex's had four.  We figured each lap was probably 1/2 mile. So they paddle one lap come into the beach and run a small lap then head back out to the ocean, repeat. The waves were big at times but that didn't seem to bother the kids, though they will totally affect the outcome of a race.

Pre race jitters

Trace, 2nd from right, and his group are off!

Trace digging in

Trace's running lap.  They have to run with their paddle and finish the race with it.

As they come onto the beach between laps they are able to get a cup of water as they keep running and try to get some in their mouths.  Teammates are on hand to give out the water.

Assistants are in the water to help. As the racers come into the beach they unleash jump off the board and have to run the beach portion, so someone has to grab the board turn it around get the leash ready to put back on the racer as seen above. Local pro surfer "Papas" helps Trace out with his leash.

Trace's race to the finish line.

Alex on hand to support Trace.  He did a great job even though he had been sick the week before and was nursing an ear infection.

Trace and Alex's teacher Carlos and another teacher from school, Diego, came over on the bus from San Pancho to support the kids.  It meant so much to Alex and Trace!

And Alex is off

Alex in front and her bestie Ava.

Alex running the beach portion with her coach Shelby cheering her on.

Alex after her race getting support from Trace and local dad, Jose Luis.  She did amazing.  She led the race the whole time but fell coming onto the beach the final lap so she ended up in third. It was a tight race the whole time.  Alex hasn't really learned how to surf yet and you can't control the sets so you have to deal with what the ocean is giving you at the time. She also received the Team's "Most Improved Award".  Go girl!

Alex and Ava after the race.  Barf?

Maestro Carlos, Alex and Trace

Trace's groups awards ceremony.  Trace is far left

Alex's groups awards ceremony

What a great event.  All of the kids gave it their all!!

Circo 2016 - How Did We Forget?

March 2016!  Months ago and we just found this set of photos.  We have posted about the kid's Circo de los Niños program in San Pancho before and the big performance that is produced each year.  We lost track of this post and but figured we'd put it out there since the photos were so fantastic.(Looking at our blog's "draft" file, we have lost track of several posts along the way)  The performances were done on three stages and the audience was asked to move to three separate sets to enjoy the show.  A unique setting to say the least but once again the professional production, costumes and colorful sets(including a pirate ship hanging from the ceiling) were amazing!  Their second full year in the program, the kids were a little more involved as far as stage time this year so that was fun for us.  It is a challenge to sometimes pick out our own kids in full costume or any of the many kids we know from San Pancho and Sayulita.  Lots of dedication, time and training is given to this program so it is a  "all in" type of activity.  If you cannot commit to the program then there will most likely be someone who wants in.  Again, another fantastic program in small town Mexico.

Alex and Trace

Trace getting ready

Trace

Trace on the right

Alex on the left and Summer

Poor Trace was so exaughsted each night when he got home.  He just collapsed on the kitchen floor and tried to eat his dinner.

Catrina

Alex entered a Catrina contest in San Pancho for Dia De Los Muertos.  She worked very hard applying her own makeup to resemble her idea of Catrina.  We think she did a pretty awesome job.

Sayulita Scenes - Dia de los Muertos

Downtown Sayulita is currently full of color in preparation for Dia de los Muertos festivities.  Photos by Ed Dorsett.