William and Alexander ran in the youth races at the CVS Downtown 5K in Providence yesterday.
They didn’t run a 5k, of course (what kind of parents do you think we are!?). They competed in the 1-3-year-olds’ 50 meter race.
There were tons of kids. Tons of parents. It was absolutely adorable (the kids, not the parents).
The boys were all geared up to run.
Race tees and numbers? Check.
Sneakers and sweats? Roger that.
Their game faces? On.
I tried explaining to them that when the man said, “On you mark, get set, GO!” they needed to run to the white flags that were straight ahead.
William got it. He was excited to get going. And even more excited about the prospect of getting a medal. (He did get a medal and placed 6th!)
Alexander… kind of got it.
But with a slight delay before the start of the race, he began to get restless. He started to want out of the race.
Nothing I said would get him to stay put. Not concentrating on the man with the whistle. Not listening to the loud music. Not the promise of playing with my camera or keys after the race.
Nothing.
But then he heard the little girl next to him say “donut.”
Stop the presses. Stop the race. Stop everything.
Someone said the magic word.
Alexander looks up at me and says “We get dodos?” HUGE GRIN.
“Yes honey, you get donuts once you finish. And a medal. And your picture taken.”
He didn’t care about the medal. He didn’t care that the Providence Journal was taking photos of all the kids.
He wanted a donut – chocolate covered, specifically.
And wouldn’t you know it… with that chocolate covered, high calorie wad of dough carrot dangling in front of him, Alexander ran the race.
He placed 21st, received his medal and had his photo taken.
But all he wanted was that “dodo,” which he got 2 minutes later.
And with that, I give you the sh*t-eating grin of the day, courtesy of CVS and Dunkin’ Donuts (who are not sponsoring this post but clearly should be):
What a fun experience for kids. Oh the last Alexander picture is adorable. =) Cute grin
Oh little Alexander! I knew I liked that boy! Not only does he have an extremely heartwarming smile (they all three do, how’d you do that??)…but he likes dodos from Dunkin Donuts. This is a boy who knows his dodos and anytime you need a babysitter, fly me up. I’ll take the one chocolate cake, one chocolate creme and one vanilla creme. With coffee. Gosh I want a DD here in Kansas City–this stinks! But…now the grocery stores have my DD coffee, that’s progress!
I’m thinking you will never be able to resist a face like that, you’re so in for a great 18 years! xoxo
Oh my gosh , he is too cute for words!
And I am so blonde…I was like, “They’re actually going to run a 5k? What kind of kids are they?!!” LOL
Sounds like a fun day. And yummy donuts too. Horrible for our health, but so tasty!! The picture is so cute!!
I’d run for a doughnut too!!! 🙂
How adorable is that????
I run for food too!
He is just too cute! My boys are suckers for donuts, and will do just about anything for them also! That’s an awesome picture!
That’s a familiar grin. I think that’s how l looked last night after about my second cupcake to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. Good man, William. Totally worth it!
Now that’s my kind of kid!! lol Forget the medals, public recognition, paparazzi and such…give the boy a donuts! Too cute!
That is too cute!!!
what a cutie!
Whatever it takes!! I find myself trying so hard to get my kids to cooperate on things I REALLY want them to do, I promise the moon! Whatever it takes to get their cooperation! My kids love adventure and love to do most things, but it seems the things WE want them to do are ‘Oh so last year’! haha
Great fun!! 🙂
Kids will do things for things adults would never think to bribe with. How cute!
They should give the donuts out before the race so the kids can run them off!
Oh my gosh! How cute! And how wondeful they got to run the race! Yay for William and Alexander! And then there’s Benjamin in a few years!
Oh, I’d totally run for a DD’s chocolate covered dodo too, Alexander! Way to go!
What cute little runners! You should be very proud!
BRAVO Alex!!!!!! CVS and Dunkin have their new poster child!
Sounds like the kind of motivation I need! I’d run for a donut too!
Audrey, that is the cutest dang photo. The story makes it all the more precious. Alexander, you’re my kinda kid.
That is SO adorable!!! I love little kiddies races – we normally do cycling races with the kiddos