It has been quite a week since Ambur broke her leg. Today we had planned to do the Great Santa Race here in Las Vegas. It is just for fun. Ambur decided she was going to try it with the walker. The Doctor told her it was ok when she was there and got her boot. So we were on.
Here is Ambur just ready to go. One of the nurses at my work has helped with her pain management and Ambur has done a fantastic job in getting it all under control. We planned a ton of activities to do this month, and this is sort of the kickoff activity. I am glad, but shocked that Ambur is going to give it a go. She is one brave soul.
Even Gimlet was getting into the fun with a Santa Hat Ambur got her.
We are ready to go. Both excited and definitely thankful for the beautiful weather.
Once we got there, we went to where the race ended and parked but then found out that lot would be closed at the end of the race for a big party they have. We moved to a spot the worker told us it would be open and then we headed out to the beginning point of the race. It was only about 4 blocks to walk, and it was getting more and more crowded by the minute. There were some fun pictures as we walked along.
These two were so funny. The bad thing is that Ambur can't hold the halter with the walker so Gimlet just had a lead/leash on and she knows that means people can pet her. People who are familiar with guide dog protocol also know that. But for these two Ambur actually gave them a treat to feed to Gimme and gosh it was fun to watch.
That is me in front of the waving Santa. Ambur did a great job getting the whole thing in the picture.
We still had over an hour until the race would start and Ambur really needed to sit down. We ended up going inside a casino and there was a McDonalds inside, so we decided to get something to eat and to rest until time to start.
We headed out to get to the start line and all you could see was a sea of Santa's. I love that. There was some entertainment going on right outside of where we were, and the start line wasn't opened yet. To my great surprise, we got to see Terry Factor who is a ventriloquist, perform a bit. It was pretty fun.
I love seeing all the santas gathered. Every way you look, Santas. Santas in front, Santas in back and Santas on every side.
Off to the start line we all headed. It was pretty crowded, and we just stood and waited for the countdown. Ambur was ready to go, and we were both pretty excited.
We went along and Ambur was doing great. We passed the mile mark and people were coming up to Ambur telling her what an inspiration she was. They would stop and talk to her which gave her an opportunity to rest. Ambur was getting really tired, and the 1-mile walkers were crossing our path and she decided to go with them to the finish line. I took Gimlet with me and finished the race. I quickly realized that I had the keys to the car in my pocket and Ambur had my phone in her walker pouch. So, we had no way to communicate, and I had no way to get more pictures.
I kept trying to get gimlet to go a little faster--I was ready to run. No luck. She wouldn't have anything to do with running. She isn't really a running dog. But we still made it to the finish line and what a great time we had.
Ambur was waiting by the car. They put a medal around my neck and also on Gimlet. That was great. I got to the car and Ambur told me she was interviewed by the Las Vegas Journal. Then, later in the day, she found the article. If you want to see that article, you just go to Las Vegas Journal/Great Santa Race and it should show for you. Pretty cool for Ambur to see that so many people found her desire and effort to complete the race to be inspirational. She is an amazing girl. We had a great time.
We went home and took a rest and did some work and then we went to the ward Relief Society Party.
It was a really fun progressive dinner and there was great food and it was really fun seeing how some of the people in the ward decorated their homes and yards and we just had a lovely time hearing about traditions from different members.
It was a great day and for the kickoff of our Christmas activities it was a lot of fun. At the end of the day, I count my blessings that I am the parent of Ambur. She is a delight and while our plans had to change a bit, she is just a trooper-determined to have a good time in spite of her pain. I am so blessed.
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