The beards that saved our lives and helped many others...

It's was that time again. Yes, time to freak out over what gifts to give (aren't husbands and dads the hardest?) or what to make for Christmas dinner that won't kill everyone. But it was also time to run off some of that stress with the annual Santa Sleigh 5K in Arlington Heights. It raises funds to help eradicate polio worldwide. Yes, it does still exist. And there are still many survivors of polio living in the US. One Facebook friend of mine,Jo Anne Brooks, lost use of her hands from it. But you have to see the magnificent jewelry she makes with her feet! Polio is often times progressive and so she struggles to continue making such jems. Check her work out at www.jabjewels.com
This year, I recruited my dear friend Lisa Niewolny. This was her first 5k race and what an initiation! Last year there were snow covered streets. This year, below (way below) freezing temps. Thankfully we were donning our festive Santa suits (and beards)on top of MANY layers of Under Armour Cold Gear.We were actually sweating come the end of the road. Lisa's wonderful daughter Kennedy is Miss Pre-Teen Illinois Dream Girl and came out to brave the elements and cheer everyone along. Trooper! Families waited in their driveways as we all passed. Some even played Christmas music for us while others handed out high fives. So, now that it is all but a memory (plus or minus a few sore muscles), Lisa and I will make a yearly tradition of dressing in Santa Drag. Maybe we'll recruit you to come along...

1)Go figure...Lisa is the busiest gal I know.She was still able to take a call along the route.
2)One of the action shots we attempted along the way while singing the theme to "Rocky."
3)It was snowing Santas all over the dang place
4)The fairest of them all. Like mother, like daughter!
5) Yes,we are really doing this in spite of well-intentioned hubby's who thought we were crazy to head out in 20 degree weather.