It's Not Whether you Win or Lose . . . But My Kid is the Champion!!!

We had seen the signs for the Watermelon Eating Contest while picking up some milk at O'Neill's Food Market.  When I explained to Eliana what it was about, she was all for it. She said, "Mommy, I am going to WIN that contest!"  We marked it on the calendar.

Saturday morning came and the family trekked down to the market.   Eliana was coached repeatedly about the importance of having fun, and not worrying about winning or losing.  She was entered into the 6 and under heat of the contest.  We entered Leah too, mostly because it was freezing out there and I forgot to bring sweaters.  I figured that the free t-shirt, which came down to her ankles, would keep her warm.  (Turns out, Leah wanted no part of the contest, or the shirt.)  Eliana was very quiet before that contest started.  When the gun fired, she started chomping on the watermelon with the most serious expression on her face.  There was quite a crowd congregated in front of the store cheering for the children.  Eliana's Daddy cheered the loudest.

Eliana sizes up the competition.

She returns her focus to her watermelon, with great persistence and determination.

Eliana's mouth never came up from that watermelon until she was declared the winner!  The first prize winner!!!  But, when it was all over, the poor kid was in shock.  She never expected a big crowd of people cheering, and the whole thing was overwhelming for her.  She said, "Come on guys, let's get out of here!"  before she had even collected her prize.  My girl did not even crack a smile until we were safely home, although her proud parents were beaming from ear to ear. 

But once she was home, and bragging to our neighbor Uncle Vince about her victory, the smile came out in full force.  Here is the champion displaying her prize - a $10 gift card to Glenside Pizza.

The thrill of victory finally sets in!

 

 

 

 

 

Special thanks to O'Neill's Food Market for a fun (free) experience, and for always being so friendly to the kids. We're going to start practicing early for next year!