A Very Fun Summer Saturday

Cory, Arielle, Nolan, Bre, Krista, Jared, Luke
9 grands (front)

Many of us assembled bright and early on this Saturday morning to participate in the Heart Reach 5k.  This event raises funds for our local crisis pregnancy center. It was a gorgeous day and the turn out was quite large. CoRielle and their four kids, Bre and her five kids, Nolan, me, Jared and KrUke all participated, Michael stayed home to watch GG and the girls were in a wedding. Arielle and I got a later start than the others as we were waiting in line at the outhouses when the "race" began. 

CoRielle Ellie, Charles & Danny

We did well catching up with some of our family...and then Arielle decided to run. I most decidedly did not plan to run and was content to walk. 

Bre, Nolan, Trudy, Bella & Jojo

Jared with Annie and Charles

Krista came in among the first in our group and we didn't get many photos of her. She ran ahead with the older boys. Here, Annie and Bella wait as Krista goes back and helps Bre, Jojo and Trudy finish. 

They had oranges and water which we enjoyed after the "race." There was also free ice cream from Big Dipper. 

Jared, Benny, Gideon, Nolan, Krista & Luke

Ellie 

BreZaak's kids 

Jared & Annie

Jared, Arielle & Nolan

Goofing around after the race

Cory, Jared and Luke

Bella & Nolan

Benny & Gideon

Danny, Arielle & Ellie

Nolan & Krista

Luke at the Finish line 

There came a time when Jared and I lined up. It was fun to talk and catch up. Showing again what a small community Alaska is, we ran into the trooper who had been part of the arrest and trial for Josiah's murderer. 

CoRielle's boys

We had decided we were not going to be pressured to run to the finish line. There was a man with a bullhorn talking trash and goading people into running the last bit. We weren't susceptible to peer pressure...until I was. I love Jared's expression, "All right then." 

As we were milling around I thought I heard my name called and then others told me my name was called. It turns out I won a ribbon for those in my age group. I tried to tell them I didn't deserve the thing - but they didn't want to figure it over again, I guess. Anyway, this just goes to show you don't have to get faster to win...just keep living. 

Charles and Cory

Jared & Cory

Krista set up all the water toys. Cory had to finish prep for Sunday. Arielle and the kids dropped by and we all enjoyed ourselves. Stacia came home in time for some of the family fun. 

Benny & Danny

Water balloon toss

Hot potato

Luke & Michael

Danny, Arielle and Michael 

It turned into a day full of fun, sun and good memories. This is the last weekend Krista will be here before flying overseas. It was a good day to be together. 

If the photos don't have a watermark in the corner they are courtesy of either Arielle, Bre or Jared. I can't remember who sent what at this point.