Fun Run and Parade...

For the past several years the kids have participated in the Steel Days Fun Run, which is a half-mile race for kids from 0-12 years of age.  In years past the kids have always placed in the top six or so and have been very successful.  One year Torey even took first place, but sadly for her that is the year they did not give out trophies.  This year we were joined in the race by some smaller cousins who were attempting it for the first time.  We had a great time watching them and they had a great time running.

All of the kids finished really strong.  Jake ended up in 4th place, Torey in 5th, and Taylor in 6th in their respective categories.  Jake and Torey ended up winning a trophy, but sadly Taylor missed it by one.  She would be furious at me if I didn't mention that at the starting line a few moms parked their strollers and kids right in front of her and by the time she worked her way around them the other kids were already at the corner, and she had some catching up to do.  It was a bit of a mess at the starting line, but sometimes that is just the way things are. Sometimes learning to deal with disappointment is better for us than winning a trophy.  It didn't matter anyway, I was just proud they finished and had fun.  Hence the name "fun run."
The next activity on the agenda was the parade.  After some safety instructions from the man on the right of the picture, and a promise to be good from the kids in the middle, the fire truck left the station to take its place in the parade.
The kids had a great time throwing candy and frisbees and waving at all of the people in the parade.  I guess they saw a lot of people in the neighborhood and were really excited about that.
The fire truck is one of the first things in the parade, so there was still time to stand out in the road and gather candy.  This is perhaps the only time in their lives where playing in the road is not only allowable, but encouraged.  We came away with a lot of coupons, candy, and fun memories.  I will say that the parade this year was excruciatingly long, and that is no exaggeration.