Cross Country Trip Day 10 (Saturday): Orem- Freedom Run & Parade

We woke up early, got dressed in our running gear, and drove to Grandma's and Grandpa's to meet up with the Giauques before heading to the race. We were all a little bleary-eyed, but excited for the morning. Miranda rode with Greg, Amy, Andrew, Kate and Peter. Amy was staying with Peter and Miranda to watch the race while Greg was going to push Kate in the stroller. Becky planned to bring the other two girls over to the parade when we'd finished the race.

We still look sleepy! Travis took this shot of us on his phone.

Miranda took this picture of the runners in our family.

The kids running in the 1-mile race.

All of us (except Allan) who ran in the Freedom Run.

Miranda took pictures of the finishers. She missed seeing Zoë cross the finish line, but saw Nica (here) who came in second for our group.

Andrew came in next. He was not happy with his time, but he ran on his own!

Travis and Megan finished the race together.

One-Mile Runners! Each of them got a medallion for finishing the race.

 It took me a little over 36 minutes to run the race. Not my best time, but then, it was 90 degrees and I was NOT used to the heat or the altitude. I was a little sad it wasn't under 12-minutes/mile, but I was still pleased with my time. Sadly, there was NO RUNNING ETTIQUITE in this race! People would stop running right in the middle, walkers were everywhere, and it was chaos to try and pass people! This also made Greg's run tricky (he was pushing Kate in a stroller) as he had to try to weave a double-seater jogging stroller around people. Still, it was a fun race. I especially loved seeing the Provo Tabernacle being turned into a temple, and loved seeing my husband and kids cheer me to the finish line.

Miranda, who had been taking pictures at the finish line, tried to find the rest of the group and got lost. She sat down near a tree and started crying. Another girl came over and asked if she was sad that she didn't win, and she replied that she couldn't find her family. A lady overheard, came over to help, and called me (my cell phone was in the van), and Travis (who thankfully had his!). Travis had been looking for her for a while, and we were all glad she was safe and found.

Miranda being carried in her dad's arms, eyes still red and wet from crying.

Below are screenshots of our running times. We never saw Allan. Zoë was pretty fast and placed 5th in her division! Sorry, I don't know who Chad, Marcy, or either Robert Bailey are.

The Giauques' times:

Zoë's division:

Following the race, after we ate Great Harvest whole wheat bread, chips, bananas, grapes and drank water, we walked from Kiwanis Park (east of the BYU Law Building) all the way to 600 North and University Ave. Becky brought Annie and Ella and we all sat to watch the parade. Just before it started, this kind polynesian woman invited us to come and sit on a blanket right at the edge of the street so we could see the parade better. She even gave the kids donuts!

Kate trying to open her favorite snack: fruit leather.

Peter did great throughout the race and during the parade.

Zoë with my headphones listening to the ipod I had for the race.

Megan smiling and waiting for the parade to start.

Silly Miranda!

Andrew was great! We had fun with him.

Nica, with a messy face, was enjoying her granola bar snack.

She really loved that snack.

Travis, Amy, and Greg (holding Kate)

I found that Kate does NOT keep her shoes on. They are better used as toys instead of protective foot gear.

Travis holding Peter.

Dads!

Peter loved being up and seeing everything.

Such a cute little man!

Bekcy holding Peter so I can snap another shot of the cute little boy.

Ella! She was cold and so had to wear a jacket. Didn't I mention it was almost 90 degrees outside. I guess that is what Arizona does to you.

Oh, Annie! This picture shows so much of your fun and spunky personality!

Sisters Becky and Amy waiting for the parade.

Sitting at the roadside, Megan, Travis with Miranda, Nica, Zoë,
Nica, Andrew, Ella and Greg (Kate was there, too)

Annie holding Peter

Becky and Peter walked around for most of the parade.

The kids loved the horses, the princesses, and didn't like the cannon shots. Our girls were sad that there wasn't any candy dropped.

One of the flag girls from Orem high came over to give Kate a high-five.

Travis made a great easy chair. The girls were hot and tired, even though we were cool in the shade. We were so grateful to that lovely woman who shared her spot with us!

My favorite float- I loved the glittery peacocks.

 Not knowing it, but we left just as the last group of parade people were coming by, so we missed most of the mass exodus. We walked through the green space on the south end of campus, and I made the kids and Travis sit down for a pic. Nica was not thrilled, but you'll see I did catch a smile...

Megan, Travis, Miranda, Nica and Zoë

Not a bad picture for a bunch of hot and tired people!