Oakley Pioneer Days

It's the biggest weekend in our little town. I would guess that the population quadruples. There's a 10K, breakfast, entertainment, program, kids' races, booths, parade, rodeos, fireworks, etc. Then throw in a few family and class reunions and it is one busy day. We had a great weekend though, and here are a few highlights:Here's Ben finishing the 10K race, officially called The Goose Creek Run-Off. Isn't he great? It's 6.2 miles, starting at the dam in the mountains and finishing at the city park. I used to do it every year, before my child-bearing years. Sigh. Hopefully again someday.

Here's Jonathan, wanting to be just like Daddy! He's finishing up his one mile race. He did so great! I ran along beside him, carrying his water bottle and occasionally giving him a pep talk. He was so happy. My favorite part was when he was "racing against the horses" along the length of a pasture. A lot of Jonathan's cousins ran the race too. He is already excited to do it again next year.
After the races there was a big breakfast at the park. We ran into somebody exciting who came to town. Here's our big celebrity picture. Can you tell who it is? Somebody Ben was excited about...

And my family was excited too. My brother-in-law Steve, Mom, Dad (wearing his cool new hat), sister Rachelle, and ???? Can you tell who it is? Not while he's smiling? Maybe this will help:

There's his classic frowning expression! Think BYU football... It's Lavell Edwards! You know, the guy who BYU stadium is named after? A real legend around here. And he's just chatting with my family about the bazillion marathons my mom has run (okay only 10) and asking which is her favorite. He was in town to speak at the pioneer days program held at the church. I missed the program because I was home with napping kids, but Ben said Lavell Edwards was a great speaker and shared a lot of football stories with a perseverence/pioneer theme. There were also special musical numbers by the new organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Oakley is a happening place!

After the program and a family reunion, it was back to the park for the parade. Nicole giggled everytime she saw the horses walk by and she was in awe at everything in between.

Here are Jonathan and Zachary, being buddies and watching the parade. Ben took this picture, amazed that they stopped beating on each other long enough to enjoy it. After the parade we all headed back to my parents' house for the best barbecue of the year. It was a fun weekend and now our town is a peaceful place again.