Well, here we are again.  The Pumpkin Pacer in Deer Park.  We had rain on the way to Deer Park and it was cold!  We headed right inside the church where the race started. No need to stay outside and freeze before we started.  Cold legs might mess with our time for the run.  HA!!!

We weren't the only ones who decided to stay warm for a short time before the race started.  Layne and the Deer Park Cross Country Team did stay outside and watch the little kids do their race.  That was nice of them for sure.  

So cute!

Many if not all of the people participating stayed inside until it was time to start.  Lots of fun costumes.

We waited until the last minute to line up.  Layne, in the orange, ran with her Deer Park Cross Country Team for a practice.  Her parents and sister were at a soccer game so Layne got to hang out with us after the race.  She finished in a little over 20 minutes.  She had to wait for us needless to say.

 Diligently stretching!

 Thing One and Thing Two!

 Kat and Sheila!

 Jackie and Kat!

 Layne told me number 171 is a teacher in Deer Park.  He is very disguised.  

Off we go and no rain so far but it had rained.  You can see the wet streets.  A couple of us didn't prepare for the rain.  Oh no!

Look a little sun peaking through the clouds.  We might survive this race with no rain!  That would be neat.

 Mile 1 done!  Boy, does this picture show the best of fall in the Pacific Northwest. Beautiful!  Sheila and Michelle look great too.

 Peggy at mile 1!

Love this house.  I think some day I will live in a house like this.  Don't get me wrong, I love the house I live in but I just feel there will be a change somewhere along the line.

 Go to church people.  It's good for you!  Learn about the best gift ever! God's love for us!

 Lots of leaves not attached to the trees.

 This store is a little ahead of the season!  They did throw out some pumpkins for good measure!

 Bonnie at the 2 mile mark.

On the home stretch. There weren't as many decorated houses to take pictures of this year.  Disappointing! 

 Approaching the finish line and we made it with no rain!!!

Finished!!!  We didn't pin our numbers on and no timing chip.  I had to dig my number out of my pocket to show them at the finish line.  Looks like Michelle did too.

One last picture of some pirates after the race, inside the church.

Layne went with us to get some lunch.  One minor detail, no room in the car for her.  She squished in between Sheila and me.  She said it was like doing a wall sit.  We had a yummy lunch and great conversation.  I look forward to the next time we all get together.  These friends are really good people!!!

Pumpking Pacer 2018

We started the day at the usually spot.  Sheila said it was a tradition.  Not the best tradition ever.  We were all trying to open the door of one of these and couldn't.  There were other people trying and waiting too.  Sheila was a hero and muscled it open!  

 A beautiful fall day in Deer Park.

 Coffee was an issue as soon as we got in my car.  These two finally got some at the race!

 Little kids in costumes.  So cute!

 Frank giving instructions to the kids for their run.

 Ready, set, go!

 Not as many costumes or people this year!  Still a great time!

 We finished and guess where we went next.  To lunch and of course more coffee!  Good friends are the best!!!

The Pumpkin Pacer Tradition Continues

What a fabulous fall day.   The Pumpkin Pacer can be cold and wet.  Not this year!  

  

Frank posed as usual. Not that he had a chance not to.  

 My traditional picture with Dominic and my traditional editing the sports team on his cap.  Not sure why this year.  They were about 38 games behind the Dodgers!

It was a smaller crowd this year.  It was great weather so I am not sure why.  Still lots of costumes. 

 Dominic and Luca (his son).  Adorable.  Great parents, great kids.

 Dominic and Linea's little girl.  She was full of smiles.  Just happened to snap when there wasn't one.

 Off we go.

 The fall colors were something to see.  Seeing the colors change in fall never gets old.

 Hiding, Michelle and Sheila!

 Hiding Jackie but not Michelle.

 The one thing that is not at all pleasant about fall is the clean up from the falling leaves.  I say just continue to jump in them even as an adult and raking won't be so bad.

 Done! Short and sweet.

 The finish line.

 Luca! So cute.

 Michelle and Sheila finishing.

 Kat was faster than us!

 We have never stayed for the awards, raffle and costume judging.  I got more pictures so I was happy.  Easier to get costume pictures.  It was fun to watch.  We didn't win an award though.

 The girls gathered first for judging.

 Precious winner.

 Then the boys!

Then all the women.  We thought the zombie should have won but the deviled egg on the far end did.  We were not consulted.

 Dominic and Luca!

 The judging of the men.  Not as creative as the kids or the women.

What a great day to be outside enjoying life!  We did our usual lunch afterward.  I didn't take my camera into the lunch place.  Why?  Because I didn't want to.  Good friends, great weather and a gorgeous walk through Deer Park.  Life is Good!