Dogwood Dash 5K

Every year, there is a 5K run/walk that is associated with the Dogwood Festival called the Dogwood Dash. Josh's friend, Rebecca, came up with the idea to organize a group of Josh's family and friends to run or walk in memory of Josh! She even had t-shirts made and they turned out great. The last (also my first) time I participated in the Dogwood Dash, I was in 7th grade and did it for athletics class. That is a vivid memory in my mind for some reason. I remember walking through part of it and coming up over a hill and seeing my coach standing on the side of the road - that's when I kicked it into high gear and ran like I was being chased by a bear, LOL. Now, many years and a baby later, I am in no shape to run 5K...so I walked! That's ok, though - I think Josh would be proud of us for walking and finishing it! Dad, Kyle, and Luke actually ran/jogged it and I think Jake ran for some of it. I started out pushing Caleb in the stroller and then Rhett took him about halfway through and off he went with Courtney. I think they jogged in small spurts. Steph and I definitely did no jogging of any kind! Mom, aunt Jackie, and aunt Debbie brought up the rear but we are all proud of them for finishing! The weather that morning was absolutely perfect, not too hot and not too chilly...a beautiful morning to walk in Josh's memory! Dad was the only one of us who actually placed, coming in 3rd in his age category! (who cares that there were only 3 men in his age category? LOL) A few of Josh's friends placed as well. Here are some pictures from that morning...



Jackie, Mom, and Debbie - being followed by the cops, LOL (the cop car rides at the back of the pack)

taking a little shortcut - busted!

this might have been the only time they ran, LOL! the cop flashed his lights and sirens, but as much as they tried to get arrested and hauled in to the finish line, they were forced to continue on!

they're goofy!

the group who ran/walked in Josh's memory! (we were missing some, so this isn't even the full group)

my cutie pie did so well! he even fell asleep for part of the ride.

cousins!

Josh, we love you so much and miss you more than words can say. Our sibling pics just aren't the same anymore, but we will keep smiling for you b/c we know you'd want us to!