The Last Race...

Saturday, October 19th was Bailey's last Cross Country race for 2019. It was the Kentucky State race and is has a very long name which I do not remember. It is held in Lexington at Masterson Station Park. This is a biggy with kids from all over the Commonwealth of Kentucky participating. Bailey didn't run until 3:30pm so we had the morning to ourselves. Our original intent was to go to Georgetown in the morning and do the American Heart Association 5K. It is held at Georgetown Hospital. However, Claude's back was bad and we determined we should save it for the Cross Country event. I would visit Papa in the morning so I had the rest of the day to support Bailey and have dinner with my hubby.

Andie and Michael drove to the race. Bailey was required to ride the school bus over and back. It doesn't take a lot of encouragement for Bailey to do this. She loves the bus ride with all the other kids. Hayden opted to stay home for this one.

We met Michael and Andie inside the event area. We found the Oldham County School tent and Bailey so she would know her cheering squad was on the premises. Michael helped us find the best place to stand so there was minimum walking for Claude. Soon it was time for everyone to line up on the starting line. In the middle of the picture is Oldham County in the blue. Somewhere in those blue uniforms is our Bailey.

These are two pictures of our girl running. The second one is Bailey headed to the finish line. 

After her finish and re-hydration, we went to see her pick out her shirt for the final event of this Cross Country season. She was very happy to complete all her runs this year.

Michael shared a cute story about Bailey from the beginning of the cross country season. Their coach did a timed run at the track around the football field to see where they all fit in their running ability. Bailey came in with an exceptional time. When Michael heard the time, he was sure Bailey didn't run that fast. He talked with her and it turns out she was running in the beginning, then one of the other runners had a problem so she stopped and walked with her. When the group of people she started with came back around the track she just picked up with them an ended with them. Somehow this gave her a great time. Michael talked with her coach and her coach said she was sure Bailey's time was not quite right. She was happy to learn the reason. Our girl has a huge heart when it comes to helping others. 

After the meet and the t-shirt purchase, we bid Bailey goodbye and we left to have dinner with Andie and Michael. We all drove to Frankfort, which was on their way home, and had a nice meal at Staxx Barbecue. 

It was a good afternoon. The weather was excellent and the drives to and home from the meet were wonderful. Good to be with family.

Speaking of family, we got this picture of the Roper girls.

I just love these nuggets. I love that Raelyn reads to Emelia and that Emelia loves time with her sister.