More Than Manna: Snapshots of MOC 2012

The start of the girl's middle school race of 7th and 8th graders--350 plus girls...

Sophie ran a PR and medaled, placing 48th! Yelling for her began my hoarseness. She finished strong and we were so very proud of her!

One of her very best friends since 1st grade, Catherine, placed 3rd. We screamed her into the finish! I need to get her autograph now before she makes it big.

Sophie's teammates, Kaylyn and Ashlee also medaled, placing 34th and 39th! Yay girls!

We enjoyed bringing our new Paducah friend, Eli, along to the race. He fit right in with our crew. Here's Wes and Eli trying to stay warm.

And here's Eli praying. Actually, I think he was just trying to keep warm, but his mom will like that answer.

Fun Uncle Trent playing with Pols and O. He is fun, but I think he was trying to keep warm too.

I do not know what team this is, but I love shots like this. So common in cross-country, to see a team huddled together, praying or offering up last words of encouragement before the start.

Wes and Eli line up along with 391 other boys for the start of the 5th and 6th grade boys race.

This talented six grader is Stevie, a boy that our kids have run with for years on the Y team in Louisville. He sure did run a strong race, finishing 2nd.

Wes stayed on the heels of his buddy, Riggs, the entire race. These two are fierce competitors. They like to make every race a nail biter to the end. Yes, I was the crazy mom jumping up and down on the bleachers like a mad woman. Wes literally beat Riggs by a nose...and maybe not by that much! Wes got 8th and Riggs got 9th. They are going to be fun to watch in the years to come!

Here's Eli coming down the home stretch, finishing 130th! So proud of him in his very first MOC!

Ethan and Wes congratulating each other.

Ethan is another buddy of Wes' and one amazing runner! He finished 18th. So impressive!

Jeremiah ran in the 4th grade and under race along with 288 other runners.

He finished 76th. Way to go Jeremiah! What an effort in all your cuteness!

Do you see the look of determination on this little guy? He passed no telling how many boys at the end of the race, finishing 45th. He sure did earn his medal!