Man V. Mud Pirates Edition

A few months ago, a really funny conversation happened while many of our family members were gathered at my cousin Che's house. I think the conversation happened because we were trying to prepare Tim, Carlie's fiancee, about what to expect as a member of the Clark family.

The gist of the conversation was this:  in order to succeed in this family, men need to know some basic family rules about family holidays ("holidays" is a very loose term, defined as any actual holidays and/or made up holidays, of which we have many: Relay for Life, Neil Diamond Concerts, Witchapalooza, etc.)

The rules are that the men must
A) Attend the "holiday"
B) Pay for the holiday
C) Babysit so that the women can attend the holiday (let's be honest- we are a very matriarchal family and much of what we do is planned by and for the women)
or D) find some other way to show that they support the holiday

While this list was actually first spoken in that conversation, I can't tell you how true it is. These have been unspoken rules for years.

So remember how last year we participated in the Man V. Mud run as a way to show support for Brad and the kids after Linda's death (the organizers of the race were donating a portion of the proceeds to Brad)? Well, this has now made the list as a Clark family "holiday".

Let me tell you how much fun this is....SO FUN. I looked forward to this all summer and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was better than last year in my opinion for two main reasons. One- we knew what to expect and two- we went all out on the costume idea and it was hilarious. We enjoyed it so much that by the end of the race we had already come up with next year's theme. They had more obstacles this year and some of the same ones were revamped to be better. Overall, it was fabulous.

And now, many a photo to follow:

Instead of hitting up the local diner, Angie's, after the race, this year we opted to do it beforehand. Check out that crew. Man I love these people. (Please also don't fail to notice the food coming out of Flor's mouth. At least she is smiling!)

Carter got to run with us this year and he was thrilled. Especially because he and I got to wear matching mustaches.

Some of us took the pirate theme more seriously than others...ahem not naming names, but um...

I had a great time finding Devin and I costumes at the D.I. That fringe vest? Best find ever!

Okay, can't not include the picture of these two cuties. Brookie and Charlie hanging out in the grass while we had a little photo shoot pre-race. Aren't they adorable?

Our whole team...looking scary.

Cort ran the whole race with that parrot attached to her shoulder. Definitely the best part of any of our costumes! 

yes, I know, I am frightening. 

I love me this pirate...

Okay, and now just imagine a picture or two here of our whole team covered in mud, right after the race ended. We had some nice gentleman take a group shot; however, in reality he took nothing. Boo. The Man V. Mud official ones haven't been posted yet, but when they are, I might just have to post it.

Welcome to the family Tim! Family holidays are great, eh?

I can't stop laughing at this picture. Be sure to note the poor dead bird hanging down her shoulder...

Looking good....(don't worry the sunglasses were not part of our original costumes, but we each secured a free pair for participation. wahoo!)

This picture didn't exactly turn out, but its still funny. Cortney showing off her dead bird- poor thing.

Until next year, Lady Lindas! (Yes, we kept the Lady Linda name from last year...probably will become a tradition, although what the race has to do with Linda anymore, I don't know, other than the fact that I know she would be making fun of us and calling us big "nerds" or "losers" for our participation.I can just see her laughing about it. I miss her so much.)