Next 1/2 Marathon

Kim and I registered for this race, it will be held over Labor Day Weekend. Looks like it will be lots of fun, can't wait.

Sea World

Made our first trip to Sea World this year and it was an absolutely beautiful day, the kind I would like to see year round.

Arrived and as always the paying for parking and parking takes way to long, don't know why they seem to have so much trouble getting cars parked.

The side entrance was open so we didn't have to deal with the crowds buying their tickets and we were on our way in no time.

First stop as always was our picture for the day.

Then Kaleigh and Riley checked out the maps to decide where we would go first.

The Manta aquarium won and we were off.

Part of the tank goes overhead and we could watch the stingrays from below.

Kaleigh was pretty fascinated with them.

Head on view of the Rays.

Riley was checking out the shrimp.

I hadn't realized just how big this tank is. The other times we have visited the exhibit was very crowded and we didn't get a chance to really enjoy everything.

Up inside one of the smaller tanks.

Two of my favorite boys.

Not sure what kind of flowers these are but I thought they were very pretty.

Then we came across the Discovery Garden, don't know how long it has been there but it is the first time I've seen it. These are some kind of peppers, I'm sure the are very hot because they are very small and that is how it seems to work.

Checking out the manatees.

This is the first time we have gone to the underwater viewing area for the manatees in a very long time and both Riley and Kaleigh really liked being able to look at everything from the ground.

Look Kaleigh, do you see that big one over there?

Then the puffins. This exhibit has been changed all around, you go in the exit and see everything backwards and where the entrance use to be is now a gift shop.

Finally found the popcorn!

Look at those sharks!
Lunch time, I packed a lunch for the kids and me. Dan and Andy got chicken and I got some fruit for us to share and turned out to be one of best lunches we have had at Sea World. Everyone was happy and ate everything.


Off to Wild Arctic, used the passholders entrance in the gift shop and that takes you right to the entrance after the movie so we aren't walking through twice or waiting in line at the main entrance.

There was a special program going on with the beluga whales and a group of kids were interacting with two of the whales. So we watched that for a bit, found out you have to be ten to participate.

Riley with the Polar Bears, he thought it was pretty cool that he got to go by himself.

Pictures

This may not be quite the way I expected this hat to be worn when I was making it for Kaleigh but she sure does enjoy it. She wears it all the time, inside out, right side out, to bed, pulled down over her face and any other way you could think to wear it. But she sure does look mighty cute.

Today we went for a walk along the lakefront, it was the first time in a very long time. Not much has changed. It was very windy, so the first leg was kind of chilly and then we turned around and the wind was to our backs and the sun shining on our faces and it was very nice.

Had to look for the rainbows in each of the fountains.

Then we saw two eagles, only got a picture of one.

The Saint Patrick's Day Lion was still out so got a picture of him too.

Here are the pictures I promised from the Princess Half Marathon. Kim and I in our Princess finest, trash bags and old socks, so we could throw them away when we didn't need them anymore. The trash bags came off as soon as we moved up to the start line. The socks lasted about 1/2 the race, not because our hands were cold but because they were good nose wipers.

Here we are after the finish, I must say the race went by very quickly and I did enjoy myself.

Cute Girl, Creative Boy, and Castless Boy

Been pretty busy around here, but isn't that the same for everyone. Spring finally showed up this past weekend and Kaleigh got dressed up to celebrate, isn't she the cutest?

Not exactly sure what she is doing here but fun was being had.


Riley created this duplo ship all by himself and was very proud.

You would think his best friend was moving away forever but really we are just getting the astronaut boots (casts) off.

He did really well getting the first one off, but the second one was very traumatic for some reason. Not sure if the noise from the saw was scaring him, that his foot was feeling very strange or he really was going to miss the casts but he got very worked up. Thank goodness the assistant removing the cast was very good and fast. They were both off in no time.


Stopped to do some shopping on the way home and Riley got a new pair of Buzz Lightyear and Woody shoes. So much for him wanting to take it easy and relax on the couch like the Doctor said he might. He just wanted to run like the wind and that is what we let him do.

Now we just have to wait and see if the casts corrected the toe walking. Here's hoping for the best.

We Did It!!!

No pictures right now, when I order and get them I will post.

Kim and I did our first 1/2 marathon today, the Princess out at Disney. We love Disney races, they make you feel so special and lots of little treats along the way.

The day started at 0300 for me which wasn't to very bad. Got dressed, packed the cooler and Kim arrived a few minutes later. The ride to EPCOT was uneventful except some roads had already been closed so we just followed the line of cars and arrived in the parking lot at about 0415.

Had a very scary five minutes as we were getting all our race stuff on, I couldn't find my race number/timing chip. I even called Dan to see if I left it at home, I was very sure I hadn't because I had checked my bag before I left the house and it was in there. So I calmed myself down and looked again and there it was with the trash bags I brought to keep us warm before the race. Crisis averted and we were able to move on.

Got out of the nice warm car into the very cold morning, it was 36 degrees when we left the house and we forgot to look when we got out of the car but it was cool, no wind that goodness.

We were walking over to the gathering area and realized we didn't pay attention to where we parked (where are Dan and Dennis when you really need them?). Figured we would worry about that after the race.

Spent the next hour in line at the porto-potties, by that time we really had to go. It was about 0535 by the time we started walking back to the official starting area and it took us about 15 minutes to get there. So we had about 15 minutes until the start of the race.

Right at 0558 the wheelchair participants started, at 0600 the fast runners and then every seven minutes until 0628 when our group headed out.

The race itself seemed to go by very fast, the first five miles were gone in no time and then I was at seven miles and I realized I was more than 1/2 way finished. Once the sun came up(about 0645) the weather was beautiful and I only got hot in one place the rest of the time I was comfortable.

I knew I had a good pace going but I just couldn't get my brain to figure it out until the last 1/2 mile and I knew I could finish the 13.1 in under 3 hours and that was about 10 minutes faster then the goal I set for myself, so I was a happy camper.

Can't wait for the next one!

Disney's Royal Family Kids' Races

Today was the big race for Riley and Kaleigh. We really had a good time and it was lots of fun watching all the kids. We saw the finish to the mile run and there were some serious runners in the group.


Practicing before the start.

That was fun maybe I should do it some more.


Riley and Baapa taking a break in the nice warm sun.

Kaleigh's turn.


Do I have to stand next to Kaleigh and have my picture taken?

Okay, if you insist.

Riley taking his practice laps.

Getting ready for the start.

Lots of kids and parent for the 100m dash.

Is it our turn yet?


And he's off!

Well this is fun.

Come on Mama, you can do it.

I think I would rather go the other way.


Nearing the finish line.

I'm coming, I'm coming.

Maybe if my tongue is out it will be easier.

See I made it to the finish line, no problem.

The racers with their medals.


It was pretty much a perfect day to be out and running. Looking forward to the next one the kids can do.

Kim and I do the 1/2 marathon tomorrow morning. Have to be there by 0430 for the 0600 start. So Kim will be picking me up at about 0330. Will update you tomorrow on our race.