tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89937061161185614672024-03-11T23:50:59.485-05:00...Just Me and My Running Shoes...Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.comBlogger1641125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-13228615636999840172022-05-09T06:55:00.001-05:002022-05-09T21:58:59.027-05:00Part 5: The 2nd Half of the Boston MarathonWhen I left off my previous recap, I'd just passed the halfway mark. The course was starting to play tricks on me, and I had to convince myself to keep going - keep taking that next step. Each step was bringing me closer and closer to the finish line. The nature of this course was brutal with its consistent downhills. My hips and knees were starting to seriously dislike me by this point! <div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIPEnXDnn8QjivEcO0EDbrkP7tiRdSDiZLIuSA0mscSKGM8ZdXS649nx7svUZ7PbJxpESUvn03pGB1WaPt7IaHJprjQdv5TWLv8_LQzWY0YU-sOwY56GjHpijaZwVlBJI6q8XlvMApYboRaHGpg2ihtYypLb3v066BDwErlJeYnfAXkJAa8evncCzhg/s3088/IMG_1498.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIPEnXDnn8QjivEcO0EDbrkP7tiRdSDiZLIuSA0mscSKGM8ZdXS649nx7svUZ7PbJxpESUvn03pGB1WaPt7IaHJprjQdv5TWLv8_LQzWY0YU-sOwY56GjHpijaZwVlBJI6q8XlvMApYboRaHGpg2ihtYypLb3v066BDwErlJeYnfAXkJAa8evncCzhg/w300-h400/IMG_1498.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Regardless, I carried on, reminding myself that I CAN do hard things, and taking pictures with random things along the way! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2213r506ef8YOl2siNJ2w09YkCbRbR7jtt5WYaL7vOsCv4Razq0UCeAv2qyQx8jWL8dexBkma5oj9hwz0wdF-p6jL5izxmaF4gFoMMBU1gB_eCyBZi6y4s6YJzL7H0ZvfAt4XM4sMBQAmJ_VLstwp43n_54MhFTuZ2GuVo-L0Fvelh54t75f6_C-eBA/s4032/IMG_1499.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2213r506ef8YOl2siNJ2w09YkCbRbR7jtt5WYaL7vOsCv4Razq0UCeAv2qyQx8jWL8dexBkma5oj9hwz0wdF-p6jL5izxmaF4gFoMMBU1gB_eCyBZi6y4s6YJzL7H0ZvfAt4XM4sMBQAmJ_VLstwp43n_54MhFTuZ2GuVo-L0Fvelh54t75f6_C-eBA/w400-h300/IMG_1499.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By mile 15, I was physically "done". Coming from completely flat Louisiana land, this terrain was way out of my norm. This is where the mental part of a marathon kicked in. </div><div><br /></div><div>Quite honestly, I'd truly forgotten how hard it is to run a full. It truly takes everything within you - physical, mental, and emotional.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkvEVFpZqg9NKYveQpXdHM8ehV6LZZ-NUvQjq0TRYE01mYL9pjzFQ8zhRif27gwUAeSG9VkuA8xt6hkC_Uw8ruofKTuEx2V4Fz7bNaYSZZ35PtwWrRw2xetb-l3UTRe3IqED6RxFEAlhVwhXM8PC3es_EvFrLnhvq8hPexJ98-YQ5iFtdGtGIZOCCSg/s4032/IMG_1500.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkvEVFpZqg9NKYveQpXdHM8ehV6LZZ-NUvQjq0TRYE01mYL9pjzFQ8zhRif27gwUAeSG9VkuA8xt6hkC_Uw8ruofKTuEx2V4Fz7bNaYSZZ35PtwWrRw2xetb-l3UTRe3IqED6RxFEAlhVwhXM8PC3es_EvFrLnhvq8hPexJ98-YQ5iFtdGtGIZOCCSg/w400-h300/IMG_1500.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By this time, I could no longer keep up my "run to the water stop then walk" system I had going for me, so here's where I turned to the Jeff Galloway method of run/walk/run. I truly wish I'd started this much earlier - lesson learned. Also, my heart kept threatening to jump into PSVT around mile 15, but I kept it at bay. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7CRDD3dfXwiG_tw-ELsWWjgzfpMH7eJzt5AxahU-oJ6y8KNWcxhJEWTfdhneAchTl_U1SVl0H87L1930vgWSrJ1qeDaUtCYwh6D5qjjf7AZIq4Ho-mhGalXVjDbjGS9laI84s-v-y1oy9y1sF3g_dNbVBHgVkMGmwjt8ME4aiwNzJZT3FmZOcyWI5A/s4032/IMG_1503.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7CRDD3dfXwiG_tw-ELsWWjgzfpMH7eJzt5AxahU-oJ6y8KNWcxhJEWTfdhneAchTl_U1SVl0H87L1930vgWSrJ1qeDaUtCYwh6D5qjjf7AZIq4Ho-mhGalXVjDbjGS9laI84s-v-y1oy9y1sF3g_dNbVBHgVkMGmwjt8ME4aiwNzJZT3FmZOcyWI5A/w400-h300/IMG_1503.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The sea of people still blew my mind! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkp56DUN_Kuou8n4AE2EfmavxZCxrtis6HxPR3AGtKyzCkCb4w82CaCc-qAkPYQ9zoEa0cHmjBllQv8z4lTPYUeRJM-wA1M7Ij4eg7MuwXp6Cwz2YxSBAGnYKeA39nLeZ43cMB_IkpBa_mXawgcmMks5hk3-M6Mo257m9m6sVC05sdkNZs5yAeO0dIg/s4032/IMG_1507.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkp56DUN_Kuou8n4AE2EfmavxZCxrtis6HxPR3AGtKyzCkCb4w82CaCc-qAkPYQ9zoEa0cHmjBllQv8z4lTPYUeRJM-wA1M7Ij4eg7MuwXp6Cwz2YxSBAGnYKeA39nLeZ43cMB_IkpBa_mXawgcmMks5hk3-M6Mo257m9m6sVC05sdkNZs5yAeO0dIg/w300-h400/IMG_1507.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Around mile 18 or so, I heard someone say to their running buddy, "Look around you! EVERYONE is hurting!" That statement was the best thing I could have heard that day - it was so true. We were ALL hurting but all pushing on towards that goal of the finish line. This stuck with me the remainder of the race and really carried me through!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbvia8eCZXuaMGKU2EvPHg4bAg3c9_be5zW6S9pMidra4tW-mUYuw7xv63P8KknQdqHwgb6O1mqwi5ltLwPhe2fuWXWpqFAzR5-5R3b-JhZuAyRKYHNKmKYBrwZtb4tIt_A5LCPiK2OLVICJrJDTKIY6557Lalp9-Id8Cr-nRjRAh0I52Ozjs2blkbg/s4032/IMG_1511.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbvia8eCZXuaMGKU2EvPHg4bAg3c9_be5zW6S9pMidra4tW-mUYuw7xv63P8KknQdqHwgb6O1mqwi5ltLwPhe2fuWXWpqFAzR5-5R3b-JhZuAyRKYHNKmKYBrwZtb4tIt_A5LCPiK2OLVICJrJDTKIY6557Lalp9-Id8Cr-nRjRAh0I52Ozjs2blkbg/w400-h300/IMG_1511.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By this point, I was really struggling. Not long after passing the mile 20 sign, I heard my name...and it was my full name, so I knew they were truly hollering at me! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7MNaJiDaUMnfG09cL1J2OTypUpCIwiElAVBaZYLuV1LEL3o9DDpC20JCikgo1TK5TU2EDchQndJ01VbIc1xdocift0yValdegCnSMKRAJZKDMG4GXVbCpgIF49bLnCtpagOlYINU145wfLz-iZfhjG6PjtNdGqAW75nb3I0qyT3KPji9lBqbaxgrAw/s3088/IMG_1512.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7MNaJiDaUMnfG09cL1J2OTypUpCIwiElAVBaZYLuV1LEL3o9DDpC20JCikgo1TK5TU2EDchQndJ01VbIc1xdocift0yValdegCnSMKRAJZKDMG4GXVbCpgIF49bLnCtpagOlYINU145wfLz-iZfhjG6PjtNdGqAW75nb3I0qyT3KPji9lBqbaxgrAw/w300-h400/IMG_1512.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was Christine, my runDisney friend from way back - her and her mom Pam used to blog at We Run Disney! How fun it was to see her out there on the course! It meant so much to me and was just the boost I needed!</div><div><br /></div><div>Around this time, I knew that heartbreak hill was nearby, but seriously had zero energy to tackle a hill with running. I started on a walk break, then realized I was on a steady incline, so I continued to walk...by the time I got to the top, I realized I was literally ON heartbreak hill that whole time. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZqtu_HEGU41wRhRCN4hysfVpTyyzu7gDPWw_pS-NGpCAiJoTa3jFNdwwOCVJwx4fceAntYm7xvIYXKMZr3B2u3dxsNEzIWYXYDTFezz2eZwfaUJhUB3DYsGvkqLmm7ZrXyg8I3JQnTqWM9lYOCLjmTb4B9cz0iB9_oi6IcOyRieIWZK9If3IhJb81Q/s3088/IMG_1517.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZqtu_HEGU41wRhRCN4hysfVpTyyzu7gDPWw_pS-NGpCAiJoTa3jFNdwwOCVJwx4fceAntYm7xvIYXKMZr3B2u3dxsNEzIWYXYDTFezz2eZwfaUJhUB3DYsGvkqLmm7ZrXyg8I3JQnTqWM9lYOCLjmTb4B9cz0iB9_oi6IcOyRieIWZK9If3IhJb81Q/w300-h400/IMG_1517.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be the first to say - for once, my stubbornness didn't get the best of me and I did not run a single bit of this hill. If you know me, you know that's pretty rough!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPACiOcvkKwolj_hE7z4Mkbsqfycz2GGjmola3DSnayhKc1-wV1TnzcLnZ_QHZ7UHHtZ6e9kuLRjBOw4o7G4i6qAkt16j3X9HgOUqze1_u0xupwrBgicg5lhtL27hnMkZ5Z0CTQc46SKtSvTrPD9WEfldyqgUgkXFN2m7ChrC4JFfma1L6oZXO1aTCjg/s4032/IMG_1520.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPACiOcvkKwolj_hE7z4Mkbsqfycz2GGjmola3DSnayhKc1-wV1TnzcLnZ_QHZ7UHHtZ6e9kuLRjBOw4o7G4i6qAkt16j3X9HgOUqze1_u0xupwrBgicg5lhtL27hnMkZ5Z0CTQc46SKtSvTrPD9WEfldyqgUgkXFN2m7ChrC4JFfma1L6oZXO1aTCjg/w400-h300/IMG_1520.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was also kicking myself for taking that hot shot earlier in the race. I know "nothing new on race day" but I was also cramping and knew I had to take care of that asap. Thankfully, the hot shot did help the cramps, but the thought of even attempting more GU by this point made my stomach turn. So, from mile 11 to the end, I relied on only water and gatorade as my supplements. Terrible idea, I know. I should know better, but I'll definitely remember this for the future!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6fprfHYqi3z2AusU6L2Slxq6Lo01t4Aa96-0FcIIqQrD_LNguZU8hQAz7l9ZCwLZC_tFF2k6nax8NhJBNzyevqRp5uMdPHYGnBFs7WNyJDZMHuhnILSAhLewD7EQlOUXFsjAlnuPxCXqrrMgN9hLIBtQATTXYa0Qrmti3XWq6dEAmUc51xolPb-aDw/s4032/IMG_1522.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6fprfHYqi3z2AusU6L2Slxq6Lo01t4Aa96-0FcIIqQrD_LNguZU8hQAz7l9ZCwLZC_tFF2k6nax8NhJBNzyevqRp5uMdPHYGnBFs7WNyJDZMHuhnILSAhLewD7EQlOUXFsjAlnuPxCXqrrMgN9hLIBtQATTXYa0Qrmti3XWq6dEAmUc51xolPb-aDw/w400-h300/IMG_1522.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By mile 23, I knew I just had to get there. The crowd had thinned out considerably and I knew that everyone who was my pace was long gone by now. I was attempting to finish under 5 hours, but by this point, I was happy with any time. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm happy with my time if I go out there and give every single thing I have in my tank, and that's what this situation looked like here that day. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvdC4i4YnKm7mGpyAXQL6nrK-bI8Adm4iwNypy3Mn12vZUhY7Nzkp_--JOBvFWRHN2A4aseWn5dGaCX-sDDQudlItJ1anNyH5l2chsPosRR2PqQwiHxxstoPNPMgii4Q-6YQzcEtkiD1DUG0vVvJt125fLm2swhxODzlnx_S-fFCwJEaeOHQSX7cZrQ/s4032/IMG_1524.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvdC4i4YnKm7mGpyAXQL6nrK-bI8Adm4iwNypy3Mn12vZUhY7Nzkp_--JOBvFWRHN2A4aseWn5dGaCX-sDDQudlItJ1anNyH5l2chsPosRR2PqQwiHxxstoPNPMgii4Q-6YQzcEtkiD1DUG0vVvJt125fLm2swhxODzlnx_S-fFCwJEaeOHQSX7cZrQ/w400-h300/IMG_1524.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By mile 24, we were approaching Boston and the famous Citgo sign. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOi-f2wO2RQ6xjGbGHwuxuaHuPhE-EzwHA1L4C2ytCJrHCGfiK5pDnCeejM-SRBLw8_YejNsiytTmK5dzDzRk7o7RoBCPLc6q51UJEagMZ_X_pSNXkqNj3nDeP0BTd7JQLZuv9vEc1oM1aam-pEeE_beboeSZY53yLwJ-vYIufrdbIGDfjG_9z32Sqw/s4032/IMG_1526.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOi-f2wO2RQ6xjGbGHwuxuaHuPhE-EzwHA1L4C2ytCJrHCGfiK5pDnCeejM-SRBLw8_YejNsiytTmK5dzDzRk7o7RoBCPLc6q51UJEagMZ_X_pSNXkqNj3nDeP0BTd7JQLZuv9vEc1oM1aam-pEeE_beboeSZY53yLwJ-vYIufrdbIGDfjG_9z32Sqw/w400-h300/IMG_1526.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm telling you - this crowd pulled me through. When I say it was literally 26.2 miles of people cheering on runners, I mean it. Insane.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvFOGCp3WtjF7kyKOM22txIaMUYg5oY9Y7HneMfNhUmQnYbgzhDeVsdr0kNzzjXuEEkCzbplby2Q522d3GnTBl-UoIGmrbzgjSgQg2L1iykUC7GHdPq9z2VDAjpiAYwTD2gc1Wd3Eo0dykcyqHQvr8k5_H1TJj-q9TMKJFgFPSziF2k2lBAGMhWzHWQ/s3088/IMG_1530.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvFOGCp3WtjF7kyKOM22txIaMUYg5oY9Y7HneMfNhUmQnYbgzhDeVsdr0kNzzjXuEEkCzbplby2Q522d3GnTBl-UoIGmrbzgjSgQg2L1iykUC7GHdPq9z2VDAjpiAYwTD2gc1Wd3Eo0dykcyqHQvr8k5_H1TJj-q9TMKJFgFPSziF2k2lBAGMhWzHWQ/w300-h400/IMG_1530.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The guys near the Citgo sign were especially entertaining because they were hollering at me with my Citgo shirt on and waving at the sign. It made me laugh!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJSNLs6P5YeI08fmrFij2vBqlREcAvaSBWseGJYPNrxmEyRKIzzclhN0O3iPWlZDqA8QDWT5RNH57xpjSAhu-is_Nl7Te3k14pTPdl9KJaQUiDP9JXQiiIEkngPZepHl6Ao0yMaVVSIJixQp7nrteOPlBJ2dEm_xvNOiJ7SmIlzNuXbMIdYBXFV1Bdg/s4032/IMG_6622.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJSNLs6P5YeI08fmrFij2vBqlREcAvaSBWseGJYPNrxmEyRKIzzclhN0O3iPWlZDqA8QDWT5RNH57xpjSAhu-is_Nl7Te3k14pTPdl9KJaQUiDP9JXQiiIEkngPZepHl6Ao0yMaVVSIJixQp7nrteOPlBJ2dEm_xvNOiJ7SmIlzNuXbMIdYBXFV1Bdg/w300-h400/IMG_6622.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I knew Jason, Brayden, and my friend Melissa were on Hereford, not far after the turn. This is the part of the race I will never ever ever forget as long as I live. Turning right on Hereford, scanning faces, hoping to not miss my family...then, I saw them...and I lost it. I was almost finished running one of the toughest and most incredible races of my life, with my family and friends cheering me on...this moment right there...I wish I could freeze it in time. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ0q420yagREZxN1sjpcwi81i6mS7t-IlYdd9_3GGkqO7c_0y7idyi2yKSJEtJWTfHzbg9pC8jWGNxcbgzkV_G2AK78390Qht14y64ls5FPIUDcKtBiyFYXt68oYCAcATPclAjnj-Ghx9_Qs0etGGE2NRskDWD2JdXXjKJFnaql0SHqqANDQoLmGMHw/s4032/IMG_6656.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ0q420yagREZxN1sjpcwi81i6mS7t-IlYdd9_3GGkqO7c_0y7idyi2yKSJEtJWTfHzbg9pC8jWGNxcbgzkV_G2AK78390Qht14y64ls5FPIUDcKtBiyFYXt68oYCAcATPclAjnj-Ghx9_Qs0etGGE2NRskDWD2JdXXjKJFnaql0SHqqANDQoLmGMHw/w400-h300/IMG_6656.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Truly one of the happiest moments of my life.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEv-7SB-jI5Pc_hsbv-0BLIyJZhNCY1sa2hXr8IOxnMT3nUi_ilqEcwWKpFYF51QUj-x0Iv_OGvIntFD_Fsip7UUheBAYBltYidyxn3PBuIq0HRB69Wee5_H8hqaIcVdQquUV8SyycVXH3kYKciKmx-Vu88pYf_wH5DI8bh_nW0jWWVK7qdjo7BvmTQ/s4032/IMG_6669.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEv-7SB-jI5Pc_hsbv-0BLIyJZhNCY1sa2hXr8IOxnMT3nUi_ilqEcwWKpFYF51QUj-x0Iv_OGvIntFD_Fsip7UUheBAYBltYidyxn3PBuIq0HRB69Wee5_H8hqaIcVdQquUV8SyycVXH3kYKciKmx-Vu88pYf_wH5DI8bh_nW0jWWVK7qdjo7BvmTQ/w400-h300/IMG_6669.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As much as I wanted to stay a while, I knew I had to finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-82EiqTnLePDKqPZehvBZ-DZfa_Ff7pAQAuRo4IJnxY6ne-Hzgw0ATuud18wxNW1efOrQhz0h9wVikPqNUJDH2rtDzOUsn-upgCjCVQPJacJcl1LwoY31tMCZP-Wj9LmckBm7u38HgIcmpBJDpZ0eyWtMo_o-h9oWvuPFLt7eZGWMedq6roAVz9qwQ/s3088/IMG_1537.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-82EiqTnLePDKqPZehvBZ-DZfa_Ff7pAQAuRo4IJnxY6ne-Hzgw0ATuud18wxNW1efOrQhz0h9wVikPqNUJDH2rtDzOUsn-upgCjCVQPJacJcl1LwoY31tMCZP-Wj9LmckBm7u38HgIcmpBJDpZ0eyWtMo_o-h9oWvuPFLt7eZGWMedq6roAVz9qwQ/w300-h400/IMG_1537.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Just a bit more to go...left on Boylston... </div><div><br /></div><div>I spotted the finish line and stopped to take a quick video and picture because I knew I would regret it later if I didn't.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9hU830_pjfyoy-V1LTkzaZH5CQrukJI7suOsQ3p9Q_nnmTYfKECuczrYgoJaa9NXjyNbZ2ZJkoPv5R3jC_3yLDb8xLR-rEnJcBCNtriKXvbmoocMIpkZyuUrZRRvDwqSA6yVWz61qD_r2ZGIm1ZAcMaeoNnTNe4FXYAUfsHG65SqZ-_2sRsg-RqPjQ/s4032/IMG_1539.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9hU830_pjfyoy-V1LTkzaZH5CQrukJI7suOsQ3p9Q_nnmTYfKECuczrYgoJaa9NXjyNbZ2ZJkoPv5R3jC_3yLDb8xLR-rEnJcBCNtriKXvbmoocMIpkZyuUrZRRvDwqSA6yVWz61qD_r2ZGIm1ZAcMaeoNnTNe4FXYAUfsHG65SqZ-_2sRsg-RqPjQ/w400-h300/IMG_1539.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While running, the tears started to flow and I began ugly crying. I WAS ABOUT TO FINISH THE BOSTON MARATHON! A race I never even thought possible for me, not even in my wildest dreams! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also had NO clue that there were photographers everywhere, capturing said ugly cry...but here you go! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLATMlrFxrwWmWPBg4L6e3hIe8mfgUEkTlLqj47BAxJC_kBngMNa_NDRUGU8IFBa8N-oMp7ttm3CTevmZ3oBb-PTri5xZ2xkGITno_0TefhGa9_yJs7xxy0sgla0P3yfe3K5E1vncstTCS9davdCwru3KAWhT2XwQsmLDZabhYhYplOJSiigr2jky0QA/s3600/IMG_1844.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLATMlrFxrwWmWPBg4L6e3hIe8mfgUEkTlLqj47BAxJC_kBngMNa_NDRUGU8IFBa8N-oMp7ttm3CTevmZ3oBb-PTri5xZ2xkGITno_0TefhGa9_yJs7xxy0sgla0P3yfe3K5E1vncstTCS9davdCwru3KAWhT2XwQsmLDZabhYhYplOJSiigr2jky0QA/w266-h400/IMG_1844.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div>About 100 yards from the finish line, my breathing was thrown off from the crying and running and my heart jumped into PSVT. I thought "Seriously, right here, right NOW?" So, I had two choices - did I stop, 100 yards from the finish line to squat down and try to control my heart rate, or did I run through it and cross the finish line, then stop and control it? </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNbMXDmohmUShPDyfMDPuVfjWNKMFbslQB_2w65bpzDpdKaD5IZWo8iAjBkhD6M5hoQ9WciDsRQE8kiCfBNYdOHGDQd-MKyNwhktWNSeA6BUdO43JEvu4tPY81y06krwVqlUvupA3PeJNRUN4injMahe_KggmPfqJ2yB7-o6GT8YQrLbfOBXj8tjxqQ/s4128/IMG_2424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="4128" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNbMXDmohmUShPDyfMDPuVfjWNKMFbslQB_2w65bpzDpdKaD5IZWo8iAjBkhD6M5hoQ9WciDsRQE8kiCfBNYdOHGDQd-MKyNwhktWNSeA6BUdO43JEvu4tPY81y06krwVqlUvupA3PeJNRUN4injMahe_KggmPfqJ2yB7-o6GT8YQrLbfOBXj8tjxqQ/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I made the dumbest decision possible and continued running with my heart erratically beating. As I crossed the finish line, it took every ounce of my energy to raise my hands up over my head. I kept thinking, "Just breathe and smile breathe and smile"!! I also veered towards the left side of the finish line so I could stop and get my heart under under control as soon as I crossed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't remember if I smiled, so I was happy to see in the official course photos that I did indeed smile...haha!</div><div><br /></div><div>My official finish time was 5:09. Not the time I went in there expecting, but I was and am 100% ok with it, knowing that I gave this race every single bit of every single thing that was within me!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBgSdPKgsEKcZfoJNFIRkGGolYffF3uIVqHcq8Uk6lyigbjxsSGWr42TAw7jXI4Uf598CFoA7IoNaIokyxh3FEN0oYKWwoI0XVUKhG7wyGqiXUAtLJ7nQOx0weSbqFDcwWNdTEKp69edi7NuKWm47nN4m2_ocNXft8FcFDXr0Pb9VcYTyS-eXaZlNRw/s4176/IMG_2434.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4176" data-original-width="2784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBgSdPKgsEKcZfoJNFIRkGGolYffF3uIVqHcq8Uk6lyigbjxsSGWr42TAw7jXI4Uf598CFoA7IoNaIokyxh3FEN0oYKWwoI0XVUKhG7wyGqiXUAtLJ7nQOx0weSbqFDcwWNdTEKp69edi7NuKWm47nN4m2_ocNXft8FcFDXr0Pb9VcYTyS-eXaZlNRw/w266-h400/IMG_2434.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After crossing the finish line, I immediately stopped and crouched down between two first aid volunteers with wheelchairs to hold my breath. I must have been down there at least a minute. It felt like forever, but didn't take long for my heart to chill. I honestly think the combo of the hot shot, plus running, plus my crazy crying set it off. As I stood up, one of them asked if I was ok. I told them yes, my heart occasionally goes into PSVT but I got it under control. They gave me a smile and a thumbs up, so I carried on my way!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwVvmd9keFimy-XxhbqKSoBAQkBgEB8k8iRrwbTTEdoBkohIwAijf3JkIsxWV7vQpwfaYHC788hix1mWnHIej27iYYTGGPPw1TWcApsaANWGcPv_V697D744MyMi8q0BDP7vOxTHurrXgcfURf1unhSNpvyAKG2cB3uaEO4hAL3Xvov3yaBPfY5dSkw/s4032/IMG_1541.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwVvmd9keFimy-XxhbqKSoBAQkBgEB8k8iRrwbTTEdoBkohIwAijf3JkIsxWV7vQpwfaYHC788hix1mWnHIej27iYYTGGPPw1TWcApsaANWGcPv_V697D744MyMi8q0BDP7vOxTHurrXgcfURf1unhSNpvyAKG2cB3uaEO4hAL3Xvov3yaBPfY5dSkw/w300-h400/IMG_1541.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Immediately after crossing the finish line, I looked up at and spotted several messages on the amazon board, sent to me by friends through the app! How fun!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDof4qj7ybR8NnOk8REbCqUNZ6BDoCNFEH0Te6jzdfR-x2uGr5iBQvmUcP6Y-iXGzzyMI3TKICfLkOnbkXKW8lm1Wzdqhyk22OXROLikdvanEPtbPV_utA4Qh2sNIVxhvCv0iMGUwd6VvZUyEHdHaw6imaAwCm7lASlOT3RJOdw7hpsLgogExtmcC9PQ/s3088/IMG_1545.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDof4qj7ybR8NnOk8REbCqUNZ6BDoCNFEH0Te6jzdfR-x2uGr5iBQvmUcP6Y-iXGzzyMI3TKICfLkOnbkXKW8lm1Wzdqhyk22OXROLikdvanEPtbPV_utA4Qh2sNIVxhvCv0iMGUwd6VvZUyEHdHaw6imaAwCm7lASlOT3RJOdw7hpsLgogExtmcC9PQ/w300-h400/IMG_1545.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also heard my name here - and when I turned around, it was Pam!! Pam is the mom of the Christine/Pam We Run Disney blogger duo and oh my goodness I couldn't believe it! Pam was a huge help to me in this Boston journey with wonderful advice along the way - I was so excited to see her!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nCaMesGon0wDXSmKRuBmSWOYcCZVAKcIncHTDeFmVCI7-pVdnEqoPQHkmZ9E1XmCescxCMvxLgwyNM3CQkaseshIG13DYzvtmpJxNrt_a3cqy-QNG4tiQQTOawBwZGbfLgiyPKxHx6mnbwlV1kn2zLxUGuK-mgcug__E1tKHDpilHxqhIQQuOL6Zgw/s3600/IMG_1845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nCaMesGon0wDXSmKRuBmSWOYcCZVAKcIncHTDeFmVCI7-pVdnEqoPQHkmZ9E1XmCescxCMvxLgwyNM3CQkaseshIG13DYzvtmpJxNrt_a3cqy-QNG4tiQQTOawBwZGbfLgiyPKxHx6mnbwlV1kn2zLxUGuK-mgcug__E1tKHDpilHxqhIQQuOL6Zgw/w266-h400/IMG_1845.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finally - the highlight of the day - my medal! Finishing this race was seriously one of the most mentally challenging things I've ever done - right up there with the birth of my son. I couldn't believe that I ran BOSTON and had the medal to prove it! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLntpdI7OWNg_M8c9gtXfbGvOjPEbQhNhcjTtPqtN31TZf4m_bCICvJPZ61EhrxfB07eNyFab2IosYvdwLk-2mIpKZUMhakLXxAr6Z2x7kvIFmNwpBMr0QVoTWF3Wkq4LPFiIuK8AIc3_kS7foaZO4BuDAEkixolaVsbv3lGeGWznr6x_WDeJy1qUbw/s4032/IMG_1553.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLntpdI7OWNg_M8c9gtXfbGvOjPEbQhNhcjTtPqtN31TZf4m_bCICvJPZ61EhrxfB07eNyFab2IosYvdwLk-2mIpKZUMhakLXxAr6Z2x7kvIFmNwpBMr0QVoTWF3Wkq4LPFiIuK8AIc3_kS7foaZO4BuDAEkixolaVsbv3lGeGWznr6x_WDeJy1qUbw/w300-h400/IMG_1553.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My one request to Jason was to bring my jackets with him to the finish area and I'm so glad he did! Although the day started off sunny and feeling warm, the sun hid behind the clouds around mile 16 and my hands were so cold the remainder of the race. Having this jacket at the end was a life saver!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcSI_uKbrNcgJJaY5WKR3bq12F0q0Hwsnrvkyj8oY95dc4XOH7ieGqGdr8BL4OgnFlZtwbdP8doOFZOERQ7k_wAsl4P-wapleGk_n4a10p_JQ7AolustvaJieS6aZ5o72R1uwx7nZv7TAQTNxwfMmANBMQ0SOsdQ44fzInAf9MEC-PvpJBn4EUJHk5w/s3456/1C0EFEF9-55D0-4A59-A530-A5F8EFCD2A96.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcSI_uKbrNcgJJaY5WKR3bq12F0q0Hwsnrvkyj8oY95dc4XOH7ieGqGdr8BL4OgnFlZtwbdP8doOFZOERQ7k_wAsl4P-wapleGk_n4a10p_JQ7AolustvaJieS6aZ5o72R1uwx7nZv7TAQTNxwfMmANBMQ0SOsdQ44fzInAf9MEC-PvpJBn4EUJHk5w/w350-h400/1C0EFEF9-55D0-4A59-A530-A5F8EFCD2A96.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This whole experience from start to finish was incredibly surreal and still feels like a dream. Did I seriously run THE Boston Marathon?! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgY8G0-czv8D3tVAHneNKbTzaiN-BDjSI4VWiFh6pFQcEBIS86CbC_bTp69-3lsfyuZJCFWf3Nm_sJJ2GbfTGt2BbZrwVC0KddVJbMU-54eq-b03wz6ggZgPKveQDBuXMaYtWLRj9-eJuwrPhXAi3NpSPnErvqdL7lGffZJZvd5miQyDbfVKxbrnFww/s3184/DB003D6D-2D84-49A2-A159-DE1508533308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3184" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgY8G0-czv8D3tVAHneNKbTzaiN-BDjSI4VWiFh6pFQcEBIS86CbC_bTp69-3lsfyuZJCFWf3Nm_sJJ2GbfTGt2BbZrwVC0KddVJbMU-54eq-b03wz6ggZgPKveQDBuXMaYtWLRj9-eJuwrPhXAi3NpSPnErvqdL7lGffZJZvd5miQyDbfVKxbrnFww/w304-h320/DB003D6D-2D84-49A2-A159-DE1508533308.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having my family and Melissa there to be with me was the icing on the cake. What a ride. What an experience! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A thousand thank you's to Citgo who made this once-in-a-lifetime / can't-believe-it experience happen for me! You guys are the true MVP's!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to everyone who followed along and tracked me/text me/sent encouraging messages along the way! I saw them all and appreciate every single one of you!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div>Check out all the Boston recaps here:</div><div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-1-on-road-to-boston.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">On The Road To Boston</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 2 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-2-traveling-to-boston-expo.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Traveling to Boston and the Boston Marathon Expo</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 3 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-3-touring-boston-pasta-dinner.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Touring Boston & A Pasta Dinner</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 4 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-4-1st-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 1st Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 5 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-5-2nd-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 2nd Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 6 - Post-Race Party & Final Thoughts</span></li></ul></div></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-66020907378644793052022-05-05T07:04:00.002-05:002022-05-09T21:58:45.088-05:00Part 4: The 1st Half of the Boston Marathon<div>On the morning of the Boston Marathon, I woke up around 6 a.m. to get dressed and begin my "readying" process. Since I wasn't set to start running until 11:15 a.m., I had to rethink my ENTIRE normal race day strategy. In a "normal" race situation, I'm almost finished running by that time, and I know how hungry I've been towards the end of my full marathons in the past. A quick calculation told me that I would probably finish running somewhere between 3:45-4:00 p.m. and I didn't want hunger to be my main concern. So, I purchased bagels and peanut butter ahead of time, along with a cliff bar to carry with me on the bus. I also checked the weather and was excited to see that the majority of the day was going to be perfect - sunny and in the high 40's - can't ask for better!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgfkdYxek1eab-lxzgpGF4mu1bUM3YRvCgzbyx1_s_HPO07DAVQ72NwK1VPf4Lya2JlNbuPmaMFGtTeIK0ziXBlhXMTRhjkOmTOgMgx7SjHMmjxdQzJn-AHNUricdmY3NjPUEGh1FFpnP7fb_Z7CmbL_IQmlr4K1C1rVf3lVJEW5w6Etaz14bq0wqdw/s4032/IMG_1334.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgfkdYxek1eab-lxzgpGF4mu1bUM3YRvCgzbyx1_s_HPO07DAVQ72NwK1VPf4Lya2JlNbuPmaMFGtTeIK0ziXBlhXMTRhjkOmTOgMgx7SjHMmjxdQzJn-AHNUricdmY3NjPUEGh1FFpnP7fb_Z7CmbL_IQmlr4K1C1rVf3lVJEW5w6Etaz14bq0wqdw/w300-h400/IMG_1334.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even though I wasn't running until 11:15 a.m., there was still quite a process of getting to the start line. Our team planned to meet in the lobby of our hotel around 8:30 a.m. to begin walking to the bus area. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vHGq-PX23qth1tvL-WmtdCeOh-VXg1Tk9-2-XdrSfS41TouLmvcqfWDLz-s-8cUhuqHrCdNCmspLITmJIaTlWLbOzmvIv9HqEwifb2NuVw9JC_bjg83NxKLp0uJgNiHI1ll0C-dPsf5OAunP1pmldAlTzR8me7UqGUny2EWzeMesXcmLZEQZRAx_xw/s4032/IMG_1341.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vHGq-PX23qth1tvL-WmtdCeOh-VXg1Tk9-2-XdrSfS41TouLmvcqfWDLz-s-8cUhuqHrCdNCmspLITmJIaTlWLbOzmvIv9HqEwifb2NuVw9JC_bjg83NxKLp0uJgNiHI1ll0C-dPsf5OAunP1pmldAlTzR8me7UqGUny2EWzeMesXcmLZEQZRAx_xw/w400-h300/IMG_1341.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As we passed this corner, one of the runners on our team said, "Look! The next time we will be here is when we're making the left on Boylston!" My heart jumped and I knew this spot would be a special one to remember!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqf0cVi1Da3kvrQ7Du-JCf05PvM5-0TvqoFuQwe-l5_crFLMAvtXlv7SvuiD5SNDUINrx7pkAXru3TeqeDBpyy1834fKwbx6nIn42jfIe5PDg2RzcPlSj5vC5Ff2hGimy_3DbU9WhFjcOQP3mcUEhC7TlnzKbrFZh4EWm04IFdKMTjRtKniV279c6ag/s4032/IMG_1349.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqf0cVi1Da3kvrQ7Du-JCf05PvM5-0TvqoFuQwe-l5_crFLMAvtXlv7SvuiD5SNDUINrx7pkAXru3TeqeDBpyy1834fKwbx6nIn42jfIe5PDg2RzcPlSj5vC5Ff2hGimy_3DbU9WhFjcOQP3mcUEhC7TlnzKbrFZh4EWm04IFdKMTjRtKniV279c6ag/w400-h300/IMG_1349.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before long, we approached a set of buses and I thought we'd already made it! Little did I know, these were the "gear check" busses - we still had a long way to go!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXajyTyUJB4eNqovQwiW4hjsFfhJUUAEaVd9PlDPiTS7pi1BA2MQ3lhsNE5zhDujV9gjsy4DK9Ntt06lMHWT1srAH5OjkZWMxYGUWrJWIvf34VhaNhiUqs1XiZP7Q17vdnS5quoUFkkFDuCG5T2-XqEHElK62XCyyjFS72KgufRzPQPqYSqy6OWKvLw/s2049/IMG_0598.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXajyTyUJB4eNqovQwiW4hjsFfhJUUAEaVd9PlDPiTS7pi1BA2MQ3lhsNE5zhDujV9gjsy4DK9Ntt06lMHWT1srAH5OjkZWMxYGUWrJWIvf34VhaNhiUqs1XiZP7Q17vdnS5quoUFkkFDuCG5T2-XqEHElK62XCyyjFS72KgufRzPQPqYSqy6OWKvLw/w300-h400/IMG_0598.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Throughout this entire process, I met so many great people! One of them was a nurse from a hospital in a very close neighboring town. It was great to connect with so many wonderful people I would not have met otherwise!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0PdvLN7fC1hnGi-d4itwM_cAmyYE9IaOwgmATcoHH-347l4shBn4uhCWjaAGebvCj7NpDVLULoWabRJ2Mj2RI0avQ5yNhuBsHZz0jnmBSqUlEytNSXMau-CTWnonE2LB6Os_zwP2Im-gmNJBdIZDs3z0c_n0dLTXVDxhK2_abkh36IEdzSte5BM3wQ/s2049/IMG_0605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0PdvLN7fC1hnGi-d4itwM_cAmyYE9IaOwgmATcoHH-347l4shBn4uhCWjaAGebvCj7NpDVLULoWabRJ2Mj2RI0avQ5yNhuBsHZz0jnmBSqUlEytNSXMau-CTWnonE2LB6Os_zwP2Im-gmNJBdIZDs3z0c_n0dLTXVDxhK2_abkh36IEdzSte5BM3wQ/w400-h300/IMG_0605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After a quick team photo, it was time to line up for the actual buses. Since we were in the last wave of the last corral, we were literally some of the last ones to board these buses. I'm telling you, they have this whole thing down like a well oiled machine. I can't even imagine trying to figure out how to bus 30,000 runners anywhere and they did it just fine!!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0i7et1-36Z_70qATRi_CwVsX6fjk9y3Z70pecxw_wVrS3G29f6Q2VLMPwwLbHw8I3cgWmmoDvl8YoJWDTqUJYm79L--2hWNlZ4ttt_RO9_e6R6GYW1xvQhqGrmOl6DKxEMbep_CcGWDIbXI1HaVC6ebt2zV-pd9oog4y96726eGgYfG2G1NqTk0i4Q/s4032/IMG_1360.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0i7et1-36Z_70qATRi_CwVsX6fjk9y3Z70pecxw_wVrS3G29f6Q2VLMPwwLbHw8I3cgWmmoDvl8YoJWDTqUJYm79L--2hWNlZ4ttt_RO9_e6R6GYW1xvQhqGrmOl6DKxEMbep_CcGWDIbXI1HaVC6ebt2zV-pd9oog4y96726eGgYfG2G1NqTk0i4Q/w400-h300/IMG_1360.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I tell you this bus ride took an hour, I'm not kidding. We didn't get stuck in traffic or anything, the trip literally took an hour. Be prepared for this, and arrive on time to the bus loading area when its your turn if you're running Boston! (Let me clarify also, we were not late - we arrived on time for everything we were instructed to do!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6_fPN86Lrq2nZsiM2621COBLW1GL6ecFWtw6UBkzek0lM6YlQIWI5E8eTnOecV6aDivAy_gZuNa12BWIvVYLWZ7Vbkuj4IfktRirZZ-UI9ldOs_LJy70BjAxvzhO399AnVitoLbL1oNybaUiW7GYZyHnaAHvT2FvqqNmCw2jTMeu4ypZ2OK9EcFZyg/s3088/IMG_1363.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6_fPN86Lrq2nZsiM2621COBLW1GL6ecFWtw6UBkzek0lM6YlQIWI5E8eTnOecV6aDivAy_gZuNa12BWIvVYLWZ7Vbkuj4IfktRirZZ-UI9ldOs_LJy70BjAxvzhO399AnVitoLbL1oNybaUiW7GYZyHnaAHvT2FvqqNmCw2jTMeu4ypZ2OK9EcFZyg/w300-h400/IMG_1363.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After realizing how long of a trip this bus ride would take and calculating out my time, I decided to eat my cliff bar and drink my bottle of water right there on the bus. (Yes, I did wear my mask while chewing.) I'm SO thankful I did because by the time we arrived at the Athlete's Village, we literally had time to potty before it was time to walk to the start line. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCPejvetxNADAgx0884EbSIuf3V1D90ASQMTw0QitbF9f61Aqbfd_KAzRdcLxELhnGTQjZQtU454XCtXmLh_V_59dxqT5i2zsxy5cX5Gn33rS8sRM0_bsGxWWBWjpwJCfi7rnmFnmUhmso-M-OluwfyskA2GwXz6CnrPf3bFBhm_etLlocUm1a2VyPg/s4032/IMG_1373.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCPejvetxNADAgx0884EbSIuf3V1D90ASQMTw0QitbF9f61Aqbfd_KAzRdcLxELhnGTQjZQtU454XCtXmLh_V_59dxqT5i2zsxy5cX5Gn33rS8sRM0_bsGxWWBWjpwJCfi7rnmFnmUhmso-M-OluwfyskA2GwXz6CnrPf3bFBhm_etLlocUm1a2VyPg/w400-h300/IMG_1373.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I do wish I had more time to explore this area. Oh well.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Sc4TMrmkgAQ2KWAydHIlGYjT8HCWVkIkq-kF662OMRNIb4cjrD21ismckgTwPAPc-TU9NG1R4mcrx-wwiyy4yhyQU1_4wUEWmHkxIJuR9cuGXqrXvQDcsqD2RK4NWI-Ch5WZfMlxZYbrTKKZq022bRaVH3VQSgk5BXQTwzL8FAJ3qATT2N84nqm-Jw/s4032/IMG_1376.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Sc4TMrmkgAQ2KWAydHIlGYjT8HCWVkIkq-kF662OMRNIb4cjrD21ismckgTwPAPc-TU9NG1R4mcrx-wwiyy4yhyQU1_4wUEWmHkxIJuR9cuGXqrXvQDcsqD2RK4NWI-Ch5WZfMlxZYbrTKKZq022bRaVH3VQSgk5BXQTwzL8FAJ3qATT2N84nqm-Jw/w300-h400/IMG_1376.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Off we go!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideZCijplfyDN70VxjBpIimXutYUcRCONMMI-FIJHomsVZ5hjlIyeV2DdM9aEfkfkmpUaEpRt7l3kWDtOi3lFEFfOuiZ93JsY0CjKdrG2Ojri1tl0PEKIB3nl0d_2Tck9AXIps1P2soot30zgnZhJHemonylXD10tEparCi3zJa2MD5CdS9sng0SASxA/s4032/IMG_1381.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideZCijplfyDN70VxjBpIimXutYUcRCONMMI-FIJHomsVZ5hjlIyeV2DdM9aEfkfkmpUaEpRt7l3kWDtOi3lFEFfOuiZ93JsY0CjKdrG2Ojri1tl0PEKIB3nl0d_2Tck9AXIps1P2soot30zgnZhJHemonylXD10tEparCi3zJa2MD5CdS9sng0SASxA/w400-h300/IMG_1381.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The red, white, and blue bibs were for runners who qualified with a time. The yellow bibs were the "fun" corral as the DJ called us! (Charity runners and Invitees)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26zBqq5_D4weeFR5mkRAySyXAZ7cS22JZ1tm6khDlS6bGd_kHe50M1T-tYRx4d6V8ToqyDQaHL1V1nlR3jOC9qe8k4BFo45oRP1qFL1zbLD2XSgXZwSxm5YfMzJD8SlByR_sVaVp1Knefb-AEmxz11yVyclokQfvVtEyOUgeTX6eUoOmO2463917BVA/s4032/IMG_1386.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26zBqq5_D4weeFR5mkRAySyXAZ7cS22JZ1tm6khDlS6bGd_kHe50M1T-tYRx4d6V8ToqyDQaHL1V1nlR3jOC9qe8k4BFo45oRP1qFL1zbLD2XSgXZwSxm5YfMzJD8SlByR_sVaVp1Knefb-AEmxz11yVyclokQfvVtEyOUgeTX6eUoOmO2463917BVA/w400-h300/IMG_1386.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To the start line!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLArsI1Tkfv2DeiCWCuKzzWjfGJEqiqH0L4oyvo2G47yDKKZxvDfVXo3q4PWt8YO0u5yHIF8OvuRUbyUCsCUlLIhl560yeUt0k8eA1fW_yoxDZPwyo7G3-eh3lPUA9oG6pcVzo0fH5TPqQAX1H0hFPoUU5KseGcLDn9jU_EUiJnJyzPC7btaNVIFc7w/s4032/IMG_1391.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLArsI1Tkfv2DeiCWCuKzzWjfGJEqiqH0L4oyvo2G47yDKKZxvDfVXo3q4PWt8YO0u5yHIF8OvuRUbyUCsCUlLIhl560yeUt0k8eA1fW_yoxDZPwyo7G3-eh3lPUA9oG6pcVzo0fH5TPqQAX1H0hFPoUU5KseGcLDn9jU_EUiJnJyzPC7btaNVIFc7w/w400-h300/IMG_1391.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The walk to the corrals was quite a journey, too! It was about a 0.7 mile walk which totally gave me runDisney vibes! :) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1VGMhFn0COylIGUgES4hQweIkKJWZ37dgRFo_ldUPd7VWtRVHtN14tQ2zoydhe3OM19jLM47VNtswpazDMZjm95mxKdEgLg-rUdpBLqihx34zKic-ZnAptHiZB8pLWcgEcDzWCqqfuH_jTkcmaIJ9b7ZvJUZKnLnUCBWPlsWSJfs1Lm6J_634RzLVQ/s4032/IMG_1401.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1VGMhFn0COylIGUgES4hQweIkKJWZ37dgRFo_ldUPd7VWtRVHtN14tQ2zoydhe3OM19jLM47VNtswpazDMZjm95mxKdEgLg-rUdpBLqihx34zKic-ZnAptHiZB8pLWcgEcDzWCqqfuH_jTkcmaIJ9b7ZvJUZKnLnUCBWPlsWSJfs1Lm6J_634RzLVQ/w400-h300/IMG_1401.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"There's only one Boston. And it all starts right here." Chills.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIxJZisPpILzy5KCbdRgt9nWAd90YahLUuh2TKY3JIFcf_8_AssiXilYmQiD00ypUKsri7R5UBXBzTCWUXeRPX62rziCdujGCXiR-RXCU0LUAl4NCDxRA31dUTiGZsTPKiWLg4gZin_IHaUgNR53LehPsNxpdlJUujNZLkyWXGcJn67cZOZ3S60TWGQ/s3088/IMG_1406.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIxJZisPpILzy5KCbdRgt9nWAd90YahLUuh2TKY3JIFcf_8_AssiXilYmQiD00ypUKsri7R5UBXBzTCWUXeRPX62rziCdujGCXiR-RXCU0LUAl4NCDxRA31dUTiGZsTPKiWLg4gZin_IHaUgNR53LehPsNxpdlJUujNZLkyWXGcJn67cZOZ3S60TWGQ/w300-h400/IMG_1406.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another friend I met along the way! She's from Houston which is about two hours down the road. There's just something about marathon friends - you share a bond of this crazy experience that's unlike any other!</div><div><br /></div><div>While waiting for our turn to run, I looked up and spotted two armed guards on top of one of the buildings. I text Jason, "Toto, we're not in Disney anymore..." When you think about all of the pieces and parts it takes to put on a race of this magnitude, keep everyone safe, and bus all of the runners to the correct place, it's truly mind blowing! And they seriously do a fantastic job!! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC7-ys0aXb4S4M-0KeHKvHXppKllPLllUdq8BTuF0jHfzF8Z-ssCS-ANgrAV3TA1HpNYsHYwBuevH6Bpx45Fxv1792NWIQyMSndqlbzEDSRYPnER7Te2kfLsaI6fJ5IftII6FuvGcin5riko6mkLgEBpmf0dBpYk16RexaxqhNmdSKlLwia4gAMZEEw/s4032/IMG_1411.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoC7-ys0aXb4S4M-0KeHKvHXppKllPLllUdq8BTuF0jHfzF8Z-ssCS-ANgrAV3TA1HpNYsHYwBuevH6Bpx45Fxv1792NWIQyMSndqlbzEDSRYPnER7Te2kfLsaI6fJ5IftII6FuvGcin5riko6mkLgEBpmf0dBpYk16RexaxqhNmdSKlLwia4gAMZEEw/w400-h300/IMG_1411.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With that, we were off! You see those two yellow triangles in the air? That's the start line!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi499OmPNnwAuVIVQItoIkXs615sHMZYo4kgdtjIr7e_27POjB6B-Ud6einqsqJ6P98MzzjsF74ZhjLQLMbr7eTSWST5qBcD2ZrOXeHtol3artdalOhGUntLn0g_qEdFNxkPgzIqbqyaUhrs-ZSYJ4bvJ7FpJBFYzym6c3ewXc6GBUMc9unzCrKnDrEzw/s4032/IMG_1415.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi499OmPNnwAuVIVQItoIkXs615sHMZYo4kgdtjIr7e_27POjB6B-Ud6einqsqJ6P98MzzjsF74ZhjLQLMbr7eTSWST5qBcD2ZrOXeHtol3artdalOhGUntLn0g_qEdFNxkPgzIqbqyaUhrs-ZSYJ4bvJ7FpJBFYzym6c3ewXc6GBUMc9unzCrKnDrEzw/w400-h300/IMG_1415.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The literal "sea" of runners was mind boggling! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG0m_WQqNzrIRVBcZAShg-H2TSWtuqDPUkG0knL3bxDNJ25iGJWjapiC4UWIWn36r7HUeGztYToLDQ7_SW1DczMrYq9L1va18RNZu4JF24MFXNEdMMVb0mZHViIJ17Tk2CS2Hwzb7WDBPiPhiAd6Nrw86yLw59zwjNF9Fqp8YTbZTYa7dtxieFUexjA/s3088/IMG_1421.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG0m_WQqNzrIRVBcZAShg-H2TSWtuqDPUkG0knL3bxDNJ25iGJWjapiC4UWIWn36r7HUeGztYToLDQ7_SW1DczMrYq9L1va18RNZu4JF24MFXNEdMMVb0mZHViIJ17Tk2CS2Hwzb7WDBPiPhiAd6Nrw86yLw59zwjNF9Fqp8YTbZTYa7dtxieFUexjA/w300-h400/IMG_1421.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The first half of this race was pure fun for me. I was running Boston and living it UP! I stopped for every "character" interaction I saw because many of them made me laugh - especially this one!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIyVgTKuBmZ3HsXAXgXyVnW2NhEDdAd4kOckuKtK9EtC1TOxeW93y9YnpUHpG6pNLf9GKkNXfROSUnh9b6VZDCs1KFh10AZKzyvAmJbfmKo0hKerKJ3Hdzdzuwo77s3BUApn-BtaK6Ut1nqJBWAaRSWGtrH_pFd530f6iJyXQMeVavxAc5imvovpM7Q/s4032/IMG_1426.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIyVgTKuBmZ3HsXAXgXyVnW2NhEDdAd4kOckuKtK9EtC1TOxeW93y9YnpUHpG6pNLf9GKkNXfROSUnh9b6VZDCs1KFh10AZKzyvAmJbfmKo0hKerKJ3Hdzdzuwo77s3BUApn-BtaK6Ut1nqJBWAaRSWGtrH_pFd530f6iJyXQMeVavxAc5imvovpM7Q/w300-h400/IMG_1426.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Before long we were at mile 2 and the miles started flying by. I was still in with that giant "pack" of runners and felt great!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvthDpMOu2rwCjswYce6OuX5RdWOPs3aW7qi8I2cCziR7vheM--T2_u1RILb__EJqzqk08FoOO8B4Bd5fH0GUcZpoSl-1FA04tocDT0zr9FCWPFSraD5I3T37vy9p2lqgel_fzU1Ingww5mcttWNTw89fFSLGwEmImCUS3N5zVjf5zymMsog8s-pV1Q/s4032/IMG_1432.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvthDpMOu2rwCjswYce6OuX5RdWOPs3aW7qi8I2cCziR7vheM--T2_u1RILb__EJqzqk08FoOO8B4Bd5fH0GUcZpoSl-1FA04tocDT0zr9FCWPFSraD5I3T37vy9p2lqgel_fzU1Ingww5mcttWNTw89fFSLGwEmImCUS3N5zVjf5zymMsog8s-pV1Q/w300-h400/IMG_1432.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Along the way, I saw a line of people and knew I had to stop before I even saw what was up ahead. If runners at Boston were willing to stop for a photo-op, I knew it had to be important. runDisney runs in my blood after all! :) </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9aPkLRLTXohZUWp89Naxl_yKgK1I8FkGn1U_VT67PxDXAKgcg6mxPeq_SFd4FSOY0jEntZ8nArHEuYLRa2VRC-O3aBigeyELolQE6QvbOy5Mr5mmV9p0YZNzlgHBj1lLQMp5WeClVukgQqTibFzCIHUZff8vTJ7_XkaVYIrruV4QyopaWoJO-y9Qzg/s4032/IMG_1441.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9aPkLRLTXohZUWp89Naxl_yKgK1I8FkGn1U_VT67PxDXAKgcg6mxPeq_SFd4FSOY0jEntZ8nArHEuYLRa2VRC-O3aBigeyELolQE6QvbOy5Mr5mmV9p0YZNzlgHBj1lLQMp5WeClVukgQqTibFzCIHUZff8vTJ7_XkaVYIrruV4QyopaWoJO-y9Qzg/w400-h300/IMG_1441.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Once I jumped in line, I heard excited whispers "It's Spencer!" "You can't miss Spencer!" "I HAD to stop for Spencer!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Who is Spencer? He's the precious therapy dog who has cheered on runners of this race for several years (including the rainy 2018 where he stood in a rain jacket). He's also a cancer fighter and was named as the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon. So yes, I knew I had to stay in this line to see Spencer and couldn't miss the opportunity!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiie1fDcafw8WcJ_qoK-FLgk5HqU-ZF92coLMySLR66pzSmSXerZTCCTqs9dMKf7FsXDEpAo-6IZ1vLh6MOrmRVvfGlCJN0QLL8HO_U2UaguKozopSdCNUz8KgCQCSz_XgaM-x9bFRVgeZQbpQTPcJhq5E0Z7DYjjmc-rEVK3_ZQ3U4xgARIujFLzqSTA/s4032/IMG_1447.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiie1fDcafw8WcJ_qoK-FLgk5HqU-ZF92coLMySLR66pzSmSXerZTCCTqs9dMKf7FsXDEpAo-6IZ1vLh6MOrmRVvfGlCJN0QLL8HO_U2UaguKozopSdCNUz8KgCQCSz_XgaM-x9bFRVgeZQbpQTPcJhq5E0Z7DYjjmc-rEVK3_ZQ3U4xgARIujFLzqSTA/w300-h400/IMG_1447.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After leaving Spencer's line, I realized that the "sea" of runners had left me and I kind of started to panic. So, I sped up my pace a tad bit to catch up to them. Finishing Boston was very important to me and I was seriously panicked about the lack of people around me! I knew 2 minutes of seeing Spencer didn't make that huge of a difference but I'd never run this course before and you know how crazy thoughts can take over if we let them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2hIJz8H677pyniMpJlWYk_OfADlCEr55_Nx8cDer8SQEaJxmZCP_rUeYIYyiyQbD2S-_gYQRZGaxSlfDj-As-FUtYW3bu8_GUEysDGTxVy0rBi9yvVGS_aOfuc9Wyn7RVXGsq4yT8o85xh1ge450phETC6LeV13UfKe3qVxZUqFJMnh_-lAQYhSGWg/s3088/67199019678__2DCB668D-BD0F-4695-9411-FBE22FD183BF.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2hIJz8H677pyniMpJlWYk_OfADlCEr55_Nx8cDer8SQEaJxmZCP_rUeYIYyiyQbD2S-_gYQRZGaxSlfDj-As-FUtYW3bu8_GUEysDGTxVy0rBi9yvVGS_aOfuc9Wyn7RVXGsq4yT8o85xh1ge450phETC6LeV13UfKe3qVxZUqFJMnh_-lAQYhSGWg/s320/67199019678__2DCB668D-BD0F-4695-9411-FBE22FD183BF.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>It wasn't long before I mostly caught back up to the tail end of the big group and felt like I could breathe a sigh of relief. Our local news reporter who was doing a story on my experience also text me to see how I was doing, so I sent her this photo!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-gJ_webSuuleFV7rFJOvqOaqI_QOT7HKXhP_rGHalxA09Ow3-bks4lfD_gnAB5ihGfRiiprd9IUaClBRSVh0iyEEUTeOYf_8GPMrpKBCtdGwsnsiklbIQdieHCPrKg3PaHWzXs2bbJ5JW2nJDfaDkeU3ry7rTb7TLJP0zWj_EsjEZUXAAFkiCcJgpw/s4032/IMG_1451.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-gJ_webSuuleFV7rFJOvqOaqI_QOT7HKXhP_rGHalxA09Ow3-bks4lfD_gnAB5ihGfRiiprd9IUaClBRSVh0iyEEUTeOYf_8GPMrpKBCtdGwsnsiklbIQdieHCPrKg3PaHWzXs2bbJ5JW2nJDfaDkeU3ry7rTb7TLJP0zWj_EsjEZUXAAFkiCcJgpw/w400-h300/IMG_1451.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As the miles ticked away, so did the towns across Boston. There was SO many things to see, I never even needed the use of my headphones. This whole experience was just mind blowing!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitD7ltBbsLEdrC7Am3TuoLGEQLBMlxO-QkBhWWSUb-Kgnuq20BE6dby-0lZek2m9jBVdSLJFNvEBm-OrYo5ruLfnNPd06tX5j1cOxfXWLt4L2B5nH9yDYhPUWF0sb1N28_hoynJ9NCY2sA5-bu-4Sv2WHrgJEVbCNLy415oQZpu3P5zrhMHH80-GXO1g/s4032/IMG_1454.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitD7ltBbsLEdrC7Am3TuoLGEQLBMlxO-QkBhWWSUb-Kgnuq20BE6dby-0lZek2m9jBVdSLJFNvEBm-OrYo5ruLfnNPd06tX5j1cOxfXWLt4L2B5nH9yDYhPUWF0sb1N28_hoynJ9NCY2sA5-bu-4Sv2WHrgJEVbCNLy415oQZpu3P5zrhMHH80-GXO1g/w300-h400/IMG_1454.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I loved seeing the course support from everyone in the neighboring towns! They had outdoor front yard parties, signs, fun jumps, obstacle courses, food tables, cowbells, costumes, you name it! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICpjnLVvBFP3Misv_yvc9guGeGDWpa1-fDWXA4ZRVfySgDvSnice_iZTV0McpEQD3YIkUnGvU8jHrLdO2lDSVHiFhC0zTjf5eAHLWlFjqNPU4k3DOog6oEWDmq_Iiked7Lj1mHduLXt8fhVsLjEhNzEn9EyxNXtID1qd3NJcnTPVtuqR6-flSW5dB_A/s4032/IMG_1456.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICpjnLVvBFP3Misv_yvc9guGeGDWpa1-fDWXA4ZRVfySgDvSnice_iZTV0McpEQD3YIkUnGvU8jHrLdO2lDSVHiFhC0zTjf5eAHLWlFjqNPU4k3DOog6oEWDmq_Iiked7Lj1mHduLXt8fhVsLjEhNzEn9EyxNXtID1qd3NJcnTPVtuqR6-flSW5dB_A/w400-h300/IMG_1456.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There were also signs everywhere along the course, to let runners know when they'd made it to the next town.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7_nMYUW3mzyqB-clpmCawLhUUsu081lMLVzW3lrZ09TPoAZW8_5d6Dof2BV0X5vk8yBBN0r3UPS-quJVX72AYffa5DefonSgiSBVhret5iZ4Si0fN5sigy3S6qdI2BEMUBqkJMPb8visZvWT9MFIQNblEK66-6o2LGjn3gKhEGMAT5MmE3tSclQtFQ/s3088/IMG_1459.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7_nMYUW3mzyqB-clpmCawLhUUsu081lMLVzW3lrZ09TPoAZW8_5d6Dof2BV0X5vk8yBBN0r3UPS-quJVX72AYffa5DefonSgiSBVhret5iZ4Si0fN5sigy3S6qdI2BEMUBqkJMPb8visZvWT9MFIQNblEK66-6o2LGjn3gKhEGMAT5MmE3tSclQtFQ/w300-h400/IMG_1459.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>SANTA! I couldn't pass up this opportunity!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISZQQjP3IvoCer1Z-ME_Npc9V693kPupJduuJadFcElyadKjaDUcWhNxX0G70rSzVcpkhSF6cbo11STxosDaCuGyoKYV2bFpTv0MKSr9PVUXhxqm3PclVKZ9z9VbSfWLfQCZrepITY_xbiolJ79Iw3xp5JSPuTrS34wMW_WoQAKr5YQEIz2R521Sj9Q/s3088/IMG_1463.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISZQQjP3IvoCer1Z-ME_Npc9V693kPupJduuJadFcElyadKjaDUcWhNxX0G70rSzVcpkhSF6cbo11STxosDaCuGyoKYV2bFpTv0MKSr9PVUXhxqm3PclVKZ9z9VbSfWLfQCZrepITY_xbiolJ79Iw3xp5JSPuTrS34wMW_WoQAKr5YQEIz2R521Sj9Q/w300-h400/IMG_1463.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Y'all know those internet strangers who don't seem like strangers at all? My friend Mel and I had been messaging throughout the weekend and told me she would be around mile 8 on the course. I knew I HAD to say hi, so we found each other! I loved loved loved seeing familiar faces out there on the course!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALl34ADHg76W9hxi_qaeH8aaNt8H2Hn2GaWVf4ezqgwdbEIpQwzpuxniiltjnWGSNn9VLWxe7ymaJd9EvfKqadlJPpUbHIw2J46fF3SW4fzZm2EDPG6ujZfic2W7dbrthNc5Eg8f5e1-BM1SlnI9S3vPakAoVkLnaEgXxqZhNjC9kCYAEEFbHMCUCqQ/s4032/IMG_1464.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALl34ADHg76W9hxi_qaeH8aaNt8H2Hn2GaWVf4ezqgwdbEIpQwzpuxniiltjnWGSNn9VLWxe7ymaJd9EvfKqadlJPpUbHIw2J46fF3SW4fzZm2EDPG6ujZfic2W7dbrthNc5Eg8f5e1-BM1SlnI9S3vPakAoVkLnaEgXxqZhNjC9kCYAEEFbHMCUCqQ/w400-h300/IMG_1464.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Oddly enough, I had a few people say they cheered for me, but the crazy thing is there was a girl named Karen running right beside me with her name on her shirt...so, when I heard "Go Karen!" I assumed most people were cheering for her! If you spotted me and cheered, I'm sorry I missed you and I appreciate your support so so very much!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zKa64Of12KVIOE_E3Vlwwy8Dz9CiFV9DfFxwJrZQTcABRGE4zu0fQMcNV44m3fvHt43MZKJGasGHMog9Yai8c1jAdp7RKIvgUOaiOP1pLhIwepUbzjXnqK7iE4RrjOzcWU4AOaAJfJQMQbhpFdHSR7EsFHfIMvanO1yNbTEPNjTyuA8GgUAhB4T30g/s4032/IMG_1467.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zKa64Of12KVIOE_E3Vlwwy8Dz9CiFV9DfFxwJrZQTcABRGE4zu0fQMcNV44m3fvHt43MZKJGasGHMog9Yai8c1jAdp7RKIvgUOaiOP1pLhIwepUbzjXnqK7iE4RrjOzcWU4AOaAJfJQMQbhpFdHSR7EsFHfIMvanO1yNbTEPNjTyuA8GgUAhB4T30g/w400-h300/IMG_1467.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"The Citgo Sign" was something everyone talked about towards the end of the race. Just a mile to go after that! Of course running with Team Citgo, I had to snap a photo of these yard decorations!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzKxTcWJGSHTjettxVQwkn0ZFz8hZPWflD8u04pLHCoJInHF6zF2eY2-RUnU4ivOtBpJdtD6NEP8fDy6ILYo3JfN4UYJfQV6WI6l58E7DgHl7ry2nKRsP5YLtcrHYLHTOC6nHeO7N-G1eweZr95h-cpnFhUHMSpvXjKEflGBtAIHIyMrq65lURGJ6Bw/s4032/IMG_1473.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzKxTcWJGSHTjettxVQwkn0ZFz8hZPWflD8u04pLHCoJInHF6zF2eY2-RUnU4ivOtBpJdtD6NEP8fDy6ILYo3JfN4UYJfQV6WI6l58E7DgHl7ry2nKRsP5YLtcrHYLHTOC6nHeO7N-G1eweZr95h-cpnFhUHMSpvXjKEflGBtAIHIyMrq65lURGJ6Bw/w300-h400/IMG_1473.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I just love the spirit here!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlK4zwDn8WeCXNYdi1iFRUIIwVPp-rACTMLOI_udsHJtxW-02rlCnJvabOyyYFMcvyEIsX3kk-9K_uyXIwfVbGgFBd5LqHKxsoc74C2f1zpXu4ftILMvpahZu0u9tHLUoI379oc8Q7OrLegdxUV1pHJz0sjNhsy7h8eDYtojYWnZVkopKzYjzNb11lA/s4032/IMG_1475.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlK4zwDn8WeCXNYdi1iFRUIIwVPp-rACTMLOI_udsHJtxW-02rlCnJvabOyyYFMcvyEIsX3kk-9K_uyXIwfVbGgFBd5LqHKxsoc74C2f1zpXu4ftILMvpahZu0u9tHLUoI379oc8Q7OrLegdxUV1pHJz0sjNhsy7h8eDYtojYWnZVkopKzYjzNb11lA/w400-h300/IMG_1475.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As you can see, the crowd started to thin out here. Around mile 10, I started randomly cramping in my hamstrings and although I didn't have any salt packets on me, I spotted an official tent with a product called "hot shots". They were handing these out to runners during the race and I snagged one. Initially, I was going to hold on to it just incase, but the cramping was getting worse and I didn't want to crash and burn before even reaching the halfway point, so I took it. The whole selling point of the hot shot was to help with cramping, and it worked - but it made my stomach feel as if it was on the verge of nausea. I'm glad I took it, but I honestly wish I'd remembered salt tabs instead. Oh well! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also up to this point, I'd taken two GU packets. After the hot shot, I couldn't even think about GU, so I went the remainder of the marathon without any. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Db_7Q-PEe6OczdOvWKsDbOX4enQ6qSLKNHD1f8tFHaMPlgnZ8K-hOpEBD85-1UZDXrSfYshrjwOWeJ62Sf9ZSeeOe8KEfLyISlvGcNiERS-VabpJS47RMA8012iZQXLd-zCqSVDsfcE8psLNKvURkbcnKxYKwdF-_bIWTv-IcyRbmmlUtRNj9_yFxA/s4032/IMG_1477.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Db_7Q-PEe6OczdOvWKsDbOX4enQ6qSLKNHD1f8tFHaMPlgnZ8K-hOpEBD85-1UZDXrSfYshrjwOWeJ62Sf9ZSeeOe8KEfLyISlvGcNiERS-VabpJS47RMA8012iZQXLd-zCqSVDsfcE8psLNKvURkbcnKxYKwdF-_bIWTv-IcyRbmmlUtRNj9_yFxA/w300-h400/IMG_1477.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I loved how the mile markers are an official part of the painting in the roadways!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHfcKLX3_Q9fmRP3CSiaj1O7pYtBvPRYviPy9_oten4lzCHAiAWZg4bAjTX1xCOK2lvevKG7lBax_7ochmxOCnKex83x2vypKXCQrtkeCwcO2L8FJf-WIT8YKvfoAYU5SoJHr1kqydDM0fjP9yzOK-fUf4aswfHagzUTmejdEp3UMZ-ue9_7mEbfHpA/s3088/IMG_1478.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHfcKLX3_Q9fmRP3CSiaj1O7pYtBvPRYviPy9_oten4lzCHAiAWZg4bAjTX1xCOK2lvevKG7lBax_7ochmxOCnKex83x2vypKXCQrtkeCwcO2L8FJf-WIT8YKvfoAYU5SoJHr1kqydDM0fjP9yzOK-fUf4aswfHagzUTmejdEp3UMZ-ue9_7mEbfHpA/w300-h400/IMG_1478.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By this point, things were starting to hurt. I wasn't doing a consistent run/walk/run just yet, but I knew I'd have to turn to that soon. Here, I was able to run to each water stop, then walk the water stop. I had just enough energy to get to the next one each time!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPXJ-fzIGIrCDgw3mjZN5sPuj0bM7DOew5ct6H9MFm9BlJ1SNnvceebVzCwsEQqtg7Q2SG1EviOhPohHAzvVVTe6m1SEQzSdb4xMH2xa42SGttc9IBIWnPfH6EsdTwpgLdiFxFD2yqt6lohSjZMy2vXyPzl6biVH6dzP0zaVTeTa0MiTLzhDittt4Ag/s4032/IMG_1480.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPXJ-fzIGIrCDgw3mjZN5sPuj0bM7DOew5ct6H9MFm9BlJ1SNnvceebVzCwsEQqtg7Q2SG1EviOhPohHAzvVVTe6m1SEQzSdb4xMH2xa42SGttc9IBIWnPfH6EsdTwpgLdiFxFD2yqt6lohSjZMy2vXyPzl6biVH6dzP0zaVTeTa0MiTLzhDittt4Ag/w400-h300/IMG_1480.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One thing that made me giggle was the stickiness of the roads at the gatorade stops. With so many runners ahead, the roads were incredibly sticky and my shoes made noises as we ran over it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUNKt7YvGBqCD7mvlys2qjY0maONypyo9lUWAuoLgt9JjNu5WXQ_2uAXAdwAX1l3VCdghqbPs-94xSYjXDMbONZXftNU4ytS2ucX2RuEH8V19P4vLRi3_L9BRzrGPgwjeZANNwb_1RIFaAjLpcfuQJd31zbcX1bQxnM6SYdA5xyW_hLfAWGMzu9bJ9A/s3088/IMG_1488.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUNKt7YvGBqCD7mvlys2qjY0maONypyo9lUWAuoLgt9JjNu5WXQ_2uAXAdwAX1l3VCdghqbPs-94xSYjXDMbONZXftNU4ytS2ucX2RuEH8V19P4vLRi3_L9BRzrGPgwjeZANNwb_1RIFaAjLpcfuQJd31zbcX1bQxnM6SYdA5xyW_hLfAWGMzu9bJ9A/w300-h400/IMG_1488.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Hello mile 12, my trusty old friend!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4-3tg62Er7_zlobmTsnHOzFGgsSZTojE0exyGce_d7A6YOokRNJ7cYywoSS5AAsEzsSqi9c4rjXOoWHLoi5cN9Ph0CleQpL_fEQksS81lXJgARygK0nZt7gmBMO4er43OnlvWW8Crptg1Hjts69sq85ik4PBTNclQDkpS7N-b-Ufhl9gmCmKBDlP1A/s4032/IMG_1493.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4-3tg62Er7_zlobmTsnHOzFGgsSZTojE0exyGce_d7A6YOokRNJ7cYywoSS5AAsEzsSqi9c4rjXOoWHLoi5cN9Ph0CleQpL_fEQksS81lXJgARygK0nZt7gmBMO4er43OnlvWW8Crptg1Hjts69sq85ik4PBTNclQDkpS7N-b-Ufhl9gmCmKBDlP1A/w300-h400/IMG_1493.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The scream tunnel in Wellesley was INSANE! I thought it was an actual tunnel but no - with trees on the left side of the road and about a half mile of screaming women behind parade grates on the other side of the road, it formed a literal "tunnel". My ears were ringing after we made it through! Such a cool experience!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJb73dWjSaH-t9SGQF1j4z3_AMDiu_eSy_xCVEabbPy8A-SLqVzRXz-B8bNKd6gfWP04f4XcSQ1h5WQ0hX1x7MRpsebUTMdL9mgSyi98c2rjGRhJqvjjKjR0VEzvIbJDP3rHs0QeXK8tm0i6kL7tZi3Qb2bAEDmrLEFfH4rfPoTiNXTQEjyUMnbTm7w/s4032/IMG_1494.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJb73dWjSaH-t9SGQF1j4z3_AMDiu_eSy_xCVEabbPy8A-SLqVzRXz-B8bNKd6gfWP04f4XcSQ1h5WQ0hX1x7MRpsebUTMdL9mgSyi98c2rjGRhJqvjjKjR0VEzvIbJDP3rHs0QeXK8tm0i6kL7tZi3Qb2bAEDmrLEFfH4rfPoTiNXTQEjyUMnbTm7w/w400-h300/IMG_1494.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Half way there, another 13.1 to go! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for the second half of my incredible Boston Marathon experience!</span></b></div><br /></div><div><div>Check out all the Boston recaps here:</div><div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-1-on-road-to-boston.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">On The Road To Boston</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 2 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-2-traveling-to-boston-expo.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Traveling to Boston and the Boston Marathon Expo</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 3 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-3-touring-boston-pasta-dinner.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Touring Boston & A Pasta Dinner</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 4 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-4-1st-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 1st Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 5 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-5-2nd-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 2nd Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 6 - Post-Race Party & Final Thoughts</span></li></ul></div></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-79785110472208703412022-04-29T04:00:00.002-05:002022-05-09T21:58:15.831-05:00Part 3: Touring Boston & A Pasta Dinner<div>We spent Easter Sunday in Boston (and thankfully, the Easter Bunny visited us back at home a few days before). Our morning began with a Team Citgo breakfast where we ate, introduced ourselves, and visited with our teammates. It was a really great way to start out the day!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAE7G4Of2bnyzc1WG40WuMtWyN_ZFM4-XLe4hhZQ4JusC0F6ZxMCvckCzSuzFFfqiJ0rfKv3lNKC8C-FeDoM0rlW871Po92Kg3B1F42dbD4RqZ9vTPaCvOwyRDx0B3l-jR68qYUFkgaxHNZ-JztiQrUgSVJC7JlyUe3EBM_-iCy2aa36VwRjQ9DD9nwA/s4032/IMG_1082.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAE7G4Of2bnyzc1WG40WuMtWyN_ZFM4-XLe4hhZQ4JusC0F6ZxMCvckCzSuzFFfqiJ0rfKv3lNKC8C-FeDoM0rlW871Po92Kg3B1F42dbD4RqZ9vTPaCvOwyRDx0B3l-jR68qYUFkgaxHNZ-JztiQrUgSVJC7JlyUe3EBM_-iCy2aa36VwRjQ9DD9nwA/w300-h400/IMG_1082.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After breakfast, we walked over to the finish line area for team photos!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu58n-91_AfX70mUyoQ_2v5hZULQOo2tT_mPESk18CJWRiPBsoGVrYb68NGQUSt_VCKJy0e-IzuldxH5tzaeNioB1j0hrn1CY5hfdd35TQtM55yD8Crz_-_hvE8HoZhzORJE1QmC2kdiHHX1xGR6pH0GZu4OTMTVoNvbNo8jLFNKmUrQf5UYhW6iAFw/s4032/IMG_1101.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu58n-91_AfX70mUyoQ_2v5hZULQOo2tT_mPESk18CJWRiPBsoGVrYb68NGQUSt_VCKJy0e-IzuldxH5tzaeNioB1j0hrn1CY5hfdd35TQtM55yD8Crz_-_hvE8HoZhzORJE1QmC2kdiHHX1xGR6pH0GZu4OTMTVoNvbNo8jLFNKmUrQf5UYhW6iAFw/w400-h300/IMG_1101.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our Lake Charles team members!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PjU92s47rYVFj5ME0OpSgq_fNRe6wpFQoeM5ny7jKk5yMCH5qZcgY4mtgBAeJLtz72MzILkiyP_2IPenigsGGX3PSngWucealGqMiC1kEgBNSnGzgG9OX3oCYiE56lm3jBpQ2pXpTcHS_E8pkVqzH2uavYzntuPf3vgGdmhMabRUtv4z53mvjPGJfA/s4032/IMG_1110.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PjU92s47rYVFj5ME0OpSgq_fNRe6wpFQoeM5ny7jKk5yMCH5qZcgY4mtgBAeJLtz72MzILkiyP_2IPenigsGGX3PSngWucealGqMiC1kEgBNSnGzgG9OX3oCYiE56lm3jBpQ2pXpTcHS_E8pkVqzH2uavYzntuPf3vgGdmhMabRUtv4z53mvjPGJfA/w400-h300/IMG_1110.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Shortly thereafter, we said goodbye to our teammates and continued with our day. We attempted to visit the church located at the finish line for a blessing of the runners, but there were very few seats and we couldn't find a spot to sit together. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuxzm-rsJLrw88ydXcR0rpSNULh2oJU0_wd7ubwBmuzN8sILOrjZDJ3tNuRhZSmxc4wI-QKPuR6c0jTcp7zfLSqKzgBzv4l6_VxTfCEGFg1jGJbdsexFRlH_LaQ1N-0ICWHSgtNTkP0OH0FXvdUCbrUlcuLPpNkYKkLds88mXpCRQcoxQQv8_QrnI6g/s4032/IMG_1125.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuxzm-rsJLrw88ydXcR0rpSNULh2oJU0_wd7ubwBmuzN8sILOrjZDJ3tNuRhZSmxc4wI-QKPuR6c0jTcp7zfLSqKzgBzv4l6_VxTfCEGFg1jGJbdsexFRlH_LaQ1N-0ICWHSgtNTkP0OH0FXvdUCbrUlcuLPpNkYKkLds88mXpCRQcoxQQv8_QrnI6g/w400-h300/IMG_1125.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Instead, we walked around the finish line area, taking photos and visiting various pop-up shops along the way. I just loved the atmosphere here. Everyone was truly excited and you could feel it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL8D21pnjneMXiZnOaXJnsqYte7ZrBy_7l6NzER1_5Md1KVQmFXx4_1zHNYQpbAglg29QkgiPROP4-dHGuOU8KdSGm5TtgUzZSRbJb3GT6Rleeo2cS44OjizO-UhZseeuG7w5FbXJQcjRshwbSkOtcX944UGIdY3CALfzpaNULMP35D2FnsSrw2JTwg/s4032/IMG_1130.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL8D21pnjneMXiZnOaXJnsqYte7ZrBy_7l6NzER1_5Md1KVQmFXx4_1zHNYQpbAglg29QkgiPROP4-dHGuOU8KdSGm5TtgUzZSRbJb3GT6Rleeo2cS44OjizO-UhZseeuG7w5FbXJQcjRshwbSkOtcX944UGIdY3CALfzpaNULMP35D2FnsSrw2JTwg/w300-h400/IMG_1130.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also made it a point to visit the Boston Marathon memorial where two individuals tragically lost their lives in 2013. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCJlMMrAH0vzXMyGTgovo90qTESzajfr3AhWTWGrv2sbbUjejeWhuGIYvMdcngZdmPTCSjfa0nyPVUZxAr1-QhRPhxAvNa0Z3j9NxW2AaiqoLf55zNr0QnnTrpAJhigiw5-LqIxLOboRmRJKmn4wIm24Iw8eWEgQpEol6h31C_ZH3w1Im3hVpWpHRSg/s4032/IMG_1132.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCJlMMrAH0vzXMyGTgovo90qTESzajfr3AhWTWGrv2sbbUjejeWhuGIYvMdcngZdmPTCSjfa0nyPVUZxAr1-QhRPhxAvNa0Z3j9NxW2AaiqoLf55zNr0QnnTrpAJhigiw5-LqIxLOboRmRJKmn4wIm24Iw8eWEgQpEol6h31C_ZH3w1Im3hVpWpHRSg/w300-h400/IMG_1132.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The memorial itself is a beautiful tribute!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL97ekMLcbHJwsPhl7MKy22ocexBMFNAVhpIfMv5sremDkZ-x4eLG8vv_wyFut2DHmmOhkXIg-nprIbmcz4usL_rxuYxsGdj-K0tk0QZU3dvYhF-KGOK8BWDW3HocmrBy18PTArsJzinqsZ1Yweu8ihwdw4xpZndtAL34--7yJuI70GwdeTyZiXjBERA/s2282/8742C85E-43EB-4DA1-BDBA-F1403A88889E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2282" data-original-width="1284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL97ekMLcbHJwsPhl7MKy22ocexBMFNAVhpIfMv5sremDkZ-x4eLG8vv_wyFut2DHmmOhkXIg-nprIbmcz4usL_rxuYxsGdj-K0tk0QZU3dvYhF-KGOK8BWDW3HocmrBy18PTArsJzinqsZ1Yweu8ihwdw4xpZndtAL34--7yJuI70GwdeTyZiXjBERA/w225-h400/8742C85E-43EB-4DA1-BDBA-F1403A88889E.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Around 10 a.m., we wandered back over to the Fan Fest area, just past the finish line, to have a patch made for my jacket. I'd heard that Addidas was doing this for free and it was true!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKVvOnwDeo3fC0PH-F36Qk3xbhcUNGPovAh-rtPPCyVj8ipzAvtuBXj2iS-1T_e8MjByzIi5BbAiQ3fuRMWmvZJLmbrXylFNXbyDVTNY1pEo-iBSlMzJGP-hD3vIitpIF1zJ_a0aDphVU-gHpVlkoigYO3Tniyx_oa9WEjxoXXPDI8cEOAncEXIUIOQ/s4032/IMG_1148.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKVvOnwDeo3fC0PH-F36Qk3xbhcUNGPovAh-rtPPCyVj8ipzAvtuBXj2iS-1T_e8MjByzIi5BbAiQ3fuRMWmvZJLmbrXylFNXbyDVTNY1pEo-iBSlMzJGP-hD3vIitpIF1zJ_a0aDphVU-gHpVlkoigYO3Tniyx_oa9WEjxoXXPDI8cEOAncEXIUIOQ/w300-h400/IMG_1148.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Look how neat!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIyP5tG577ugfKMABM8eMjx41aZOtzTnV4jrJEg_s1oIdp4XDR4cqSoRbW7XP1y6JG_yHqTd2IVQ0bNEOIqsBUA-CsvGIyII5xzZiQFlHDJ9r_su0Fav9mmq-C_kCkctN6h_PJomwQ_wyPVdSnE5Z2qfqpUREr__p3CrKpqxg6jqpAk0q0fC-VouAew/s4032/IMG_1161.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIyP5tG577ugfKMABM8eMjx41aZOtzTnV4jrJEg_s1oIdp4XDR4cqSoRbW7XP1y6JG_yHqTd2IVQ0bNEOIqsBUA-CsvGIyII5xzZiQFlHDJ9r_su0Fav9mmq-C_kCkctN6h_PJomwQ_wyPVdSnE5Z2qfqpUREr__p3CrKpqxg6jqpAk0q0fC-VouAew/w300-h400/IMG_1161.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I personalized my patch with my name and I love it! It's a great addition to the jacket!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsMhMQ-pQvlWNyrJ1HMLBHHayvcL96sxeZkwaJrcDWC-Dar4a8MOS9m0Fj9JkCOnfzl1v3F1f-6elJcSpeuBp6eUMsWZJ695Iwo3_kXOpfSIGr-iCl5bu7sjmPaUPIpjxYh5wAsJsYJFI958mK9tHxn2oXtHe4DQtQYdUi2DJTm5eSjLIUmohATGsbg/s3088/IMG_1174.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsMhMQ-pQvlWNyrJ1HMLBHHayvcL96sxeZkwaJrcDWC-Dar4a8MOS9m0Fj9JkCOnfzl1v3F1f-6elJcSpeuBp6eUMsWZJ695Iwo3_kXOpfSIGr-iCl5bu7sjmPaUPIpjxYh5wAsJsYJFI958mK9tHxn2oXtHe4DQtQYdUi2DJTm5eSjLIUmohATGsbg/w300-h400/IMG_1174.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another highlight of our day was the Freedom Trail Tour. We'd purchased tickets ahead of time for the noon tour and I'm glad we did. It filled up pretty quickly!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1K7XrYiQZb-lJgo6Oog89jv8MaaB-URv-H56yn2XrIQ3C2Cq6hU634hS85imL8_MsvwGw5bwQUQ--I2j2j1wcOYYwX_WvqbIBBK2H39HrAP5SkLXjn-ijPX7uljwAfXCXPBVEfy68QsiuTGdsZv7pXk6s-A-ps_zX2M4hoOUAQrxT8_EYZzAC3nY2A/s4032/IMG_1180.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1K7XrYiQZb-lJgo6Oog89jv8MaaB-URv-H56yn2XrIQ3C2Cq6hU634hS85imL8_MsvwGw5bwQUQ--I2j2j1wcOYYwX_WvqbIBBK2H39HrAP5SkLXjn-ijPX7uljwAfXCXPBVEfy68QsiuTGdsZv7pXk6s-A-ps_zX2M4hoOUAQrxT8_EYZzAC3nY2A/w400-h300/IMG_1180.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our tour guide was great and we loved seeing several of the historic parts of Boston along the way!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxChInFleAZqo_8z9rq0BbbFyQTZtgfl2RD-0C_LgXWGJTxwRouZR2LNHCsH5cuGYhiLgIboJw_wCLS0xyh6PZsvTn_tgz_tYZgGEsJUXSTWb_pbWEJWTQOfsiUBhhO93Ew9y_ovGp_hfaXXci6nqpyANhWrLV1k9KAzd93CI4qBVuHdYR1y-Uc0mVKw/s4032/IMG_1192.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxChInFleAZqo_8z9rq0BbbFyQTZtgfl2RD-0C_LgXWGJTxwRouZR2LNHCsH5cuGYhiLgIboJw_wCLS0xyh6PZsvTn_tgz_tYZgGEsJUXSTWb_pbWEJWTQOfsiUBhhO93Ew9y_ovGp_hfaXXci6nqpyANhWrLV1k9KAzd93CI4qBVuHdYR1y-Uc0mVKw/w300-h400/IMG_1192.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile long path through Boston, marked with a red brick line. We didn't walk the entire path on our tour, but we saw several really important things along the way!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtbp6dXvR_066tSo4uix0gxwbOJ24CKKCubuDSHrX1UFKK-z02skKwWoQg57AB_WqefTVHdxmoRNcUMa66eJ2anfaAX_r8hDPuPeUSlsRpIew5xqfjXRzlVe3L-Z7Qso1VQfJUkaEa5nbrlZYrwkjzc-Ph-Elbavan2BI9UJsHQCTYYBBKc3E-u2Ezw/s4032/IMG_1197.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtbp6dXvR_066tSo4uix0gxwbOJ24CKKCubuDSHrX1UFKK-z02skKwWoQg57AB_WqefTVHdxmoRNcUMa66eJ2anfaAX_r8hDPuPeUSlsRpIew5xqfjXRzlVe3L-Z7Qso1VQfJUkaEa5nbrlZYrwkjzc-Ph-Elbavan2BI9UJsHQCTYYBBKc3E-u2Ezw/w300-h400/IMG_1197.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our tour included the Boston Commons, the graveyard where Samuel Adams and Paul Revere are buried, and the site of the Boston Massacre.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTliwdNjqJCelb2g1_uZsa2_a9uIeaU1u1BKU8D673g86QrLDDBFpnkRuIIr78KyWnu68YTS1jdC1Gy3Z4638O_i2cYKb1puClFTf0vkc9nWP9UPpFsUr6Ue88NPI7qBXCcXFAAN6E399sqZETZ2ZbPB7sRLadIPtMKjnL1KFMVol1mO2ode3DsujnIQ/s4032/IMG_1208.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTliwdNjqJCelb2g1_uZsa2_a9uIeaU1u1BKU8D673g86QrLDDBFpnkRuIIr78KyWnu68YTS1jdC1Gy3Z4638O_i2cYKb1puClFTf0vkc9nWP9UPpFsUr6Ue88NPI7qBXCcXFAAN6E399sqZETZ2ZbPB7sRLadIPtMKjnL1KFMVol1mO2ode3DsujnIQ/w300-h400/IMG_1208.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the tour, we found lunch inside of the Boston Public Market. It was overcast outside and we were so cold, we just wanted to get inside and warm up a bit. I'm VERY glad I stuffed my North Face jacket inside my suitcase to travel. It barely fit and I almost left it at home - I would have been miserable!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3-sb6u8x5Eyk-ddxdtAz8eDpx-pGBenvcm8NnwckVplHM84i-WezWe6iYTrdEdOL9TmSy-7VFV8ex2xu4helH0MGYwKQMifa1tITf_gHH04ChX7s4KvUUmb2nPVzze4ShSC6Ys1zUSRia8oLjH9VACSk-0Rps6TEmHE2BUinJ2VeRqJpANojBUUIRw/s4032/IMG_1215.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3-sb6u8x5Eyk-ddxdtAz8eDpx-pGBenvcm8NnwckVplHM84i-WezWe6iYTrdEdOL9TmSy-7VFV8ex2xu4helH0MGYwKQMifa1tITf_gHH04ChX7s4KvUUmb2nPVzze4ShSC6Ys1zUSRia8oLjH9VACSk-0Rps6TEmHE2BUinJ2VeRqJpANojBUUIRw/w300-h400/IMG_1215.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I found the warmest thing I could - clam chowder in a bread bowl. It was SO good!</div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch, I began thinking about the race the following day and how under-prepared I was for cold weather. I was kicking myself because I didn't bring gloves with me (which is ridiculous because I always have gloves). So, I set out on an "adventure" to every CVS and Walgreens in a 2 mile radius to find gloves. I never found actual "weather" gloves, but I did find bath and shower gloves which definitely did the trick (although they were a little rough)! Instead of "hot hands", I found bodi heat patches which doubled as hot hands (if you don't take the sticky side off). And finally, after my finds, I felt much more prepared for the following day!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_WWn7ZxP-uKI_jxtcz5v7qLdUIg9ze6HfKkKbC9e_n3jy8v3iHt63EENBsWzVhH031XV8k4wtniWOVE7eh3Z-CIvcDZaubpR0UWA6TF3J5v4RuptQXlEDtvGnadmNoA9_0Q3Re2oqK_TGZJ7wBRpoaueBfgDbk_2IVN64DRGYDipHUP4xvP73V40TA/s4032/IMG_1243.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_WWn7ZxP-uKI_jxtcz5v7qLdUIg9ze6HfKkKbC9e_n3jy8v3iHt63EENBsWzVhH031XV8k4wtniWOVE7eh3Z-CIvcDZaubpR0UWA6TF3J5v4RuptQXlEDtvGnadmNoA9_0Q3Re2oqK_TGZJ7wBRpoaueBfgDbk_2IVN64DRGYDipHUP4xvP73V40TA/w300-h400/IMG_1243.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On the way back to our hotel, we found a carousel in the Boston Commons for Brayden to ride, which he thoroughly enjoyed! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDh0xstSkv4j_lDm3fxXzFyAclEbN982aMRrSCs4NjvijlFX1ZnNZebM3_11X83wwf0Dqq4yxDNZblXj5nX9Y1JLQw3BLgwUMNAWwGoG2VrHKvOzcEi_tmPgfhyLeP6gs30zt5vPqeSU4XY0FsiGALLBWMSp13DGPK0cUF54C5uOvgzb7LJSsVCVVIQ/s3780/2F0F24B5-9094-4DE1-80DA-9B8AC2B634DC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDh0xstSkv4j_lDm3fxXzFyAclEbN982aMRrSCs4NjvijlFX1ZnNZebM3_11X83wwf0Dqq4yxDNZblXj5nX9Y1JLQw3BLgwUMNAWwGoG2VrHKvOzcEi_tmPgfhyLeP6gs30zt5vPqeSU4XY0FsiGALLBWMSp13DGPK0cUF54C5uOvgzb7LJSsVCVVIQ/w320-h400/2F0F24B5-9094-4DE1-80DA-9B8AC2B634DC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That evening, my friend Melissa (from Florida) was planning on arriving via train. Oddly enough, she was already on the East coast visiting a friend, so the timing worked out for her to meet up with us for the race! I was so excited to see her and catch up!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3dpOktTivynX0iKmtP9Vv0vu7nFC28bYZFZyGuOBexcxw1Qe-durVUmxvODcWWO8U4fSkfiaw2qot9mamspVWxMLQfEhp5C56TCdE7wW3yHlFANS70R68ik4qUoxn4aDLSBaEHzTbpDpPFc4lxoUcu1S3SGyxDooOzi-S8qzT5eE9CWBdetZKgWBqw/s4032/IMG_1289.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3dpOktTivynX0iKmtP9Vv0vu7nFC28bYZFZyGuOBexcxw1Qe-durVUmxvODcWWO8U4fSkfiaw2qot9mamspVWxMLQfEhp5C56TCdE7wW3yHlFANS70R68ik4qUoxn4aDLSBaEHzTbpDpPFc4lxoUcu1S3SGyxDooOzi-S8qzT5eE9CWBdetZKgWBqw/w300-h400/IMG_1289.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For dinner that evening, I'd heard that there would be a pasta buffet dinner in our hotel and I was intrigued. At $30 per person, we decided the price of an uber/lyft, plus the cost of a restaurant and the time it would take us to to a different restaurant was worth the price of staying at our hotel and eating the pasta dinner, so that's what we did!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbeMguCNJmrSwPhJ9Il9XKs4JgaTdIEZcjQg7MQq9buq9GIEIOpdTvteUrsRakSLxNT-lbOvGGY4oCQqHH4gb-D4ZayLksdvUrx1QC9Ez1CQPPh3qI4NOqv0h0VWJEB7kl8VVWQmv7tsa2rJu14u-iO09TjEytnzad_0csIp7Qt0sIkyZJSQ_i_cHoQ/s4032/IMG_1300.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbeMguCNJmrSwPhJ9Il9XKs4JgaTdIEZcjQg7MQq9buq9GIEIOpdTvteUrsRakSLxNT-lbOvGGY4oCQqHH4gb-D4ZayLksdvUrx1QC9Ez1CQPPh3qI4NOqv0h0VWJEB7kl8VVWQmv7tsa2rJu14u-iO09TjEytnzad_0csIp7Qt0sIkyZJSQ_i_cHoQ/w300-h400/IMG_1300.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was SO good, too!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkSQJiWWO2v7CZLldpWYaCMiMIpGGpzX2H6l3FrYh54DEtjZUln1oEhagAYyDCoj_pBCG7MSzb4jVwecqcgIVv8VE_bkrN7jkdQxprp6PAf8lo3MnbUiclZN36anJgIcgIbPRzuVJKylbcVLUIHg8l6SrIU9bCbKw2SY8LZVsxNkQpccuq6aopTMf3A/s4032/IMG_1302.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkSQJiWWO2v7CZLldpWYaCMiMIpGGpzX2H6l3FrYh54DEtjZUln1oEhagAYyDCoj_pBCG7MSzb4jVwecqcgIVv8VE_bkrN7jkdQxprp6PAf8lo3MnbUiclZN36anJgIcgIbPRzuVJKylbcVLUIHg8l6SrIU9bCbKw2SY8LZVsxNkQpccuq6aopTMf3A/w300-h400/IMG_1302.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We ended our evening there, with Brayden even falling asleep at the table. It had been a long and adventurous day and I had a marathon to run the following morning!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96J4cZn4MBmRXaU4TUc6Fz5WCb0S4fqkYvTMHRuIIJ6SrVqMYSeZgNUv8MAYo5TfjQs0OB_ARtsq_Ot1B3iHdpezosxuBaYAqrx5UxEFcNCvvNQOE_RZhU-8gu-hlp7LC4hQDUQFs5x2QUj6LXQeEd6t6ZvVbQ6XaZ5K9SPiwbTmhQPYhO9U_IgjVMw/s3088/IMG_1305.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96J4cZn4MBmRXaU4TUc6Fz5WCb0S4fqkYvTMHRuIIJ6SrVqMYSeZgNUv8MAYo5TfjQs0OB_ARtsq_Ot1B3iHdpezosxuBaYAqrx5UxEFcNCvvNQOE_RZhU-8gu-hlp7LC4hQDUQFs5x2QUj6LXQeEd6t6ZvVbQ6XaZ5K9SPiwbTmhQPYhO9U_IgjVMw/w300-h400/IMG_1305.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Up next: The Boston Marathon!!</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div>Check out all the Boston recaps here:</div><div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-1-on-road-to-boston.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">On The Road To Boston</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 2 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-2-traveling-to-boston-expo.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Traveling to Boston and the Boston Marathon Expo</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 3 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-3-touring-boston-pasta-dinner.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Touring Boston & A Pasta Dinner</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 4 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-4-1st-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 1st Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 5 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-5-2nd-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 2nd Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 6 - Post-Race Party & Final Thoughts</span></li></ul></div></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-71218701547757545912022-04-28T04:00:00.003-05:002022-05-09T21:57:50.752-05:00Part 2: Traveling to Boston & The ExpoTraveling to Boston was much easier than I expected. In any and all air travel, I always tend to lean towards non-stop flights, even if it involves a little bit of a drive. In this instance, we flew out of the New Orleans airport which is about a 3 hour drive for us. Again, no layovers and I'm a happy camper! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRiuetONXqB-fv6tShvo9_Q2b6N7YWa8HdQOhkymXFC_dzADTE9syh6QBQEjyrrEZe80tRfbxWZyitIzzbTh4GKg39gs_8ezWpY5Gm-JRkrsueqqk0QSQxu679gRJaMAwjDlrAotAFzhBy8A9OX4LXOP4z24WdDENYu69_7r4mJMgrwItEo62DGfBYg/s3088/IMG_0924.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRiuetONXqB-fv6tShvo9_Q2b6N7YWa8HdQOhkymXFC_dzADTE9syh6QBQEjyrrEZe80tRfbxWZyitIzzbTh4GKg39gs_8ezWpY5Gm-JRkrsueqqk0QSQxu679gRJaMAwjDlrAotAFzhBy8A9OX4LXOP4z24WdDENYu69_7r4mJMgrwItEo62DGfBYg/w300-h400/IMG_0924.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our drive was incredibly easy and we arrived in plenty of time!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhmFygJIbpFLMAG1X7nSdixQap8eUZBnAUodD7HbdVCvTQ6UNmCz8abnMcuAE5capA0K4u0IPLLa24ORVnopB8B3gz727-xbSQOWjY80itbyX6rHs-Ed09BSzlQsWCV1uu_VVpB7GB8WpdQ1nJJlZpru3qLZTUESVlmruLbEw-bRM__4tM7oBECtJsQ/s4032/IMG_0930.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhmFygJIbpFLMAG1X7nSdixQap8eUZBnAUodD7HbdVCvTQ6UNmCz8abnMcuAE5capA0K4u0IPLLa24ORVnopB8B3gz727-xbSQOWjY80itbyX6rHs-Ed09BSzlQsWCV1uu_VVpB7GB8WpdQ1nJJlZpru3qLZTUESVlmruLbEw-bRM__4tM7oBECtJsQ/w300-h400/IMG_0930.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We flew Delta on this trip, and Brayden LOVED having his own TV (as apart from the app on Southwest). He was also incredibly happy to see the Paw Patrol move as an option!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rEcq8_krAq-MfjYqC8qvaKAGjIm5EtX1EJW2C_4v3pvIji_Rw0iAPvQorwF2UpV4UO79j1JKwlpe85MJxBPP5uXl5akbxtU-L7I-1BgVhAGWtwehsZWH5I81DQm-8IR5hSS0QNCTHuQrNoi8M2o4pgW96cNfj8askdi_NIEF97YOo7aO2wE7F7p4JA/s4032/IMG_0941%20copy.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rEcq8_krAq-MfjYqC8qvaKAGjIm5EtX1EJW2C_4v3pvIji_Rw0iAPvQorwF2UpV4UO79j1JKwlpe85MJxBPP5uXl5akbxtU-L7I-1BgVhAGWtwehsZWH5I81DQm-8IR5hSS0QNCTHuQrNoi8M2o4pgW96cNfj8askdi_NIEF97YOo7aO2wE7F7p4JA/w300-h400/IMG_0941%20copy.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I, on the other hand, watched "Without Limits" and oh my goodness, although it was sad, it was a very well told story. Yes, it's an older movie but it was PERFECT for our flight to Boston! I highly recommend this movie for all runners! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtArIszl84roDzI3eD4sDBexgOZ3JYdDqlcw7KhBC1myG1U2kklVh1tnhkRFDJFmBqWWSsHvxOGgTpZapZ5k3wrH5TBQzNpA2z1Uzd5BZ_wVBuQh3p6FJLOs7F31dIdeMvU5HzI1T55wRVdF9ZOVh3tP4v7Dc1rPlkQ0zdZXSUUB8S778_uoVGOlFY6A/s4032/IMG_0948.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtArIszl84roDzI3eD4sDBexgOZ3JYdDqlcw7KhBC1myG1U2kklVh1tnhkRFDJFmBqWWSsHvxOGgTpZapZ5k3wrH5TBQzNpA2z1Uzd5BZ_wVBuQh3p6FJLOs7F31dIdeMvU5HzI1T55wRVdF9ZOVh3tP4v7Dc1rPlkQ0zdZXSUUB8S778_uoVGOlFY6A/w400-h300/IMG_0948.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thankfully, we also made it to the Boston airport and to our hotel without any difficulty. The only snafu was with our first Lyft call. We were waiting in the Lyft/Uber specific pickup area and the driver "arrived" but wasn't anywhere near us and did't know how to get to us. That's the second time something along those lines has happened to me which is rather odd but oh well. It worked out for the best because our second driver was AMAZING! She talked the whole time and gave us several tips about the city. She might have almost kicked me out of her car for admitting that I am an Astros fan...but it was all in good fun. We had several good laughs and it made for a good ride to our hotel!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8-4pzb4l_VdxVm6cgUJNDOdMyQD29pokeRivd7bgTzIMrw-wD9t6YMg7LtU0nzc-Wh8rsz8CZWwBKFUZtmkJUO0HpaDlcxzUPipd1lCx-oYzSIo_-F_r8ZayhMyCqy2TnkY1n9UAx-13Ceujmc_hoYHLt570XjCNvXPBwfeUHLFKMMh9E2TbeRw9_w/s4032/IMG_1269.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8-4pzb4l_VdxVm6cgUJNDOdMyQD29pokeRivd7bgTzIMrw-wD9t6YMg7LtU0nzc-Wh8rsz8CZWwBKFUZtmkJUO0HpaDlcxzUPipd1lCx-oYzSIo_-F_r8ZayhMyCqy2TnkY1n9UAx-13Ceujmc_hoYHLt570XjCNvXPBwfeUHLFKMMh9E2TbeRw9_w/w400-h300/IMG_1269.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gs7rGiqv09WkaGqa-hn-RnvsJ21BD_4ehwjw2-VdRzCGg5r3S3UlYJnA0ofX-Sna1BchczSsdXuLLiRAf_S9iWMOBcdqGjgP99iANg_suBg-PyDuXm3Rr1MoL4apKgkRh0JEHeQfP_wsLehJJOpJXWlpnneRZhq_9Vmlz2oV0280ZTAvBBFpdrSMPQ/s4032/IMG_0958.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gs7rGiqv09WkaGqa-hn-RnvsJ21BD_4ehwjw2-VdRzCGg5r3S3UlYJnA0ofX-Sna1BchczSsdXuLLiRAf_S9iWMOBcdqGjgP99iANg_suBg-PyDuXm3Rr1MoL4apKgkRh0JEHeQfP_wsLehJJOpJXWlpnneRZhq_9Vmlz2oV0280ZTAvBBFpdrSMPQ/w400-h300/IMG_0958.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We quickly checked in to our hotel (the Hilton Boston Back Bay), then crossed the street to visit the Expo. We only had about an hour and a half and I wanted to see it all!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwr0DF_xXjnrgaoFdDwteHVT5mtQL3D2KE_KGBnHQCtD5xy-tJjekESkiVmIEa3ZE3wQDUkrIobxXvlASBcZU1FfI1uZ7_fpD5id7ZAofRX3dTPkKgKRvYMIIFw3fkbWD_xDcZqD3cZ1vbUCiWSvRGJvrFw_6SlCXmeT4hAXGsVZGXhOGy2AhuyzOaQ/s4032/IMG_0968.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwr0DF_xXjnrgaoFdDwteHVT5mtQL3D2KE_KGBnHQCtD5xy-tJjekESkiVmIEa3ZE3wQDUkrIobxXvlASBcZU1FfI1uZ7_fpD5id7ZAofRX3dTPkKgKRvYMIIFw3fkbWD_xDcZqD3cZ1vbUCiWSvRGJvrFw_6SlCXmeT4hAXGsVZGXhOGy2AhuyzOaQ/w300-h400/IMG_0968.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Being at the Expo made this experience feel all the more real! I truly couldn't believe that I was about to run BOSTON!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7neCJwiXGlWCGaLM9aSrwfk8JhoZuLIzsTESA3UMpJgN-wQzs6YXIyvflHStNojnebn2yoFXWmAu8cb3rDiF75qfTrSqtfZSuzrJKc_otPsJPdE9Git2ztPZrh4XpvSnnHhZ8isv7WddbpJbbFAYKTYVwqsuhqZC36XcZptr-dAT6A2PV3DcnJQfRHQ/s4032/IMG_0972.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7neCJwiXGlWCGaLM9aSrwfk8JhoZuLIzsTESA3UMpJgN-wQzs6YXIyvflHStNojnebn2yoFXWmAu8cb3rDiF75qfTrSqtfZSuzrJKc_otPsJPdE9Git2ztPZrh4XpvSnnHhZ8isv7WddbpJbbFAYKTYVwqsuhqZC36XcZptr-dAT6A2PV3DcnJQfRHQ/w300-h400/IMG_0972.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Still in disbelief!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTq7Tm4U4nXLU7pkH9AHvZJrGfPRbUpC0QR268CZ1PYt1E5gSOaIMMaYyj5mahbTHPbGHbw_XBv4WFVPPks8ht-kWk_L9Wjw0285tvAx-IazWF4184DhIaS43f4sBwzvhJ2FfWV9MaYNMTkQzRLJq-mgmoqUu-ZkYo7EFpkD6gPsJNKG7R6P42ubLyg/s3088/IMG_0984.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTq7Tm4U4nXLU7pkH9AHvZJrGfPRbUpC0QR268CZ1PYt1E5gSOaIMMaYyj5mahbTHPbGHbw_XBv4WFVPPks8ht-kWk_L9Wjw0285tvAx-IazWF4184DhIaS43f4sBwzvhJ2FfWV9MaYNMTkQzRLJq-mgmoqUu-ZkYo7EFpkD6gPsJNKG7R6P42ubLyg/w300-h400/IMG_0984.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>At first, I was super confused by the Expo because it seemed really small when compared to others (like Disney)...then we went down a hallway and turned a corner and WOW - we found the rest of it!! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXmjDOsxoT0FGKOIc4nlstGW2yeqt63j4UCmW9G2cA49Xta0565Z6KrE3MAj3lrzqz3iXkhpGkXj9J6H-hEKBllWIbYs0B48Aa2NMmj7za1Se7W7ujH1k7ojSfDnRc4pIwuCoepR0a6aE49TDtKOiTULEkw9DUs7DoI4d_NFAMet3sTdEc781kgNKTA/s2048/IMG_0989.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXmjDOsxoT0FGKOIc4nlstGW2yeqt63j4UCmW9G2cA49Xta0565Z6KrE3MAj3lrzqz3iXkhpGkXj9J6H-hEKBllWIbYs0B48Aa2NMmj7za1Se7W7ujH1k7ojSfDnRc4pIwuCoepR0a6aE49TDtKOiTULEkw9DUs7DoI4d_NFAMet3sTdEc781kgNKTA/w300-h400/IMG_0989.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We spent the entire hour and a half browsing the Expo. I didn't purchase much as I'd bought the jacket prior to leaving home. After dropping our bags off in our room, we set out to find pizza...and pizza we found!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR7Nmh30hd8ZDAiP_FiIYDEKTfHMRGrZbs62WFT0G0SjMHRbvB2UFJU9RHJD0_iZ9ngF-baTkK6LEgYywY_mmH7xG2cgZd95SMa3bOqPKhZLsJhYpaSmsSKINEDGYQmgLAS4Be4BS1rC14zEZTn9DJSBD2zQh5koPeL4cZ15mZImxAquWrKglEhJN9w/s4032/IMG_1004.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR7Nmh30hd8ZDAiP_FiIYDEKTfHMRGrZbs62WFT0G0SjMHRbvB2UFJU9RHJD0_iZ9ngF-baTkK6LEgYywY_mmH7xG2cgZd95SMa3bOqPKhZLsJhYpaSmsSKINEDGYQmgLAS4Be4BS1rC14zEZTn9DJSBD2zQh5koPeL4cZ15mZImxAquWrKglEhJN9w/w300-h400/IMG_1004.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was shocked this restaurant wasn't busier but I wasn't complaining one bit! The pizza was very good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SoDaCIIWRaoC6FA22HhpYd0LNv24Q_Dy-MRid3cuWvj-8IMjzEGcEKcBWRYrIgwVkk-fQqRV1RajBXhTDYhPZFtZV_-dail20ZDXpscEsQz16-DG2sIfqiyvx_CJgdDpnjzy5WQ1wSeSOjMPu5J3OnbEN1sMnPO_0VGpTM3NIPr3CTf7XaGTR3L02Q/s4032/IMG_1009.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SoDaCIIWRaoC6FA22HhpYd0LNv24Q_Dy-MRid3cuWvj-8IMjzEGcEKcBWRYrIgwVkk-fQqRV1RajBXhTDYhPZFtZV_-dail20ZDXpscEsQz16-DG2sIfqiyvx_CJgdDpnjzy5WQ1wSeSOjMPu5J3OnbEN1sMnPO_0VGpTM3NIPr3CTf7XaGTR3L02Q/w300-h400/IMG_1009.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After dinner, we decided to explore Boston by foot a bit and also stop for ice cream if we found it. Well, we found it, and while eating outside, it began to slightly drizzle on and off. We truly didn't think anything of it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnCvVYRlDZ1Nn3lmxK9yU1Wh5WmuKN8OzpjDaecVvDQuGQE0q_GtVNCP19kGHLuW6qDZUgLWDSp6ZepAzRibX31zRKcmLURNzzC3WqdhVkEFaunxl9x4zi3cfHF_1v47iQ1EpXtnBNKXHxv60p-nIQ86VpbCmI-ai0TyBk5wl52JGe5b-jDdigerdRQ/s4032/IMG_2045.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnCvVYRlDZ1Nn3lmxK9yU1Wh5WmuKN8OzpjDaecVvDQuGQE0q_GtVNCP19kGHLuW6qDZUgLWDSp6ZepAzRibX31zRKcmLURNzzC3WqdhVkEFaunxl9x4zi3cfHF_1v47iQ1EpXtnBNKXHxv60p-nIQ86VpbCmI-ai0TyBk5wl52JGe5b-jDdigerdRQ/w400-h300/IMG_2045.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Continuing to wander, we wanted to find the Boston Marathon memorial, but found the actual finish line instead!</div><div><br /></div><div>Taking photos here in the rain was truly a magical experience! I couldn't believe we were mostly alone!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcWe0mmaZF6-Fm79PjJRBvFsFaKh13KU12JlnQ18pSAX3Uro6kawwlP0hKbuwNNtxCX6YjcpCqy6tkSf2jJvEKho9R8bhgwQOiV76D9MtqlNtz0PKN4EzOC8Dclr8CWyLMApecuQyo_h6Ga0jPimCrnt4tIQ1cp2TSMB8zHOYfPs8isYur0jfn45Xyg/s4032/IMG_2056.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcWe0mmaZF6-Fm79PjJRBvFsFaKh13KU12JlnQ18pSAX3Uro6kawwlP0hKbuwNNtxCX6YjcpCqy6tkSf2jJvEKho9R8bhgwQOiV76D9MtqlNtz0PKN4EzOC8Dclr8CWyLMApecuQyo_h6Ga0jPimCrnt4tIQ1cp2TSMB8zHOYfPs8isYur0jfn45Xyg/w300-h400/IMG_2056.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Incredible.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg1AP668fEdn3p2akoypXmBP8yB5gPn-HMVfTbX-STYCsDr-fItHrpXU1f_ix966IdgKLWfkYaV4cejO5BAXf3hMvjY4fDB4FMU-MaSufYqX7sq5Q17qTq-cfUuRiW2Kd_356_jUOJ02BQLF5tjSVyPFa-b-vibOn9KQgnddo2sv5bcwnraFR2qJaUQ/s4032/IMG_2065.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg1AP668fEdn3p2akoypXmBP8yB5gPn-HMVfTbX-STYCsDr-fItHrpXU1f_ix966IdgKLWfkYaV4cejO5BAXf3hMvjY4fDB4FMU-MaSufYqX7sq5Q17qTq-cfUuRiW2Kd_356_jUOJ02BQLF5tjSVyPFa-b-vibOn9KQgnddo2sv5bcwnraFR2qJaUQ/w300-h400/IMG_2065.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As soon as we finished our photos, the sky literally let loose and it began to POUR! As we left the finish line area, I went one way and somehow Jason went another. I thought he was following me to an overhang to get out of the rain but he totally wasn't. To make it even crazier, my phone was dead and I had Jason's in my pocket, so there was no way to contact him to see where he went!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, he realized he was following the wrong brown haired girl in a Boston jacket and stopped on the corner of the intersection he was standing on. I'm not sure how I found him exactly, but I'm thankful I did!! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GowRBONUUjjB8e1QDmSxRf9MQ72gZHC5S5-Y4h30t885yk6PC2Ahly3QF2DseKP8SpcYIE_Yjidl2oOp_I9gRD7OP0ET6Mvx42RFpo0jsplPM718T1px4-YEmeXPrtqRy_4CAIrePP17BqozofaduLVAHtS-qRxD9q92doouTWRD_8fgXSxvPezUXA/s4032/IMG_2073.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GowRBONUUjjB8e1QDmSxRf9MQ72gZHC5S5-Y4h30t885yk6PC2Ahly3QF2DseKP8SpcYIE_Yjidl2oOp_I9gRD7OP0ET6Mvx42RFpo0jsplPM718T1px4-YEmeXPrtqRy_4CAIrePP17BqozofaduLVAHtS-qRxD9q92doouTWRD_8fgXSxvPezUXA/w300-h400/IMG_2073.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Back in the room, we were drenched and I thought it was hilarious! At least it made for a fun "adventure" for the night!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Up next: Citgo Team Breakfast and Exploring Boston!</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div>Check out all the Boston recaps here:</div><div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-1-on-road-to-boston.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">On The Road To Boston</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 2 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-2-traveling-to-boston-expo.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Traveling to Boston and the Boston Marathon Expo</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 3 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-3-touring-boston-pasta-dinner.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Touring Boston & A Pasta Dinner</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 4 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-4-1st-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 1st Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 5 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-5-2nd-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 2nd Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 6 - Post-Race Party & Final Thoughts</span></li></ul></div></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-19622879689855584012022-04-25T06:36:00.001-05:002022-05-09T21:57:33.694-05:00Part 1: On The Road To BostonHow to summarize an experience that you never thought you'd ever partake in over the course of a few short blog posts is mind boggling to me, but here we go...<div><br /></div><div>Let's start at the beginning, shall we?</div><div><br /></div><div>Right before we left for Disney World for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend, an offer was presented before my by my employer. A local company, Citgo, was the fuel and gas sponsor for the Boston Marathon in 2022 and planned to bring a team of healthcare providers, first responders, and teachers to join their associates along with them to run the Boston Marathon. So, I received the application, quickly googled to make sure I would finish the race in a timely manner, and hit submit. We went to Disney World and I waited...and waited...and didn't hear anything. With only six weeks until Boston, I assumed I didn't get in, and I was ok with it. (A little disappointed, but still ok with it.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRs0cCkgT-5xElpyfKS1RZ1xtYskAOLGuisZAOGBoucOWRq2tZvIzF9-wczTJKhopIeM45cEh4UW0Gm70ixoZGvF82-DBA1CswUWOn4LD0FMRot0SgJTFojBBdq9Eiqy8hj3JvCqd7--rwUcT9ytxlUMKmiVb8RSTnMxTMDk4zMCjpvqelvJocPm1fA/s284/276255467_10101450537009681_4171003040894021458_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="207" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRs0cCkgT-5xElpyfKS1RZ1xtYskAOLGuisZAOGBoucOWRq2tZvIzF9-wczTJKhopIeM45cEh4UW0Gm70ixoZGvF82-DBA1CswUWOn4LD0FMRot0SgJTFojBBdq9Eiqy8hj3JvCqd7--rwUcT9ytxlUMKmiVb8RSTnMxTMDk4zMCjpvqelvJocPm1fA/s1600/276255467_10101450537009681_4171003040894021458_n.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Much to my surprise, I received an email the following week, welcoming me to Team Citgo to run the Boston Marathon!! My heart wanted to explode and I might have screamed out loud right there in the hallway of our department! (Sorry, coworkers!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGrs4fpr9SQKz5T5-b86yPRrTdEamG0bSPT0vk59RC8ZaDf4Tawjv_acDjhjOcSyOJKsrQ5YCZ_7-lVy2VWSyqvj8dP9OEpFn15pBdyOHbTp3KWV8kMn-bnVzQbJJ3Z3bIKUl9i3enIYTLTwlTCZAp7fdfMvaWT3qin3I9lLhdoErwAeoYIiB1ciUtw/s2031/276139616_10101450540372941_5862220966697431239_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2031" data-original-width="2031" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGrs4fpr9SQKz5T5-b86yPRrTdEamG0bSPT0vk59RC8ZaDf4Tawjv_acDjhjOcSyOJKsrQ5YCZ_7-lVy2VWSyqvj8dP9OEpFn15pBdyOHbTp3KWV8kMn-bnVzQbJJ3Z3bIKUl9i3enIYTLTwlTCZAp7fdfMvaWT3qin3I9lLhdoErwAeoYIiB1ciUtw/s320/276139616_10101450540372941_5862220966697431239_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now, with only 5 weeks until the big day, I knew I had to get my training amped up! I'd already run three half marathons since December, so I had up to that distance under my belt. Ultimately, I decided to add a 16 miler and a 20 miler to my list and a few longer runs in between.</div><div><br /></div><div>My training plan each week was to keep at least two shorter runs on weekdays and one longer run on weekends. This worked incredibly well until my 20 miler. I didn't feel it at the time of running, but after the soreness wore off, my right hip began to bother me. It wasn't an intense pain, but I definitely knew it was there. So, I iced, heated, ibuprofen'd, biofreezed, and did everything I could to help it chill out. With only 2 weeks to go until race day, I knew I should probably not run on it any longer, so I did only one very easy 2 miler in the week leading up to Boston. With that, I hoped my efforts would be enough!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am so very thankful that Citgo chose me for this incredible opportunity! It is truly one I will never forget! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay tuned for more from our travel day, time at the Expo, sightseeing around Boston, and the race itself!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still in serious disbelief...I just ran Boston, y'all!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out all the Boston recaps here:</div><div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-1-on-road-to-boston.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">On The Road To Boston</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 2 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-2-traveling-to-boston-expo.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Traveling to Boston and the Boston Marathon Expo</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 3 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/04/part-3-touring-boston-pasta-dinner.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Touring Boston & A Pasta Dinner</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 4 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-4-1st-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 1st Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 5 - <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2022/05/part-5-2nd-half-of-boston-marathon.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">The 2nd Half of the Boston Marathon</a></span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Part 6 - Post-Race Party & Final Thoughts</span></li></ul></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-75833860007482977782022-02-15T04:00:00.001-06:002022-02-15T04:00:00.217-06:00Visiting Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney WorldThroughout all the years and many trips we've taken to Walt Disney World, a water park was never in our plans. It's not that we didn't want to go - we just never had a true reason. As Brayden got older and discovered his love for water slides and all things swimming pools, we decided a visit to Blizzard Beach on our recent August trip was the ticket!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9kmFI8lBrpvu8oBtBW3ezd9vy9hVjK38Zv5e0U41sT6TSCdkZJuhPX0R2HagfWXZm0xT9OlYqPS6xr7FfWlyDziyC5E9zqQssEAOw_u4vb6suJgOiapxHGOhDmE0gO4jagxBYvezNMKSS23Cdi4iodd8dRgbRmSSF-B8TXvHlFXBwvSB43jdV2uprAQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9kmFI8lBrpvu8oBtBW3ezd9vy9hVjK38Zv5e0U41sT6TSCdkZJuhPX0R2HagfWXZm0xT9OlYqPS6xr7FfWlyDziyC5E9zqQssEAOw_u4vb6suJgOiapxHGOhDmE0gO4jagxBYvezNMKSS23Cdi4iodd8dRgbRmSSF-B8TXvHlFXBwvSB43jdV2uprAQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Getting there without a car wasn't super difficult, but it wasn't a straight shot either. If your stay includes Coronado Springs resort or All Star Movies, a direct bus is available to Blizzard Beach. From all other resorts, you must first take a bus to Animal Kingdom park, then transfer to a Blizzard Beach bus from there.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUyUdzavUtuM41V63c2uIhfOw3-UzgWpEx-uW1SBTAk807_NoSYejHwlteNcZWtp6Abd6SzgILTtGwhkX0uha9sRmCKbdj6bFhvnJkKR1azG3_MfVIJ_Q82XiK1fWdXVs6VCKWlkcp5hrzfS5GNtORrbHBSOiYK8f6cMfgJQFc1kVoQn29wV6h7EHbXw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUyUdzavUtuM41V63c2uIhfOw3-UzgWpEx-uW1SBTAk807_NoSYejHwlteNcZWtp6Abd6SzgILTtGwhkX0uha9sRmCKbdj6bFhvnJkKR1azG3_MfVIJ_Q82XiK1fWdXVs6VCKWlkcp5hrzfS5GNtORrbHBSOiYK8f6cMfgJQFc1kVoQn29wV6h7EHbXw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We made it just as the park was opening! Perfect timing!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoXMT-kvhe9lWh2GfctrA00p-dO4LxS1WhAL7u1X9j0cKhOHJu97RjZIzbazgqo6-WZo1PV33x9Mxhmcy4LtKF9hlVHdDVVzRQ5EWn012DyjqrdVOD1tNNyqNtBKVGsdIu76etTkBNJX0DmW3Ray6LzqT1uxn2t8CVTkUeUuIZTXjRFdhpKV4h8K0wCg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoXMT-kvhe9lWh2GfctrA00p-dO4LxS1WhAL7u1X9j0cKhOHJu97RjZIzbazgqo6-WZo1PV33x9Mxhmcy4LtKF9hlVHdDVVzRQ5EWn012DyjqrdVOD1tNNyqNtBKVGsdIu76etTkBNJX0DmW3Ray6LzqT1uxn2t8CVTkUeUuIZTXjRFdhpKV4h8K0wCg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We were excited for our first visit to a Disney water park! To be honest, it felt strange being on Disney property and having no clue where we were going!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9mQUWXuUCQ82hxCvvPznIYMHpLfEa8uk6Lmdou6G4U_ZX1HUzlFcb6y19YGRNex1nP4WXGsnWwu0i3idJ2kGNpXud-GT9wXWE8fyh8TKJBN0e-yvwoTwZhfR16CWnF-pQAXhFykWo6ljl3ay9st-2eQNYzwapFTUbYOwlebJxDdHo2q2L8oK910WpJg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9mQUWXuUCQ82hxCvvPznIYMHpLfEa8uk6Lmdou6G4U_ZX1HUzlFcb6y19YGRNex1nP4WXGsnWwu0i3idJ2kGNpXud-GT9wXWE8fyh8TKJBN0e-yvwoTwZhfR16CWnF-pQAXhFykWo6ljl3ay9st-2eQNYzwapFTUbYOwlebJxDdHo2q2L8oK910WpJg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Goofy was out to say hello!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivTZl_b8BR8VVrbt13AkK77bEISe1dAFf0EJLUK6L6UU0jm7na-vPO1iUE3i0HCE5CdWNfHd8j7zs12ROvqrwPkSEBBsPbbI-jAFDyfdUgdlN648eILeZN3cFd03WMkemf-HICCR-o2ePsdoHvDTrSSX-AmH-eUdBmurF6sMKIDEC-Js6RSk5LisumYg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivTZl_b8BR8VVrbt13AkK77bEISe1dAFf0EJLUK6L6UU0jm7na-vPO1iUE3i0HCE5CdWNfHd8j7zs12ROvqrwPkSEBBsPbbI-jAFDyfdUgdlN648eILeZN3cFd03WMkemf-HICCR-o2ePsdoHvDTrSSX-AmH-eUdBmurF6sMKIDEC-Js6RSk5LisumYg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our day began in the gift shop and we also rented a locker to hold our bags and things we wanted to keep dry.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeTLqbmIF1cyXNVjXdGE8Mp7UFb38lOFDJ4vBeQbbnlcxG0TlR0C_HTmxa7lDqw0X0ixRgZXxUnAzZkOcAojFZujx8sFO3jAAnwfBKrkAMr4pZROZyTUVbEOZVr9b352EvcsD6OJDkzHjIvmaGNeHJembLPCtF6IUKijjZXILyOI7APdgD2_IFoOTY2g=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeTLqbmIF1cyXNVjXdGE8Mp7UFb38lOFDJ4vBeQbbnlcxG0TlR0C_HTmxa7lDqw0X0ixRgZXxUnAzZkOcAojFZujx8sFO3jAAnwfBKrkAMr4pZROZyTUVbEOZVr9b352EvcsD6OJDkzHjIvmaGNeHJembLPCtF6IUKijjZXILyOI7APdgD2_IFoOTY2g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I loved all of the theming around the park!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhED0bmN0ANnDd6I3-77o_zgzLi2VmmBqzX3r2IZH6Dv8oAasuWkmZM1BytVaAyaciqzUcH9718-TepYW3mJGSI6LcDJWRpfGtNzk4boUDzHtNHOymXrKA57TV0W4jfIluHynRTgbKb6z3YaLEwWtLqpNOU21L743m7OyBcU1__clT6EWJJkJHxHwI4kw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhED0bmN0ANnDd6I3-77o_zgzLi2VmmBqzX3r2IZH6Dv8oAasuWkmZM1BytVaAyaciqzUcH9718-TepYW3mJGSI6LcDJWRpfGtNzk4boUDzHtNHOymXrKA57TV0W4jfIluHynRTgbKb6z3YaLEwWtLqpNOU21L743m7OyBcU1__clT6EWJJkJHxHwI4kw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We started off in the little tykes area (which was too small for Brayden), so we moved on to the intermediate kids area. It was perfect for him! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaI03vGmEbAZm92M2RiS2X2x7bw2LewOAudtrcNamG7w46O_pUheJ6TMX-zWS5MZHE79X580OOO1yocz5NbaQHa69Up4y2SGPNY_rHLd8044jCvRIVKFzo6rrKzBp9b4rj29DD4qBy2UznDNfr3hPQQmMM3gVnhn1JohCPKHu0Ppbwfc8h2DnHYWGKhw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaI03vGmEbAZm92M2RiS2X2x7bw2LewOAudtrcNamG7w46O_pUheJ6TMX-zWS5MZHE79X580OOO1yocz5NbaQHa69Up4y2SGPNY_rHLd8044jCvRIVKFzo6rrKzBp9b4rj29DD4qBy2UznDNfr3hPQQmMM3gVnhn1JohCPKHu0Ppbwfc8h2DnHYWGKhw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also rode the ski lift to take the raft ride down. I wish we had a chance to ride the raft ride one more! It was a lot of fun! (Next time!)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigkBV_MD_qxt7mQPuh2Nug5dQoWKimNUuhpzrKexzQ0rkkUvBZMEBu_DS7ahLTS57iku1K3i-SuuOlSOp7f5BZPfuAAtUCQPlkz6VV-gct5fyUKgQg3dHjL39WwMeSKvG72Npp_leynv8xvoraPTwoPIAPRwnAyJF8-v9rIlehc9h6f8D72TwG3oc1eA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigkBV_MD_qxt7mQPuh2Nug5dQoWKimNUuhpzrKexzQ0rkkUvBZMEBu_DS7ahLTS57iku1K3i-SuuOlSOp7f5BZPfuAAtUCQPlkz6VV-gct5fyUKgQg3dHjL39WwMeSKvG72Npp_leynv8xvoraPTwoPIAPRwnAyJF8-v9rIlehc9h6f8D72TwG3oc1eA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Mid day, we stopped for lunch and both Jason and I ordered a chicken sandwich which was very good. Brayden had his usual chicken nuggets! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixx-03jsAXX4s1KTBr1dhwLB4L7Cl0yp7fBHc9iEri2j-AWLbjL8cjlNdBtZxPrGs6X3V1_Ev0k3BULRDly9RrSrF06-n-rlub8q-viwMWtfY59dyh6E5xOBrw6R7SNZqowf-BHIlDOM9d2arkqt5LX_czm-FVuY8MP25uFSNmdkjXE3E-hQUOVov7kw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixx-03jsAXX4s1KTBr1dhwLB4L7Cl0yp7fBHc9iEri2j-AWLbjL8cjlNdBtZxPrGs6X3V1_Ev0k3BULRDly9RrSrF06-n-rlub8q-viwMWtfY59dyh6E5xOBrw6R7SNZqowf-BHIlDOM9d2arkqt5LX_czm-FVuY8MP25uFSNmdkjXE3E-hQUOVov7kw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After stopping to enjoy the wave pool (and finally figuring our way around the park), bad weather came rolling in...of course. This caused everyone to have to evacuate all pools and slides.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKfJQpI-pDBSub8fe9YOnJ5VSkoT03pKVpAfGqRQz5BXYeqzFPLqYnf5mSnhkvce6AXxpHmYhfFb7CeH20VknnCzY4kPNUOaZieWSYY0tPEkOiOngFTYi0p25YF2q-msyIrzhOxaglRXQiIlOPRdBeClyW7N09v8lEXkpOWgwpipEu1TZVpBhJtr6xhw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKfJQpI-pDBSub8fe9YOnJ5VSkoT03pKVpAfGqRQz5BXYeqzFPLqYnf5mSnhkvce6AXxpHmYhfFb7CeH20VknnCzY4kPNUOaZieWSYY0tPEkOiOngFTYi0p25YF2q-msyIrzhOxaglRXQiIlOPRdBeClyW7N09v8lEXkpOWgwpipEu1TZVpBhJtr6xhw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We spent a lot of time hiding under a cover for rain that never came. In total, we missed out on about 2 hours of water park time. We were disappointed but totally understood due to the safety concern from the thunder/lightning/and dark ominous clouds. It really looked like it was going to downpour!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifuHeVJZwTCOeeUgEX-JBOFghaGVDWO_4J1atCIPFjFako_t-s9rrUg5moi_AZ99-g1j2hgzfabuUlEXV8NdOBs6FByrOOO6ld1911x6plPsnnTZA0bdeCg-gRPq2k7yu3xZl62_F76GxU06KYR9fPKEuXCaKx_Z13l-lj4xrgaIfXBorIBJ0cQBiGTw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifuHeVJZwTCOeeUgEX-JBOFghaGVDWO_4J1atCIPFjFako_t-s9rrUg5moi_AZ99-g1j2hgzfabuUlEXV8NdOBs6FByrOOO6ld1911x6plPsnnTZA0bdeCg-gRPq2k7yu3xZl62_F76GxU06KYR9fPKEuXCaKx_Z13l-lj4xrgaIfXBorIBJ0cQBiGTw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While hiding out, Brayden played in the sand and had a total blast doing so! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG2Bg4uoENpnb1Vq10CfXzWvmgviyay-Z5uKNh6KzwfUie3Xc0hYViRczqYKOqTMvUuTNTDEOuoxHkDLCpe9K_OZZ_9pAI8_SDIbkZqESnAtDN0UV1SbPu21PcUSKycNW0X1XkUJDn9DBfBAIxpQRrGWpOt7wM6SLE4N4hic85JHyyX1bc9iuB3esLaQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG2Bg4uoENpnb1Vq10CfXzWvmgviyay-Z5uKNh6KzwfUie3Xc0hYViRczqYKOqTMvUuTNTDEOuoxHkDLCpe9K_OZZ_9pAI8_SDIbkZqESnAtDN0UV1SbPu21PcUSKycNW0X1XkUJDn9DBfBAIxpQRrGWpOt7wM6SLE4N4hic85JHyyX1bc9iuB3esLaQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That bucket came from his kids meal. Good timing, right? :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRsBbzi8pyQceckadp-WhqlFRCqfXmL3HgpC52DYIFnRq78koy0wJFGPhJRQoSWU8EcGkDcxYPeV5_vgFddfiuqzXCdwjqFfjKnBSk-IA46R7mIikDMRZrET34OQX-R0oZ0GnRIB0PpKwow9b2bQuWhjrKcdkdYKNzqx_rcqzou-pbd4WRQUDpC7e-Ww=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRsBbzi8pyQceckadp-WhqlFRCqfXmL3HgpC52DYIFnRq78koy0wJFGPhJRQoSWU8EcGkDcxYPeV5_vgFddfiuqzXCdwjqFfjKnBSk-IA46R7mIikDMRZrET34OQX-R0oZ0GnRIB0PpKwow9b2bQuWhjrKcdkdYKNzqx_rcqzou-pbd4WRQUDpC7e-Ww=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We decided to call it a day, around 5 p.m. (park closing time was 6 p.m.) Our dinner reservation was for Ohana that evening and we didn't want to be late, so we took an Uber back to our resort to shower. Also, the bathrooms at Blizzard Beach include showers, so I was able to give Brayden one while there (mostly to get all of the sand off of him). </div><div><br /></div><div>Would I return to Blizzard Beach again in the future? Most definitely!! I felt like we were just getting the hang of the park when the bad weather rolled through. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our current debate at home? Return to Blizzard Beach on our summer 2022 trip or try Typhoon Lagoon for the first time? Help us out - What would you do?</div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-31679262880103150032022-02-09T07:15:00.000-06:002022-02-09T07:15:01.090-06:00Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon 2022<div>Over the weekend, Jason and I traveled to New Orleans to run the Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon. (I ran, he spectated!)</div><div><br /></div><div>This was our return to "big" racing since you-know-what shut the world down, and it was all around an amazing weekend!</div><div><br /></div><div>Usually, I also include a synopsis about the Expo - but this expo was super small and there wasn't anything vastly exciting about it, except they did include a few <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZm3JLWODfh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">fun photo ops</a> inside the convention center floor.</div><div><br /></div>Dressing for this race was a bit of a fiasco because I couldn't decide what to wear. A friend reminded me not to overdress but I also didn't want to under dress either. It was in the 30's which is COLD for us southerners, y'all!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJtyRGn9T3WjVl5_odn39-x5qA1ggbCHRHUz7MRw11WxgS4N5RQqH0-PqZuLzk3llqhjBnNpmOwY5dZBr-eUNgjNxYZiOr_NHZhO4eTUwFFLck-wqAHdhOfkh1zD5S-2Qbr2SsFB3cJ8313-OAf711-u2gCcbIt_Rba2jbMJrUaX8ku7tLyt1LM4lKQ/s4032/IMG_5150.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJtyRGn9T3WjVl5_odn39-x5qA1ggbCHRHUz7MRw11WxgS4N5RQqH0-PqZuLzk3llqhjBnNpmOwY5dZBr-eUNgjNxYZiOr_NHZhO4eTUwFFLck-wqAHdhOfkh1zD5S-2Qbr2SsFB3cJ8313-OAf711-u2gCcbIt_Rba2jbMJrUaX8ku7tLyt1LM4lKQ/w300-h400/IMG_5150.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ultimately, I decided on layers - a long sleeved shirt under my Raw Threads New Orleans shirt, plus a throw away sweatshirt on top. I could have skipped the sweat shirt altogether but oh well. I also skipped the compression socks and went instead for capri length tights. Overall I was happy with the decision!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60aSxlHMLE7atmm2s0tfRzacTE6WQXlLDiBGxVHYbTSHJZ1_o8q8qz_JMPETidqsXbF3rxywK-88oJSRONV2siJLcKl4u5h3o8qXY3UQTXg88tJY7Lk2mdTHQcQ5D_V3t2fiqJ1oCSLCftfXBCol59_TbujTzPTJfJNfW462JiAQb40qboEuv4_1pZQ/s4032/IMG_5176.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60aSxlHMLE7atmm2s0tfRzacTE6WQXlLDiBGxVHYbTSHJZ1_o8q8qz_JMPETidqsXbF3rxywK-88oJSRONV2siJLcKl4u5h3o8qXY3UQTXg88tJY7Lk2mdTHQcQ5D_V3t2fiqJ1oCSLCftfXBCol59_TbujTzPTJfJNfW462JiAQb40qboEuv4_1pZQ/w300-h400/IMG_5176.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also woke up to see two cruise ships docked just outside our window! Hello return-to-normacly!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qOFZ-Him-XZi8eXlgYk9Ca_GoeBxgs88kFEYiBSjFg01RPhHM6U4J8r6D3dRCdrO_6Z4uGtXk47FqBiXiuRLxeH0YZ9P41iPfw5X9zabtS-uK2rDR5qT3T0jIjx8sO3xf3ANgLzNcVSzJLrWA1axlkuo3dcSGNCfnxn1jhuWL6sCEIPRxFP5cFUpzQ/s4032/IMG_5177.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qOFZ-Him-XZi8eXlgYk9Ca_GoeBxgs88kFEYiBSjFg01RPhHM6U4J8r6D3dRCdrO_6Z4uGtXk47FqBiXiuRLxeH0YZ9P41iPfw5X9zabtS-uK2rDR5qT3T0jIjx8sO3xf3ANgLzNcVSzJLrWA1axlkuo3dcSGNCfnxn1jhuWL6sCEIPRxFP5cFUpzQ/w300-h400/IMG_5177.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Dressed and ready to go!</div><div><br /></div><div>I also went into this race with somewhat of a funky attitude. Rock n Roll changed the course COMPLETELY this year and I was panicked on how to get to the start line. I used to be able to wake up, get dressed, and walk right out of my hotel to the start line. Now the start line was at least six miles away, at the University of New Orleans. Thankfully, Rock n Roll came through with busses to transport runners to the start line. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASGx-m6InfGOMzH9IFS6ZcGLIAiCwh-JJS_sSqx_DDh0iCX1QGV87-fisF2U2dqYdRgU1rqV2OyPtkjGSWl7WlrH9vc5cSAibyUScVyV2wOFUV8z8BCZ07O6fVEFx9853FTScThpjI_Ij_mtQ-SgXXNnqTeS7kG99pNKmPjWdZ7mR2ckSaZ_h9fZF8Q/s4032/IMG_5187.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASGx-m6InfGOMzH9IFS6ZcGLIAiCwh-JJS_sSqx_DDh0iCX1QGV87-fisF2U2dqYdRgU1rqV2OyPtkjGSWl7WlrH9vc5cSAibyUScVyV2wOFUV8z8BCZ07O6fVEFx9853FTScThpjI_Ij_mtQ-SgXXNnqTeS7kG99pNKmPjWdZ7mR2ckSaZ_h9fZF8Q/w400-h300/IMG_5187.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>All was super organized and very impressive!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiicOyUe10qlSaf8jCnm2Jv7apdUgrRQ5O4Jgk60YxoMhMzzhVGlagNOyuBxtTS9A8zvlK9o8BGxYxsZFvw5-94elPRqXvMQKn1ocV_GKuQ2gEwImn9aCfgkHfOwc7aqohkJe5Bc5CFcZLJlMUJIRA8NivMlFQens2KnwsR0zcHGlFix2K-eTn0ZLOA/s4032/IMG_5213.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiicOyUe10qlSaf8jCnm2Jv7apdUgrRQ5O4Jgk60YxoMhMzzhVGlagNOyuBxtTS9A8zvlK9o8BGxYxsZFvw5-94elPRqXvMQKn1ocV_GKuQ2gEwImn9aCfgkHfOwc7aqohkJe5Bc5CFcZLJlMUJIRA8NivMlFQens2KnwsR0zcHGlFix2K-eTn0ZLOA/w300-h400/IMG_5213.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Something new this year was the inclusion of the red light/green light system. Corrals still existed (so runners knew where to line up) but instead of releasing corral by corral, runners would line up in a chute, one by one all the way across, and start running whenever the red light turned green. It was super quick but also very different and I wasn't expecting that!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiverexPEKa3t5CywjFVHTFpZjABtuEGP0bFN7skz6rOxw86cjAmHxccp7wpS0PvbFUS9s-K9hyjVmyhI8i2ZIlHUmvG5gChkhmj1CLhcPbzHIXKUEOcaQ5WXmnfj4KiKjLn128vte4bEYNhPUsTRfqoqEVhqT0UZyRlcmyeRn7YDt8GuXW9KQv69eicw/s3088/IMG_5220.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiverexPEKa3t5CywjFVHTFpZjABtuEGP0bFN7skz6rOxw86cjAmHxccp7wpS0PvbFUS9s-K9hyjVmyhI8i2ZIlHUmvG5gChkhmj1CLhcPbzHIXKUEOcaQ5WXmnfj4KiKjLn128vte4bEYNhPUsTRfqoqEVhqT0UZyRlcmyeRn7YDt8GuXW9KQv69eicw/w300-h400/IMG_5220.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This new course was 100% on the campus of the University of New Orleans and on Lake Pontchartrain. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp6uaXTAZP0BkiIlXTe7aEI3Ck9a57VQxoDXx84iA8azCSwvJTN6AHa-IIyn9RDRjzg0ROgyEufJsk5L3ANMc6oGdUXEiYrZ4FseyIEdsvsiFXR8I8N6SvXVpDNXEZBtVbIDHzbKSQR0nWhkvABJWyppVQc9Um1LuVlK5we9WgRGVYyJJmJVlQlTrQA/s4032/IMG_5236.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp6uaXTAZP0BkiIlXTe7aEI3Ck9a57VQxoDXx84iA8azCSwvJTN6AHa-IIyn9RDRjzg0ROgyEufJsk5L3ANMc6oGdUXEiYrZ4FseyIEdsvsiFXR8I8N6SvXVpDNXEZBtVbIDHzbKSQR0nWhkvABJWyppVQc9Um1LuVlK5we9WgRGVYyJJmJVlQlTrQA/w300-h400/IMG_5236.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The weather was BEAUTIFUL and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!! Somewhere around mile 1.5, I took off my sweatshirt which messed with the buttons on my watch and reset the dang thing! So, I ran this race without any idea of my overall time, I could only see my pace. My original goal was to run it in a 2:05. Could I have broken the 2 hour mark again? Maybe. But, I stopped to take off my sweat shirt which took precious seconds and I stopped for photos at the beginning which also took precious seconds. In another day and another time (and with the right mindset), I could have likely done it. I seriously felt SO great during this entire race and around mile 11.5, I was sad it was almost over. The overwhelming gratitude of being back, running again with a large crowd, doing this thing I love on such a gorgeous day - you can't beat that!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNBZ_taXYHkkxPhfeG3MgO9vrRMrBYuwXnugnqphfU_p3TUh1NhXuPfqP2ZH2xhGYbp8cZbGrSg7AR5z48BXwJyovjAz8Y0-AFYDzcZSJD5M3LMQhtNxCwYzkQEm-l4Jd8JobfU_CTvoFC7SO2hEGtNz9C31Z1Ku-oQxkE8FEKxmwXrOC_kfCS2bSMw/s4032/IMG_5245.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNBZ_taXYHkkxPhfeG3MgO9vrRMrBYuwXnugnqphfU_p3TUh1NhXuPfqP2ZH2xhGYbp8cZbGrSg7AR5z48BXwJyovjAz8Y0-AFYDzcZSJD5M3LMQhtNxCwYzkQEm-l4Jd8JobfU_CTvoFC7SO2hEGtNz9C31Z1Ku-oQxkE8FEKxmwXrOC_kfCS2bSMw/w400-h300/IMG_5245.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The course atmosphere on this race route was great, too! I just love the overall atmosphere of New Orleans! It's so much fun!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVXOqM8g-5Pw2tItoKquxjf4Xx4Ftfql9KtHDFJ33tbDSW1Ee47TsWxvU-VJKTpdzUUESGQ5kBW-WjkcxZ0X1B5c_FphEYPvDOju5VOHfGdL39cpZrKf5LgWJrJBjzaOzPVUYbPxCHo4BhbX6b2cdj6cPgaQR5Cl8ujoTqcQacyO-15rCmr4W3wxNgg/s3088/IMG_5247.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVXOqM8g-5Pw2tItoKquxjf4Xx4Ftfql9KtHDFJ33tbDSW1Ee47TsWxvU-VJKTpdzUUESGQ5kBW-WjkcxZ0X1B5c_FphEYPvDOju5VOHfGdL39cpZrKf5LgWJrJBjzaOzPVUYbPxCHo4BhbX6b2cdj6cPgaQR5Cl8ujoTqcQacyO-15rCmr4W3wxNgg/w300-h400/IMG_5247.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I do have two grievances about this race...</div><div><br /></div><div>With the course change, came in the added HILLS. Oh, the hills. I sure hope they didn't advertise this as race as a flat course because I'm from Louisiana and I know flat - this wasn't flat. I seriously lost count of how many overpasses and bridges and roadways we ran up and down. It was seriously too many to count. However, I made it a goal to power up all of them and I made it every time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Second - this course was WAY too crowded. In the past, the 10K'ers started before the half marathon. This year, it was all looped in together. I understand why they did that, and I was happy when we split at mile 3. I didn't care for the fact that we looped back in with the 10K'ers at mile 8 or 9. I seriously thought I took a wrong turn and had to scan other runners bibs to make sure I was still going the right way. The two lane roads were way to crowded and congested. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4vnlbCrPMztA4YppvWrn27qW_mDNpsT5JlnEMULppfA4uBzichKSGjYpAENklyhcYDnROqM03jGpcEcI2Tm9pZUUFTxrgzDwbu2_Oyx5-4Nj_tDFkYkhqn08sgNdQsb1lZMsVOHi8PffXa1TCOEYY3QRHPLzjagw8G0KPCjFsRVHBI5Juyd67ezfYw/s3088/IMG_5251.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4vnlbCrPMztA4YppvWrn27qW_mDNpsT5JlnEMULppfA4uBzichKSGjYpAENklyhcYDnROqM03jGpcEcI2Tm9pZUUFTxrgzDwbu2_Oyx5-4Nj_tDFkYkhqn08sgNdQsb1lZMsVOHi8PffXa1TCOEYY3QRHPLzjagw8G0KPCjFsRVHBI5Juyd67ezfYw/w300-h400/IMG_5251.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Traditional mile 12 photo!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrNLy4rICUHI1Id-62EMJPDj4MakxZJDHYT-9jEpEzL7OofzyGDP423FHWz_nvxr9EB2IK3lIgtLpz1Cr8_4xOMNeLANdUWeYjZOv33xr5797wi9VUwJe5Xy5FHoptz6ItGAxq9wqvLdWtuWsow_8MDW01jV2STMz91iQHA1s00SWQMKyAAvl6VMZkA/s2913/IMG_5256.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2913" data-original-width="2078" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrNLy4rICUHI1Id-62EMJPDj4MakxZJDHYT-9jEpEzL7OofzyGDP423FHWz_nvxr9EB2IK3lIgtLpz1Cr8_4xOMNeLANdUWeYjZOv33xr5797wi9VUwJe5Xy5FHoptz6ItGAxq9wqvLdWtuWsow_8MDW01jV2STMz91iQHA1s00SWQMKyAAvl6VMZkA/w285-h400/IMG_5256.HEIC" width="285" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I LOVED the medals this year!! Aren't they beautiful!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcqNnNTqEPbuFNo7EEArm03YYHSD4erzjCteZZ8vV44yERxb3WvdqQSidOH3seSdCDdMYT0nEp0VzGkJ87y8tIxx2SA6dXV4qHlwUBGdWpwVtJmNaYJNgIH8LiH4TXR3Gi_xXqpASsd9PqJ_V5oI5JT7R2AA5taP_Icrjl8NU8jLvsqgnHJyGYC6jKg/s4032/IMG_5270.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcqNnNTqEPbuFNo7EEArm03YYHSD4erzjCteZZ8vV44yERxb3WvdqQSidOH3seSdCDdMYT0nEp0VzGkJ87y8tIxx2SA6dXV4qHlwUBGdWpwVtJmNaYJNgIH8LiH4TXR3Gi_xXqpASsd9PqJ_V5oI5JT7R2AA5taP_Icrjl8NU8jLvsqgnHJyGYC6jKg/w300-h400/IMG_5270.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I seriously love how much they put into this overall race from start to finish (Expo to post-race). There's so much rich history and culture with New Orleans, it's fun to see it showcased at the race!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21RtlNgnwBiBw7XShzeUVPWu9SP_mZCRZDlNc0jkQ8nxeEm-5rmoPhF8nu_4esrG8Ae_PNCJpgE2DoKTiv2OVxcmSSSk7JgykujijQuhCodqTCEwX7kDdhy47DaU8n8EY1ij_8GMCOoEWnlupxrrVcAnGbrij8zVzcuJ4HTJvVRXnJsyOADeKWPlHOA/s3446/IMG_5303.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3446" data-original-width="2486" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21RtlNgnwBiBw7XShzeUVPWu9SP_mZCRZDlNc0jkQ8nxeEm-5rmoPhF8nu_4esrG8Ae_PNCJpgE2DoKTiv2OVxcmSSSk7JgykujijQuhCodqTCEwX7kDdhy47DaU8n8EY1ij_8GMCOoEWnlupxrrVcAnGbrij8zVzcuJ4HTJvVRXnJsyOADeKWPlHOA/w289-h400/IMG_5303.HEIC" width="289" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also knew of a runDisney friend running this race, Jackey! I hung around the finish line to say hi! It was so nice to meet her!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWPDcAsUdYR2zX44b3sP-MINgXDlouTCmMLWXfVOo9d0HbLelDUSEnXTWZhZG1PeifD9mG0HpPOVRzaRPAqG_JzqdtC5YsCAzzlo1rl1iEn6_UDmoH3mGMr-D6qXZ2l1LSauTwY_gH9wumaWbuLZqFkVcPuHo1cuARR6B3glBhmWoZqDREoR82vDByA/s4032/IMG_5306.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWPDcAsUdYR2zX44b3sP-MINgXDlouTCmMLWXfVOo9d0HbLelDUSEnXTWZhZG1PeifD9mG0HpPOVRzaRPAqG_JzqdtC5YsCAzzlo1rl1iEn6_UDmoH3mGMr-D6qXZ2l1LSauTwY_gH9wumaWbuLZqFkVcPuHo1cuARR6B3glBhmWoZqDREoR82vDByA/w300-h400/IMG_5306.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember the watch debacle? Well, I knew the "overall" time when I crossed was around 2:10, but I had no idea if I'd reached my goal time or not. After finding a spot to sit and relax, I opened my app and.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f8TSfWL7hgOEBUeaIQ-zG3ndY8nDbhqFR6K3vlneXY5Ab-WQt7Fo-5kAyTCYhoX32dz06VHoLa6x_xEeb9eI7UveHtGEmTezU6Y3lu3fIaPRmzbP-xawAhJbHvZ9DMNLII9_S3tFAWINrMNbi3oZ7mBFgaWv-rPRcyJmImB45Dj37t1pPQb1Mad_3w/s1488/IMG_5262.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9f8TSfWL7hgOEBUeaIQ-zG3ndY8nDbhqFR6K3vlneXY5Ab-WQt7Fo-5kAyTCYhoX32dz06VHoLa6x_xEeb9eI7UveHtGEmTezU6Y3lu3fIaPRmzbP-xawAhJbHvZ9DMNLII9_S3tFAWINrMNbi3oZ7mBFgaWv-rPRcyJmImB45Dj37t1pPQb1Mad_3w/w345-h400/IMG_5262.jpeg" width="345" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I got it!! I couldn't believe my eyes! 2:05!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully our hotel let us have a noon check out, which gave us a few extra minutes to hang around the finish line. The buses were also taking runners and spectators back to the Convention center area which was super convenient!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOr7AJC8RFOG4frgLqgUlfqZtNQ_rm0fPz9kO7pFHXGV8qMbrcpdxL0WSuDMQP0znIfNsb8wO8gKeqgp9UzciuUevFjzh192V9JM1BK47Ka1CAMskZi-hvElNtAO0iszMmSyJL7pZcpfvTjn3NWLX0z6mRTnS9eOta9yk5Zw1dinm06vUe_dY08ipug/s4032/IMG_5324.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOr7AJC8RFOG4frgLqgUlfqZtNQ_rm0fPz9kO7pFHXGV8qMbrcpdxL0WSuDMQP0znIfNsb8wO8gKeqgp9UzciuUevFjzh192V9JM1BK47Ka1CAMskZi-hvElNtAO0iszMmSyJL7pZcpfvTjn3NWLX0z6mRTnS9eOta9yk5Zw1dinm06vUe_dY08ipug/w300-h400/IMG_5324.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After showering and checking out, we made brunch reservations at one of the Ruby Slipper locations and took a Lyft to the restaurant.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B1fWLQnwQa5T7_PZhLLyOUzMyw11b9e2Iq6FS89oE9NFwEHEUvkFy9aA5GYR4_BxWS3-_hgM4zWDdwMusfVVrL07FmRIOmsvTYPPNOIEOZH857hGGecg8K2HSa4KFINJzw1kPpo0H9TnLsvSynKI1nfJos63z4QnR8TYDl7zApg_pRZ8DC62j1A9BA/s4032/IMG_5337.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B1fWLQnwQa5T7_PZhLLyOUzMyw11b9e2Iq6FS89oE9NFwEHEUvkFy9aA5GYR4_BxWS3-_hgM4zWDdwMusfVVrL07FmRIOmsvTYPPNOIEOZH857hGGecg8K2HSa4KFINJzw1kPpo0H9TnLsvSynKI1nfJos63z4QnR8TYDl7zApg_pRZ8DC62j1A9BA/w300-h400/IMG_5337.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This dish was SO good. I would go out of my way to go here again, just to eat this dish!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZGObJo99t_25MGmDqT2pFzAdd2olkvrp4U_lvXq3jFFj5Zh8qWgnH4KL2nbQxWqeN0PpQeTBe3RrPZfQ86Jl9s_MeEswNRalAX9SF12TlQ6SnX0iekASpDD34olqzachR0fHBDIKsMC7BP5baPeegE5xzLWViARj5f8uRldH_2sD4eqpYs4lEm9kCg/s4032/IMG_5332.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZGObJo99t_25MGmDqT2pFzAdd2olkvrp4U_lvXq3jFFj5Zh8qWgnH4KL2nbQxWqeN0PpQeTBe3RrPZfQ86Jl9s_MeEswNRalAX9SF12TlQ6SnX0iekASpDD34olqzachR0fHBDIKsMC7BP5baPeegE5xzLWViARj5f8uRldH_2sD4eqpYs4lEm9kCg/w300-h400/IMG_5332.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Chicken and waffles is a southern staple, but this dish switched it up and added french toast instead. It also included a sweet heat sauce and I drizzled it with syrup. So so good, y'all!</div><div><br /></div><div>I absolutely loved this past weekend. I had a blast being back in New Orleans with my husband, eating the good food, seeing the sights, and running the half marathon. I'm already registered for next year! Can't wait to be back again! </div><div><br /></div><div>Laissez le bon temps rouler - Let the good times roll! </div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-65365971658493946282021-12-16T04:00:00.001-06:002021-12-16T04:00:00.185-06:00Swamp Stomp Half Marathon 2021Another day, another post about racing! It does my heart a lot of good to see races making their comeback. It's just been too long without them! <div><br /></div><div>As part of my training cycle for Princess, I had a 12 mile training run scheduled for the first weekend of December. Although that Saturday was smack in the middle of two very long and very early Grinch performances, I knew I had to sign myself up for this race or I'd never run the 12 on my own.</div><div><br /></div><div>Luckily for my friends who are also training for Princess, they had an 11 mile training run that weekend and had never completed a half marathon. So, I somehow convinced them this would be good practice for Princess and they listened to me and registered! What's 13 miles when you're already doing 11, right? Am I right? :)<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcx2JaBKb9FXTP7DeoXrAR50uDcdnAvNIjv4nm1vSzP0l4Rqo6c3QsBuagMKU_EUyq9PS0VNcNuNE6NL-ru2mQFt3XeFDb_jnQA3GKoTc_fPythL2fal53o3o1Dd_US36UjX6DkF042VH-iXNjo1K1XCP2m_76wg7s8ukoMzsk7Br4K1zWt3i19Ghe-g=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcx2JaBKb9FXTP7DeoXrAR50uDcdnAvNIjv4nm1vSzP0l4Rqo6c3QsBuagMKU_EUyq9PS0VNcNuNE6NL-ru2mQFt3XeFDb_jnQA3GKoTc_fPythL2fal53o3o1Dd_US36UjX6DkF042VH-iXNjo1K1XCP2m_76wg7s8ukoMzsk7Br4K1zWt3i19Ghe-g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Although the name of the race is a familiar one, the venue was completely different and I loved it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilgSxT-qj-IAkK48b3xuA7G-z5qlkGMcF2oSzkrMj5WbyAxH53eGIs-4L4Q8kLFEzI_0Z5o8nUG1_B848dAWevhVztqZaYzmMl3KV0atEFxno9f3AI2FXNnj0DjXsQ2S4zc8X9Dqm-ZRyLyv_ogvnM_mFcFKScEElMpSnD733OUMKs6FVBw0fklVX38g=s3845" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2461" data-original-width="3845" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilgSxT-qj-IAkK48b3xuA7G-z5qlkGMcF2oSzkrMj5WbyAxH53eGIs-4L4Q8kLFEzI_0Z5o8nUG1_B848dAWevhVztqZaYzmMl3KV0atEFxno9f3AI2FXNnj0DjXsQ2S4zc8X9Dqm-ZRyLyv_ogvnM_mFcFKScEElMpSnD733OUMKs6FVBw0fklVX38g=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We ran through a large new-to-me neighborhood and it was perfect! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb7vjIkXekflLItgxiXzUbxOug-Ve9CzlL92GXtJ--MeL7pT4-OsADRM3_4tXBNyu8uXdi1N5JwX_Y5G9lV8SuSnM3XhJ-FKlykrVYKYjQFa9eT2p439JgyTUnOj7iPNAYDUAeBPOa0_B3j4Yi9hK720M7Rc86bHn80pgsWwSX861BTE0uBYYB09OT3w=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb7vjIkXekflLItgxiXzUbxOug-Ve9CzlL92GXtJ--MeL7pT4-OsADRM3_4tXBNyu8uXdi1N5JwX_Y5G9lV8SuSnM3XhJ-FKlykrVYKYjQFa9eT2p439JgyTUnOj7iPNAYDUAeBPOa0_B3j4Yi9hK720M7Rc86bHn80pgsWwSX861BTE0uBYYB09OT3w=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of the highlights was this giant Grinch I spotted along the way! A friend of mine took her 12 foot skeleton from Halloween and turned him into a Grinch!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiobwsp8DA4C4b1u4iND2yIUy2z1vF6Ezut8l9yo_97SvzQpULWLiEBc2PFdTih9VLKgJCE5DXcMyWCM5UAPNu-oZE7tXxB8Zb7D-uZWxeGp32omY_nHwahNOZ4Rlv0i7i6t7CTu-7GgO1Xv6A9hqbwu9aEd12LgwxLodV7_regcCRyV8FCA9CTxkAApA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiobwsp8DA4C4b1u4iND2yIUy2z1vF6Ezut8l9yo_97SvzQpULWLiEBc2PFdTih9VLKgJCE5DXcMyWCM5UAPNu-oZE7tXxB8Zb7D-uZWxeGp32omY_nHwahNOZ4Rlv0i7i6t7CTu-7GgO1Xv6A9hqbwu9aEd12LgwxLodV7_regcCRyV8FCA9CTxkAApA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A lot of this route was winding through roads, neighborhoods, and a lot of looping around.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm31bgKLp4TtZV_EnKeemREy6pdSGUwneQdqkQZ-mm73_sVaXNB1jmOwWI3RRHmzYiECrL2BTHPZFGW8_Qg11olUDygm3CCcg_fhvUkVNuZAxLae_4ND4ZyUyiVCmHymfbsYmrauF23ga5AO8XDfr_Ue4VumH9-eqap31S9wyZ0QSvZF-c7DxwxUTobA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm31bgKLp4TtZV_EnKeemREy6pdSGUwneQdqkQZ-mm73_sVaXNB1jmOwWI3RRHmzYiECrL2BTHPZFGW8_Qg11olUDygm3CCcg_fhvUkVNuZAxLae_4ND4ZyUyiVCmHymfbsYmrauF23ga5AO8XDfr_Ue4VumH9-eqap31S9wyZ0QSvZF-c7DxwxUTobA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I didn't mind the looping around so much until the end. Around mile 8, things really started to get tough. The humidity as VERY high this day and although the course was flat, this race was just a tough one in general for me. It was a mental battle from mile 8/9, but things like the Just Breathe sign below really helped keep me going!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb04iKNlfBdLRDkFQb3shONZQ--Swsnyl4AngGNVofmNDGOek2CwyUwC2NY2BlfdFSOFLyRthCm7Bfg4xcV83nTosgkFcAPH5Xabl9OmJ0fPqbNm_JW9wgTq0PlTLUIv7bKDrbeZ6X8JUukLUWeelO0Uh4EKNZr9MNW5YMV6IVllxKBMo3mb9w9SehAw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb04iKNlfBdLRDkFQb3shONZQ--Swsnyl4AngGNVofmNDGOek2CwyUwC2NY2BlfdFSOFLyRthCm7Bfg4xcV83nTosgkFcAPH5Xabl9OmJ0fPqbNm_JW9wgTq0PlTLUIv7bKDrbeZ6X8JUukLUWeelO0Uh4EKNZr9MNW5YMV6IVllxKBMo3mb9w9SehAw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Signs like this were located all throughout the course and it was fabulous!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSV4E_hZysaBnBKnjdTz0U93uNOOSPIfUCTBKYhJ1NQQhy-E6UGmUOFP9DHbHUqXHXD3tLzAG-6EPi-m170jGb0WXvTy5FkK_S6_8wqsCCHpqofl5jJWizSo99g8AyDYYkp81Kw7YSd-ZOTxM2q5ILHMcJF3SRbTttoruzx72spgeInJVNiWZ4lLMEFA=s3327" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3327" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSV4E_hZysaBnBKnjdTz0U93uNOOSPIfUCTBKYhJ1NQQhy-E6UGmUOFP9DHbHUqXHXD3tLzAG-6EPi-m170jGb0WXvTy5FkK_S6_8wqsCCHpqofl5jJWizSo99g8AyDYYkp81Kw7YSd-ZOTxM2q5ILHMcJF3SRbTttoruzx72spgeInJVNiWZ4lLMEFA=w400-h290" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Some of it was desolate as there were only about 200 runners running this race and I was somewhere in the middle of the pack.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs7VIqPHdRdeWY25NL7DnDv-qtS5TVK_htrhqPXahk_1S_A8_FJNP3bLEo1qOxH2IN2DrdqnQ_l2ibdffYm7DEM6zARQn9YQKZzvM0YkLuOEDCVxhAX_Ml1vQY2Y9rFL6lQPbSMc_bpuPuV_xBfU4-KKcrKcCWxeBKQua-vbue7cMVq0NvJ2e1lhZEgQ=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs7VIqPHdRdeWY25NL7DnDv-qtS5TVK_htrhqPXahk_1S_A8_FJNP3bLEo1qOxH2IN2DrdqnQ_l2ibdffYm7DEM6zARQn9YQKZzvM0YkLuOEDCVxhAX_Ml1vQY2Y9rFL6lQPbSMc_bpuPuV_xBfU4-KKcrKcCWxeBKQua-vbue7cMVq0NvJ2e1lhZEgQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Don't think I didn't forget the traditional mile 12 sign photo!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqSA6zXJqpqPpiqrREGKJ4M46oqng0cwayIjVUAzi-QJJm68-Oh4rvFCleq84D8Mlf7nuYlPt8xlLKAgTW4X39xD8FrZoNgL9PLPD7IRbgt9NxHwV6vMKV88Zz_-WzvOGEW1V53-mwwqrWnVti6x9ZWsE0TdVldowxf2EkpcFWJwI2Dfpf5jxo3vOfXA=s3219" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2403" data-original-width="3219" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqSA6zXJqpqPpiqrREGKJ4M46oqng0cwayIjVUAzi-QJJm68-Oh4rvFCleq84D8Mlf7nuYlPt8xlLKAgTW4X39xD8FrZoNgL9PLPD7IRbgt9NxHwV6vMKV88Zz_-WzvOGEW1V53-mwwqrWnVti6x9ZWsE0TdVldowxf2EkpcFWJwI2Dfpf5jxo3vOfXA=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Mile 12 and literally almost done!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicLO6EyEAIwetd349vXlY33Z9UZ3XLohq9rDEr56PpJ8LxGBfsSeATfyyJXuh13-gui13Gxmu7058A-9YFDZncxmHhtbkYvYo_Rw9hcChHdyUdgxWj0mpGFe8-BlsrdieUyTA8QcCALgByfeAcT-_HACHHcn8q_natFG23gabJ-wBW_bARMICXN4-JgQ=s4031" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4031" data-original-width="3023" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicLO6EyEAIwetd349vXlY33Z9UZ3XLohq9rDEr56PpJ8LxGBfsSeATfyyJXuh13-gui13Gxmu7058A-9YFDZncxmHhtbkYvYo_Rw9hcChHdyUdgxWj0mpGFe8-BlsrdieUyTA8QcCALgByfeAcT-_HACHHcn8q_natFG23gabJ-wBW_bARMICXN4-JgQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I tried to keep a consistent 9:30 pace as long as I could. It worked out really well until about mile 9...then all went downhill from there. Even so, my goal was to finish below 2 hours and 15 minutes and I made it! I was very proud of this time because I worked hard to get there!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCp8fOihnQ6RhGTNjqHEXqMfF_29BNMwMSjOSxzEnwMLdR4m_lVG9LoV4kiomNa1q8BjuecleZKoMwny2yNlRKh6_s8ZV6aqb60knZSs1I6JoAuMlDlnAw9nKWg5Sxc-v67JGzSW0Ca6uu5KbYiUzDkdw2bEf1D9gg09ddVZg3SMrJZW1NxUpSpwVtlA=s1429" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="1037" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCp8fOihnQ6RhGTNjqHEXqMfF_29BNMwMSjOSxzEnwMLdR4m_lVG9LoV4kiomNa1q8BjuecleZKoMwny2yNlRKh6_s8ZV6aqb60knZSs1I6JoAuMlDlnAw9nKWg5Sxc-v67JGzSW0Ca6uu5KbYiUzDkdw2bEf1D9gg09ddVZg3SMrJZW1NxUpSpwVtlA=w290-h400" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>All done! I kept reminding myself that I could sit down and relax when I finished running! Hah!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwxF0-PLdtPqi2P8Y3DcQMtvCR_OQ8qzppGvNzF2w_6hYtXZEnGj6_2yCNjyLnlfHRPehNI_QjNUAKfCNA9rW9f9HeMSknpwycCxE2jPrnH3v6gQq9_7uFDqzKDu9JGI-7aA6A_DpPpD2ece1Jc1NF8a1siT82J1Z-TG7kUfT5fUPnZg7yUbO0iXNx3Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwxF0-PLdtPqi2P8Y3DcQMtvCR_OQ8qzppGvNzF2w_6hYtXZEnGj6_2yCNjyLnlfHRPehNI_QjNUAKfCNA9rW9f9HeMSknpwycCxE2jPrnH3v6gQq9_7uFDqzKDu9JGI-7aA6A_DpPpD2ece1Jc1NF8a1siT82J1Z-TG7kUfT5fUPnZg7yUbO0iXNx3Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To the left of this photos is the physical therapist who helped with my last round of PT to my hamstring. She truly helped me get back to running and I'm forever grateful to her for that!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLvHrbAi8TqfnaJ07AY2ETZCixeauW2mQSX6_ik9bB5XIx1bmoXCLZNa1aFweBCS7EHKsRJ03fgzbfsQcN4Uxw6Mxj1xY-93AE0v6N2VtY_5LCQNFD0LLo8MpgH_l_hFkl05a6MKiCNIr6XPWmmEThGWI_HREPl09xSOn922Vb702uwEpUvp8T5i1Tfg=s2902" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2386" data-original-width="2902" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLvHrbAi8TqfnaJ07AY2ETZCixeauW2mQSX6_ik9bB5XIx1bmoXCLZNa1aFweBCS7EHKsRJ03fgzbfsQcN4Uxw6Mxj1xY-93AE0v6N2VtY_5LCQNFD0LLo8MpgH_l_hFkl05a6MKiCNIr6XPWmmEThGWI_HREPl09xSOn922Vb702uwEpUvp8T5i1Tfg=w400-h329" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was so proud of my friends for conquering something that seemed like such a huge obstacle for so long! They did great!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHXkIRPihCH4yKLMog25JJSY0LcQV7LaccGR0k0uGNScdhScvA3qfyvhOIZ2UhsWp2QKLMqLz-T65WYS23LJiYUySdw-iZnlm8mi0plDQVKR_Q8DNL8pRSr-ZeI0iz48ME2-HErnRjjciKayvA0mv2Bl8gYnQqr2fmu3XdD1JNn_Vo4BiixRjhalHhOg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHXkIRPihCH4yKLMog25JJSY0LcQV7LaccGR0k0uGNScdhScvA3qfyvhOIZ2UhsWp2QKLMqLz-T65WYS23LJiYUySdw-iZnlm8mi0plDQVKR_Q8DNL8pRSr-ZeI0iz48ME2-HErnRjjciKayvA0mv2Bl8gYnQqr2fmu3XdD1JNn_Vo4BiixRjhalHhOg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My own little cheer squad was out there to cheer me on, too! Loved having them there!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5BRYbS7GB8HBJCf5gOK3oAry-omWOVY6T5l6oNAjYB1y4jhwPArjPKgOqRx9Y6Ez8wRiYTfyF-z52xF0UuHysOXaYv2cJ4AM59L_KhOpY2seSxiBpPNn00SjhRR84lktQr6hmi-g0ncM0zIuZo4uZ6h92GAlugSxlUm0kxeJsY25kU9qzxce5kNHHFg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5BRYbS7GB8HBJCf5gOK3oAry-omWOVY6T5l6oNAjYB1y4jhwPArjPKgOqRx9Y6Ez8wRiYTfyF-z52xF0UuHysOXaYv2cJ4AM59L_KhOpY2seSxiBpPNn00SjhRR84lktQr6hmi-g0ncM0zIuZo4uZ6h92GAlugSxlUm0kxeJsY25kU9qzxce5kNHHFg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the race, we stopped by a local coffee shop for post-race brunch and it was SO good! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm5_zbhGl7wZ4hAhfs0Bvq0xeZ0KQPuHN5FU_2-HKWuFIHcSW-nZidyk2IgKy2-znhcf9NpeSpZGGjAoOxswuijM_uvGiec_WbcB8qEVRtdEb7A5sLAaf8v1cG9-fgjcSrxDoALPUjrfk6lhg5eyfkUfUOkr4kbaK9YnXAjoPbNKrMSv9dWwNaUk0d-w=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm5_zbhGl7wZ4hAhfs0Bvq0xeZ0KQPuHN5FU_2-HKWuFIHcSW-nZidyk2IgKy2-znhcf9NpeSpZGGjAoOxswuijM_uvGiec_WbcB8qEVRtdEb7A5sLAaf8v1cG9-fgjcSrxDoALPUjrfk6lhg5eyfkUfUOkr4kbaK9YnXAjoPbNKrMSv9dWwNaUk0d-w=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Overall, it was a great race despite the humidity, but no one can control that factor. I loved running through this new-to-me neighborhood and being with my friends! It's so great to have racing back!!</div></div><div><br /></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-42502462905336305182021-11-23T07:19:00.001-06:002021-11-23T07:25:09.541-06:00Cajun Cup 10K 2021Happy Thanksgiving week! I hope you are having a wonderful week with your family as we kick off the holiday season!<div><br /></div><div>I'm so thankful races are back. I was reminded how much I missed racing, the atmosphere, the spectators, and above all else the exhilaration that comes with crossing that finish line!<div><br /></div><div>I knew I needed a 10K for a proof of time for princess (since mine was a year too old) but I wanted to find a good race - one I was familiar with and knew I could obtain my goal.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Cajun Cup 10K is located in a town about an hour away. I've run it several times in the past so I decided on this one since it was familiar to me!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIRrXQ5fuKmLWZJ6SRcat82QCaDy7FOZKrDyRecln0sSegskS1XwoQ1mwBWCz2coDVppPcgaiFEbZsVlF45653wxRKvWabgHuo1aOrIkfiBGQ0hisv0P-iy2I-o3nGnV66_agEXpeSWb6/s2048/IMG_9460.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIRrXQ5fuKmLWZJ6SRcat82QCaDy7FOZKrDyRecln0sSegskS1XwoQ1mwBWCz2coDVppPcgaiFEbZsVlF45653wxRKvWabgHuo1aOrIkfiBGQ0hisv0P-iy2I-o3nGnV66_agEXpeSWb6/w400-h300/IMG_9460.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We left SUPER early that morning because Kim was also running the 1 miler which started about a half hour before the 10K.<div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRhozFqX-oqhNrdgoNF6tl-K8meXTDixeBv_g5IV4OkebrTEZe2xSiFWVHjq1t6KMQ4Q7TCSiri3jXL8GbpMo01GhXKF-k8m77jV-SkxcyvNLhZTiIQnmO_JDFxqmqjsyOQT5MdSGPZvo/s2048/IMG_9461.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRhozFqX-oqhNrdgoNF6tl-K8meXTDixeBv_g5IV4OkebrTEZe2xSiFWVHjq1t6KMQ4Q7TCSiri3jXL8GbpMo01GhXKF-k8m77jV-SkxcyvNLhZTiIQnmO_JDFxqmqjsyOQT5MdSGPZvo/w300-h400/IMG_9461.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>My friend wasn't a steady runner prior to this, but I thinks he has been bitten by the running bug! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfR5yjMWzKtoFhI7CE2PshDHohSz0BmL6giEzBApExKF0TukhO4uCgQGIeFnuUfcefEfkpGm3yErs-UOuT0VBZDes60PK03sC4-1_iZ4n4rkMQPU-GN1NPnzEAMd0U1Q9NsQ27hN4txct/s2048/IMG_9486.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfR5yjMWzKtoFhI7CE2PshDHohSz0BmL6giEzBApExKF0TukhO4uCgQGIeFnuUfcefEfkpGm3yErs-UOuT0VBZDes60PK03sC4-1_iZ4n4rkMQPU-GN1NPnzEAMd0U1Q9NsQ27hN4txct/w400-h300/IMG_9486.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Proud of my friend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2qu79r7bhg9mfdKSjRAufC6fjI_AvZkbXXtX4D8_exiTx2MJAfIQXntBAAh0Ux4K4JlH7luKHhxg2E4t6qOM9UL_e3_ECJAB-RRaGtySY2BGroQRlviNzY25aE7hVtwIaoLNufbaEoHY/s2048/IMG_9495.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2qu79r7bhg9mfdKSjRAufC6fjI_AvZkbXXtX4D8_exiTx2MJAfIQXntBAAh0Ux4K4JlH7luKHhxg2E4t6qOM9UL_e3_ECJAB-RRaGtySY2BGroQRlviNzY25aE7hVtwIaoLNufbaEoHY/w300-h400/IMG_9495.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was in the 40's that morning which translates to SO COLD to us down here in the south. I wasn't quite sure what to wear - did I need my ear cover? gloves? a jacket? </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrmpgxrshz8kpXWZ6QSvaWG_4m-cQMQNuuZXnMqagWg6AupapI0NsbgMz6aNoklDP7U8Hof8iR6dnGST-p9eYO708DihtnziWYWp41PzRAZWv1iVjzxzcdSSDQgiwaGEHs18Axhy6s8zm/s2048/IMG_9496.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrmpgxrshz8kpXWZ6QSvaWG_4m-cQMQNuuZXnMqagWg6AupapI0NsbgMz6aNoklDP7U8Hof8iR6dnGST-p9eYO708DihtnziWYWp41PzRAZWv1iVjzxzcdSSDQgiwaGEHs18Axhy6s8zm/w300-h400/IMG_9496.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I finally decided on nothing extra besides what was already on me (long sleeve dry fit shirt and ankle length tights) and that was the best decision! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvEwQGUxkvcWrtXAc7wBPjDHjnGG0bttd_8D1fWjGkh6l3rroxOg-DEmM0N0lun4bh8mPDnQyK58QgQfMmCh9nQcERRIT-tUB-ZuCQIGHzlmQ05NgQZHWFdomkzq95_aQE98z_vEmqL-K/s2048/IMG_9498.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvEwQGUxkvcWrtXAc7wBPjDHjnGG0bttd_8D1fWjGkh6l3rroxOg-DEmM0N0lun4bh8mPDnQyK58QgQfMmCh9nQcERRIT-tUB-ZuCQIGHzlmQ05NgQZHWFdomkzq95_aQE98z_vEmqL-K/w400-h300/IMG_9498.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This race led us through downtown Lafayette, through a residential neighborhood, then finally over to the Cajun Dome.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0lpRUpoODjjbWy27WUvhsXgGSnwH3z3zP3WlCIPNGrGmmwM86jL96D1aFg9vt51_C_VOyC5b2SGl_jbjxp94tImAz60oBaNKzS4V8dPCbgY0KNIastxfHspBinGQVO4Lg0367NHzaoji/s2048/IMG_9500.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0lpRUpoODjjbWy27WUvhsXgGSnwH3z3zP3WlCIPNGrGmmwM86jL96D1aFg9vt51_C_VOyC5b2SGl_jbjxp94tImAz60oBaNKzS4V8dPCbgY0KNIastxfHspBinGQVO4Lg0367NHzaoji/w400-h300/IMG_9500.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The first few miles literally flew by and it was the best feeling! My official goal for this race was to finish under an hour and somewhere in the eight minute per mile range. I knew I wouldn't be anywhere near my 10K PR, but that was ok with me.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP2DnTaHaKSSXQdqV5lI85KSnFe4Q8fX7aORSNsWGbnYg7_2wp_pVaA4Mv7NEJ0JYmuDzTxDPSf9NOhwvvVHP2ea4ydOVT1Jj2yVebJVnXFeSONZsjy1MWkGRwosJrmd5UXLhpUDVNcqZ/s2048/IMG_9503.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP2DnTaHaKSSXQdqV5lI85KSnFe4Q8fX7aORSNsWGbnYg7_2wp_pVaA4Mv7NEJ0JYmuDzTxDPSf9NOhwvvVHP2ea4ydOVT1Jj2yVebJVnXFeSONZsjy1MWkGRwosJrmd5UXLhpUDVNcqZ/w400-h300/IMG_9503.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I managed to find a group of people who were keeping a somewhat steady pace, so I followed them and it worked!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVkyl1kaPu5iDcSPm1Eo6vL6SQcl0U5BSYD1TXuTbbMBlpiGI1qVcsaeCRfZ8TWuKl6kooj7YdpY5JuubvSUh5s6UDMHf-cmL1sH3YkbT8G5qOWMxxMWnFZQknvWSfvkFsNtRlBiSo2y4/s2048/IMG_9505.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVkyl1kaPu5iDcSPm1Eo6vL6SQcl0U5BSYD1TXuTbbMBlpiGI1qVcsaeCRfZ8TWuKl6kooj7YdpY5JuubvSUh5s6UDMHf-cmL1sH3YkbT8G5qOWMxxMWnFZQknvWSfvkFsNtRlBiSo2y4/w400-h300/IMG_9505.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I will say I'm annoyed about with this race - I clearly heard them say over the loud speaker that it didn't matter where you stood in the starting corral, your time would be calculated from the moment you crossed the start line. It took me a good 20 seconds to cross that start line and although my finish time was 54:44, their official clock time was 55:06 when I crossed the finish line, and that's my official time on the log. I feel like I remember this happening to me at this race before, so I stood closer to the starting line the following time I ran it. Well, I forgot all about that this go round. Oh well, lesson learned for next time!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKYCeH7b1JMcxy795srKGaXjeDMqxp9nu57FvExf-7mI1D1_F0zaTiCx4QDut_Bt6XJvId9EyP8Iwml02sgXG1ymHAA9OJ0AuqMYD3EOaK_QYEo0TR8agw10vwbvyYO9EppNJg4r-5jrr/s2048/IMG_9544.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKYCeH7b1JMcxy795srKGaXjeDMqxp9nu57FvExf-7mI1D1_F0zaTiCx4QDut_Bt6XJvId9EyP8Iwml02sgXG1ymHAA9OJ0AuqMYD3EOaK_QYEo0TR8agw10vwbvyYO9EppNJg4r-5jrr/w300-h400/IMG_9544.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm still proud of myself regardless! I achieved my goal plus some!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0G04e2ZpnBqBG3qieRb8F9dysBETOjcENHTqe1B5Wu8eppbOSF0mmkWteLxWouePziuvL8kBb2Heq_xrEflEJ8d0jFyCLOO2OPjH79F44-EZdB2nNL6oydTWezyH1yrAIsmrnZCbwFox/s2048/IMG_9515.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0G04e2ZpnBqBG3qieRb8F9dysBETOjcENHTqe1B5Wu8eppbOSF0mmkWteLxWouePziuvL8kBb2Heq_xrEflEJ8d0jFyCLOO2OPjH79F44-EZdB2nNL6oydTWezyH1yrAIsmrnZCbwFox/w300-h400/IMG_9515.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the race, I asked a lady to take our picture and she literally took it crooked. I had to adjust the photo to make it straight. This photo will always make me laugh for that very reason!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD5OeDNdQe0AF-QQzELiqayM65r4k6973qm0-mmtSa_gtCSS_DPcQ4C1OCR90PRSkPy9l_fGQpmWzFhL3TpKpZ2IE_Le1kyv76FNN41MA2fLDedo_7NWlTF_lP7rVCUbErmJxs1O42QUL/s2048/IMG_9513.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD5OeDNdQe0AF-QQzELiqayM65r4k6973qm0-mmtSa_gtCSS_DPcQ4C1OCR90PRSkPy9l_fGQpmWzFhL3TpKpZ2IE_Le1kyv76FNN41MA2fLDedo_7NWlTF_lP7rVCUbErmJxs1O42QUL/w300-h400/IMG_9513.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Is this how all the cool kids are taking photos now-days? Guess I need to get with the program!<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S3oQxAS-uaOAEf_xSd3PpclcIfhRsSAaIPcveiSvgCfwfxFXOxixBSC9RTLQ8_7Ie9Pqt775bE9L9HFt2Jtd-HYPAdxaKfnBSdiv8b4JdsIQiLDRnKCketuWEQquSP6Tquh8MdvhMKmh/s2048/IMG_9517.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S3oQxAS-uaOAEf_xSd3PpclcIfhRsSAaIPcveiSvgCfwfxFXOxixBSC9RTLQ8_7Ie9Pqt775bE9L9HFt2Jtd-HYPAdxaKfnBSdiv8b4JdsIQiLDRnKCketuWEQquSP6Tquh8MdvhMKmh/w300-h400/IMG_9517.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite the little time disparity, this race was absolutely perfect! You couldn't have asked for better weather, the sun was shining, the course was mostly flat, and the water supply was perfect. I will definitely be back to run this one again in the future!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYALPeiCimA_V7PbFM0E1S0rRJA4yJ9N1NQsMNHfZLI799ePqmJ-LGa_qLrhUpqpfAc5qK8yLb2p9MpZTKYCh7z_W7nW876opRJXf6yuhQYGNBBWHV9HVaxz604fbvVUW4GDyNyZLrXCq7/s2048/IMG_9520.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYALPeiCimA_V7PbFM0E1S0rRJA4yJ9N1NQsMNHfZLI799ePqmJ-LGa_qLrhUpqpfAc5qK8yLb2p9MpZTKYCh7z_W7nW876opRJXf6yuhQYGNBBWHV9HVaxz604fbvVUW4GDyNyZLrXCq7/w300-h400/IMG_9520.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Smoothie King was also out with free smoothies after the race! YUM!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DI2Jzv3av9TenXML4KHOrcSvo6LJj5boCBZdXzbHotA6QSfaV_O1ffmOd2aReI62Tj40wBJVTSeewtw0AxMuDiY14ZmqMTpuh0eax_A7hRqfMf4Q4iSbQBuQX2vlP11DCRnzdpXP4wOj/s2048/IMG_9523.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DI2Jzv3av9TenXML4KHOrcSvo6LJj5boCBZdXzbHotA6QSfaV_O1ffmOd2aReI62Tj40wBJVTSeewtw0AxMuDiY14ZmqMTpuh0eax_A7hRqfMf4Q4iSbQBuQX2vlP11DCRnzdpXP4wOj/w300-h400/IMG_9523.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Post race offerings in the south are always unique and delicious! You never know what you're going to encounter - for this race, it was jambalya and it was delicious! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszkBcZbnXfmX7DP3h6i5946AmTQvub3ZBtiISATluuPS7u29ttBHeOPVIdEM27I-yBQl51hAeUA2lmq_ngmVg0cjRY1fy_3m_Hyl44DfQMfUPSwd-eD3cPsPwzu93uW0PcMDyXdtUN5G3/s2048/IMG_9541.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszkBcZbnXfmX7DP3h6i5946AmTQvub3ZBtiISATluuPS7u29ttBHeOPVIdEM27I-yBQl51hAeUA2lmq_ngmVg0cjRY1fy_3m_Hyl44DfQMfUPSwd-eD3cPsPwzu93uW0PcMDyXdtUN5G3/w300-h400/IMG_9541.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the race, we went shopping for a little while, then stopped for a late brunch at Another Broken Egg. It was all so good! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr1V2eL2lxFOuwX4xk7dpiUm3zBM0zykU2McnZ78xqJUQ-pyNQizqGYO2PJEXoAYPGaGI4Y3H37kNDE1tzSRcsdtR7JSMigiKpG6uwml5DYPDM6bmhFzF_f3zuWaIMFev1h25MlzeTLo7/s2048/IMG_9548.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr1V2eL2lxFOuwX4xk7dpiUm3zBM0zykU2McnZ78xqJUQ-pyNQizqGYO2PJEXoAYPGaGI4Y3H37kNDE1tzSRcsdtR7JSMigiKpG6uwml5DYPDM6bmhFzF_f3zuWaIMFev1h25MlzeTLo7/w400-h300/IMG_9548.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I absolutely love days where you can put away the worries of the week, spend time with a friend, and enjoy the gorgeous weather. A little retail therapy never hurt anything, either! It truly was a perfect day! </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving!! On this holiday week, I'm thankful for so many things, you guys included! Have a wonderful holiday!</div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-14983935916407185482021-11-09T06:50:00.004-06:002021-11-09T06:50:26.454-06:00August 2021: EPCOT / Food & Wine Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our entire trip for August was planned around our resort stays. Since this one was a split stay with one night at Bay Lake Tower and the remaining time at Old Key West, I knew we wanted to revolve days one and two around the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Also, I'd never eaten at The Wave and with its temporary location in the California Grill, I knew we had to go for it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmWdvSmX1C6QuRhCcOYq31zzBgye6pE18fUIZVCdms4fVP2UU4erPIbqszEZhXgmmjkzjPGXWvNf4OzcH8ksNn5OFSX2z7JM_XoA7dOWPZq8dfLUA2ZGxd7x25Ze20lCOq-A8kx_UJDjS/s2048/IMG_1508.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmWdvSmX1C6QuRhCcOYq31zzBgye6pE18fUIZVCdms4fVP2UU4erPIbqszEZhXgmmjkzjPGXWvNf4OzcH8ksNn5OFSX2z7JM_XoA7dOWPZq8dfLUA2ZGxd7x25Ze20lCOq-A8kx_UJDjS/w300-h400/IMG_1508.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was very hard to say goodbye to our room, though! I would love to stay here again, for a longer period of time.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycjBfijIVescEy3VxiHiy8WuYWIh73eGZcr7ODf2faEeoLTLPWELxEq5O4A3tVAO8YVK3GzmY56FfpknOxCXcHaU9JLF0jyPD8A3Y7JLjCf4EbtPv7KnAeEdVZyn6VDJeeQqOoKbelvgg/s2048/IMG_1516.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycjBfijIVescEy3VxiHiy8WuYWIh73eGZcr7ODf2faEeoLTLPWELxEq5O4A3tVAO8YVK3GzmY56FfpknOxCXcHaU9JLF0jyPD8A3Y7JLjCf4EbtPv7KnAeEdVZyn6VDJeeQqOoKbelvgg/w300-h400/IMG_1516.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Walking to the California Grill was a super nice perk! Also, we were able to leave our bags in our room and return later for checkout since the timing was going to overlap. I love it when things work out that way!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Li6HCip0q4B2DUkZ-UoBxNqbCOEYt3IazIIOXM2REf8rmdhF3UImshfeIsg49E2crW1tXTbGiba0jBfDajPx_YF1kEz3RuaqiYfFq65_ezAnOBeccPJLwYuNzORFdZnM8XnD4xz-CElx/s2048/IMG_1527.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Li6HCip0q4B2DUkZ-UoBxNqbCOEYt3IazIIOXM2REf8rmdhF3UImshfeIsg49E2crW1tXTbGiba0jBfDajPx_YF1kEz3RuaqiYfFq65_ezAnOBeccPJLwYuNzORFdZnM8XnD4xz-CElx/w300-h400/IMG_1527.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It had been AGES since we'd dined at the California Grill but I didn't forget the views. They are gorgeous!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GedR9W3CwvSaeJVZ4PGB2iMPaFdGCO1is0nwtzR1xaWwM6Eqiepe3NSpECEfmtF00OYCAkDZZvvXqz-im7sJNSyb8BdQ41aq8WSLEO5ShcOuUbap7aql7pykITOvrPn8mnN1bmMLLmBG/s2048/IMG_1532.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GedR9W3CwvSaeJVZ4PGB2iMPaFdGCO1is0nwtzR1xaWwM6Eqiepe3NSpECEfmtF00OYCAkDZZvvXqz-im7sJNSyb8BdQ41aq8WSLEO5ShcOuUbap7aql7pykITOvrPn8mnN1bmMLLmBG/w400-h300/IMG_1532.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was such a perfect day, too!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFmeuWdP3UGcTTOStQ65h0Q3agY9dwVRb8zaLkUDpU9ya1Hz1hRof48vtLqE8GDrGshfgsAZmJk0dPu7ziOo_-fx0Gno1WTDCpyRB9VMLo0-ImGjqyrD4lub42zEsT1yg3yKkwUUmhlLY/s2048/IMG_1540.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFmeuWdP3UGcTTOStQ65h0Q3agY9dwVRb8zaLkUDpU9ya1Hz1hRof48vtLqE8GDrGshfgsAZmJk0dPu7ziOo_-fx0Gno1WTDCpyRB9VMLo0-ImGjqyrD4lub42zEsT1yg3yKkwUUmhlLY/w300-h400/IMG_1540.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For breakfast, I ordered the sweet potato pancakes. I know these are a huge hit but I personally don't remember them being anything spectacular. They were good but I would still take the waffles at Topolino's any day!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGdMNqEWUW2CV3YEeO_Lzmx6KjGkE_V3dpNf0iAj0md_9ZwNesZ2lZyDaGeNrWvjU_8JskifwsRWXCt1HIuEs8QYWR8ZEzWSkOgA_dwhUqwMfpztLK2anhyBi9lguF4i8LG1yb645EDgJ/s2048/IMG_1582.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGdMNqEWUW2CV3YEeO_Lzmx6KjGkE_V3dpNf0iAj0md_9ZwNesZ2lZyDaGeNrWvjU_8JskifwsRWXCt1HIuEs8QYWR8ZEzWSkOgA_dwhUqwMfpztLK2anhyBi9lguF4i8LG1yb645EDgJ/w300-h400/IMG_1582.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden had the Mickey Waffles with a fruit cup...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4JEWfd4oLL1SVxK6B87irwkRz7uIOtFYr7iF9ydJuCkS14AvGsv8fcSECgYL-SPp38HIkOQu-xufMueMp_HQgpySEWgJ2RE-K9II3xzuo4nXIvL_7OuyhgXkeYKKrkDyUi5F0mXlTkCL/s2048/IMG_1583.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4JEWfd4oLL1SVxK6B87irwkRz7uIOtFYr7iF9ydJuCkS14AvGsv8fcSECgYL-SPp38HIkOQu-xufMueMp_HQgpySEWgJ2RE-K9II3xzuo4nXIvL_7OuyhgXkeYKKrkDyUi5F0mXlTkCL/w300-h400/IMG_1583.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...and Jason ordered The Wave feast which we all got to snack on.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUD1NwlTfDoQRyT7DtvAotTRfA7pifBJWkEMcE7OwERqffcjrVEG2Tx0ujDpkXSduu3X5KJcSski1ugeaTFUS6oSnG9vPar7rcdJpAFTlaE_u7eEwvUExn_fOfAtWMN4VhOaVxSq-EUyI/s2048/IMG_1584.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUD1NwlTfDoQRyT7DtvAotTRfA7pifBJWkEMcE7OwERqffcjrVEG2Tx0ujDpkXSduu3X5KJcSski1ugeaTFUS6oSnG9vPar7rcdJpAFTlaE_u7eEwvUExn_fOfAtWMN4VhOaVxSq-EUyI/w300-h400/IMG_1584.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After leaving, we walked back over to our room to gather our luggage and check out. We had bell services transfer it all over to Old Key West while we hopped on the monorail to Epcot.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLvp7UAslP_6fryWcZLy2GCSo13zi7zrK48DIVFKnmPzlA73v5ikDiezcnquup3r3wLQuHbo0ALvmdR-N8JkWffQ-1D5Qz89lkuDTSnLFOHlXV-UCnrutgAaOQ0UTFXQi4mhccI2q8nds/s2048/IMG_1614.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLvp7UAslP_6fryWcZLy2GCSo13zi7zrK48DIVFKnmPzlA73v5ikDiezcnquup3r3wLQuHbo0ALvmdR-N8JkWffQ-1D5Qz89lkuDTSnLFOHlXV-UCnrutgAaOQ0UTFXQi4mhccI2q8nds/w400-h300/IMG_1614.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Again, the timing of the whole morning worked out perfectly since Epcot didn't open until 11 a.m.!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwAQmeffryz3JxoFYPJgsoWZOV9mIlWZLE2R6l6ysyGAvem5Nmudx5e-BkTQhRinzOD_ZcACi3TZeNEaUrlI6D8q5w-IyNnBn6vaKBrRo1viENajZT_xAoTpKxaS14ckxVstIJoQangmc/s2048/IMG_1640.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwAQmeffryz3JxoFYPJgsoWZOV9mIlWZLE2R6l6ysyGAvem5Nmudx5e-BkTQhRinzOD_ZcACi3TZeNEaUrlI6D8q5w-IyNnBn6vaKBrRo1viENajZT_xAoTpKxaS14ckxVstIJoQangmc/w400-h265/IMG_1640.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our plans for Epcot included Future World first with a little Food and Wine for late lunch/early dinner.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZN_3g5QV9ws8fdSt4REQnW3PdOW8fXUl2WkUVtUTL62ckZI7JndPXwyFzIXHkrHrlJ60My4tq66wkf3z1-gb8V-jay6YkZW5xVYpd-oMHRjsMjM1sG81R2_x0cwhXpua-taroa-vLbiU/s2048/IMG_1648.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZN_3g5QV9ws8fdSt4REQnW3PdOW8fXUl2WkUVtUTL62ckZI7JndPXwyFzIXHkrHrlJ60My4tq66wkf3z1-gb8V-jay6YkZW5xVYpd-oMHRjsMjM1sG81R2_x0cwhXpua-taroa-vLbiU/w300-h400/IMG_1648.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Pro Tip: If you can travel with it, bring your kids previous trip toys which they will love! (We purchased this bubble wand at a Disney Store...rest in peace...a year ago and he still loves it! We bring batteries and bubble refills!)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzFExDglthv4B4FmIqiUaLszWFP71KTxTW4-77QOLF3WhXa4VY6JI1DZ79Gqxy2ItRr9HHMCG_3UwkJ2n7cbD9r1NHjfLo2egPP8zADgcTr_BZkUjeK9U_CD-6v0KHtMKvoj258xbaf8L/s2048/IMG_1654.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzFExDglthv4B4FmIqiUaLszWFP71KTxTW4-77QOLF3WhXa4VY6JI1DZ79Gqxy2ItRr9HHMCG_3UwkJ2n7cbD9r1NHjfLo2egPP8zADgcTr_BZkUjeK9U_CD-6v0KHtMKvoj258xbaf8L/w300-h400/IMG_1654.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of Brayden's favorite parts of the Living Seas is the huge fish tank! Oh yes, and also the escalators...hah!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJFcXIxgQ59PQ2zgS2eBmpXypmWjV2K3s9FBfbakQzsavMX_MznLUE6nbAE1Ec-A94hyphenhyphen7cVIYr_FDTHJ8Xh3nU7n_P3_fvCJ9vTNcqntsveluKWHpoFQm5uaHeOnRIV4VKS_1iHWhbvhe/s2048/IMG_1675.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJFcXIxgQ59PQ2zgS2eBmpXypmWjV2K3s9FBfbakQzsavMX_MznLUE6nbAE1Ec-A94hyphenhyphen7cVIYr_FDTHJ8Xh3nU7n_P3_fvCJ9vTNcqntsveluKWHpoFQm5uaHeOnRIV4VKS_1iHWhbvhe/w300-h400/IMG_1675.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The line for Soarin was incredibly short, so we hopped over there, followed by a ride on Living with the Land to say hi to the cucumbers.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-R6LrykARtAn5xriIdq4qY3pyk_uxXDyPqKPFxWgXFBixvE3cv_Yv_Mz8oq228OiN87IV7SS1AOUOlcENPTz6JHwlJRR0bGYY9Jaei5UQEIPgRU_pWOjVlvFig9WSmj7aBcU8Vopwgn6/s2048/IMG_1678.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-R6LrykARtAn5xriIdq4qY3pyk_uxXDyPqKPFxWgXFBixvE3cv_Yv_Mz8oq228OiN87IV7SS1AOUOlcENPTz6JHwlJRR0bGYY9Jaei5UQEIPgRU_pWOjVlvFig9WSmj7aBcU8Vopwgn6/w300-h400/IMG_1678.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Yep, the cucumbers were all in good shape!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eNO41bwZ7Iot-C0IUZ-6JiyjpVkttvcGQxewz9am-R-7Lu3Mu_ELyTdWYfAaWCBYVq78zjyMZ2sMula7ErCpLWbKc6kGI1FI2FFe-5fltW_-TzgpI-Ct7yMKemOpFn-NO7L8_7Hsla-o/s2048/IMG_1686.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eNO41bwZ7Iot-C0IUZ-6JiyjpVkttvcGQxewz9am-R-7Lu3Mu_ELyTdWYfAaWCBYVq78zjyMZ2sMula7ErCpLWbKc6kGI1FI2FFe-5fltW_-TzgpI-Ct7yMKemOpFn-NO7L8_7Hsla-o/w300-h400/IMG_1686.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also spied Mickey at the Garden Grill and he was waving to kiddos outside of the restaurant. I thought that was a nice touch!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PLaE44_1z-1YAyCCuY4buHtqwxISIjZH2HN2EbvUeEC_8e2gp11BtTO1qWnD0Fm5Q0Sn9cUxA5AyfnMn2hnTRTp1d0kkyM1xOfvqqPyjJyt1L_mZ2g44eNfgScsk36IWOWX7zI9y0axB/s2048/IMG_1697.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PLaE44_1z-1YAyCCuY4buHtqwxISIjZH2HN2EbvUeEC_8e2gp11BtTO1qWnD0Fm5Q0Sn9cUxA5AyfnMn2hnTRTp1d0kkyM1xOfvqqPyjJyt1L_mZ2g44eNfgScsk36IWOWX7zI9y0axB/w300-h400/IMG_1697.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Early afternoon, we walked over to World Showcase for a little Food & Wine fun!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteEYCDWBevFaWWfUYbVvFKMHwU66xNE5MBrWMUWcodXN_lPWgpB2D7fa3IMCJvzwmjb0xD7_ahEqPFAqvG6lEuIdvgTv5PN4rJe1WxOXCg7055jw7YIrh9d5cHb9IVjoQ13oD8BFdAN4D/s2048/IMG_1719.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteEYCDWBevFaWWfUYbVvFKMHwU66xNE5MBrWMUWcodXN_lPWgpB2D7fa3IMCJvzwmjb0xD7_ahEqPFAqvG6lEuIdvgTv5PN4rJe1WxOXCg7055jw7YIrh9d5cHb9IVjoQ13oD8BFdAN4D/w300-h400/IMG_1719.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our first stop was the Noodles station for Pho, which neither of us had ever tried (even at home) and it was delicious!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLauUVvhtc06OzBQZe9ZdG6WAc6YLJU1BF-fkXlHtxDckej7AOTl7p0UNa_Y90iqEcwgKB-Zx_xTuRPXeNFb2rQDldUj0DMR-kIO_lerRC2ejIhl3oticwVMl8Ve-5yBu5IJTWf5KoPQQ/s2048/IMG_1727.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLauUVvhtc06OzBQZe9ZdG6WAc6YLJU1BF-fkXlHtxDckej7AOTl7p0UNa_Y90iqEcwgKB-Zx_xTuRPXeNFb2rQDldUj0DMR-kIO_lerRC2ejIhl3oticwVMl8Ve-5yBu5IJTWf5KoPQQ/w300-h400/IMG_1727.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignyhv5M63bkuTNYznTAuK71MCBYfjbNcxNrxglR58R4SbUtprT2lE3X058hSVft0J982GyyMF1J3rjtnerdSnMZgFqWgBZg2Y5ysoaFW8ArE8GIrUrVxgr8FqQyZhiOmwOoJPrJP_JRqC/s2048/IMG_1741.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignyhv5M63bkuTNYznTAuK71MCBYfjbNcxNrxglR58R4SbUtprT2lE3X058hSVft0J982GyyMF1J3rjtnerdSnMZgFqWgBZg2Y5ysoaFW8ArE8GIrUrVxgr8FqQyZhiOmwOoJPrJP_JRqC/w300-h400/IMG_1741.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>By mid day, it was so hot!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRfhyphenhyphenthHjWNVAAkXB3-wuKZprHOr1njjgwYVgSVpW7vT9xQ4O7tJ2Y4Uz4v3GdouRRiYQMY4aUJh6OHf6-OD9DYj_UGa6ghPDlgwon9t9-hE8KVxaQrDFWVqVLdCDJ0QVCfAM3O_0dLaq/s2048/IMG_1748.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRfhyphenhyphenthHjWNVAAkXB3-wuKZprHOr1njjgwYVgSVpW7vT9xQ4O7tJ2Y4Uz4v3GdouRRiYQMY4aUJh6OHf6-OD9DYj_UGa6ghPDlgwon9t9-hE8KVxaQrDFWVqVLdCDJ0QVCfAM3O_0dLaq/w300-h400/IMG_1748.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also had Jason's favorite, the pork sliders from Hawaii....</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5HSTeJ0_vBfY53WkNDwD5V9-pvMwxdLkaPH6XBqBJPvuGCddo9MlNaVrnI6tsT_XICpXSowx0IjUXJmalTZhlZLItDfs6vbLRKkbZbw2qGQhCJP-tmT844OMgduQZZFssTrnIsH1waVf/s2048/IMG_1756.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5HSTeJ0_vBfY53WkNDwD5V9-pvMwxdLkaPH6XBqBJPvuGCddo9MlNaVrnI6tsT_XICpXSowx0IjUXJmalTZhlZLItDfs6vbLRKkbZbw2qGQhCJP-tmT844OMgduQZZFssTrnIsH1waVf/w300-h400/IMG_1756.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...followed by my favorite, the pot stickers from China!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn-TxIbwWXNQfmLTkdxYmBUtLTWYZQgLDynEfD3vGI60pzzQPvpNvc6_f-2h_keAShXSMGO1wIDgAGGdBhMDOy6aklDsk_znzx3Jk4cthUk7gdrnaWA3fVQRaTQ46wmi1UFdFtvvVhbdg/s2048/IMG_1766.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn-TxIbwWXNQfmLTkdxYmBUtLTWYZQgLDynEfD3vGI60pzzQPvpNvc6_f-2h_keAShXSMGO1wIDgAGGdBhMDOy6aklDsk_znzx3Jk4cthUk7gdrnaWA3fVQRaTQ46wmi1UFdFtvvVhbdg/w300-h400/IMG_1766.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The traditional Germany photo was not to be missed, either.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNu3Kexv0AMnTphWjfPzvTSsIfAENM558_-xpTJfZDyv76istvQGVhZQyB7y2y_M8d8uYZj3cKLGtj2wGNoH8mhRqpQNC-k2VO4hINXlALjw-uZlLR2iTrBh7jkaOzKzAMQIcRuJ_33Fk/s2048/IMG_1768.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNu3Kexv0AMnTphWjfPzvTSsIfAENM558_-xpTJfZDyv76istvQGVhZQyB7y2y_M8d8uYZj3cKLGtj2wGNoH8mhRqpQNC-k2VO4hINXlALjw-uZlLR2iTrBh7jkaOzKzAMQIcRuJ_33Fk/w300-h400/IMG_1768.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In Italy, I tried the Bomboloni which was a cream filled donut with raspberry sauce. I wasn't super impressed because the insides were still frozen. I don't think this treat was meant to be a "frozen" one, so I was kind of confused and it took away from some of the flavor. Oh well...on to the next one!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9MKaFtmwKqjem7C5AnfhwdKO8puVQGz7Vb-CuFs3zTSpb83-UWvdFvGaYPNozlUkzXoN96Vww2C2PEp1HZQyHoOZ48DRttCJ6-WAXVIITyqOW1a4hir37TGMw-xya_wtjEfrye1wSkZ_/s2048/IMG_1769.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9MKaFtmwKqjem7C5AnfhwdKO8puVQGz7Vb-CuFs3zTSpb83-UWvdFvGaYPNozlUkzXoN96Vww2C2PEp1HZQyHoOZ48DRttCJ6-WAXVIITyqOW1a4hir37TGMw-xya_wtjEfrye1wSkZ_/w300-h400/IMG_1769.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jason ordered the Ravioli which we split. It was very tasty!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMfRTEuMeFfOOysOAvGq4HISBg-UD8SFIWkDbThUDhTjkL2CkPu9-btJfLG5BJ8htgWBSjxuvpQMYUPfD0u1UblsbhwIzLU_YaPb-T-22euVQNdxxsQmKoJt-wRvZ2F5SkfpjwheEGycx/s2048/IMG_1772.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMfRTEuMeFfOOysOAvGq4HISBg-UD8SFIWkDbThUDhTjkL2CkPu9-btJfLG5BJ8htgWBSjxuvpQMYUPfD0u1UblsbhwIzLU_YaPb-T-22euVQNdxxsQmKoJt-wRvZ2F5SkfpjwheEGycx/w300-h400/IMG_1772.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Over in America, we took a quick water and shade break because it was HOT, y'all!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAftrMrF5LlPVgEQSZcH8gKy1g9ZytoyywbVOVqdWsVRHHxHaHCKEKWSyZd5Qj7NrNvg_rsVMm1DeS4C9qLaKTW01MAzurL7hcu2xq2F2rXXBqrIbVXlvc3jGuPPMpLxbaPlUq9Ec32eY/s2048/IMG_1776.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAftrMrF5LlPVgEQSZcH8gKy1g9ZytoyywbVOVqdWsVRHHxHaHCKEKWSyZd5Qj7NrNvg_rsVMm1DeS4C9qLaKTW01MAzurL7hcu2xq2F2rXXBqrIbVXlvc3jGuPPMpLxbaPlUq9Ec32eY/w300-h400/IMG_1776.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden also somehow miraculously took a nap! We had the fans going on him and everything!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOppgyj82TPBNSNXAmSncQQzP1PyMLcgyUzXrGkfRr8uqDtdO1qMGk0GHmE3EJZ3q0bkbP8c_mQK5Dcbl88Ss8WBzM2z9akaFp6ftqxuCuzLUXHyFZ5JU9LCYjEPa0lNKkZnoIGxuMki__/s2048/IMG_1791.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOppgyj82TPBNSNXAmSncQQzP1PyMLcgyUzXrGkfRr8uqDtdO1qMGk0GHmE3EJZ3q0bkbP8c_mQK5Dcbl88Ss8WBzM2z9akaFp6ftqxuCuzLUXHyFZ5JU9LCYjEPa0lNKkZnoIGxuMki__/w400-h300/IMG_1791.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While passing America, I heard a familiar group of voices, so I had to stop to see! It was the Voices of Liberty! I love them so much, they are one of my favorite parts of Epcot.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5ZJIYJECigBTjBzzA7Fm-pesVASibd8X36_QQZHuS1qNZVpCmmnM2hdi5BX9CBysMxXlXv3tpOpDd1xdC-AQqZITHBh-OMCuoX1TpSYoTHjuaT9ffOHPQBG0sXmYkgcMPbVEzXbOW3eE/s2048/IMG_1799.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5ZJIYJECigBTjBzzA7Fm-pesVASibd8X36_QQZHuS1qNZVpCmmnM2hdi5BX9CBysMxXlXv3tpOpDd1xdC-AQqZITHBh-OMCuoX1TpSYoTHjuaT9ffOHPQBG0sXmYkgcMPbVEzXbOW3eE/w300-h400/IMG_1799.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After making our way over to France, we stopped for the Beignet filled with cheese. Normally, this would be right up my alley - bread and cheese, but it was so hot out and this dish was so warm, we just couldn't enjoy it. Instead, we decided to try and find some AC!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy259w6Jk5aKXUjnWRemKIjlxWPIHXDrAHM4b1x0hrYGcRGSsIUVUl5ol-CYEBxCjwLK4XAWywmG9ZxE19UPkuRIQfPhWVxtl52_EMW0riupm2kl5UOr71kYVfgcsI8j3OslE_sEmRp9N/s2048/IMG_1809.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy259w6Jk5aKXUjnWRemKIjlxWPIHXDrAHM4b1x0hrYGcRGSsIUVUl5ol-CYEBxCjwLK4XAWywmG9ZxE19UPkuRIQfPhWVxtl52_EMW0riupm2kl5UOr71kYVfgcsI8j3OslE_sEmRp9N/w400-h300/IMG_1809.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Mission accomplished! The old O Canada theater room was so nice and cool and I loved the look!! We didn't order anything inside, but it was nice to chill out (literally) for a few minutes.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmEetBtc3JJQSlW_8DriJD2gIqeQYQ4cZEBBCeVb5mYoHkqO8W_i8I-eIbqDSjmNlOMbCGWw3jChPr3uuOKnbnE1K86U55AGs3BdaK5i3bpCXibSxLU2CDbqc6I55kM5AMjlVX97qVus3/s2048/IMG_1813.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmEetBtc3JJQSlW_8DriJD2gIqeQYQ4cZEBBCeVb5mYoHkqO8W_i8I-eIbqDSjmNlOMbCGWw3jChPr3uuOKnbnE1K86U55AGs3BdaK5i3bpCXibSxLU2CDbqc6I55kM5AMjlVX97qVus3/w300-h400/IMG_1813.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With that, we finished up our scavenger hunt and headed back to our resort. We had fun doing this, although Brayden slept through half of it and I had to finish it for him! Hah!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWALjlB1WAQOr7eszGERU789jW8jVycMztq8upNqRD3CWTaIRXsTNwp43cBpf5PEFwBrFydm2YjFWnJw7G-NPZdtHIreOcT0Bs_eMuMV2utqPhDbozY9pssSP66pKz-8SAcx7sdz2khAPN/s2048/IMG_1829.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWALjlB1WAQOr7eszGERU789jW8jVycMztq8upNqRD3CWTaIRXsTNwp43cBpf5PEFwBrFydm2YjFWnJw7G-NPZdtHIreOcT0Bs_eMuMV2utqPhDbozY9pssSP66pKz-8SAcx7sdz2khAPN/w300-h400/IMG_1829.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I knew an ominous cloud was heading our way, so we got to the bus stop and made our way to our resort in a flash!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyVRo3IXxMVlnK95P4yv1fcldwS1Ygry7BNhhuRnqgx-Q6b6mc1SGUPVtt3E2Rg60-JMPBw1qPVJpIP1QQPB4Rhw6_9Unx6MsNwbGArthwVtNAudvR7wRTelEwedbQSqHMzC4TN0kzM6q/s2048/IMG_1833.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyVRo3IXxMVlnK95P4yv1fcldwS1Ygry7BNhhuRnqgx-Q6b6mc1SGUPVtt3E2Rg60-JMPBw1qPVJpIP1QQPB4Rhw6_9Unx6MsNwbGArthwVtNAudvR7wRTelEwedbQSqHMzC4TN0kzM6q/w400-h300/IMG_1833.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our room was ready by this point, so we called for our bags and relaxed.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBosmreqhBFDvKSsNC3_ik3LIsQraPFZ26K_1gKYYUkp_ps7dnH4bxUyzvYTY4ByU6QwCfMFxoeJs7_r37aFuWd5Oy9qY6scb7tN6BzUSWzGLDOen1xVsBxfqT9Oi1l5bfiSd-mrb7gruZ/s2048/IMG_1850.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBosmreqhBFDvKSsNC3_ik3LIsQraPFZ26K_1gKYYUkp_ps7dnH4bxUyzvYTY4ByU6QwCfMFxoeJs7_r37aFuWd5Oy9qY6scb7tN6BzUSWzGLDOen1xVsBxfqT9Oi1l5bfiSd-mrb7gruZ/w400-h300/IMG_1850.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of my favorite parts of Old Key West are the room sizes!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C-jHkh_pHqV4lu4eG5a6Ktng3FCu702De5FGs06xfDohD44DEaS72jLMmPt0J-qWWp8z1YSpJISpibrOVRoWQd0QKP1akhlCtdXZSeTqqXI9qnUfveceFun4BgfdCOUbXJiUYW_2qBA4/s2048/IMG_1854.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3C-jHkh_pHqV4lu4eG5a6Ktng3FCu702De5FGs06xfDohD44DEaS72jLMmPt0J-qWWp8z1YSpJISpibrOVRoWQd0QKP1akhlCtdXZSeTqqXI9qnUfveceFun4BgfdCOUbXJiUYW_2qBA4/w400-h300/IMG_1854.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also loved the little kitchenette area, as well as the fact that this room include da vacuum cleaner. I know this is crazy, but people with long hair will understand. On our February trip, I remember how dirty the floor of our room at Pop Century got after 5 nights. We might have had housekeeping one night through (I can't remember) but I couldn't stand the hair. Seeing a vacuum cleaner here made me so happy!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzaIAA2Njc4pTJizkIEHMpwq9ZvqRv9qum9te_NLYudZ6zjy3on4KKkZvG_0rxdJojVGz5Ahg55FrRm4LZxkDpKe-SBNdPDhfRPi5lsTaGbDYg0pEy_f1yzWi2oeQfLO97gzAYuUTAaLb/s2048/IMG_1860.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzaIAA2Njc4pTJizkIEHMpwq9ZvqRv9qum9te_NLYudZ6zjy3on4KKkZvG_0rxdJojVGz5Ahg55FrRm4LZxkDpKe-SBNdPDhfRPi5lsTaGbDYg0pEy_f1yzWi2oeQfLO97gzAYuUTAaLb/w400-h300/IMG_1860.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The balcony was perfect, too...and right on the golf course!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArAKSbe81r3Mma8ItmzuVRoLpbWwgA83gxA6YGvd4WBhYt71X8f4jILIIovN3xgKNLzAS9RItt0eOB9Nh3tZFMbjJMyztaI2wmh2Y5WVhv2gRxP5wKxe1PHL_muuzHKbmtY6-xLgS4Jzg/s2048/IMG_1864.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArAKSbe81r3Mma8ItmzuVRoLpbWwgA83gxA6YGvd4WBhYt71X8f4jILIIovN3xgKNLzAS9RItt0eOB9Nh3tZFMbjJMyztaI2wmh2Y5WVhv2gRxP5wKxe1PHL_muuzHKbmtY6-xLgS4Jzg/w400-h300/IMG_1864.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By this point, Brayden was fully awake and hungry. So, I ran through the rain to get him an order of chicken nuggets at the little quick service area.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSA-T3Anbma4B0RdrAjTaPdf91H4-tfYHhwXEeBOgidBZ89KmA_xhdf8R5EIiIXu03QmA0E77Li0_QGGgBdHCWAbe0rzVDqiONsja6f3DKdW69w53WrxGsE-WTKr7EI3_1XKtx2nwJAAY/s2048/IMG_1843.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSA-T3Anbma4B0RdrAjTaPdf91H4-tfYHhwXEeBOgidBZ89KmA_xhdf8R5EIiIXu03QmA0E77Li0_QGGgBdHCWAbe0rzVDqiONsja6f3DKdW69w53WrxGsE-WTKr7EI3_1XKtx2nwJAAY/w300-h400/IMG_1843.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By the time I got there, the rain really started to come down. I was incredibly thankful for my rain jacket!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVRM-VjAsUpHZzc3haIEDGlhjPqeoI6Q2gaCGpILlnMv3c7YSMfoRfCSNTj61AfomHwikHvKrWAV9CY1qdaksqFenZkZmXxnjjAIncftZBPAAFZhKAuxU1W6k0ioY6-lNXVP_SjcNj9Og/s2048/IMG_1865.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVRM-VjAsUpHZzc3haIEDGlhjPqeoI6Q2gaCGpILlnMv3c7YSMfoRfCSNTj61AfomHwikHvKrWAV9CY1qdaksqFenZkZmXxnjjAIncftZBPAAFZhKAuxU1W6k0ioY6-lNXVP_SjcNj9Og/w300-h400/IMG_1865.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the rain subsided, we decided to spend our evening at Disney Springs. We split a pizza at Blaze...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAEN7LNWdnYEn2doIat78YWGHtHZp3WIPw-LcPp7hNzKigtonn4GzZO8IiXl7O2Mc7wujLVSIT_BGE3N07pmSOVh_5nyLz_WzL2sxs_h5RBK8lVlLTX31c-W_MSOtQms6sjMkuJ8KfoJN/s2048/IMG_1869.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAEN7LNWdnYEn2doIat78YWGHtHZp3WIPw-LcPp7hNzKigtonn4GzZO8IiXl7O2Mc7wujLVSIT_BGE3N07pmSOVh_5nyLz_WzL2sxs_h5RBK8lVlLTX31c-W_MSOtQms6sjMkuJ8KfoJN/w300-h400/IMG_1869.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...and I HAD to get back to Everglazed. Ive been dreaming about this place since our last trip!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rjJf87bTKh7mDw6Zu5cJOFsl8_6eYyMLQTmPznnjW9YM4SiXSG86FyNkjPLj-KzJVZIFqc2xu7kzVgp__mcQKEqW16H3_xJu2dOh6Hs5P7nPpdkZn_PBTiV6rYBm_FtI5CKEVRXFw437/s2048/IMG_1872.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rjJf87bTKh7mDw6Zu5cJOFsl8_6eYyMLQTmPznnjW9YM4SiXSG86FyNkjPLj-KzJVZIFqc2xu7kzVgp__mcQKEqW16H3_xJu2dOh6Hs5P7nPpdkZn_PBTiV6rYBm_FtI5CKEVRXFw437/w300-h400/IMG_1872.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>SO GOOD!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5tjZk95aqgItjvkje6_mCNc5vQ8UIJwXoBVauvQ6bcrI1upgtTP283L-grgKzIPpJfFkVd5xnYvvd0LpDZRW-e3U89kcF6ZgjEWIKQLDU4QPR52CqKm2tHqO8PfiynTNIHQR9kBqhEHi/s2048/IMG_1880.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5tjZk95aqgItjvkje6_mCNc5vQ8UIJwXoBVauvQ6bcrI1upgtTP283L-grgKzIPpJfFkVd5xnYvvd0LpDZRW-e3U89kcF6ZgjEWIKQLDU4QPR52CqKm2tHqO8PfiynTNIHQR9kBqhEHi/w300-h400/IMG_1880.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...and with that, we called it a night! It was a long but fun day at Disney!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6htWfXZXhcboB2cUd8hG1FWNgK8OqG4YbdBpQcGIf-FHtWaaar7tXISZK39-pxHx9-pQxTtdbq6eWPPs2oP-GpM68IjxlrpU-lSayP1n2c9Oh_bcoo9LBiiq0IX-P3O9drCiSNsqO4E2S/s2048/IMG_1883.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6htWfXZXhcboB2cUd8hG1FWNgK8OqG4YbdBpQcGIf-FHtWaaar7tXISZK39-pxHx9-pQxTtdbq6eWPPs2oP-GpM68IjxlrpU-lSayP1n2c9Oh_bcoo9LBiiq0IX-P3O9drCiSNsqO4E2S/w300-h400/IMG_1883.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Up next: Hollywood Studios! Stay tuned for more!! :)</div></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-7964402975552119412021-11-04T06:45:00.001-05:002021-11-04T06:45:47.066-05:00Halloween 2021<div>Happy November! I know I've been MIA for a while now and holy cow...it's because life has been insane. Honestly, I know everyone's life is insane so it's not a legit excuse, but there it is. For me to miss not only my dog grooming appointment but also the appointment I rescheduled because I missed the first one...well, if you've been around here long enough, you know that's totally out of character for me! So in the early morning hours of this Thursday, I decided to take a few moments to sneak on here and share a little glimpse of our Halloween of 2021. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I think back on my blog and what I want to get out of it over time, I like to not only share our lives "in the moment", but also to look back on it as a resource and to reflect back on memories. So if I'm absent here or there, please be patient with me. I've said it from the moment I had Brayden and I'll say it again - life passes us by SO quickly. I'm trying to soak up every single moment I can with my sweet five year old boy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, back to Halloween! If you remember from his <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2021/05/5th-birthday-party-maui-themed-from.html">birthday party</a> this year, my child has been obsessed with Moana over the past year or so. When we were discussing Halloween costume items, he immediately jumped on Maui. Since we already had Maui's hook on hand from Brayden's birthday party, the rest was fairly easy to put together. His costume came from Amazon and the necklace from Etsy. For reference, I did purchase Maui's hook on eBay back in the spring. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNnRWd6o1bVF8HbCc-ssTSzJijQI8mIJ5aBQPvHTK-NHjeDFmtXJxISFoYEbJw8k9MFA4QzfUqr1LxMimh0iXnqfQFDMzP1-aT94pbqCbW9riFUhdHVBYQfhkcTk_I3KO2Y2UhQ1ERdWR/s2048/IMG_8375.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNnRWd6o1bVF8HbCc-ssTSzJijQI8mIJ5aBQPvHTK-NHjeDFmtXJxISFoYEbJw8k9MFA4QzfUqr1LxMimh0iXnqfQFDMzP1-aT94pbqCbW9riFUhdHVBYQfhkcTk_I3KO2Y2UhQ1ERdWR/w300-h400/IMG_8375.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I told one of my best friends about Brayden's costume, she asked her daughter if she wanted to be Moana and viola - their duo was born! We attended various trunk or treat type activities over the course of a couple of weekends and they were SO cute!! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kzO7x6H0acC0h026RSj76GwkqfMnVRSbjR26OLYSMrW0jotAQqgiDWE7B7JJVJQUr29Ex6vSIhGzD0hiy5KIVtNMeWP6taSanVc2W11vFqI8bNE6Ote5mjPeRtMhRgCmTBatYPMYMasP/s2048/IMG_8353.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kzO7x6H0acC0h026RSj76GwkqfMnVRSbjR26OLYSMrW0jotAQqgiDWE7B7JJVJQUr29Ex6vSIhGzD0hiy5KIVtNMeWP6taSanVc2W11vFqI8bNE6Ote5mjPeRtMhRgCmTBatYPMYMasP/w300-h400/IMG_8353.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jason was off work for Halloween weekend, so we had the chance to trick or treat together! Yay!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyMb1JddYPvwX1UB2kQBi6sXR8oW4tngRHzRRLlcdK2jU9JLh3elf0PbXz4XoTag-QqfJ3nK_a8ofQOyaLoVvp0sXroVMQi-ck9biPgtxjkYJq1yJpnsBeRXY-h1Qga8duEC-X8HSwLGm/s2048/IMG_8603.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyMb1JddYPvwX1UB2kQBi6sXR8oW4tngRHzRRLlcdK2jU9JLh3elf0PbXz4XoTag-QqfJ3nK_a8ofQOyaLoVvp0sXroVMQi-ck9biPgtxjkYJq1yJpnsBeRXY-h1Qga8duEC-X8HSwLGm/w300-h400/IMG_8603.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We attempted the Maui wig for about zero point three seconds, then it went away!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA9zQLdqGPeBjtEE6F5dr-3-Ajnwv4kbaaoVbjbyCgi3E1Ld8LYBqRTx6QP5l0UHcetz8MfRHVN8wDOrJ6TFkppK4A7FjOB89-9qDc5moOtzcP_3wX55AQEsmI5aXsJS0A8IeamPb05DE/s2048/IMG_8614.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA9zQLdqGPeBjtEE6F5dr-3-Ajnwv4kbaaoVbjbyCgi3E1Ld8LYBqRTx6QP5l0UHcetz8MfRHVN8wDOrJ6TFkppK4A7FjOB89-9qDc5moOtzcP_3wX55AQEsmI5aXsJS0A8IeamPb05DE/w300-h400/IMG_8614.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So, Jason took it! HAH!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H6GwTtxC_1iGRCidq9avrYsfNm2ip2Iq8JJ70JkvWAgiwTLM1pWao_i2thHC4w6a23tX8n2-t_D2c9JNl_rC3xkiObA_OZQKKlCB5C7qWciun_Qt8p11LR6fZTOY4XIrPL0fmeVOuOvZ/s2048/IMG_8631.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H6GwTtxC_1iGRCidq9avrYsfNm2ip2Iq8JJ70JkvWAgiwTLM1pWao_i2thHC4w6a23tX8n2-t_D2c9JNl_rC3xkiObA_OZQKKlCB5C7qWciun_Qt8p11LR6fZTOY4XIrPL0fmeVOuOvZ/w300-h400/IMG_8631.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Halloween night, we visited several safe neighborhoods in our area. It's so much fun when everyone comes out and sits at the edge of their driveway to join in the festivities!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMpWePmYWzjQ4UqgXmlj9IJZRfmg8pan3Dbkx7R2MmQMEaKiXkWIMx6hIy5muqqf9MbFSUaw3KGEqGf446jBZPQZWQHiSOb6gp_0KWArDJdHsrJytZymPvOAm7zcVdRIDHYVBicGxJkG4/s2048/IMG_8643.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMpWePmYWzjQ4UqgXmlj9IJZRfmg8pan3Dbkx7R2MmQMEaKiXkWIMx6hIy5muqqf9MbFSUaw3KGEqGf446jBZPQZWQHiSOb6gp_0KWArDJdHsrJytZymPvOAm7zcVdRIDHYVBicGxJkG4/w300-h400/IMG_8643.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>At one house in particular, they had the grim reaper there, giving out ramen noodles. Seriously the funniest part of the night!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK32UdceP6nekekMRlZR84jRoP4UR5bolBytVMQdbZmxvfavq-k8rqPHoitOLuTlCYgC9t6dcKb7s56UczxR9NAmyLdPlnmnkZ_XyLk_cn6C8qZNs1F7CGrwDmHl59hbPk22oziQBjC8s/s2048/IMG_8649.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK32UdceP6nekekMRlZR84jRoP4UR5bolBytVMQdbZmxvfavq-k8rqPHoitOLuTlCYgC9t6dcKb7s56UczxR9NAmyLdPlnmnkZ_XyLk_cn6C8qZNs1F7CGrwDmHl59hbPk22oziQBjC8s/w300-h400/IMG_8649.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also spotted Santa again! He was the same Santa from last year and I told him he made our Christmas card from 2020! He thought that was too funny!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCej0fnc8bDNunRw_FqCB3DiLehkIYAtUOai0_-VJwndZhGE3Mta7KRXlCMRbLSJdTjFi_RLmYXzsm1jJVGCpZtS3-pKOIcbGqXvPhcdhYJDXlGkiZJP2d45tBF1rFIyvQi7XO11VL5VOS/s1632/9F014DE7-C1A9-4002-A81E-A8ECDAD18958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCej0fnc8bDNunRw_FqCB3DiLehkIYAtUOai0_-VJwndZhGE3Mta7KRXlCMRbLSJdTjFi_RLmYXzsm1jJVGCpZtS3-pKOIcbGqXvPhcdhYJDXlGkiZJP2d45tBF1rFIyvQi7XO11VL5VOS/w353-h400/9F014DE7-C1A9-4002-A81E-A8ECDAD18958.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our favorite photographer also did a little mini fall session of Brayden! We went with both a Halloween costume as well as a regular fall outfit.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS8FBobiMtbnYVO4Q65VyTOs7Kh6vaZ0EI_jf1Z6d1NvPIL7fQiEGIn_3uqeeD1Gfliybe-qlJofcMUXyuy8kjty4-8_LGTSJe8sr6WPhve9bBK_lAST0QdLUQnLP0_tSY_AnTWsWdlk2/s1632/220F73FA-FD78-46C2-9D96-6C2C2296C579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS8FBobiMtbnYVO4Q65VyTOs7Kh6vaZ0EI_jf1Z6d1NvPIL7fQiEGIn_3uqeeD1Gfliybe-qlJofcMUXyuy8kjty4-8_LGTSJe8sr6WPhve9bBK_lAST0QdLUQnLP0_tSY_AnTWsWdlk2/w353-h400/220F73FA-FD78-46C2-9D96-6C2C2296C579.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vdlZLvSoLHvZd5gdvmkBirX22YcEJ9ysUW9YSVO_v8oFa72rxa77c5_dIe1CNXw2_K8mozjpyJ-rYzbAve6_Z6DIQjNJQC0zIWwnWPGDXvgrJXVOnLIrI4WRKTG6ikeziScDvlNL5Oz7/s1632/7933D22F-8378-4BCB-A334-BD31D7D4043B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vdlZLvSoLHvZd5gdvmkBirX22YcEJ9ysUW9YSVO_v8oFa72rxa77c5_dIe1CNXw2_K8mozjpyJ-rYzbAve6_Z6DIQjNJQC0zIWwnWPGDXvgrJXVOnLIrI4WRKTG6ikeziScDvlNL5Oz7/w353-h400/7933D22F-8378-4BCB-A334-BD31D7D4043B.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I just love mini sessions and preserving the various seasons of his life. As you can obviously tell, photos are important to me!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhykV3CqnftTKE14gN5OhXAIBojqdd1ypx5BdWSSLkwsejG9MCZJxjl8K_YpSNwvXOvYGoeUtQbfXCSMAbR9gXTcVXS1q_-hp1CIfeBsOse9NgCa_E2dHW5fvJ110L_IZq6DIqorwbmsDy/s1630/06CF27EF-9918-4FF3-9F3C-D7CF9B5E0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhykV3CqnftTKE14gN5OhXAIBojqdd1ypx5BdWSSLkwsejG9MCZJxjl8K_YpSNwvXOvYGoeUtQbfXCSMAbR9gXTcVXS1q_-hp1CIfeBsOse9NgCa_E2dHW5fvJ110L_IZq6DIqorwbmsDy/w354-h400/06CF27EF-9918-4FF3-9F3C-D7CF9B5E0203.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeUZt50K86j9UtPFasKwr_iA9tacSVl9TAuKEEKpexMBCEghsqmJSxd_3PWpZf83h58a9I5QpwzEBIhyphenhyphenTh5VZUlphlTVhAbMNTlseEboTsCpLgGWz3KTempNeYIyZeKvYgTLdd3PgxPsQ/s1632/10C13CA8-1213-46AA-BA11-AD466B848D79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeUZt50K86j9UtPFasKwr_iA9tacSVl9TAuKEEKpexMBCEghsqmJSxd_3PWpZf83h58a9I5QpwzEBIhyphenhyphenTh5VZUlphlTVhAbMNTlseEboTsCpLgGWz3KTempNeYIyZeKvYgTLdd3PgxPsQ/w353-h400/10C13CA8-1213-46AA-BA11-AD466B848D79.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I hope this has found all of you doing well and with a new season upon us, I wish you all the best and happy things! I will be back with more trip fun from our August WDW vacay as well as various upcoming running adventures! Stay tuned and Happy Halloween, Happy Fall, and Happy Thanksgiving!</div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-86237007716804254682021-09-27T04:00:00.001-05:002021-09-27T04:00:00.246-05:00August 2021: Magic Kingdom<div>Happy Monday! Here I was, ready to begin a recap of day 2, when I realized day 1 wasn't finished yet! I know these things keep dragging out and I'm sorry - it's been a wild few weeks here since we returned home from our trip!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qfSJcYCrYwQEYp4tj0BEeP-CFpR3C8Allhxi7LNb5KrYQwUKlFf-DZlvKSX4ZcT6dHiGHiJ7Z9tLQ1lAnpHOJghwR7fc7zVAo_4Ofbt4GilmL2x-5rPbzPL6-ZKQrpkzH7MjSeHXjRlG/s2048/IMG_1104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qfSJcYCrYwQEYp4tj0BEeP-CFpR3C8Allhxi7LNb5KrYQwUKlFf-DZlvKSX4ZcT6dHiGHiJ7Z9tLQ1lAnpHOJghwR7fc7zVAo_4Ofbt4GilmL2x-5rPbzPL6-ZKQrpkzH7MjSeHXjRlG/w400-h300/IMG_1104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hands down, one of our favorite parts of staying at BLT was the easy walkable access to the Magic Kingdom. In fact, we did it twice in one day - once in the morning, then again in the afternoon after our swim!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEAPQeVZv3CdnFONQ1oRH8GRnD9vXZDoqVXYcZ-RidiEQpykW7G0yxHzxVYjLFr915UByK4JJQgl0z7CulmEwNm3GG0RvlcbxduK9pSHU65MYBXN-gxH0qc64nsDC5C_rmUQ4FrYIHv4Q/s2048/IMG_1108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEAPQeVZv3CdnFONQ1oRH8GRnD9vXZDoqVXYcZ-RidiEQpykW7G0yxHzxVYjLFr915UByK4JJQgl0z7CulmEwNm3GG0RvlcbxduK9pSHU65MYBXN-gxH0qc64nsDC5C_rmUQ4FrYIHv4Q/w400-h300/IMG_1108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's a fairly quick walk - and they have security there, so you don't have to worry about passing through them with a huge crowd at the MK itself.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5py-XqUZyYpv1xAEEe7tI__bMIan0j2cAtxnkZ8CXhK3TD7BIsr7cMarFRFgNcTxQoHDmfWL5KqP47sPRqjQ8HS0X6cAR7PR_npdjzXb_tImjwvr5bysiIiPFg8qZ9znRkYPCOa0bvJu/s2048/IMG_1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5py-XqUZyYpv1xAEEe7tI__bMIan0j2cAtxnkZ8CXhK3TD7BIsr7cMarFRFgNcTxQoHDmfWL5KqP47sPRqjQ8HS0X6cAR7PR_npdjzXb_tImjwvr5bysiIiPFg8qZ9znRkYPCOa0bvJu/w300-h400/IMG_1130.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Seeing the castle all decked out for the 50th Anniversary was a pretty neat thing, too!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXZTiS-Nok16Cop_o8TQDbvIZYS4xN7S7eCUsuMk7jvkzmSvTIVKqMsrQOHDaPwKI9LqwSDmU2GCsIsJqbdVHeKYh3teodjBuEkIW8eIhOA8CDeOIIgqfFyINSiPJWPR9_pKjXdFfTD_x/s2048/IMG_1153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXZTiS-Nok16Cop_o8TQDbvIZYS4xN7S7eCUsuMk7jvkzmSvTIVKqMsrQOHDaPwKI9LqwSDmU2GCsIsJqbdVHeKYh3teodjBuEkIW8eIhOA8CDeOIIgqfFyINSiPJWPR9_pKjXdFfTD_x/w300-h400/IMG_1153.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Not long after we arrived, this little dude was worn out. Jason and I decided to eat lunch at Sleepy Hollow, and I ordered an extra set of chips for Brayden that we saved for later.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7MsUDz_Sn3DR0VIshjhKqwsKmdi68cFslpq5Zo8ixUW-cKvx4osBXVTSDYY0SPUWjOV66ekBwItat_2wRElKswVeuSN6ccx2UvTfyGP795Sg2LOQJPRGrPvVe22-STFjRzKpE7RE81bU/s2048/IMG_1156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7MsUDz_Sn3DR0VIshjhKqwsKmdi68cFslpq5Zo8ixUW-cKvx4osBXVTSDYY0SPUWjOV66ekBwItat_2wRElKswVeuSN6ccx2UvTfyGP795Sg2LOQJPRGrPvVe22-STFjRzKpE7RE81bU/w300-h400/IMG_1156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eoa-8czCydJ9K2FHNSPQvc-iRr2C8Pomeu7I4VTjzqKS0-0oL7OrK-oKJZF6yI2OwKXIq2S-3tTDXoqOx4qqeXc3SCPTidViU2ZuAc8V_YFJgp5pmG-D3kJbO9JaLAwBpofaeXJSIupQ/s2048/IMG_1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eoa-8czCydJ9K2FHNSPQvc-iRr2C8Pomeu7I4VTjzqKS0-0oL7OrK-oKJZF6yI2OwKXIq2S-3tTDXoqOx4qqeXc3SCPTidViU2ZuAc8V_YFJgp5pmG-D3kJbO9JaLAwBpofaeXJSIupQ/w400-h300/IMG_1184.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To give him an extra bit of sleeping time, we decided to visit Carousel of Progress. </div><div><br /></div><div>Poor dad was losing an eyelash! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgodV9Wv0LzICWlIlOZdJ0DTR3lhyKhv1L-irlY63N3m87KQerBw13gN4jUsE5DaG_h_hA4I-gFUYzqrIuzxiJNK6BECMZac7l9n_B4YN21CAjYpzG0XSxJhQON2mk91lvl8PDpUxnXCL/s2048/IMG_1219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgodV9Wv0LzICWlIlOZdJ0DTR3lhyKhv1L-irlY63N3m87KQerBw13gN4jUsE5DaG_h_hA4I-gFUYzqrIuzxiJNK6BECMZac7l9n_B4YN21CAjYpzG0XSxJhQON2mk91lvl8PDpUxnXCL/w300-h400/IMG_1219.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We were excited to see the TTA open, so after Carousel, we jumped in line for a ride!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7trHSvFGxV2v9UYtw1EnslK80xW2nXCo6vsOG_fgf_IEqT9Pn_enrsYWN2T05oxNGRZ1gXyfDvpYhacl5LAuttOhYhC7L3dLnaDfaLSMXKTQmx6dOoHPdLDz6-kBn9eWUH05K1UqPtjgm/s2048/IMG_1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7trHSvFGxV2v9UYtw1EnslK80xW2nXCo6vsOG_fgf_IEqT9Pn_enrsYWN2T05oxNGRZ1gXyfDvpYhacl5LAuttOhYhC7L3dLnaDfaLSMXKTQmx6dOoHPdLDz6-kBn9eWUH05K1UqPtjgm/w300-h400/IMG_1233.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course, Brayden requested two of his favorites - the Speedway and the Teacups. I think it's hilarious I avoided the Teacups all these years and it's really not that bad of a ride - you can make it what you want!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZD_8rz4eT9lzH9gZDhXk5FbEjFTNm81vNTx9ITg-ui2zmO189Z-db6o0z52H1uxRQR8-xWIPMt6IfLhSel4-VSt-cs5dvviOryAEZMZmUmb7Biw1Diff-eqDRh60oTphHlkpCxIinwH9/s2048/IMG_1253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZD_8rz4eT9lzH9gZDhXk5FbEjFTNm81vNTx9ITg-ui2zmO189Z-db6o0z52H1uxRQR8-xWIPMt6IfLhSel4-VSt-cs5dvviOryAEZMZmUmb7Biw1Diff-eqDRh60oTphHlkpCxIinwH9/w300-h400/IMG_1253.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The next request was Dumbo, so that's where we went!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivePEBik-Ul8o_eI4pD_o8EZMzrKQI71RPbmb9s8nWqE-B47MgBW-KXWuGYNkHJSdUkHg9onottiPUDQTvjKc29z09MdRknAHknAud57IHitfytBDxOnnrl0U2NVvCHu-ySvQfspWteWEU/s2048/IMG_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivePEBik-Ul8o_eI4pD_o8EZMzrKQI71RPbmb9s8nWqE-B47MgBW-KXWuGYNkHJSdUkHg9onottiPUDQTvjKc29z09MdRknAHknAud57IHitfytBDxOnnrl0U2NVvCHu-ySvQfspWteWEU/w300-h400/IMG_1280.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Quick story about those glasses on my face - I lost them.......in Dumbo.....in the play room. They slipped out of my book sack when I was reaching for something else. They are the Disney Ray Bans - Mickey's 90th birthday edition. When I realized they were missing, I panicked. We had just walked outside to queue up for the ride itself. Thankfully, the cast members let me walk back inside. I searched the room and wasn't able to find the glasses, so I asked the CM's at the table if anyone had turned in a pair of sunglasses. MUCH to my surprise, a wonderful soul had turned them in!! I was so so so grateful!! Those glasses are also now on a leash. And will never come off! HAH!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqSDprNi07rx9wbMhzEq-hVC0Jo8SxrouQO3d5nfs1NhoAnxlBdH7elOkSZukvJY0TJf-_0LJ0bwIZ3JBDDZWRvHGjj6Pn8iGN60-tHzs0uXtZqEUUXU5maeL9xc8BPP6tWsbDhluZ5ga/s2048/IMG_1287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqSDprNi07rx9wbMhzEq-hVC0Jo8SxrouQO3d5nfs1NhoAnxlBdH7elOkSZukvJY0TJf-_0LJ0bwIZ3JBDDZWRvHGjj6Pn8iGN60-tHzs0uXtZqEUUXU5maeL9xc8BPP6tWsbDhluZ5ga/w300-h400/IMG_1287.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By mid-afternoon, we knew we wanted a cold snack, so we walked over to Adventureland. Jason's choice was the "backside of water float", and I ordered the kakamora float. Each float came from a different location in Adventureland and mine seriously took forever. Jason was mostly finished with his by the time mine was ready! Crazy!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix35qy3lJ7G9e2qH6kZ7qcRY6iLYA1ZiDjss0YoE8aVhMpxPFzCN88t_dKVvrl3MTTT8x73tHRCm9bgX_bdANoF9n1IPOruLs568T5J7GccHfvlsqr8cioS8ay8qTtTpLX6oDpwC2Tl0LK/s2048/IMG_1289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix35qy3lJ7G9e2qH6kZ7qcRY6iLYA1ZiDjss0YoE8aVhMpxPFzCN88t_dKVvrl3MTTT8x73tHRCm9bgX_bdANoF9n1IPOruLs568T5J7GccHfvlsqr8cioS8ay8qTtTpLX6oDpwC2Tl0LK/w300-h400/IMG_1289.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They were both VERY good, though!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG15vgiDhVJETHWpZDCTlCEoWStlTDXxJuRDQcb0Xy-WBixhhwHORZUwZlkpYumGGDsTe0bD6Js4SoPwIoJkpfvxTCvTL1-nN1lXotXQoJjzQ03hqEbzsZaLPTZMrS3V7vKkUCR0Pz9U5d/s2048/IMG_1295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG15vgiDhVJETHWpZDCTlCEoWStlTDXxJuRDQcb0Xy-WBixhhwHORZUwZlkpYumGGDsTe0bD6Js4SoPwIoJkpfvxTCvTL1-nN1lXotXQoJjzQ03hqEbzsZaLPTZMrS3V7vKkUCR0Pz9U5d/w300-h400/IMG_1295.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We also ordered Bray a little cup of ice cream. </div><div><br /></div><div>After our snack, we went back to Bay Lake Tower to swim, then returned to the Magic Kingdom for the evening.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcMNlfGd7554Ffou-oODPvOs6M6NOuimzd5FfBd11KubFbeV_93R738ODV89GJw4T9UoofZ-CKMyQ8m9dgFPkY_p0ZYujFWasJs7NwbdcALyZ_KPNWhTH7hNoQCM1l2RIBhJ2akUfEWy3/s2048/IMG_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcMNlfGd7554Ffou-oODPvOs6M6NOuimzd5FfBd11KubFbeV_93R738ODV89GJw4T9UoofZ-CKMyQ8m9dgFPkY_p0ZYujFWasJs7NwbdcALyZ_KPNWhTH7hNoQCM1l2RIBhJ2akUfEWy3/w400-h288/IMG_1375.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This trail of ducks were the CUTEST! They were walking in a line into the entryway tunnel! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0HCf1eGpZNMiCXVimZj_S12iatzWmWgFHEb8-Vha19L6NIUyRLHOwibOXCRNOQ_oxXRYiYBt4NTra5Zrm3J0albRDToSziX-ciLBGQPZl86DY4d6RFK1hg7lIzX-WVkA1WctvffH0EJ3/s2048/IMG_1388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0HCf1eGpZNMiCXVimZj_S12iatzWmWgFHEb8-Vha19L6NIUyRLHOwibOXCRNOQ_oxXRYiYBt4NTra5Zrm3J0albRDToSziX-ciLBGQPZl86DY4d6RFK1hg7lIzX-WVkA1WctvffH0EJ3/w400-h300/IMG_1388.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our dinner reservations that evening were at the Plaza Restaurant. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscdE7gKkxEkwORydiRQiVUuTra2lwy83Oi7HetIEJ9TU4coN_WQZzaieCWjjmBFJx82dQ_2eabDpT_8M0FA9fSd_oIUcFCXyC8cyq0ghN4z_IEnBX8swFfcVmcWguFAJP3Zlld64jZxos/s2048/IMG_1392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscdE7gKkxEkwORydiRQiVUuTra2lwy83Oi7HetIEJ9TU4coN_WQZzaieCWjjmBFJx82dQ_2eabDpT_8M0FA9fSd_oIUcFCXyC8cyq0ghN4z_IEnBX8swFfcVmcWguFAJP3Zlld64jZxos/w400-h300/IMG_1392.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'd read mixed reviews about this place online, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoGl5eBwYr8T_jIcZuSOGMtxcw2xDfEjhNctGdNfM0v-NCad-eD14M-ss1cyoxrKf9U1_wFO1AZn2gvHv53yazBSojd7UHLv7ULvX4Ep-yOCgjtuInbK4EQGex2hpXYumGb55Rr0oxpgH/s2048/IMG_1394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1551" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoGl5eBwYr8T_jIcZuSOGMtxcw2xDfEjhNctGdNfM0v-NCad-eD14M-ss1cyoxrKf9U1_wFO1AZn2gvHv53yazBSojd7UHLv7ULvX4Ep-yOCgjtuInbK4EQGex2hpXYumGb55Rr0oxpgH/w303-h400/IMG_1394.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>The inside of the restaurant was cute and quaint. I was honestly surprised at how small it was inside!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu3z27B8zIkVltouuBT-KpUfMDygHcxFzOxImxzeG-QKdDQsxquJMTwlH3jsNa0nNryn-UMTjsfmVdAx_tp9_JmUwRTr0bI4LDTaMqz_QnXEwvk8OqqCowWkOguhKa2C2LtL_sO5I_NXE/s2048/IMG_1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu3z27B8zIkVltouuBT-KpUfMDygHcxFzOxImxzeG-QKdDQsxquJMTwlH3jsNa0nNryn-UMTjsfmVdAx_tp9_JmUwRTr0bI4LDTaMqz_QnXEwvk8OqqCowWkOguhKa2C2LtL_sO5I_NXE/w300-h400/IMG_1407.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden had chicken tenders and fries. Not gonna lie, the batter on these tenders was good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTZ0-HJUZS2NdfdVGFPSIzT1wsM8r1LN4yebZjDRNLa_lp3_XXu1GwnyOEhY22tyHy6FETq_J7J_Z64n6nbGp17k7-CKGoEsxFlrryyEzhwtsUehMDrqOnpbHGxJbGGnrYjk7DpSSoPFm/s2048/IMG_1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTZ0-HJUZS2NdfdVGFPSIzT1wsM8r1LN4yebZjDRNLa_lp3_XXu1GwnyOEhY22tyHy6FETq_J7J_Z64n6nbGp17k7-CKGoEsxFlrryyEzhwtsUehMDrqOnpbHGxJbGGnrYjk7DpSSoPFm/w300-h400/IMG_1409.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I ordered the meatloaf which is one of the dishes they are known for...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWLEonLvuEfzpjUzkapxvvBjSd02KVlXD0PZ2VqdQvs9_YCu9RwiEs6K3FsAV0YX9L6BuGo0Mo6wsRHLmfsyog0PIXFWrgpWLhTweGfYIdYHTFVZ6iNdoJQtx2Pl0zaT56hN4uKopyUi_/s2048/IMG_1410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWLEonLvuEfzpjUzkapxvvBjSd02KVlXD0PZ2VqdQvs9_YCu9RwiEs6K3FsAV0YX9L6BuGo0Mo6wsRHLmfsyog0PIXFWrgpWLhTweGfYIdYHTFVZ6iNdoJQtx2Pl0zaT56hN4uKopyUi_/w300-h400/IMG_1410.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...and Jason had the plaza burger. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOBHZGrhdixY3HOvHBaPUfSJYglut2mDIXG-5KLhPteC5SUfQbN0QuNosRVX5EgjnlDyyKeS_N3mGI97okbfVXy_3rbSP26fwnG9w5Gu0fixWVcqDObPEKarpVXJFdLe0lu9ck6WN1M4n/s2048/IMG_1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOBHZGrhdixY3HOvHBaPUfSJYglut2mDIXG-5KLhPteC5SUfQbN0QuNosRVX5EgjnlDyyKeS_N3mGI97okbfVXy_3rbSP26fwnG9w5Gu0fixWVcqDObPEKarpVXJFdLe0lu9ck6WN1M4n/w300-h400/IMG_1416.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To be honest, I don't think we will be back. This was likely a one and done for us. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBs9vgYdo2bg_Y1w4ZoimgcYL1M_IlZ4eQnmV3sSdEyfBGHk-GL-N-7K2PudxlRfrOM3Ljsfe4DNUJDCdpAaMjvKGdcsqlZ2mf7vlymtWI4PoT0c8A-xcjXx0RxrMTJV_CuYTnJMblh2f/s2048/IMG_1418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBs9vgYdo2bg_Y1w4ZoimgcYL1M_IlZ4eQnmV3sSdEyfBGHk-GL-N-7K2PudxlRfrOM3Ljsfe4DNUJDCdpAaMjvKGdcsqlZ2mf7vlymtWI4PoT0c8A-xcjXx0RxrMTJV_CuYTnJMblh2f/w400-h300/IMG_1418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After dinner, we walked outside and saw the crowds lining up for Happily Ever After. We still had about an hour and 15 minutes before the show, but I knew this would be one of our only chances to see it this trip and likely our last time to ever see the show.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqc-7gCRe1mCGAGw3DxxbYxIsDQGYV9LAxlFhbRDNhhLp6XTJIXlxFesEeSDJtHAvbnJTcE-YSJYP00Afa7B_iGMGVn_V27SHTIF6SbD9UQsauqM5xChmFX_uDacu0qmsswVLZ7J057n1/s2048/IMG_1432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqc-7gCRe1mCGAGw3DxxbYxIsDQGYV9LAxlFhbRDNhhLp6XTJIXlxFesEeSDJtHAvbnJTcE-YSJYP00Afa7B_iGMGVn_V27SHTIF6SbD9UQsauqM5xChmFX_uDacu0qmsswVLZ7J057n1/w300-h400/IMG_1432.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So, we staked out a spot and Brayden fell asleep...again! Hah!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzocOAENxz88krK_bU_iCeeXyPJ3QCMd-Ozd-CERldapvlqdtFj8YB7uP3OQfK1gHulVCohpVRZIpBlDAgmQjpBTjwxt-mfqk12YSGU834VUNlwjpFCJXU0KwRFF-YJoURZK6aOAtjZGn/s2048/IMG_1437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzocOAENxz88krK_bU_iCeeXyPJ3QCMd-Ozd-CERldapvlqdtFj8YB7uP3OQfK1gHulVCohpVRZIpBlDAgmQjpBTjwxt-mfqk12YSGU834VUNlwjpFCJXU0KwRFF-YJoURZK6aOAtjZGn/w300-h400/IMG_1437.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The fireworks were gorgeous and magical and everything I love about Disney nighttime shows. I'll be honest - I hated to see Wishes go and it took a while for Happily Ever After to stick with me. Now, I'm going to be sad to see this one go. There might have even been tears. Ok, there were lots of tears...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8WpU4QbpihnxtnWVjDTIxDoPgn5ZgdZ9OSYOQFxp8V34HijtTvrKv3IJkgXVQ1dc6__nFeJdPGp5I0oQdkm4YIY3OoLhHrVEpX8w74ft_VOSvm5UCWXqNhRfOj_RsLlkWh0dhSHErAmi/s2048/IMG_1449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="2048" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8WpU4QbpihnxtnWVjDTIxDoPgn5ZgdZ9OSYOQFxp8V34HijtTvrKv3IJkgXVQ1dc6__nFeJdPGp5I0oQdkm4YIY3OoLhHrVEpX8w74ft_VOSvm5UCWXqNhRfOj_RsLlkWh0dhSHErAmi/w400-h271/IMG_1449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the fireworks, we had 45 minutes to play, so we made our way to Tomorrowland for Brayden's new favorite ride - the Astro Orbiter!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMml-9h_xNCtPtk3X09Tu-Bt4-TznAvQHbYTTTfYZ45crDzLssN7zxSCxoE5rJOfiQCWj5JLJyiIzPDqIzyZmPjHocMgzGqVCdO88_wLGNC0ISL2K666wk7f-UlUIzz8Xqr81Y5Oy7MFVh/s2048/IMG_1476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMml-9h_xNCtPtk3X09Tu-Bt4-TznAvQHbYTTTfYZ45crDzLssN7zxSCxoE5rJOfiQCWj5JLJyiIzPDqIzyZmPjHocMgzGqVCdO88_wLGNC0ISL2K666wk7f-UlUIzz8Xqr81Y5Oy7MFVh/w400-h300/IMG_1476.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also stayed at the MK WAY past his bedtime but who cares...YOLO!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSD7Ton_fiACI1JvVtVZ9rPkl7NCvgAUt-3WnHsgjo9u-dAxIDXiAMbQe6BsP1drhs5N_dfjKPe6ZQ2mkLRNqYC5_128jrCcAhuqBZiKEgfAKHXmKyliHPYTZ88UsNQB4jYeXk4acEk7dJ/s2048/IMG_1487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSD7Ton_fiACI1JvVtVZ9rPkl7NCvgAUt-3WnHsgjo9u-dAxIDXiAMbQe6BsP1drhs5N_dfjKPe6ZQ2mkLRNqYC5_128jrCcAhuqBZiKEgfAKHXmKyliHPYTZ88UsNQB4jYeXk4acEk7dJ/w300-h400/IMG_1487.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They were gearing up for their first Boo Bash of the season, so some pumpkin decor was already out. So much fun to see!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW97J1TUBh26Ax5-IWO6AOEgFKwBN9jOr7eO11AzJ742wbpjtKK45FeE-ILuWoE6DCnmg0zEob8E2qKHnNr1nKmz9NMgLKI-wC06rPJUN3Y2GFoeMh4A_HQck2mk5PKnHhof26n_Zv5_6Y/s2048/IMG_1492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW97J1TUBh26Ax5-IWO6AOEgFKwBN9jOr7eO11AzJ742wbpjtKK45FeE-ILuWoE6DCnmg0zEob8E2qKHnNr1nKmz9NMgLKI-wC06rPJUN3Y2GFoeMh4A_HQck2mk5PKnHhof26n_Zv5_6Y/w400-h300/IMG_1492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>...and that's a wrap on day one of our August trip! Day 2 coming at you this week...promise! :)</div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-30419271780362579982021-09-16T04:00:00.001-05:002021-09-16T04:00:00.275-05:00Weekend Getaway - The Woodlands and AstrosThis past weekend, we took a little getaway to Houston, Texas for some time with family and to catch an Astros game! In my search for water-related fun in the area, I stumbled across The Woodlands Resort and I'm so grateful I did! <div><br /></div><div>I'm getting a little ahead of myself, though. Let's start at the beginning of the trip, shall we?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgCUKuR9htnX-Udpd18oNb9FcFLWqwe_436uTWZOPkyJYv5I4zmjiGHtR0fn2VHNXk4gxFF0VjPqRe4uxDoqyDfCCCo2bN2Cv8hD6up0VAPt6a1tZbj2jM1gVA9eO6lvD2HG76YjlG4Yu/s2048/IMG_4856.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgCUKuR9htnX-Udpd18oNb9FcFLWqwe_436uTWZOPkyJYv5I4zmjiGHtR0fn2VHNXk4gxFF0VjPqRe4uxDoqyDfCCCo2bN2Cv8hD6up0VAPt6a1tZbj2jM1gVA9eO6lvD2HG76YjlG4Yu/w300-h400/IMG_4856.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It all began with a stop at Buc-ee's, as always!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD1sXi4vTGmMIQ7Gf7unOQkeqw7Sz8ygVy0aohktl0_oxU7ZzHUxpHx0mcvIbMfdYDiXR81s0_7Y9eBmYofzncE68KikA4VmzMgH7LZQrSYZDTHNd1K6VTrxZOVb6Q_gSkw_9pOewFCfR/s2048/IMG_4913.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD1sXi4vTGmMIQ7Gf7unOQkeqw7Sz8ygVy0aohktl0_oxU7ZzHUxpHx0mcvIbMfdYDiXR81s0_7Y9eBmYofzncE68KikA4VmzMgH7LZQrSYZDTHNd1K6VTrxZOVb6Q_gSkw_9pOewFCfR/w300-h400/IMG_4913.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden looks forward to our Buc-ee's stops almost as much as the trip itself! When I ask if he loves Disney World or Buc-ee's more, his answer is always "both of them"!! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4Vg6iaufsobw9MuNXPq_ccqUFScucXFxNqJM4Rs4uj40VekoV98bW9NdCn8K5QtImqb2EvSngjcxx0Izbmhn0zVUchp-TPbcJT3a3efLmQEnNX7HuetGdOx2XN6owAxrPBKJI1N4KrI6/s2048/IMG_5084.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4Vg6iaufsobw9MuNXPq_ccqUFScucXFxNqJM4Rs4uj40VekoV98bW9NdCn8K5QtImqb2EvSngjcxx0Izbmhn0zVUchp-TPbcJT3a3efLmQEnNX7HuetGdOx2XN6owAxrPBKJI1N4KrI6/w300-h400/IMG_5084.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Within a few hours, we arrived at The Woodlands Resort. Check-in isn't technically until 4 p.m., but guests are invited to begin swimming at noon on check-in day. To my surprise, our rooms were ready and they were placed right next to each other as I'd requested! Perfect!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImpgqMSdIACxwjk9OL_Pd-FmB7r-sH8cm2ogtyHIzEheR7CWofrExTYQlsbWwsirmo1N68QoX952Mx54DXaeuZGwdzqjAMUF9-kt5aDH77TIGD1isMAMo6j7u2nxiFy6pwn8IJi1DvpdW/s2048/IMG_5121.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImpgqMSdIACxwjk9OL_Pd-FmB7r-sH8cm2ogtyHIzEheR7CWofrExTYQlsbWwsirmo1N68QoX952Mx54DXaeuZGwdzqjAMUF9-kt5aDH77TIGD1isMAMo6j7u2nxiFy6pwn8IJi1DvpdW/w300-h400/IMG_5121.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our previous water park attempts this summer were mostly rained out (we were 2 for 3 on rainouts), and I knew I wanted to find a place to stay that had more than just a swimming pool. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88xNF8Z4FyiY5zkMjmaP_WlpqTJbG2Ip5QjjYjj-0eGBxQLK4j3gWbIvYLPxU2-8SgScWFOIeA4twrZQ_oRdjvanlQ1BCmbqfQJ-jEw9a_Lh7a4v8qHv12G1eFauFt087n8IF8ajJS5YK/s2048/IMG_5097.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88xNF8Z4FyiY5zkMjmaP_WlpqTJbG2Ip5QjjYjj-0eGBxQLK4j3gWbIvYLPxU2-8SgScWFOIeA4twrZQ_oRdjvanlQ1BCmbqfQJ-jEw9a_Lh7a4v8qHv12G1eFauFt087n8IF8ajJS5YK/w400-h300/IMG_5097.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This place was perfect and totally fit the bill! It wasn't a full blown "water park", but we still had a lot of options and had we had a blast, too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyjhUyGl-wctJJmKf6YxOiXlk8fr91Vc9QY7LeHCKvDYjWIWEJWJgCwzQ0RopFfUMUNlf_1q3D8Ml5Zax61k6jApgwN5x-123r_OPbGj6SGOA7zcYaepun9GcCAnAjUI4SY-AD5Qe4Jrm/s2048/IMG_4974.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyjhUyGl-wctJJmKf6YxOiXlk8fr91Vc9QY7LeHCKvDYjWIWEJWJgCwzQ0RopFfUMUNlf_1q3D8Ml5Zax61k6jApgwN5x-123r_OPbGj6SGOA7zcYaepun9GcCAnAjUI4SY-AD5Qe4Jrm/w300-h400/IMG_4974.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They even had a few fire pits around for evening smores! So fun! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OYyZlyJ89IRxLPWlICyZiUnxr8sVOuTTiurxW1yVl-zA6nPtenD9KcMrvusYrQdbbDzHw0xtMlssNNfSy6z8-LOPfXYfjGqx8fJ9p3VNagJ2b_HgO9vS6twgInvd_JKSjMqouYbopKm7/s2048/IMG_5104.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OYyZlyJ89IRxLPWlICyZiUnxr8sVOuTTiurxW1yVl-zA6nPtenD9KcMrvusYrQdbbDzHw0xtMlssNNfSy6z8-LOPfXYfjGqx8fJ9p3VNagJ2b_HgO9vS6twgInvd_JKSjMqouYbopKm7/w400-h300/IMG_5104.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our rooms were nice and spacious and the balcony view of the woods was incredibly relaxing.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyXF-6oZ7EXVyQlSvGDIeNeflE2VbytoW6IUdbiWw1hd9q2tvO7vHrwSs2DA7Kgaw1eDxpdHok1UhugwCle_un6AUZcp2T9aCJXB0AKYaa4pnnSXcJ9SNKmJmI8It9L_ZllSxPl1UCSiy/s2048/IMG_5108.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyXF-6oZ7EXVyQlSvGDIeNeflE2VbytoW6IUdbiWw1hd9q2tvO7vHrwSs2DA7Kgaw1eDxpdHok1UhugwCle_un6AUZcp2T9aCJXB0AKYaa4pnnSXcJ9SNKmJmI8It9L_ZllSxPl1UCSiy/w300-h400/IMG_5108.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After dropping off our bags and checking out our rooms, we headed for the pool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAIDloHiMWZIsSmlCIdBcrJmWNOmze9XL4WnayaXTPu0-wMfPfLzysX2ZPI5joYE1q5Vejt6Djn5WJw46J-T3h9ylUhxmUa4QKPzMBkx72hbh8L9uuj-7gBrxppFgiqy0AdP_R2iy7Gy2/s2048/IMG_4972.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAIDloHiMWZIsSmlCIdBcrJmWNOmze9XL4WnayaXTPu0-wMfPfLzysX2ZPI5joYE1q5Vejt6Djn5WJw46J-T3h9ylUhxmUa4QKPzMBkx72hbh8L9uuj-7gBrxppFgiqy0AdP_R2iy7Gy2/w300-h400/IMG_4972.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden seriously wasted zero time and jumped right in!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H2rEcs9YVGuxP-sg03TDM8wBgANktJzKzo4W6tiWqCJaYinzYUlu1Ldp7wQ-2XRINfqIQJAmjpCkK8XMHl1fDb2ehELl4PWw1TORDmqry3UiLl354wiQsil6ZJGKynDsil65XWBUzTyU/s2048/IMG_4951.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H2rEcs9YVGuxP-sg03TDM8wBgANktJzKzo4W6tiWqCJaYinzYUlu1Ldp7wQ-2XRINfqIQJAmjpCkK8XMHl1fDb2ehELl4PWw1TORDmqry3UiLl354wiQsil6ZJGKynDsil65XWBUzTyU/w300-h400/IMG_4951.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I am so glad he has overcome his fear of enclosed "twisty slides". He loves them now!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7ojWLH5ssdG2NtIWerrmASac4-UfEcNV1e8c9GpdwspHwDe7gW5oLZebbHGIhFIJjxn6YdAe1z7OaUR5Wf0xsJcUIO-GH_2hXcGji_QPso_iaKARS_HT1OwZGJoqheA0JYcZKAF3IFyp/s2048/IMG_5004.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7ojWLH5ssdG2NtIWerrmASac4-UfEcNV1e8c9GpdwspHwDe7gW5oLZebbHGIhFIJjxn6YdAe1z7OaUR5Wf0xsJcUIO-GH_2hXcGji_QPso_iaKARS_HT1OwZGJoqheA0JYcZKAF3IFyp/w300-h400/IMG_5004.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There was even a lazy river at this resort, which we took full advantage of.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14-GHHjsITaseEKzeR4hPWYegYcLT6UszRtF0MkKHIHOdHKVKLys5T3StOrW5uFC8zYzsjbIH4Z2-UfrmCAaKIdZPsfM2RJQ0260-Cpima1zKlvwAyOMydvkgTnzlsS6qz6fJx0CKOpCg/s2048/IMG_5030.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14-GHHjsITaseEKzeR4hPWYegYcLT6UszRtF0MkKHIHOdHKVKLys5T3StOrW5uFC8zYzsjbIH4Z2-UfrmCAaKIdZPsfM2RJQ0260-Cpima1zKlvwAyOMydvkgTnzlsS6qz6fJx0CKOpCg/w300-h400/IMG_5030.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Midway through our float, we spotted another "twisty slide", so we paused to let Bray have a little fun.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvIL0nGQvyX8KLSs-uNN033Q9vwrbmqr6zGqjgxAfFFXMoWKXLIFVcn-MMXnG3vcfAPwdVgFi48tnr-gtVBVd6NgV46hXFTZUxvL60ANkiN5QGRXA02hoO0x_BinUlAma_Eh4tk1G0tUR/s2048/IMG_5057.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvIL0nGQvyX8KLSs-uNN033Q9vwrbmqr6zGqjgxAfFFXMoWKXLIFVcn-MMXnG3vcfAPwdVgFi48tnr-gtVBVd6NgV46hXFTZUxvL60ANkiN5QGRXA02hoO0x_BinUlAma_Eh4tk1G0tUR/w300-h400/IMG_5057.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That evening, we enjoyed a few smores by the fire pit. They were delicious!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2YKKgCbbXvB3fmqQyIm4FCkw9soR42TGcNztHYJbX_YLUXNURqnp1sMa78w1H46htC4oTlYn_crxdFi2GdcNIE0MR6_l-pfxugZ_tlq6BdMNlblXwBBbwfRtRcLsHqHXfYylokap0nFJ/s2048/IMG_5065.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2YKKgCbbXvB3fmqQyIm4FCkw9soR42TGcNztHYJbX_YLUXNURqnp1sMa78w1H46htC4oTlYn_crxdFi2GdcNIE0MR6_l-pfxugZ_tlq6BdMNlblXwBBbwfRtRcLsHqHXfYylokap0nFJ/w300-h400/IMG_5065.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm a huge fan of burnt marshmallows. Anyone else? :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP_woLOKc8enLaFDvfoKByVnOsBRV6KP-hZ7FE2mFZrcE71ixAb0LDddRsEFb0nY5ZNcSXeDgNcsNKnb2OUEoNw-Dpq4T-xm_oj3cd1AoBcDX0Q5IsBjvGVo7fUdA9sdGGKjiaequZNjZ/s2048/IMG_5068.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP_woLOKc8enLaFDvfoKByVnOsBRV6KP-hZ7FE2mFZrcE71ixAb0LDddRsEFb0nY5ZNcSXeDgNcsNKnb2OUEoNw-Dpq4T-xm_oj3cd1AoBcDX0Q5IsBjvGVo7fUdA9sdGGKjiaequZNjZ/w300-h400/IMG_5068.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Notice my marshmallow stick - it was stuck! Hah!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8jWh6tY-u0jB9ZqUn7YJHGcCbWMHJEJHUmqllJdo6RQAMu8n3zaDgH20g_Hj9urGwK3lg3srP9GSM_bSfwbS3dsIF0VL3NSS2JofCc7o3bcr72viXZBOTc_NGSvC9MGpd-QBKPPxWDqt/s2048/IMG_5087.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8jWh6tY-u0jB9ZqUn7YJHGcCbWMHJEJHUmqllJdo6RQAMu8n3zaDgH20g_Hj9urGwK3lg3srP9GSM_bSfwbS3dsIF0VL3NSS2JofCc7o3bcr72viXZBOTc_NGSvC9MGpd-QBKPPxWDqt/w300-h400/IMG_5087.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The following morning, I enjoyed the sunrise from our balcony, then we checked out of our resort and drove to Ihop on the way to Minute Maid Park. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Em0YsdNl5iLMUfbuMz_-uRwOWXzkr8-NqzfQHirDhrKVtr2d_jbY_v1SR_uV4HByjBrBFIZis12A1slgSCgf8o3EBKk6rsB56GL1pbnGPfwUq0lAutAI7EI17RFxz7T6OW50U2ySZZR5/s2048/IMG_5144.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Em0YsdNl5iLMUfbuMz_-uRwOWXzkr8-NqzfQHirDhrKVtr2d_jbY_v1SR_uV4HByjBrBFIZis12A1slgSCgf8o3EBKk6rsB56GL1pbnGPfwUq0lAutAI7EI17RFxz7T6OW50U2ySZZR5/w300-h400/IMG_5144.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden thought it was hilarious that he had five pancakes for five years old! He ate them all, too! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hlwso24QP7yAx6p5YDFcK0dp0Ldn_bNu2mKxX-hMdbP-l5xUxZArY7Gp8VH0BEcUDvXI6UP1d8Cpa6n8KlHVTnNlAEP_4nMTvFq4ZNJYTzD68PxjnLYFsguur-EMpaxveqe8Krreu1t2/s2048/IMG_5152.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hlwso24QP7yAx6p5YDFcK0dp0Ldn_bNu2mKxX-hMdbP-l5xUxZArY7Gp8VH0BEcUDvXI6UP1d8Cpa6n8KlHVTnNlAEP_4nMTvFq4ZNJYTzD68PxjnLYFsguur-EMpaxveqe8Krreu1t2/w300-h400/IMG_5152.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Strawberry banana pancakes is where it's at.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnI3m7RM6m3xu5ajqQHvNFrvAigHiY2aHOY26Q-Xu_JihIZNX7BKARWBGmP5Zu4N7qZySXRKNl8i9lNFDpLOBOFMCcLhlns8Fu5izfoWqk0E4tEet2WdUXx8HOzkVSp7oX-pjInJsb8Ujv/s2048/IMG_5166.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnI3m7RM6m3xu5ajqQHvNFrvAigHiY2aHOY26Q-Xu_JihIZNX7BKARWBGmP5Zu4N7qZySXRKNl8i9lNFDpLOBOFMCcLhlns8Fu5izfoWqk0E4tEet2WdUXx8HOzkVSp7oX-pjInJsb8Ujv/w300-h400/IMG_5166.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Meanwhile over at Minute Maid Park, we arrived just as the doors were opening! Perfect timing.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5q2tbmKylPr-AOlIbwyn88NZOhQIfjJtnqIwFmoY1BA7WxWmHlhKvaHmeZCYWC2DQ92lBsN3NfL9S5R_qjllVMkX360Fdn-DJigTNzNGPEqx1lbLPGWRanzKeUaRU3m_djm3bnCsy7mvJ/s2048/D440B48E-4A3A-4B33-BE5B-BDA5613C92CB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1542" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5q2tbmKylPr-AOlIbwyn88NZOhQIfjJtnqIwFmoY1BA7WxWmHlhKvaHmeZCYWC2DQ92lBsN3NfL9S5R_qjllVMkX360Fdn-DJigTNzNGPEqx1lbLPGWRanzKeUaRU3m_djm3bnCsy7mvJ/w301-h400/D440B48E-4A3A-4B33-BE5B-BDA5613C92CB.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also spotted our friend Mickey along the way!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExD_Pl3T8UklvZmnEG_XFPXyrldA3XSl3JVkTH81TzY719EVytMiqSeZt4M1PBsPczZfe2n8H4ey2KUTLTj9UBqbSDhIG9qmxGesUtg5wrceFvngrRnLm4eq97L8emgAWD2z-MtEiA4XR/s2048/IMG_5198.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExD_Pl3T8UklvZmnEG_XFPXyrldA3XSl3JVkTH81TzY719EVytMiqSeZt4M1PBsPczZfe2n8H4ey2KUTLTj9UBqbSDhIG9qmxGesUtg5wrceFvngrRnLm4eq97L8emgAWD2z-MtEiA4XR/w300-h400/IMG_5198.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Apart from last year, I have a photo like this with Brayden from every single Astros game we've been to since he was born. Such a sweet memory!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINJ8VTSwC-eUh7Y3mXLEB3krQHYJZ4ZW34LE96ynv7RJP6lLkeJiDVhTUy9EFLpRe_tGshtlPzAZPKfSIW3PFJsMS8dURAyVAkhynEA8UMz2Q6pzK6UD_KOXjR7PQpebZ4bgnC8CcBbNu/s2048/IMG_5213.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINJ8VTSwC-eUh7Y3mXLEB3krQHYJZ4ZW34LE96ynv7RJP6lLkeJiDVhTUy9EFLpRe_tGshtlPzAZPKfSIW3PFJsMS8dURAyVAkhynEA8UMz2Q6pzK6UD_KOXjR7PQpebZ4bgnC8CcBbNu/w300-h400/IMG_5213.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also met up with my brother and sister in law.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop-ysKSKTUaIARwwd3EHraQsLc5kZIcz-xPSQwcKcdRcwo1g9jRSDSUvP8cE5RTw73_NaCFqyLWfyzZgipmPR8RUlHbl3r57hqM8KHeUVdiy_1m3kAaZC5dprpejxhbf8m4naIrJtR5E1/s2048/IMG_5220.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop-ysKSKTUaIARwwd3EHraQsLc5kZIcz-xPSQwcKcdRcwo1g9jRSDSUvP8cE5RTw73_NaCFqyLWfyzZgipmPR8RUlHbl3r57hqM8KHeUVdiy_1m3kAaZC5dprpejxhbf8m4naIrJtR5E1/w300-h400/IMG_5220.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Before long, it was nap time. I'm shocked at this kid's ability to sleep anywhere, and he got a good hour long nap in!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoVY-vkKJG094Qu82xLtlAbHHpcOxgbWarEX1fJvsywfNJ63h6te_ugdp2ETOfCLNQkcfGdKFZqf_lDEC2HXOS_isbVLNTPHkfHZQ4F2SBZ-b5y0gSvXEv2vbDgOW6Nf-4Z5BC9ml6CdL/s2048/IMG_5224.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoVY-vkKJG094Qu82xLtlAbHHpcOxgbWarEX1fJvsywfNJ63h6te_ugdp2ETOfCLNQkcfGdKFZqf_lDEC2HXOS_isbVLNTPHkfHZQ4F2SBZ-b5y0gSvXEv2vbDgOW6Nf-4Z5BC9ml6CdL/w300-h400/IMG_5224.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ice cream in a helmet is always a must at the ball park. :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGefmoj8KT3SjUAva_9T6ApgsfZj8NJtZbH_IXgBZhTSpEMF-9GOezE9NCaG10orFvlzoHNOuecatDMzwbcV-6ziY4_9bTnFX8iF0b81ucwZow7Q9BxzA5wDYdTuJa_8gKwlBZBY7WTo6/s2048/IMG_5264.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGefmoj8KT3SjUAva_9T6ApgsfZj8NJtZbH_IXgBZhTSpEMF-9GOezE9NCaG10orFvlzoHNOuecatDMzwbcV-6ziY4_9bTnFX8iF0b81ucwZow7Q9BxzA5wDYdTuJa_8gKwlBZBY7WTo6/w400-h300/IMG_5264.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They won!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV49Vh0TIht6HIzNCferelPZemFyrUl2Aa5fM0ERlUEdqEuPF0qLUmk1kJ7R5JJeUnLov4bFszN9vj52Za54lU_YzDmkIciJXvWOx-YwBybzdnMtpZXrK0LH4m3KBsF7lMzlk52voPNSz/s2048/IMG_5297.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyV49Vh0TIht6HIzNCferelPZemFyrUl2Aa5fM0ERlUEdqEuPF0qLUmk1kJ7R5JJeUnLov4bFszN9vj52Za54lU_YzDmkIciJXvWOx-YwBybzdnMtpZXrK0LH4m3KBsF7lMzlk52voPNSz/w300-h400/IMG_5297.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We had a blast and I so enjoyed this precious time with my sweet family!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueCDCsIL7Cn4pirAOAnNajeXINiqi9lIKtYMZgiN-jmJkiYmYA7mOfv4LHpNN_SewhEBVSVX37BIZosoE-2QnPm0oLZlITecDU0avQrLxm2T_isQ5s9NcO_A4braF5uFLL4VlJUbHkH5L/s2048/IMG_5346.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueCDCsIL7Cn4pirAOAnNajeXINiqi9lIKtYMZgiN-jmJkiYmYA7mOfv4LHpNN_SewhEBVSVX37BIZosoE-2QnPm0oLZlITecDU0avQrLxm2T_isQ5s9NcO_A4braF5uFLL4VlJUbHkH5L/w300-h400/IMG_5346.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>On our way home, we stopped at - you guessed it - Buc-ee's again!! :)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Where will our next adventure take us? Hopefully to Great Wolf Lodge! We planned a trip there last fall, but due to Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta, we had to cancel our plans. Second time is a charm, right? :) (Let's cross our fingers for no more hurricanes!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great week!</div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-73582791971510557692021-09-01T06:41:00.001-05:002021-09-01T06:41:16.424-05:00Disney Travel Day & Bay Lake Tower [Day 1]Prior to Brayden starting Kindergarten, we took a super quick/long weekend trip to Walt Disney World and had an absolute blast! Our trip included a split stay with one night at Bay Lake Tower followed by the remainder of the week at Old Key West. We spent time in all four parks, did a lot of swimming, and even visited Blizzard Beach. These recaps will include the highlights of our days at Disney!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1C8ktyJrCf7LF7em6a-ucolpM_ysho8K5jGsOjGa0w5c6RE0R6Zeu1IzaWGcrTWVSOveV-OAnwlT1fwB-ep0DXkkkFdPQsjxUx65HFSVxl567X5TWlFa_kc14elWLg_GZERG95zvF_un/s2048/IMG_0904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1C8ktyJrCf7LF7em6a-ucolpM_ysho8K5jGsOjGa0w5c6RE0R6Zeu1IzaWGcrTWVSOveV-OAnwlT1fwB-ep0DXkkkFdPQsjxUx65HFSVxl567X5TWlFa_kc14elWLg_GZERG95zvF_un/w300-h400/IMG_0904.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Oddly enough, just as we were about to leave for our trip, our Florida friend Randy was in Louisiana to visit his parents. He stopped over to say hi! (We live about 12 hours apart!) <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjFbtCGBn9bC6pCcMvwTOw9wsrMc8-yM19rs32D_r9U2LeKv05SSnWHQENXnQFss2t3Geh049MEcBhzDomX1t7VnBi4P0F4O5N6Uzlhrcyjkfeh31Nsvoc5wHD0oY1wmdlVj0czJTrLU7/s2048/IMG_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjFbtCGBn9bC6pCcMvwTOw9wsrMc8-yM19rs32D_r9U2LeKv05SSnWHQENXnQFss2t3Geh049MEcBhzDomX1t7VnBi4P0F4O5N6Uzlhrcyjkfeh31Nsvoc5wHD0oY1wmdlVj0czJTrLU7/w300-h400/IMG_0924.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>No and I mean NO Texas road trip is complete without a stop at Buc-ee's! It was definitely the highlight of Brayden's day!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrBIHDyVPssH8PZs9ZvLUeBpSkgwanwSyjdS8WlmTcG01qtKDjlKXygRpNtVUmtzriptqOO4L3PWfWmsWTIUfM17xS7R3Ucgfy_Fk8Vcg2g9y7PeQXmR2rkYZJrD5_rlEBy4N1T8Hlm2H/s2048/IMG_0964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrBIHDyVPssH8PZs9ZvLUeBpSkgwanwSyjdS8WlmTcG01qtKDjlKXygRpNtVUmtzriptqOO4L3PWfWmsWTIUfM17xS7R3Ucgfy_Fk8Vcg2g9y7PeQXmR2rkYZJrD5_rlEBy4N1T8Hlm2H/w300-h400/IMG_0964.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We sure do love this place! If you've never been, you should stop by sometime! It's seriously the largest and cleanest gas station/restroom stop/souvenir store I've ever seen!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLFZiTRrSdYb35dLq7mu-2PW149K9FpDlxWFaQ4fCmt89vcXC8Qu5lcB94sY4EhjpZNyOQn9xo6HCXOe8laQdRguPP3-V93L7280CBajWwQP5LiMgRIlEZszMuzbgMTnpD566riDAS3-2/s2048/IMG_0995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLFZiTRrSdYb35dLq7mu-2PW149K9FpDlxWFaQ4fCmt89vcXC8Qu5lcB94sY4EhjpZNyOQn9xo6HCXOe8laQdRguPP3-V93L7280CBajWwQP5LiMgRIlEZszMuzbgMTnpD566riDAS3-2/w400-h300/IMG_0995.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our flight departed bright and early the following morning. We stayed at a park and fly hotel the night before and were then brought to the airport the following morning. TSA pre-check was open and running which was nice (sometimes it's not open that early) and we were through the gate in no time.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-kFSqCvsgOaSo56-6dtAne27Nw1Zq3iO6PgVriqVpG9zIui1g8iN9Tzm2fcZ6fyBPcxVqfXGFyZhtm8DG7buEFr0Q7SwV9TYvyIKTVeNTvvX-q5vwGWhG6IeB7PbNSJYEyCetVY11fmu/s2048/IMG_1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-kFSqCvsgOaSo56-6dtAne27Nw1Zq3iO6PgVriqVpG9zIui1g8iN9Tzm2fcZ6fyBPcxVqfXGFyZhtm8DG7buEFr0Q7SwV9TYvyIKTVeNTvvX-q5vwGWhG6IeB7PbNSJYEyCetVY11fmu/w300-h400/IMG_1021.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Somehow, we snagged the front front row seats on Southwest and joked that we were starting our trip off on "Southwest first class"! These seats were awesome! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQdmwCCRmvnPt-dTuZVFpc5TsB-fpklgOH5FPc2SK54EKsYOWK867-yCRtxjJOLTipDMyu3KR5XdU3lH1ywR8zCDhgWNET_KByrvXEBLbCCXCZWclGk4Ac2aq4QS4fnwSlDP_U1-DQsoh/s2048/IMG_1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQdmwCCRmvnPt-dTuZVFpc5TsB-fpklgOH5FPc2SK54EKsYOWK867-yCRtxjJOLTipDMyu3KR5XdU3lH1ywR8zCDhgWNET_KByrvXEBLbCCXCZWclGk4Ac2aq4QS4fnwSlDP_U1-DQsoh/w300-h400/IMG_1034.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only problem is, you had to store your bags overhead for takeoff and landing as there's no where to put them at your feet. I would totally sit here again, though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMkcCbLULna5j0Lhqoy79AlayledUsC5YZy8gHAHIUPDiQorA4wJjlSLQIQLqb7sSQf7uEOF1xtWglKy2uzE5XLszTqChbZEgHsuUjHPx4pAo83I5-ydNxoCpCIpKtPWAeC2l8cXInagx/s2048/IMG_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMkcCbLULna5j0Lhqoy79AlayledUsC5YZy8gHAHIUPDiQorA4wJjlSLQIQLqb7sSQf7uEOF1xtWglKy2uzE5XLszTqChbZEgHsuUjHPx4pAo83I5-ydNxoCpCIpKtPWAeC2l8cXInagx/w300-h400/IMG_1053.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now that Magical Express no longer obtains your bags for you, we had to do something we've never had to do in all our years of flying to MCO! Baggage claim!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was not bad or difficult at all, though! Just something new for us! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh7RLvq49ypTjFfgS5r1sQ0Hm5sF78VHF2GXoCj8ZTTWU5CK_L6SsdcyYdzdc482sic01wli3-nv9CsywjT7xa8eA8HsZRJ25dhHkNQyUBRmdTeNfivnOeF7OLXK1UiL0WynxldIeY1k6/s2048/IMG_1059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh7RLvq49ypTjFfgS5r1sQ0Hm5sF78VHF2GXoCj8ZTTWU5CK_L6SsdcyYdzdc482sic01wli3-nv9CsywjT7xa8eA8HsZRJ25dhHkNQyUBRmdTeNfivnOeF7OLXK1UiL0WynxldIeY1k6/w400-h300/IMG_1059.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The line for Magical Express was incredibly short. We got right into line 3 which also had zero line and we were directed right onto our bus!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq0362grD9qIqrx8PPpGJ3tRRWJfQXNJxD40pGqLzpOCV5NfGLZkpQ6QddoDV2nWgpxOtkHrn_w5TTACOunV2UjJo4oP4VTd3wPdwaAJD15ELXXr1sxGh-jvh86z-ghFOKtk8owMC_fh3/s2048/IMG_1061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyq0362grD9qIqrx8PPpGJ3tRRWJfQXNJxD40pGqLzpOCV5NfGLZkpQ6QddoDV2nWgpxOtkHrn_w5TTACOunV2UjJo4oP4VTd3wPdwaAJD15ELXXr1sxGh-jvh86z-ghFOKtk8owMC_fh3/w300-h400/IMG_1061.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Off to Bay Lake Tower! In total, the whole airport thing took about an hour, then another 45 minutes or so for the Magical Express trip. We landed at MCO a little after 9 a.m. and were up and in our room at 11 a.m.! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTBqOYPJ_dPilymrE9ced-0oJLJ6wg4nx_PaEie3jOgiavKtBBfGrCxCLhlnzp14OTUWTSv2jltogqO-AMWMvf_cEyJEdCgnhWYzxpioB7DIrCHdEKB7s5tKJcwrhKNOCrsKaG7OnJOyD/s2048/IMG_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTBqOYPJ_dPilymrE9ced-0oJLJ6wg4nx_PaEie3jOgiavKtBBfGrCxCLhlnzp14OTUWTSv2jltogqO-AMWMvf_cEyJEdCgnhWYzxpioB7DIrCHdEKB7s5tKJcwrhKNOCrsKaG7OnJOyD/w400-h300/IMG_1074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Imagine my surprise when I discovered that our room at BLT was ready!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA59Df0QJQsXVXHddgZ-j2ICX341IyUPeL1-GncXEvYe3oujw-pP_ssdUI0T55Fdo-g0sFzcypP-caReUIHc_2epVleZ8Y8qzBmCY83wtYJVFNoBDTdr2KvBeaClhvqTtWbOCcRQweBWg/s2048/IMG_1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA59Df0QJQsXVXHddgZ-j2ICX341IyUPeL1-GncXEvYe3oujw-pP_ssdUI0T55Fdo-g0sFzcypP-caReUIHc_2epVleZ8Y8qzBmCY83wtYJVFNoBDTdr2KvBeaClhvqTtWbOCcRQweBWg/w300-h400/IMG_1077.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We booked a basic deluxe studio without anything extra.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqGgeCvrZxxM5_le8GRbWsQKPv29ajWgehiY42eRzuGV3EBZx2oOYcQ_36zMyudc5RzTSbMmqO_XcamQKs2jGr814PtTYpzz_zQwuX8fbbsQ49B8OQpW0fzFmxCYLW8yDte5mdgFDCJ36/s2048/IMG_1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqGgeCvrZxxM5_le8GRbWsQKPv29ajWgehiY42eRzuGV3EBZx2oOYcQ_36zMyudc5RzTSbMmqO_XcamQKs2jGr814PtTYpzz_zQwuX8fbbsQ49B8OQpW0fzFmxCYLW8yDte5mdgFDCJ36/w400-h300/IMG_1080.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The rooms at Bay Lake Tower are very nice and I'd love to stay longer on our next trip.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNZZdwvyjGw2iu4RD0rK9_tmdML3J5bCHJzCLcQCEms0TaMSi_PcRwZtIlu9YnkxEizuahRGBKFaPx44i5gLR3tE36i6wyI1MP3Zk-4vgn3PfhosFwJcskWoCt74HfkZ5L5xcY5PCX5Ot/s2048/IMG_1082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNZZdwvyjGw2iu4RD0rK9_tmdML3J5bCHJzCLcQCEms0TaMSi_PcRwZtIlu9YnkxEizuahRGBKFaPx44i5gLR3tE36i6wyI1MP3Zk-4vgn3PfhosFwJcskWoCt74HfkZ5L5xcY5PCX5Ot/w400-h300/IMG_1082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love how clean and updated these rooms feel. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWpOkRj4r2nnXDGezuFrLKgDCtjkZXCVnI7yluF0h3pSSPPNi9cjzBnah8lexoYQWc9nXWGXdhIDsOJTBSxH3Ma-dIrspOqI0lJ6-k615zhQoolAfVo-YADvy5ysQnWPOrfH3N5KBjISM/s2048/IMG_1083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWpOkRj4r2nnXDGezuFrLKgDCtjkZXCVnI7yluF0h3pSSPPNi9cjzBnah8lexoYQWc9nXWGXdhIDsOJTBSxH3Ma-dIrspOqI0lJ6-k615zhQoolAfVo-YADvy5ysQnWPOrfH3N5KBjISM/w400-h300/IMG_1083.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A kitchenette with all of the amenities were included in this little alcove.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSXLFiRiOfC8ttPMbdoiiHbe37oNDP-kNnNnYaPeohyphenhyphenlu7mx06DPSo4Dp7bl6rhMzcxUsXk9S0J-M-KaGb7r9jGAo06s6jx-HKngmUFNhsejWaL-yhRipwpZXOMNjpmXQ4xm-PzHouGqv/s2048/IMG_1085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSXLFiRiOfC8ttPMbdoiiHbe37oNDP-kNnNnYaPeohyphenhyphenlu7mx06DPSo4Dp7bl6rhMzcxUsXk9S0J-M-KaGb7r9jGAo06s6jx-HKngmUFNhsejWaL-yhRipwpZXOMNjpmXQ4xm-PzHouGqv/w400-h300/IMG_1085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The overall size of the room was great as well!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9pvyPzHuCz99Yz1l_7OjorBWdt2e3PJleBJogixz0VRkYe2zktIVuAN50303MGTYgidWaa5r_r-xtuQGJJR7zeYgnbfYurv-wrb9czaZzcNKQdzr8YSCnxqUgW7Iq5uBFd5p2CWH3Dng/s2048/IMG_1086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9pvyPzHuCz99Yz1l_7OjorBWdt2e3PJleBJogixz0VRkYe2zktIVuAN50303MGTYgidWaa5r_r-xtuQGJJR7zeYgnbfYurv-wrb9czaZzcNKQdzr8YSCnxqUgW7Iq5uBFd5p2CWH3Dng/w400-h300/IMG_1086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSijYPrFXNRDO4oZv2oGgTNmUD989Ogc3bHALcWfMH0HaK8vYX88tWvT-P3FNsdCJpYE2eRSqnOjiUzYCSaXWjHNOcwNPL1Sr9hyphenhyphenNS-Nn8620WB5GeYP00Qms04cUKR9mQG7Gf9tRcfW7/s2048/IMG_1087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSijYPrFXNRDO4oZv2oGgTNmUD989Ogc3bHALcWfMH0HaK8vYX88tWvT-P3FNsdCJpYE2eRSqnOjiUzYCSaXWjHNOcwNPL1Sr9hyphenhyphenNS-Nn8620WB5GeYP00Qms04cUKR9mQG7Gf9tRcfW7/w400-h300/IMG_1087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IWVMhAzCGv_8xpd0BEiRnXh5ryjD8P5iOPS6Ex8QJcnfjy_42Ad-KUTNI4PFcGFHVXgXZHuzh_sqwg5Hlfr4oeKivv2a_DF_FDsMIl1D8IojjhUumFi64kSa-OY8Pnqm7Wd2dxmLFixo/s2048/IMG_1088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IWVMhAzCGv_8xpd0BEiRnXh5ryjD8P5iOPS6Ex8QJcnfjy_42Ad-KUTNI4PFcGFHVXgXZHuzh_sqwg5Hlfr4oeKivv2a_DF_FDsMIl1D8IojjhUumFi64kSa-OY8Pnqm7Wd2dxmLFixo/w400-h300/IMG_1088.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We ended up with a lake view somehow, but I wasn't complaining! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYp-91vRnc1DM8EGI-wUw5rFR2vrGvKKMWOh49PAbxdXJpnwJhOIUIk1lZ1pMPLhGcG7p-dGZRH10pbACmQBo59kGihmzQayc0z-LxRx0dfpcjwpr2jMWI8oNpDtfIyt8lmxs0bLgZFs6/s2048/IMG_1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYp-91vRnc1DM8EGI-wUw5rFR2vrGvKKMWOh49PAbxdXJpnwJhOIUIk1lZ1pMPLhGcG7p-dGZRH10pbACmQBo59kGihmzQayc0z-LxRx0dfpcjwpr2jMWI8oNpDtfIyt8lmxs0bLgZFs6/w400-h300/IMG_1094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The artwork was so cute!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyYMhLrL6tNK7sVOax-rfGIk54Te9vyfMtZkc4q2L-abfJPeyxbIfa5LK2_aQ59VaL1a5yU1lmL4FVwtbVgcAfn6G2cO3KdJm0SPPPf_ehuobYfLNWE5KsGfMxfKAErqDdfD-fflll5Fc/s2048/IMG_1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyYMhLrL6tNK7sVOax-rfGIk54Te9vyfMtZkc4q2L-abfJPeyxbIfa5LK2_aQ59VaL1a5yU1lmL4FVwtbVgcAfn6G2cO3KdJm0SPPPf_ehuobYfLNWE5KsGfMxfKAErqDdfD-fflll5Fc/w400-h300/IMG_1100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After glancing over our balcony, what I thought was a lake view actually turned out to be a split lake view/theme park view!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPVImq5YxOs3DcupDRlS4ge9460F_AImy4LfV3UgICU12KSOpEtjZShIlj9wRjdaIuHQXLW2-ZApJILvFcS_5Z7i8ItUFx_alb5HwMjuG1jAgpCM5GUJrnkR0GyhesRNMtaWGY-k2aKbj/s2048/IMG_1319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPVImq5YxOs3DcupDRlS4ge9460F_AImy4LfV3UgICU12KSOpEtjZShIlj9wRjdaIuHQXLW2-ZApJILvFcS_5Z7i8ItUFx_alb5HwMjuG1jAgpCM5GUJrnkR0GyhesRNMtaWGY-k2aKbj/w400-h300/IMG_1319.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We dropped off our bags and headed to the Magic Kingdom (more on that later) then came back to the resort mid-afternoon to swim!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMPx4wzPWhjUdNQ53D2PYX0YfSb7It4kTYNFGMO49UcYA590kIidKjSdquZ5B_aiKeYb6nTbP8QPRY6hXB85Srn38LIf1mIj0vZL_h_OXUif9EmKWO_AS9Cs-Vdrdxa7VIUz9EGMpQLSj/s2048/IMG_1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="2048" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMPx4wzPWhjUdNQ53D2PYX0YfSb7It4kTYNFGMO49UcYA590kIidKjSdquZ5B_aiKeYb6nTbP8QPRY6hXB85Srn38LIf1mIj0vZL_h_OXUif9EmKWO_AS9Cs-Vdrdxa7VIUz9EGMpQLSj/w400-h274/IMG_1320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden LOVED their slide!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjRk-RDsBkhXfLhXuxxEe9gwn_slZycgT3cHZtDbV_I3mN9sx-X-Pxp7b44qByWLagC8bGToUKAYMjQh1Gj3gjd-84RmxTKDtQxCxbb4ZwLX8Lh_aVgcfg1SPYVGOEcFmy5ZYDPg1akfl/s2048/IMG_1328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjRk-RDsBkhXfLhXuxxEe9gwn_slZycgT3cHZtDbV_I3mN9sx-X-Pxp7b44qByWLagC8bGToUKAYMjQh1Gj3gjd-84RmxTKDtQxCxbb4ZwLX8Lh_aVgcfg1SPYVGOEcFmy5ZYDPg1akfl/w400-h300/IMG_1328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They also had this adorable splash pad!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1C01wb22pKYfJxjuLWLGa3vmdWtgW2ZnqiQCQH8izbR2VyvCzJ4pQeV1deyGlWrNts1A8IFlqDR3jqWPAC8O-sRDtNvrVNgb0b3tQud1MWEK95UblH5Fd-D2N0KBDqGI9XGpgmEBlTLU/s2048/IMG_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1C01wb22pKYfJxjuLWLGa3vmdWtgW2ZnqiQCQH8izbR2VyvCzJ4pQeV1deyGlWrNts1A8IFlqDR3jqWPAC8O-sRDtNvrVNgb0b3tQud1MWEK95UblH5Fd-D2N0KBDqGI9XGpgmEBlTLU/w400-h300/IMG_1332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Behind the pool area was the cutest little beach/relaxation section complete with comfortable outdoor furniture! It looked so nice!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Exxa_5Ga4rPY4Qj_OD_JJGBjFFryigjqdtpDJEoTAUCS4FVFKvgCSya9BSVoOehlGIYIi3xslCNrhxj6fJTc4SD4EBRtnw1LNVSqeulm44i6eipQs6MqprPFg1JN80W-IQq-41BrlFwZ/s2048/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Exxa_5Ga4rPY4Qj_OD_JJGBjFFryigjqdtpDJEoTAUCS4FVFKvgCSya9BSVoOehlGIYIi3xslCNrhxj6fJTc4SD4EBRtnw1LNVSqeulm44i6eipQs6MqprPFg1JN80W-IQq-41BrlFwZ/w300-h400/IMG_1362.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even though Bay Lake Tower isn't our home resort, we loved it and would definitely consider adding on points there in the future!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sl6kyvFwnhk9DFJYwoUDPtQywIskgFPS0avI6OiI_G56hGOFAkGr5ZuasKJ7-vbFVt_zs6x5NPSdae7yKwXC0y57hQ9Pd3oN3GGn34ENQDrrFW5FaDr_P4SY32yknW-KmjIoIvkMJbGO/s2048/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sl6kyvFwnhk9DFJYwoUDPtQywIskgFPS0avI6OiI_G56hGOFAkGr5ZuasKJ7-vbFVt_zs6x5NPSdae7yKwXC0y57hQ9Pd3oN3GGn34ENQDrrFW5FaDr_P4SY32yknW-KmjIoIvkMJbGO/w300-h400/IMG_1360.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was so nice to be "home"! </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned for a peek at our time in the Magic Kingdom! :) </div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-91112132797157405622021-08-25T06:22:00.003-05:002021-08-25T06:22:46.421-05:005 Year Update & One Magical SummerEver since Brayden turned 5 back in April, I've been in a bit of a denial about Kindergarten. How did it sneak up on us so fast? Knowing I truly wanted to make the most of the time we had this summer, I decided to turn the summer before he started Kindergarten into his most magical summer yet! <div><br /></div><div>Throughout the summer weekends, we swam, ate snow cones, went on road trips, visited the park, loved on family, swam some more, and by the time it was all said and done, I knew that our mission had been accomplished. </div><div><br /></div><div>This will likely be my last official "Brayden update" as he is now 5 years old and although he is still growing and changing, it's not as rapid as it was in previous updates. But, here we go...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><b><u>Clothing:</u></b> 5T tops - Shorts are mostly 4T or 5T. </div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">Pants have to be at least 5T because he's such a tall kid! </div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;">He's in a size 11 shoe.</div><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><u>Weight:</u></b><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"> 42 pounds (estimated)</span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><u><br /></u></b><u style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><b>Height:</b></u><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"> 44 inches (estimated)</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7anJU6vuHbKoKvlOmaF2QMcILYzg-XyVxKJzGBpWhzmSaWnMPeSbtdPBa412FjKt7HPn4eIPvf6a67kvAR2xvzus9dfjM0d6m7vasyWZ-NOT7xNYYJBsEA7qWPmPeH8hUBqYe_oJEDee_/s2048/4-GOOD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7anJU6vuHbKoKvlOmaF2QMcILYzg-XyVxKJzGBpWhzmSaWnMPeSbtdPBa412FjKt7HPn4eIPvf6a67kvAR2xvzus9dfjM0d6m7vasyWZ-NOT7xNYYJBsEA7qWPmPeH8hUBqYe_oJEDee_/w268-h400/4-GOOD.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Watching Brayden grow into his own little personality has been so much fun. He's still silly and loves to make people laugh. He's definitely not the shy kid I was!</div><div><br /></div><div>He still takes naps everyday and I'm fine with that because they do in kindergarten at his school, too! As far as eating goes - well, his variety hasn't changed much although some choices leave me scratching my head. Apart from his usual chicken nuggets, fries, sweet potato fries, spaghetti, pizza, tacos, yogurt, etc, he now will eat lettuce. Yes, like salad lettuce from a bag. He also loves a green smoothie concoction my mom makes. Kids are so funny!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wC2UQU6bAS-vvIXJJQEVMvSfd9HWiM41yjkoQCCxEx6ji099zFO3bHjO1LG16d0vN8qNOdwl61dsEaqy47y8tJInKVCmElVNUnNn-G9UP0Oq-uM11lruZdZ7JXSCN-U8It4-4GjSOmgr/s2048/IMG_4602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1609" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wC2UQU6bAS-vvIXJJQEVMvSfd9HWiM41yjkoQCCxEx6ji099zFO3bHjO1LG16d0vN8qNOdwl61dsEaqy47y8tJInKVCmElVNUnNn-G9UP0Oq-uM11lruZdZ7JXSCN-U8It4-4GjSOmgr/w314-h400/IMG_4602.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Earlier in the spring, we took him to our local beach. It was such a nice afternoon and the weather was perfect! We had a great time until Jason hurt his foot (he's fine) but Brayden will tell you all about our day at the beach and how his dad injured his foot if you ask! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4BTaDH9En35YVcIePyQXSxAefM2PFbgriRfhnmZksy1_TVFr6nKSj2GZYzALWpgzhWf4YUYYq4GtqqR1Q7GRnUgTBFNGIOEuC0YM_gBVmeFrni_VHg_ac56tvWPdjwOleEAKClzZmemX/s2048/IMG_4955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4BTaDH9En35YVcIePyQXSxAefM2PFbgriRfhnmZksy1_TVFr6nKSj2GZYzALWpgzhWf4YUYYq4GtqqR1Q7GRnUgTBFNGIOEuC0YM_gBVmeFrni_VHg_ac56tvWPdjwOleEAKClzZmemX/w300-h400/IMG_4955.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>He also played tee-ball this year which was SO interesting and a lot of fun to watch! For a first year kid, he learned a lot and I'm excited to see how next year looks for him! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK668XPtTeyB1ZvlSesMAnIwAiBCPpXIRfAr2jB0gXEuOboU2eeyvttlDK4eLGpkyf7xiyqTqWKvInUOi7mRp1ei5KxyWxGGRwTfnb9V67QtlGpqQB37I0tEiZAfrwliQMM1Q_fGEJMow/s2048/IMG_4982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIK668XPtTeyB1ZvlSesMAnIwAiBCPpXIRfAr2jB0gXEuOboU2eeyvttlDK4eLGpkyf7xiyqTqWKvInUOi7mRp1ei5KxyWxGGRwTfnb9V67QtlGpqQB37I0tEiZAfrwliQMM1Q_fGEJMow/w300-h400/IMG_4982.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In June, we took a road trip to Missouri to visit family at the Lake of the Ozarks. We spent 80% of our time out on the water and Brayden LOVED it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjx124z5GgI4ZcXKEW3MP_Yp46bGL3bg7NfRkTpPMbpEZpJqqwx4xOSNyQJ2pp8izFEoBwiMkpDl0ZbvEarlLACOyy5fvKZHeEGUmQUD4v_itYQKWBUO4bVIG78mxmcfekoixI76PKseB/s2048/IMG_6915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjx124z5GgI4ZcXKEW3MP_Yp46bGL3bg7NfRkTpPMbpEZpJqqwx4xOSNyQJ2pp8izFEoBwiMkpDl0ZbvEarlLACOyy5fvKZHeEGUmQUD4v_itYQKWBUO4bVIG78mxmcfekoixI76PKseB/w400-h300/IMG_6915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The whole week was very relaxing and something we all needed. It truly was a great getaway!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IFyNBTmdTP2RHk5VlECbM55xTGm8YfwG0IfpvHgMMvjDXlK3YS94D7Sv1eCUgfMa_ZrV8sSSOVzoV2ps7J4Jpo_tOVSANBKw8xFqlU9Jn5Abf0UmZp871OBXFSN1NRi0_b-AHHRczoho/s2048/IMG_7518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IFyNBTmdTP2RHk5VlECbM55xTGm8YfwG0IfpvHgMMvjDXlK3YS94D7Sv1eCUgfMa_ZrV8sSSOVzoV2ps7J4Jpo_tOVSANBKw8xFqlU9Jn5Abf0UmZp871OBXFSN1NRi0_b-AHHRczoho/w300-h400/IMG_7518.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While in Missouri, we took him to his very first water park. He loved riding all the rides and sliding down all the slides, but he discovered the green slide pictured here and must have gotten on it about 100 times! He still talks about that water park today!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboPg2-hZ5XcP2A_FAxX7OCjblSnV-5gJ_kN6fgi2Ugwf_6ZdrdupTtqKQEU5ztjsTsGe-uP80hvlXachW20o6Tm8RTxdXLma3Yh-lPAx0BnsFUOD2ujMPd3E5JMMbsg1qhabjtQeueo_-/s2048/IMG_1632.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboPg2-hZ5XcP2A_FAxX7OCjblSnV-5gJ_kN6fgi2Ugwf_6ZdrdupTtqKQEU5ztjsTsGe-uP80hvlXachW20o6Tm8RTxdXLma3Yh-lPAx0BnsFUOD2ujMPd3E5JMMbsg1qhabjtQeueo_-/w284-h400/IMG_1632.HEIC" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div>As the summer drew to a close, we packed our bags and headed to Disney World! I wanted to end Brayden's magical summer with a truly magical experience - at the most magical place on earth!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjD6FwEO0Ljs0C3QYNUMlr2gQ2Xm0we-b0SR4MSr6etAx048b9EFsgQyXjg2My3Ol4uSrM7HNs0ca0dgne0gT5FF3C0ISdyssWl1FQY8u_8cy7pbZmIlWQXe3ekqmdVqBOn6orBtgdYrV/s2048/IMG_2916.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjD6FwEO0Ljs0C3QYNUMlr2gQ2Xm0we-b0SR4MSr6etAx048b9EFsgQyXjg2My3Ol4uSrM7HNs0ca0dgne0gT5FF3C0ISdyssWl1FQY8u_8cy7pbZmIlWQXe3ekqmdVqBOn6orBtgdYrV/w300-h400/IMG_2916.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While there, we visited Blizzard Beach water park which was a first for all of us! It was fun but we were rained out of a good bit of our day (more on that later).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXakkeQNACi7aSGen23YZJYGYsaszbXEPSySIiOymS8vYweEdZ6drO5vTVXWgoliLrZNpeygz0S3DD54A_SpVASr6YgcJclnGVHffKMdTLfxVXqa6oXwDVfOaAzJmpkW27I6V0FB4yhCRl/s2048/IMG_2355.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXakkeQNACi7aSGen23YZJYGYsaszbXEPSySIiOymS8vYweEdZ6drO5vTVXWgoliLrZNpeygz0S3DD54A_SpVASr6YgcJclnGVHffKMdTLfxVXqa6oXwDVfOaAzJmpkW27I6V0FB4yhCRl/w400-h300/IMG_2355.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also rode the Skyliner which y'all know is his absolute favorite!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gzsvxbyXQV1Eiw39kr3FnSTb0oCml5dLWxU8ak93DjKMkDBuV8GcZ4HjIYK3S0JGakfdMX979agSCMjr4UJ_smT80BiaO1xzkIyjBplCpRSXGeFRaeHCJd_lc-RgaDhNbH8syh9RCMtP/s2048/IMG_2447.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gzsvxbyXQV1Eiw39kr3FnSTb0oCml5dLWxU8ak93DjKMkDBuV8GcZ4HjIYK3S0JGakfdMX979agSCMjr4UJ_smT80BiaO1xzkIyjBplCpRSXGeFRaeHCJd_lc-RgaDhNbH8syh9RCMtP/w306-h400/IMG_2447.HEIC" width="306" /></a></div><br /><div>We also said hello to several characters throughout the week, rode plenty of rides, ate a ton of yummy food, and just enjoyed being together!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhownvuvNqJoGOrZSFO3yMFkP1ntTEqLInYexqQZr99Khuju4CHR890PWB839T3CvA1w9LRWmQJMoYldS3rEjKpyCbJMFZ2feYnLGFixXrP2qcoyNOs246NZgvB0dWGzmsn36Sfpf0nTxpV/s2048/IMG_3008.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhownvuvNqJoGOrZSFO3yMFkP1ntTEqLInYexqQZr99Khuju4CHR890PWB839T3CvA1w9LRWmQJMoYldS3rEjKpyCbJMFZ2feYnLGFixXrP2qcoyNOs246NZgvB0dWGzmsn36Sfpf0nTxpV/w225-h400/IMG_3008.heic" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hated to see the summer end, but we returned home from vacation literally the day before Brayden started school. Nothing like making each and every single day count, right? :) </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU4r6O-99M3ZPmSJrsSIU_cwE2CPHLxJ2l1zvSCGAGHYc0E9CP1AZfmuzFwdNj29UAMZHN-0JG6f61iq8pbNGn197PE6XOiLKn2hS3XmdaEGbBBpvLcd-uyygkkTtFPli5CyNwzjK79sd/s2048/IMG_3423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU4r6O-99M3ZPmSJrsSIU_cwE2CPHLxJ2l1zvSCGAGHYc0E9CP1AZfmuzFwdNj29UAMZHN-0JG6f61iq8pbNGn197PE6XOiLKn2hS3XmdaEGbBBpvLcd-uyygkkTtFPli5CyNwzjK79sd/w300-h400/IMG_3423.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...and now we have a big kindergartner! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoY2NFyT_65jVR_i7da88fP51XAvIlG-OT3ipGhBtzn3KHgs20moQqTzwibKgq0jJiAXs8GeQJ_-0S2YwTp0qdvNuE_wzJsXw1Ur9gSXLnCRoR83e6r7RsupiVM1MkHTBtUSuEzNE0tR3/s2048/IMG_3454+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoY2NFyT_65jVR_i7da88fP51XAvIlG-OT3ipGhBtzn3KHgs20moQqTzwibKgq0jJiAXs8GeQJ_-0S2YwTp0qdvNuE_wzJsXw1Ur9gSXLnCRoR83e6r7RsupiVM1MkHTBtUSuEzNE0tR3/w300-h400/IMG_3454+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On his first morning as I was trying to get him dressed, he told me that putting on his uniform was so scary. I reminded him that he already has braveness inside of him because his name Brayden literally means brave! I am proud of how much of a rockstar he has been since that moment! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW073TFkekVcMD-UL31NeyVrojCMPljMIO4kLAA089cKvEGA8O-ApJESy_0L0aJ8okp6WFe5nmQtworRKOvfY9Ef2GSf1oiuUGCC0LKnMOIcdr_JVgKIrlGC4kMPjMGMd770qHp5bxzYZi/s1925/IMG_3474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1925" data-original-width="1431" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW073TFkekVcMD-UL31NeyVrojCMPljMIO4kLAA089cKvEGA8O-ApJESy_0L0aJ8okp6WFe5nmQtworRKOvfY9Ef2GSf1oiuUGCC0LKnMOIcdr_JVgKIrlGC4kMPjMGMd770qHp5bxzYZi/w298-h400/IMG_3474.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div><br /></div>At drop off, a sweet first grader was helping kids find their classroom. He asked where Brayden needed to be, we told him, so he took Brayden's hand and walked him to his classroom. Brayden never looked back. It was absolutely precious! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXRc5Ytv_EfYjNYp7QfRbJTKmYnWnp4fhZyB0nwrm0CZQDsZzeKroSKVd_XqUgi6aXVjIIwk5bwq2gEX1zxfuj9a6cbSuhVCCEIWFqKK8EoQZofuGVmMdHFFbR-TdsHBVhg1czh3kJGm5/s2048/IMG_3511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXRc5Ytv_EfYjNYp7QfRbJTKmYnWnp4fhZyB0nwrm0CZQDsZzeKroSKVd_XqUgi6aXVjIIwk5bwq2gEX1zxfuj9a6cbSuhVCCEIWFqKK8EoQZofuGVmMdHFFbR-TdsHBVhg1czh3kJGm5/w300-h400/IMG_3511.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>He rocked his first day and has done amazing since! I am excited to see what this year has to hold! </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2IRG61NdFoQf6YgTRrmX2NyZN-iw3SVD-kE1yM8ZNXMSmqwbiRmiLlg_UKAyXztm1PAzafZFIVKgu_gkeoyzCqiOay0mnXywWYvUsSHnK99eC8qQ_hdRSrCuJACgVDb6QeozITkYn5UX/s2048/IMG_7551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2IRG61NdFoQf6YgTRrmX2NyZN-iw3SVD-kE1yM8ZNXMSmqwbiRmiLlg_UKAyXztm1PAzafZFIVKgu_gkeoyzCqiOay0mnXywWYvUsSHnK99eC8qQ_hdRSrCuJACgVDb6QeozITkYn5UX/w300-h400/IMG_7551.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's to an incredible year 5! Brayden says it's been a pretty awesome one thus far! </div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who have followed these updates for a while now, thank you!! I'll still be back with snippets of fun things in our lives and our crazy adventures so stay tuned! Thanks again for following along! It's been so much fun to share this journey with you!</div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-86736847171420697402021-07-30T07:10:00.003-05:002021-07-30T07:10:46.338-05:00Disney 2021: Our Final Day!Our final morning at Walt Disney World came before we knew it! Our friends had a later flight, so we planned to spend our morning at the Magic Kingdom with them!<div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagaIb7_l19IuNgWyu9jcunZjGX8TnnPiT7wUH6SjEn8_e5DJIGQPx0mBuN2aSwDZM4s7bXzFzqtItwcw7zuwEdXs5WgzqzmYe3FRIlygvleBRaEwUeKTuRQ-CNo0sHb11F6AQ3X1XW_x0/s2048/IMG_7195.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagaIb7_l19IuNgWyu9jcunZjGX8TnnPiT7wUH6SjEn8_e5DJIGQPx0mBuN2aSwDZM4s7bXzFzqtItwcw7zuwEdXs5WgzqzmYe3FRIlygvleBRaEwUeKTuRQ-CNo0sHb11F6AQ3X1XW_x0/w400-h300/IMG_7195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thankfully, we had Jason's truck available, so we packed the truck with our luggage before heading over to the boats to take us to the MK.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJStXcgonS7vrJl6zU20fohmFxMGlAe-3ABxK4mGkLYUDEEMVLJuIY1Aosl6jlq6yN9Ds__4a5xc7zr22gcJjpr3dHP5asokDWA0FtnTW1DUxqcNCXAQFZU7Y844fkCHa4DRWtqkLiBL/s2048/IMG+67609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJStXcgonS7vrJl6zU20fohmFxMGlAe-3ABxK4mGkLYUDEEMVLJuIY1Aosl6jlq6yN9Ds__4a5xc7zr22gcJjpr3dHP5asokDWA0FtnTW1DUxqcNCXAQFZU7Y844fkCHa4DRWtqkLiBL/w400-h300/IMG+67609.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our first stop at the Magic Kingdom was for Mine Train. We rope dropped, were allowed in the park extra early, then realized the ride was not actually working! Whomp whomp! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_JazWxTacTR1-AvWZo3GqcEpot9ufI1ySuQkg0KL1CWMrfY8C8dAMXjFaXnd-OVVsPBNa6_mSa0FEIlq67pIifAiL4j6yV3lCfnvGZGMFiNBl7flz3nZxFMZmAXDaF4rR_CQPpzZ2YIG/s2048/IMG_7262.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_JazWxTacTR1-AvWZo3GqcEpot9ufI1ySuQkg0KL1CWMrfY8C8dAMXjFaXnd-OVVsPBNa6_mSa0FEIlq67pIifAiL4j6yV3lCfnvGZGMFiNBl7flz3nZxFMZmAXDaF4rR_CQPpzZ2YIG/w300-h400/IMG_7262.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While walking through Fantasyland, we discovered that the Tea Cups were undergoing refurbishment. We were so happy we were able to ride them earlier in the week!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4AiefMYyLqUTl6cl5cHQURSfpgwsT5ITC9N4TOf_8qoBtmAJZ7ieMUFRQ8-tmfsQyOGrL5MZP0rR2lMg2WEVjOhmM01WYpjTlJB_UandpGDkFu4CKVS8XHFyfsueQNgFjAvLHFCq_nBm/s2048/IMG_7269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4AiefMYyLqUTl6cl5cHQURSfpgwsT5ITC9N4TOf_8qoBtmAJZ7ieMUFRQ8-tmfsQyOGrL5MZP0rR2lMg2WEVjOhmM01WYpjTlJB_UandpGDkFu4CKVS8XHFyfsueQNgFjAvLHFCq_nBm/w400-h300/IMG_7269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While our friends and Jason rode Space Mountain, Brayden and I took our time walking around Tomorrowland.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAj5xxjd-vpxFs4aHw2mEB9vg9iwkm0UbEWtrsvSUINWwo0brFUXwduOkYYzY65u-NOgU312vHnlscWK9ClFiOcFxQ6uph1wT5TzUd9O4NMkXXEECQOllO1Jc_E64fofVezHZkpO1DzsA/s2048/IMG_7282.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAj5xxjd-vpxFs4aHw2mEB9vg9iwkm0UbEWtrsvSUINWwo0brFUXwduOkYYzY65u-NOgU312vHnlscWK9ClFiOcFxQ6uph1wT5TzUd9O4NMkXXEECQOllO1Jc_E64fofVezHZkpO1DzsA/w400-h300/IMG_7282.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We rode Buzz Lightyear, then played with bubbles with this friendly cast member!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5p_C8Av1IHA6hCZglCAsN-DuI_zALIumLKvwLnk9uvrZzY9WVnciGXni1hKGNds8VQDCbuvWUgGCkE3iHf8RVwuEVnORAHePEc4mjiJSNM5O3yUTUUqKM79-CTrESgPocVX0vBqmwQxF/s2048/IMG_7286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1475" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5p_C8Av1IHA6hCZglCAsN-DuI_zALIumLKvwLnk9uvrZzY9WVnciGXni1hKGNds8VQDCbuvWUgGCkE3iHf8RVwuEVnORAHePEc4mjiJSNM5O3yUTUUqKM79-CTrESgPocVX0vBqmwQxF/w288-h400/IMG_7286.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also ran into Shannon from BRB Going to Disney! It was so nice to meet her in person and she's so sweet!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPst-eh-Y-FIuhOuWjPg9fULDH6Uu87wxtHpBFDXXn7lCOwH_RtwmijEnAojMhwFiADhuEDWV2Jh1qAXkHD9atZt2N4JRC0R_ztNRM_rdCBbupk6TO9CZ6yA_zm55I0Ucj2XZaO5kF6gd/s2048/IMG_7290.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPst-eh-Y-FIuhOuWjPg9fULDH6Uu87wxtHpBFDXXn7lCOwH_RtwmijEnAojMhwFiADhuEDWV2Jh1qAXkHD9atZt2N4JRC0R_ztNRM_rdCBbupk6TO9CZ6yA_zm55I0Ucj2XZaO5kF6gd/w400-h300/IMG_7290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden's next request was for Astro Orbiter. Apparently this is his new favorite ride! Hah!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgA3AWJXUdvDzSWcv37qbVQ3K67T9c27Sxv5_RqGi74SVW_MWUdMlBezcGgb0tjGbCo5Z4UAcuvSOs6nV3lm-v3hoMkF18s0n5VFbLLTz_J1Wxr6NsybxefgRN57VuagCaIR6IZ88xkRsv/s2048/IMG_7315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgA3AWJXUdvDzSWcv37qbVQ3K67T9c27Sxv5_RqGi74SVW_MWUdMlBezcGgb0tjGbCo5Z4UAcuvSOs6nV3lm-v3hoMkF18s0n5VFbLLTz_J1Wxr6NsybxefgRN57VuagCaIR6IZ88xkRsv/w300-h400/IMG_7315.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also snagged breakfast at Sleepy Hollow one last time! So good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzl34aAlg2zRpdDYfQQaMA67A454VfOwAvbS1QkVsN7vpf9z5yGTkLGlEI9uf98cWrKU5wpLTCIWnb98wnwc8FOIjG67vd40v2BpexRRbsxTx2F0WOyxPz6ywcpuGMKyB4F4fEuyJ_BruN/s2048/IMG_7324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzl34aAlg2zRpdDYfQQaMA67A454VfOwAvbS1QkVsN7vpf9z5yGTkLGlEI9uf98cWrKU5wpLTCIWnb98wnwc8FOIjG67vd40v2BpexRRbsxTx2F0WOyxPz6ywcpuGMKyB4F4fEuyJ_BruN/w400-h300/IMG_7324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After breakfast, we saw that Dumbo had an incredibly short wait time and Mine Train was back up and running again! So, we walked that way to ride both! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTKb30FlmpCS4MQFesVPeuRoO8RaYA_tI7C0hYcvgHirvoGq_-KABwX4IYrNNVUJbdIVdgXY_wAFyONPvGRGAjI_-jIGhfq60lPuCq7sGRHdeg23GYu2XRxs4YFoXJKbiAz6P0UwLbd8J/s2048/IMG_7338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTKb30FlmpCS4MQFesVPeuRoO8RaYA_tI7C0hYcvgHirvoGq_-KABwX4IYrNNVUJbdIVdgXY_wAFyONPvGRGAjI_-jIGhfq60lPuCq7sGRHdeg23GYu2XRxs4YFoXJKbiAz6P0UwLbd8J/w300-h400/IMG_7338.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When we got to the front of the line to ride Mine Train, Brayden decided he didn't want to ride. Instead, we rider swapped right there and it worked out perfectly!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp0VQq5a9rPKpNXxx8Gw5q-jCbt1QHDZ0pehyphenhyphenbESpZt1Z0f2nd-CDsymM3bBtvAHFyPLisKetNyLBVONg-7RAc5g0EXMQPXC1jxl0UUA9yrwqZbb36V8vYEvPL5jXaSl1CySX4LdNKsSR/s2048/IMG_7344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp0VQq5a9rPKpNXxx8Gw5q-jCbt1QHDZ0pehyphenhyphenbESpZt1Z0f2nd-CDsymM3bBtvAHFyPLisKetNyLBVONg-7RAc5g0EXMQPXC1jxl0UUA9yrwqZbb36V8vYEvPL5jXaSl1CySX4LdNKsSR/w300-h400/IMG_7344.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Tangled bathrooms are seriously my fave! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7hY_5tm55gHvL0sOlYFNWOZFki2L0e_y4pL3yK4Uv1e2uahjfm4Hyd-4ZizGwoR3voCxHZ0p-Isck51LEUQV4sb8QGueEpI0U_D8kmtXS4uWDImlN6DtyDIzHPHNeKTQfPAWHLDkxDth/s2048/IMG_7352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7hY_5tm55gHvL0sOlYFNWOZFki2L0e_y4pL3yK4Uv1e2uahjfm4Hyd-4ZizGwoR3voCxHZ0p-Isck51LEUQV4sb8QGueEpI0U_D8kmtXS4uWDImlN6DtyDIzHPHNeKTQfPAWHLDkxDth/w300-h400/IMG_7352.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our friends wanted to ride another thrill ride, and I was perfectly ok taking Brayden on Small World by myself, so that's what we did!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpupILn28oUK1fgLX2eU7Ujq3rCODjmBMTO004PWD8MIqPgKWHbPdUIfyvuQKf8Q-H4cJgiREp3DOBJQMTPUKEzwpPc7s7YffSHVv1DXjsbJUoY97ZMatiOvr98hBEnOJsDvue2D8uqc9/s2048/IMG_7358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpupILn28oUK1fgLX2eU7Ujq3rCODjmBMTO004PWD8MIqPgKWHbPdUIfyvuQKf8Q-H4cJgiREp3DOBJQMTPUKEzwpPc7s7YffSHVv1DXjsbJUoY97ZMatiOvr98hBEnOJsDvue2D8uqc9/w300-h400/IMG_7358.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I just love his little hand on my leg! These days are passing so fast and this is so precious to me!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhSQ2y6a8JpaBFmzZI_vdx6R7K4VDkz4WzU-ZS5oF3vsFKaUIP32nvyp9JXCSHofZaupPsVIAiyF1Vo7zK_K3E6bqTVcG1TyQz_2fX9Peg79iOhFUYdxoabvgZln2Qh4KpBcj1ApSUOp_/s1968/IMG_7518.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1968" data-original-width="1284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhSQ2y6a8JpaBFmzZI_vdx6R7K4VDkz4WzU-ZS5oF3vsFKaUIP32nvyp9JXCSHofZaupPsVIAiyF1Vo7zK_K3E6bqTVcG1TyQz_2fX9Peg79iOhFUYdxoabvgZln2Qh4KpBcj1ApSUOp_/w261-h400/IMG_7518.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We rode Haunted Mansion one last time, then finally the Carousel!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qBQ2gBmNGnPp76aeCQIZSLIPDCEsACszWl0D2q6ioUJ9r8uVtSqWCQ1-3IanBQqbPM8HyWjTf9j6x55E4xAIuVhok3gnqTsCAChDyMizLZcpdKuG4lzSMVuKgm4XVXAhynsE2LG8opIo/s2048/IMG_7399.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qBQ2gBmNGnPp76aeCQIZSLIPDCEsACszWl0D2q6ioUJ9r8uVtSqWCQ1-3IanBQqbPM8HyWjTf9j6x55E4xAIuVhok3gnqTsCAChDyMizLZcpdKuG4lzSMVuKgm4XVXAhynsE2LG8opIo/w300-h400/IMG_7399.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This has been one of Brayden's favorite rides since his very first trip at 10 months old!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAk7_Kvpp0pDw1lM7fCk6c8KV3Z6FUjhMzCcfNjzl5qaUwBC33KP3q2dX0_xipWId9BR08yI88H-qB5oplSBkufN3mJ8a8zPHeYKHbJlSJfcs2kYi1LH_TWXb4jp5TVvJTDGxV0a7YC13/s2048/IMG_7402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAk7_Kvpp0pDw1lM7fCk6c8KV3Z6FUjhMzCcfNjzl5qaUwBC33KP3q2dX0_xipWId9BR08yI88H-qB5oplSBkufN3mJ8a8zPHeYKHbJlSJfcs2kYi1LH_TWXb4jp5TVvJTDGxV0a7YC13/w300-h400/IMG_7402.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We said goodbye to our friends, then made our way over to the Wilderness Lodge to retrieve our truck.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmkN2Bdj6HLGwLLl5I_z4YpGL_YP0-JZj2D97uuzkbDJ10IrpYP5LFGQdTGIZQapICgzcT4wb74J7g0hJPB77T528_gaktCMe1gn5KwDhy4MipG0kQBuv_2bz7FWA_l-MD8nwAl5rV45I/s2048/IMG_7506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmkN2Bdj6HLGwLLl5I_z4YpGL_YP0-JZj2D97uuzkbDJ10IrpYP5LFGQdTGIZQapICgzcT4wb74J7g0hJPB77T528_gaktCMe1gn5KwDhy4MipG0kQBuv_2bz7FWA_l-MD8nwAl5rV45I/w300-h400/IMG_7506.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was bittersweet saying goodbye. While gone, we somehow managed to bypass Winter Storm Uri, spent 8 nights at the most magical place on earth, and had a blast with our friends! Despite the wearing of masks and lack of an official runDisney race, we still had an incredible time. It's truly one for the memory books!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYTGlnrV8G-uREemoz0EkTCpHrPDkb_c8fs16bi3ITNt-lEl7FcmLL1fS3bi8UHXoVBDdWrwmZx4DRQ30ga_yxVDiMsHIvSNK0XnCXZ_lZaCe5mZ7-7_Ki3NM9rf8f21ZdQ1hyphenhyphenF2l2OjN/s2048/IMG_7516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYTGlnrV8G-uREemoz0EkTCpHrPDkb_c8fs16bi3ITNt-lEl7FcmLL1fS3bi8UHXoVBDdWrwmZx4DRQ30ga_yxVDiMsHIvSNK0XnCXZ_lZaCe5mZ7-7_Ki3NM9rf8f21ZdQ1hyphenhyphenF2l2OjN/w300-h400/IMG_7516.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our 12 hour drive home was incredibly smooth. We were initially going to break the trip in half like we did on our way to Florida, but instead we split the driving time and made it all the way home in one!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKovEB7xLwrZWCyAt-tG14tgHNS6eWdghFxrFDnSoP1Z1MdqtRycyr7DdgZFYvh7Oq7ul9qeFXenJJD5OWN1AF7Q4WSiFJSkUp-RMNtGgtMLQIMDxb-DsUdjdGRIfabAOSHQA1rZNAm9mP/s2048/IMG_7525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKovEB7xLwrZWCyAt-tG14tgHNS6eWdghFxrFDnSoP1Z1MdqtRycyr7DdgZFYvh7Oq7ul9qeFXenJJD5OWN1AF7Q4WSiFJSkUp-RMNtGgtMLQIMDxb-DsUdjdGRIfabAOSHQA1rZNAm9mP/w300-h400/IMG_7525.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course we had to make a stop at Brayden's favorite Buc-ees! The Alabama Buc-ees is now affectionately known as the "Disney World Buc-ees"! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRGlwvJcbqG_u2YKbtzOKK1i3sidMx5YMceN63NcwvV1rfLsKZmS6ithd3jE482qSA83IXSTkHuB8AnaPYTADdZzqw49GW7heGzniKBQko2AA2qWwBgZMBuqUSYf8E_c-jz6wZe8iCAY9/s2048/IMG_7529+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRGlwvJcbqG_u2YKbtzOKK1i3sidMx5YMceN63NcwvV1rfLsKZmS6ithd3jE482qSA83IXSTkHuB8AnaPYTADdZzqw49GW7heGzniKBQko2AA2qWwBgZMBuqUSYf8E_c-jz6wZe8iCAY9/w300-h400/IMG_7529+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>If you've made it this far, thank you for following along in our trip chronicles! We will be returning to the World in less than a week and I can't wait to share more fun times with you. This trip will include a first for us - Blizzard Beach!! Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justmeandmyrunningshoes/">my instagram</a> for lots of footage from our trip! :) </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Have a magical day!</span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-30785990198139247102021-07-26T07:06:00.002-05:002021-07-26T07:13:13.519-05:00Disney 2021: Animal KingdomOur last full day at Disney was spent in the Animal Kingdom. We arrived at rope drop and were able to get into the park pretty early!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qTWK8iv-SImXpUn21a9TsDmQut6cfUEcqwTbXy2-LTa3MqA6T4tY5frPnjze0x3i9GqfMSGVaGYc8ksHFWcE7U9CD0j1j-6bAkKiqdJ0yfdAkjLoMkNnSfSbw2nFR6d7nFbL0OmZZnc2/s2048/IMG_6732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qTWK8iv-SImXpUn21a9TsDmQut6cfUEcqwTbXy2-LTa3MqA6T4tY5frPnjze0x3i9GqfMSGVaGYc8ksHFWcE7U9CD0j1j-6bAkKiqdJ0yfdAkjLoMkNnSfSbw2nFR6d7nFbL0OmZZnc2/w300-h400/IMG_6732.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our first stop of the day was at Flight of Passage. Having never ridden this ride without a fast pass, I hadn't yet experienced the full queue line and I was excited to do so!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkJl1qE9E-CaaS2OJFIM4r09BPrIFdgg4NmcGfgZoEKK0MPFSe-U87U5Sq5wdCfe1NBWGbJgcR-ms5jVlIGH6_VeCtvbfHeKQ0JRpWIgLC6jx30bXDJ2_nLZBcrcHarfRa4hQu5n-x1Vx/s4032/IMG_0558.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkJl1qE9E-CaaS2OJFIM4r09BPrIFdgg4NmcGfgZoEKK0MPFSe-U87U5Sq5wdCfe1NBWGbJgcR-ms5jVlIGH6_VeCtvbfHeKQ0JRpWIgLC6jx30bXDJ2_nLZBcrcHarfRa4hQu5n-x1Vx/w400-h300/IMG_0558.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Seeing the full queue all lit up was really neat and something I'm glad I had a chance to experience, for sure!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs01u_eMMPu5V5eygcuYH5JYANhvpUelipnXL-4yfk5x9XQxRSK0td3FOUSnmJoY6DbwshyphenhyphensxLawob8ThHxZb1PNU_LKMt2J7tL3ASlGmJ89iNwKyy0Dc1C9pMcBRQ6h-tmPI3WB8w3GL7/s4032/IMG_6734.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs01u_eMMPu5V5eygcuYH5JYANhvpUelipnXL-4yfk5x9XQxRSK0td3FOUSnmJoY6DbwshyphenhyphensxLawob8ThHxZb1PNU_LKMt2J7tL3ASlGmJ89iNwKyy0Dc1C9pMcBRQ6h-tmPI3WB8w3GL7/w400-h300/IMG_6734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After Flight of Passage, we jumped over to the Na'vi River Journey. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAlinkpBMjfz7MGJbYY9AYVBMYTAAWtrrKBWPMNj0XdQd7SVD0uG6XU7C8FIc1CEQHeJ0717JNvoe-gAUKGElxlAh6osojXhHYrd-ffjkf45d_anDQdkQHlCmG7cGTcziaZVXNsSFcFXu/s2048/IMG_6751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAlinkpBMjfz7MGJbYY9AYVBMYTAAWtrrKBWPMNj0XdQd7SVD0uG6XU7C8FIc1CEQHeJ0717JNvoe-gAUKGElxlAh6osojXhHYrd-ffjkf45d_anDQdkQHlCmG7cGTcziaZVXNsSFcFXu/w300-h400/IMG_6751.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I realize this is incredibly silly, but if you actually pay attention to the surroundings on this ride, you'll notice that the Na'vi are actually going along on the journey "with" you! (Hence the name "Na'vi River Journey"....serious face palm here.) How I missed this before, I'll never know!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5b4IUjBzJf7WMPRXnfAlY2V-pkFKDPpIhWKKyfWyydfUa1MrKWBzxPkkN_rWbwQl6fbYkliaqMV65MVy6Z59ywKd4eDWg5c2NDazho_-5fVhcb6b3bLFjj7swkkwlnYRKaklxeEWhwV2m/s2048/IMG_6768.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5b4IUjBzJf7WMPRXnfAlY2V-pkFKDPpIhWKKyfWyydfUa1MrKWBzxPkkN_rWbwQl6fbYkliaqMV65MVy6Z59ywKd4eDWg5c2NDazho_-5fVhcb6b3bLFjj7swkkwlnYRKaklxeEWhwV2m/w400-h300/IMG_6768.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Up next was a ride on Kilimanjaro Safari, while it was still morning and the animals were out and about! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4x8bNeOx5Jr8Dd1QFNvHYiqTuAmhKORLBSN2IMg3BXAT34yjhp-RKuRghcEMopI-rhIcY62yzO_zhghb35oFlhNtEMBuLvUCG0ws7XicsqmZG6ialRJ2uXoYKhebXl8inlLx9pwJljha/s2048/IMG_6809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4x8bNeOx5Jr8Dd1QFNvHYiqTuAmhKORLBSN2IMg3BXAT34yjhp-RKuRghcEMopI-rhIcY62yzO_zhghb35oFlhNtEMBuLvUCG0ws7XicsqmZG6ialRJ2uXoYKhebXl8inlLx9pwJljha/w300-h400/IMG_6809.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We saw plenty of giraffes and elephants! It was great as always!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hc3YOQTyh_SS84lsHjPqn65MYRVpdJuAvnB1aveTr0vaql-dSuEruXP5oWi_NNvXyMiGiL_S-0pNNwXwmSL6Ktcm-aLEPziMprn4uvsOVqROwrldTYuC7-rfV1TrsoDgqW2jBcmuDPOC/s2048/IMG_6819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hc3YOQTyh_SS84lsHjPqn65MYRVpdJuAvnB1aveTr0vaql-dSuEruXP5oWi_NNvXyMiGiL_S-0pNNwXwmSL6Ktcm-aLEPziMprn4uvsOVqROwrldTYuC7-rfV1TrsoDgqW2jBcmuDPOC/w300-h400/IMG_6819.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Such a gorgeous day!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcZ8IGEQsvHjl3bfbPpn-q0R8x7OfGDTcsxq30-X7F8JdqNhNv71HRDWC1RMAgaDlLyYTZb4I5cf7oejZLm2FPAk_wUbtissrbx8o4aSpLNd_UGp3OYCvVWd_5glD6tDKj-7pTzYYq-O9/s2048/IMG_6832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcZ8IGEQsvHjl3bfbPpn-q0R8x7OfGDTcsxq30-X7F8JdqNhNv71HRDWC1RMAgaDlLyYTZb4I5cf7oejZLm2FPAk_wUbtissrbx8o4aSpLNd_UGp3OYCvVWd_5glD6tDKj-7pTzYYq-O9/w300-h400/IMG_6832.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As a mid-morning snack, I stopped at a cart near Asia where they offered fried pot stickers. These are my FAVORITE on Disney Cruise Line and were taken off the pirate night menu - I'm still bitter about it. </div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Yj4zuh6-nt63zmi8zb01syiXXpkKAilJbvMTxEDVaCdWhhb33Ki5OU6MfDdQNHiQDGKw1YDimUTWTbHIy7JPSJFdijDyrRet0GzfeFAU2P61eYvzlMALnisRxQLvK8obM3s1RM4rJw-3/s2048/IMG_6833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Yj4zuh6-nt63zmi8zb01syiXXpkKAilJbvMTxEDVaCdWhhb33Ki5OU6MfDdQNHiQDGKw1YDimUTWTbHIy7JPSJFdijDyrRet0GzfeFAU2P61eYvzlMALnisRxQLvK8obM3s1RM4rJw-3/w300-h400/IMG_6833.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I saw a friend on instagram ordered these for herself a few weeks before our trip, I added them to my must do list and they did not disappoint! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4uXeiAzR2iQUo5GXEg1cFZoXUNoeVvsg5c668oL22apOc3MEr5klHlfkM1tUmvWO0njaQRu6iu39ohZ8_h62SrF9AZ6E5xdbtM_fbugsHac9EnaWsPZRVYEnRbxFr1M_ExYGiIIPCaTc/s2048/IMG_6838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4uXeiAzR2iQUo5GXEg1cFZoXUNoeVvsg5c668oL22apOc3MEr5klHlfkM1tUmvWO0njaQRu6iu39ohZ8_h62SrF9AZ6E5xdbtM_fbugsHac9EnaWsPZRVYEnRbxFr1M_ExYGiIIPCaTc/w300-h400/IMG_6838.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While our friends took a ride on Everest, Brayden and I hung out and enjoyed the atmosphere. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV1rFohhN_Jtyke2Zrx4FkhP8o8PblMfs0wdg72q9pHAAeY0UwOibSHEDGoYPXTv8moMnYRINGO-ANkBUZtLIGxh2oqesFhttSkvMMDRlUQyrF7oFl1ftKfGik37KU_ZNXlE3YaAOZbZS/s2048/IMG_6851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuV1rFohhN_Jtyke2Zrx4FkhP8o8PblMfs0wdg72q9pHAAeY0UwOibSHEDGoYPXTv8moMnYRINGO-ANkBUZtLIGxh2oqesFhttSkvMMDRlUQyrF7oFl1ftKfGik37KU_ZNXlE3YaAOZbZS/w300-h400/IMG_6851.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We did a quick rider swap and somehow ended up on the very FRONT of Everest! This was my second time to ride up front and if you haven't done so before, you need to! It's so much fun!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWJL46SOh3r0_7Aja-oWWSq7EB7ZF_qwRTUo0opQuOU0VbcdDWEg24Wo3W2CLnMg8rZNmX7kecc3eL-UiUg0aAQOzx6jCbeiPlEHvwb5WUv6U3uGjCIkAWrZRz1NYnRYeL0I26XH6zs4K/s2048/IMG_6865.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWJL46SOh3r0_7Aja-oWWSq7EB7ZF_qwRTUo0opQuOU0VbcdDWEg24Wo3W2CLnMg8rZNmX7kecc3eL-UiUg0aAQOzx6jCbeiPlEHvwb5WUv6U3uGjCIkAWrZRz1NYnRYeL0I26XH6zs4K/w400-h266/IMG_6865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For lunch, we had the pulled pork mac and cheese from Flame Tree BBQ. This is a favorite of ours and almost always an every-timer! While eating, we also saw a boat pass by with Mickey and Minnie on board! So fun!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2TYmCVyuV4SxpSQK_axBYTa6h25Ybg1_2is3W3HILsmdQcCRCEQNdFdrxvDAY8pisJz4ka6qd-OQQMEkGoXx5esCc9tIE9IYPA7wGRTdRHzx5Uju8sKpiM4deh6CSW6VjWKrjENrvvcD/s2048/IMG_6870.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2TYmCVyuV4SxpSQK_axBYTa6h25Ybg1_2is3W3HILsmdQcCRCEQNdFdrxvDAY8pisJz4ka6qd-OQQMEkGoXx5esCc9tIE9IYPA7wGRTdRHzx5Uju8sKpiM4deh6CSW6VjWKrjENrvvcD/w300-h400/IMG_6870.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After lunch, we walked over towards Dino Land and secured our Annual Pass magnets. We love this cartoon and thought the magnet was so fun!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQDoq9QcY_ZBCrx4dzSwsOoQK36jXQ4Nje9moLNdXf0WMksMTJ2MZZvWwcj9HuCHNlESHBlPCtvMyDwXcS1U8ckloMtn9YPFirb-strq1KKUCBC3I7AR8XDCgfgkIcqz6sbXIFPNu0tup/s2048/IMG_6875.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQDoq9QcY_ZBCrx4dzSwsOoQK36jXQ4Nje9moLNdXf0WMksMTJ2MZZvWwcj9HuCHNlESHBlPCtvMyDwXcS1U8ckloMtn9YPFirb-strq1KKUCBC3I7AR8XDCgfgkIcqz6sbXIFPNu0tup/w300-h400/IMG_6875.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of Brayden's favorites in Animal Kingdom is Triceratops spin, so we all hopped on board for a quick ride!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru7pSjHEnh8SZqSIchavnXolQW17oa3HNgDO8VDWq6bA6EafAl2WCUVBC0hYXOMF3o8LsewEXHvTUSv7F-ZT6OYZAzf-NGMFeSW8kIb3m1Q-PTG65Hu6LahqvD92Oz0xrQQgD6K_XV6nL/s2048/IMG_6880.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru7pSjHEnh8SZqSIchavnXolQW17oa3HNgDO8VDWq6bA6EafAl2WCUVBC0hYXOMF3o8LsewEXHvTUSv7F-ZT6OYZAzf-NGMFeSW8kIb3m1Q-PTG65Hu6LahqvD92Oz0xrQQgD6K_XV6nL/w300-h400/IMG_6880.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Notice the now-gone Primeval Whirl in the background. I never had a chance to ride it as I tend to shy away from spin-type rides. Rest in peace!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDvdKJn1SUletX-SHIotgIXrpyPdfbDCccob8asd01_JMy-PNkVF82OjM_Pl2DYu5GHwEMBht1C3WR3FIKtpaT27fRHQyrMZKXSC-1JtECTHYbWRHs-vXsRJ151RdZFvNjhgmMmAxHiy1/s2048/IMG_6892.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDvdKJn1SUletX-SHIotgIXrpyPdfbDCccob8asd01_JMy-PNkVF82OjM_Pl2DYu5GHwEMBht1C3WR3FIKtpaT27fRHQyrMZKXSC-1JtECTHYbWRHs-vXsRJ151RdZFvNjhgmMmAxHiy1/w400-h300/IMG_6892.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love how we still had a chance to see characters throughout the park without actually being up close to them.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rgqTzGM9AOClrMzp4BEJINSe-6lj-26vEkI94H1YJY0tBkfpLdk3wKcticJ7TbpF0dfw9H6iUfivAXTUgso0OPDSRgiBgaJ1MSYd-LZmyzQX5kWR16v7UenDNii0qolFaZML-dyChyphenhyphenNN/s2048/IMG_6913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1644" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rgqTzGM9AOClrMzp4BEJINSe-6lj-26vEkI94H1YJY0tBkfpLdk3wKcticJ7TbpF0dfw9H6iUfivAXTUgso0OPDSRgiBgaJ1MSYd-LZmyzQX5kWR16v7UenDNii0qolFaZML-dyChyphenhyphenNN/w321-h400/IMG_6913.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's Tough To Be a Bug was up next!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0joVQYA25RpD4fN69xPQkbNyuw_-KsCM0GvPy4-nJvtgfwmaG8_QEoOcBkmrg5h0Ht5Cx0mHpOXc_omsojOtCOHnSqW6KnRdyEglkPn-BeTdIIrSNEJ2wRkizGQhwfTWhhbH6d-BAgFh/s2048/IMG_6955.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0joVQYA25RpD4fN69xPQkbNyuw_-KsCM0GvPy4-nJvtgfwmaG8_QEoOcBkmrg5h0Ht5Cx0mHpOXc_omsojOtCOHnSqW6KnRdyEglkPn-BeTdIIrSNEJ2wRkizGQhwfTWhhbH6d-BAgFh/w300-h400/IMG_6955.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When we excited, we saw a beautiful hidden Mickey made of flower petals on the ground! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXanf0mOunDM2Uyhp92VU6OjAHKO2YqIFF2tzwmTf0VbCNs16UKUPSfJM_jixDou-msu_Pv0j5c6XsIsnHwCWcU4dEcWnsSWR-XjFeEuM7JcMsn7ol67hPodZMFyPpndpahbyMCLKLLonC/s2048/IMG_6956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXanf0mOunDM2Uyhp92VU6OjAHKO2YqIFF2tzwmTf0VbCNs16UKUPSfJM_jixDou-msu_Pv0j5c6XsIsnHwCWcU4dEcWnsSWR-XjFeEuM7JcMsn7ol67hPodZMFyPpndpahbyMCLKLLonC/w300-h400/IMG_6956.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love the creativity behind this one and saw that Disney recently featured a cast member on their instagram who makes these beautiful icons throughout Animal Kingdom! So fun!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqDpmlOKfE74XLaS6Fdc8QaU55N4pekKs-h2n5dS32HHC5akcRuF35Z_tSsJ9Cvgy4MHVcyWrXMKFLpOFZnmq30zc3JUMsaX-J7Puf4AV3iK02asKc24tHF0FDsnWC0KoMLEpFazhxo2C/s2048/IMG_6963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqDpmlOKfE74XLaS6Fdc8QaU55N4pekKs-h2n5dS32HHC5akcRuF35Z_tSsJ9Cvgy4MHVcyWrXMKFLpOFZnmq30zc3JUMsaX-J7Puf4AV3iK02asKc24tHF0FDsnWC0KoMLEpFazhxo2C/w400-h300/IMG_6963.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dinosaur is one of my favorite rides in Animal Kingdom and we decided to make it our last ride of the day! Somehow, we were fully finished with almost every attraction in Animal Kingdom by 2 p.m.! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEQntZja2OubYomiemsCmjBKaxSr_b_aADROYyN9YVCy7Ln0lpJv1rVZB8w-QYxNI64cMc4QUGL_G7Da76EOO23bZNiVfaqLEYb3aZ34-d6bz2w2qxCKyJS5iT6GBQKQvbND4li1cfDZq/s2048/IMG_7007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEQntZja2OubYomiemsCmjBKaxSr_b_aADROYyN9YVCy7Ln0lpJv1rVZB8w-QYxNI64cMc4QUGL_G7Da76EOO23bZNiVfaqLEYb3aZ34-d6bz2w2qxCKyJS5iT6GBQKQvbND4li1cfDZq/w400-h266/IMG_7007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Poor Brayden was scared to death! Hah!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_kg1FIvHm9qZcsFLb4MlcvT_fFjYXJsNPv6vWaHU2ltTIHLQyLsCA87jeRPt1DMM2HEwNoANoBh8Nr60fgw_HCyhAFDau8tJRT352DX7UxXA05KMtf_xpboJP2fIzwp4iAPcFU0WoUDR/s2048/IMG_6983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_kg1FIvHm9qZcsFLb4MlcvT_fFjYXJsNPv6vWaHU2ltTIHLQyLsCA87jeRPt1DMM2HEwNoANoBh8Nr60fgw_HCyhAFDau8tJRT352DX7UxXA05KMtf_xpboJP2fIzwp4iAPcFU0WoUDR/w300-h400/IMG_6983.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpa5zJtA2tePem1feyA5Xi7G0ahQ2dKpoGNiy0ibA6rx5jMepjz4l9Gl0i5NHQgupRrV9H7fgtT2otCeoUN3fz6k7tgEY7r-V3dRteIZAQ682LDpez4b3oyQ7Ih78U-vuN3M0FcRougFG/s2048/IMG_6986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1631" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpa5zJtA2tePem1feyA5Xi7G0ahQ2dKpoGNiy0ibA6rx5jMepjz4l9Gl0i5NHQgupRrV9H7fgtT2otCeoUN3fz6k7tgEY7r-V3dRteIZAQ682LDpez4b3oyQ7Ih78U-vuN3M0FcRougFG/w319-h400/IMG_6986.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Before leaving, we decided to grab a few snacks on the way out. I really wanted a few snacks from Pandora, so we meandered back over in that direction. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmhqlop_6j_4xNclhnrEUrYqm7PzYcD0KqcPGXoRRqfIwzGLOGnygpxYPADxKzILvO8Rwf5RM0e-yBWGz6XOFBFM5gBOXFMwVnieG9-a_Dr8jcKi-cDx-JRAPCTANlJ7Fdu1kiXHXsBP4/s2048/IMG_6994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="2048" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmhqlop_6j_4xNclhnrEUrYqm7PzYcD0KqcPGXoRRqfIwzGLOGnygpxYPADxKzILvO8Rwf5RM0e-yBWGz6XOFBFM5gBOXFMwVnieG9-a_Dr8jcKi-cDx-JRAPCTANlJ7Fdu1kiXHXsBP4/w400-h295/IMG_6994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On the way there, we spotted a few friends! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1koW2uwA6ne4WfxEJOlZ_iszK2T7BZl_oo-RVwhQuifmP3REwZO83CPYQWPliVhMIFiZALm8uyoIxkLukKSjD1iY-DnNPLPp8AJfAECuqF652SxcmXjSrJzM_Pkrm143Wnkrh38lw46lx/s2048/IMG_6997.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1koW2uwA6ne4WfxEJOlZ_iszK2T7BZl_oo-RVwhQuifmP3REwZO83CPYQWPliVhMIFiZALm8uyoIxkLukKSjD1iY-DnNPLPp8AJfAECuqF652SxcmXjSrJzM_Pkrm143Wnkrh38lw46lx/w300-h400/IMG_6997.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jason's favorite is the Night Blossom (I don't care for it as much) and my favorite is the Pongo Lumpia! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLomf9hueHJGsJPUn3V3Y8j2BX0BqCxPU-xIYrOWDjMe-oEUX4CEjrhNgVV5vgfAjSYsm87IOu7D4d90CTqY4fKA0q-RuSopW4tNjO6BnS0UBwwqr7eFj8ujrNR9t4s_UHDNPSpf0o-NE-/s2048/IMG_7001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLomf9hueHJGsJPUn3V3Y8j2BX0BqCxPU-xIYrOWDjMe-oEUX4CEjrhNgVV5vgfAjSYsm87IOu7D4d90CTqY4fKA0q-RuSopW4tNjO6BnS0UBwwqr7eFj8ujrNR9t4s_UHDNPSpf0o-NE-/w300-h400/IMG_7001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This decadent treat is made with cream cheese and pineapple, wrapped in a flaky crust. SO good!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY9FsYIAQNog3BCrva6E3eCZToN90QBkbWA6vx8KOfY2oUWwcgX9WV4mUThyphenhyphencK2qEIg8idQqn4xG8qOHaWmR-OtohVe8JSf4xq65BbCmzm6Ry8yZwiPAfL6xwupXMmtt3zPDzwBPBE7TU/s2048/IMG_7003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY9FsYIAQNog3BCrva6E3eCZToN90QBkbWA6vx8KOfY2oUWwcgX9WV4mUThyphenhyphencK2qEIg8idQqn4xG8qOHaWmR-OtohVe8JSf4xq65BbCmzm6Ry8yZwiPAfL6xwupXMmtt3zPDzwBPBE7TU/w300-h400/IMG_7003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also ordered Starbucks on our way out!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq0qcbzwKYf4_Whf14h7ne_HbK5o-1gffIY7jPNwzIiOu0FV33oRKYvRAQDXL8xGVWnFn3zPowhUO_nu-AVolw9Bh8B3mulJDfhVx270hQXt-c0K588C3DQjUiG76MKiSi84CqEIWNJcz/s2048/IMG_7018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq0qcbzwKYf4_Whf14h7ne_HbK5o-1gffIY7jPNwzIiOu0FV33oRKYvRAQDXL8xGVWnFn3zPowhUO_nu-AVolw9Bh8B3mulJDfhVx270hQXt-c0K588C3DQjUiG76MKiSi84CqEIWNJcz/w300-h400/IMG_7018.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our evening plans included a tour of the Copper Creek cabins at Wilderness Lodge (for our friends to see) as well as a dip in the pool!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0di1euwhG_G9tE61XuCu8lwggP62D9MdpBA6Kp5XTsVhZXoDIfDAkiJ0MlOMLs7EVYJu_90wb8dwG0GnrbFNhMRqTWeRlbDqERcmNTe6auK5zKhOE6pD13B0fmC2rNrtjBbVjGynBDGM/s2048/IMG_7030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0di1euwhG_G9tE61XuCu8lwggP62D9MdpBA6Kp5XTsVhZXoDIfDAkiJ0MlOMLs7EVYJu_90wb8dwG0GnrbFNhMRqTWeRlbDqERcmNTe6auK5zKhOE6pD13B0fmC2rNrtjBbVjGynBDGM/w300-h400/IMG_7030.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This kid should have been born a fish. He would swim all day every day if I let him!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2h6q-opV4zQt9a_Q900BGBZfYaeEB0GG7iVd5h7y7oiGaGQpfF3RgdPBP_d8egT2FsmGfdtZwRxqmWl0XLO9xvAwnpaaJ6pIL6nT8H2JWxYQHlzL_bXAT9-mVsTPMGpIO0eQnRg0u4dg/s2048/IMG_7040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2h6q-opV4zQt9a_Q900BGBZfYaeEB0GG7iVd5h7y7oiGaGQpfF3RgdPBP_d8egT2FsmGfdtZwRxqmWl0XLO9xvAwnpaaJ6pIL6nT8H2JWxYQHlzL_bXAT9-mVsTPMGpIO0eQnRg0u4dg/w400-h300/IMG_7040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our beautiful day turned into a beautiful evening.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTi_HoIdo8PRsN26ZrtPs7EJoRR_13vBjUXFJxIPFOCdRI9NX-22j8oIWtcBYSUWUDrB30m4aT6pir50_-BdRORV0e2xBMFTKKx2N-3m-jXDkTRAzC2lc8zHVqvS97ch-AEpYLi6xhWgi/s2048/IMG_7063.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTi_HoIdo8PRsN26ZrtPs7EJoRR_13vBjUXFJxIPFOCdRI9NX-22j8oIWtcBYSUWUDrB30m4aT6pir50_-BdRORV0e2xBMFTKKx2N-3m-jXDkTRAzC2lc8zHVqvS97ch-AEpYLi6xhWgi/w400-h300/IMG_7063.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden LOVED the water slide at the Wilderness Lodge and still talks about it to this very day!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SsbDhL_CjoocbMiTV32uYvBShJUObsgZu6zI0LDu7RhWpmoXGs7DE3tmKmluKiYUiGLnIP54LlrWBb8cTsLyH16Qk-ZCgVUwe4rjYa9mlO-RUD5xTamuOUKRhl2qzXs8Jjww-zB0Vkjx/s2048/18B9E021-BD7B-472F-A7C7-B8D05E962415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SsbDhL_CjoocbMiTV32uYvBShJUObsgZu6zI0LDu7RhWpmoXGs7DE3tmKmluKiYUiGLnIP54LlrWBb8cTsLyH16Qk-ZCgVUwe4rjYa9mlO-RUD5xTamuOUKRhl2qzXs8Jjww-zB0Vkjx/w225-h400/18B9E021-BD7B-472F-A7C7-B8D05E962415.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After swimming for a few hours, we returned to our room to change for dinner at Geyser Point.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54d0vsqX2qpMScbVhu5sig1h-23B7FbOI89c8XNllSpg2Y1jMC8llvBYLk8eLpoOxTIDABslR3PsU70BdsJbCzdqkdxoCGWKDyW1MAwsSv8Z0lYpKWOr7mtMUYMDbximawnIQqoFHs3KF/s2048/IMG_7090.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54d0vsqX2qpMScbVhu5sig1h-23B7FbOI89c8XNllSpg2Y1jMC8llvBYLk8eLpoOxTIDABslR3PsU70BdsJbCzdqkdxoCGWKDyW1MAwsSv8Z0lYpKWOr7mtMUYMDbximawnIQqoFHs3KF/w400-h300/IMG_7090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While waiting, we also had a chance to see the Electric Water Pageant! This brings back such awesome memories of my childhood!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFrrOxVPqlQlocwTXwG5h-SbagMUDbT9V3czwIMA3bGDKiw3LuBdaym1HFVy4CVV_oBGX1rspxRuJ19a1olUMdTDhN5k1qZOXrbFAzF8e1de2fgLTJJ1FxWJUPC-lrig9MOTBwaOFUsPu/s2048/IMG_7096.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFrrOxVPqlQlocwTXwG5h-SbagMUDbT9V3czwIMA3bGDKiw3LuBdaym1HFVy4CVV_oBGX1rspxRuJ19a1olUMdTDhN5k1qZOXrbFAzF8e1de2fgLTJJ1FxWJUPC-lrig9MOTBwaOFUsPu/w300-h400/IMG_7096.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We all ordered the same thing - the bison burger. It was delicious!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnjvJFdv0P0nciAXwaEfCoQMdmVkJRlFGS4frox-DfrcUSCM9AsojR8tP07obOM8atM3rpWYWbLOSqivIXMDmHbYwvqmJXwZDrCcIBFtrY-fGLWWj3NfDVDaT8fsrIutUpc3ztDKd_Iyq/s2048/IMG_7103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnjvJFdv0P0nciAXwaEfCoQMdmVkJRlFGS4frox-DfrcUSCM9AsojR8tP07obOM8atM3rpWYWbLOSqivIXMDmHbYwvqmJXwZDrCcIBFtrY-fGLWWj3NfDVDaT8fsrIutUpc3ztDKd_Iyq/w400-h300/IMG_7103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After hanging around the restaurant and enjoying our final evening in Disney, we walked over to Roaring Fork for dessert! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvD3JPU25Hy8giTsr8cJml1UIdAmkMF-A2FljyORo06YCGXgX37Dvim4sgOopu4FoEeh_7cajU6OKoCXkT5KtZYXUMM4vqojCnfK1UgOSVvi8y0jup4x7LGGu6_zckJOx9AoVATEqjKB9/s2048/IMG_7112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvD3JPU25Hy8giTsr8cJml1UIdAmkMF-A2FljyORo06YCGXgX37Dvim4sgOopu4FoEeh_7cajU6OKoCXkT5KtZYXUMM4vqojCnfK1UgOSVvi8y0jup4x7LGGu6_zckJOx9AoVATEqjKB9/w300-h400/IMG_7112.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden enjoyed a Mickey Bar...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7mdFHH94Z7CORFISwxSl6Rh7iqPnooIrvZv9CQlb8QMIqURaY6WDKfllbbjdic7yFg6nXCiwOP3bYBiu2elwkntS8PlsX-vRByEXCgXfRN_AvgQbkHXYyKweLTCOhAh6YQM_beR7QdKJ/s2048/IMG_7132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7mdFHH94Z7CORFISwxSl6Rh7iqPnooIrvZv9CQlb8QMIqURaY6WDKfllbbjdic7yFg6nXCiwOP3bYBiu2elwkntS8PlsX-vRByEXCgXfRN_AvgQbkHXYyKweLTCOhAh6YQM_beR7QdKJ/w300-h400/IMG_7132.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...Jason LOVED this magic cookie bar... (I did taste it and it was amazing!)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OX4Aj0b6SOWKUMhzMxvCvXikMSMJlzIlTnWMj-oE89IRuq9Hdc-18DP4MuVmworPNc5eGR34KOVJkH30feyJqWGe489EWXA3I6HR928IY-L8CrJORay3efpwO3ngVjDsrB3quc0RAkqW/s2048/IMG_7136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OX4Aj0b6SOWKUMhzMxvCvXikMSMJlzIlTnWMj-oE89IRuq9Hdc-18DP4MuVmworPNc5eGR34KOVJkH30feyJqWGe489EWXA3I6HR928IY-L8CrJORay3efpwO3ngVjDsrB3quc0RAkqW/w300-h400/IMG_7136.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...and I had a Mickey ice cream bar as well! Our friends also ordered ice cream! Perfect end to a great trip!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAvvzgjxqE9nRTBsKy0ZiH85BVULnTeMXFIhmJTve_QBNGprJ9XsPDFl0FmmcYKnxsSW3G7EadWiIgqPZShXWmtotc71KB9SIE2HLKCPQzyYNiLUcRc1L7IrobBdn6F0m23dzVi9q1Uah/s2048/IMG_7175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAvvzgjxqE9nRTBsKy0ZiH85BVULnTeMXFIhmJTve_QBNGprJ9XsPDFl0FmmcYKnxsSW3G7EadWiIgqPZShXWmtotc71KB9SIE2HLKCPQzyYNiLUcRc1L7IrobBdn6F0m23dzVi9q1Uah/w300-h400/IMG_7175.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back in our room, Brayden played with his bubble machine out on the patio and then we drifted off to sleep with another amazing day in the books! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Up next: Our final day (1/2 day) at the Magic Kingdom! </span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-41736869955042856662021-07-21T04:00:00.011-05:002021-07-21T04:00:00.264-05:00Disney 2021: Magic Kingdom Part 2After a late night in the parks the night before, an attempt at an early morning to rope drop the Magic Kingdom just wasn't happening for my four year old. Jason and I attempted to wake Brayden and instead decided to sit out on our patio and enjoy a morning cup of coffee instead.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLClxVNtDM6hxnfVNsWkOcoQGUSqPg6Kp1eTdOitTkd4PbWm_WDzFjTcZtkMylE8z4jdYMtMKx6Pqikm0_P8cHAXuUwkRmWLDCUg4D030E3aAMRWUZFFCpMu2xMPM5ZXCDNcdGxg8VSp_/s2048/IMG_6461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLClxVNtDM6hxnfVNsWkOcoQGUSqPg6Kp1eTdOitTkd4PbWm_WDzFjTcZtkMylE8z4jdYMtMKx6Pqikm0_P8cHAXuUwkRmWLDCUg4D030E3aAMRWUZFFCpMu2xMPM5ZXCDNcdGxg8VSp_/w300-h400/IMG_6461.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We decided it just wasn't worth it! Having a rested and happy child all day and being "late" to the MK was much better in our book over a tired and cranky child. We text our friends to go on with the plans without us and so they did!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kZZdaF4L7OyNabeX_ZIUSUzRY37PsRr4SsXExbX3V4LRk9x6DZUJaOlnO6NYyXuiBD6ciBuPAlUyXe4mBfJclTIgSTGK_3tCGXhmbu3EsQjKfxpf8sHcRB4KFo9yHxg_WGvpko2xMhaO/s2048/IMG_6459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kZZdaF4L7OyNabeX_ZIUSUzRY37PsRr4SsXExbX3V4LRk9x6DZUJaOlnO6NYyXuiBD6ciBuPAlUyXe4mBfJclTIgSTGK_3tCGXhmbu3EsQjKfxpf8sHcRB4KFo9yHxg_WGvpko2xMhaO/w300-h400/IMG_6459.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>He had the chance to sleep an extra hour and was much happier when he awoke this time around!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdnS6FrvNrUykQntpD4Wi4NjdiXT_ZoXmA4wuZjHjIM6o41oi254pYmXCsI7UuJA1gEJbWSFBLcNF-kRiMPm5UajGZYTYeAPgGFdqzLKiP_vmu9sED3uowTfJOSNJs6R73G_kOsqgZeD3/s2048/IMG_6466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdnS6FrvNrUykQntpD4Wi4NjdiXT_ZoXmA4wuZjHjIM6o41oi254pYmXCsI7UuJA1gEJbWSFBLcNF-kRiMPm5UajGZYTYeAPgGFdqzLKiP_vmu9sED3uowTfJOSNJs6R73G_kOsqgZeD3/w400-h300/IMG_6466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After getting dressed, we walked over to the boat dock at the Wilderness Lodge. We love being able to take a quick boat ride to the MK!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJud2NQ4mMvyMdjbiZrjHTmAKgJtbiIKzcaTUXZFriGC7DZ3696ffe0xGSIiSA0wLJ7wvDIcnwb7l1AQ0vbjhcSzF21PGshRmzRreyjkvQmrIgvBzwzMUHbjIm8cRUlbey640wehZxa3vu/s2048/IMG_6477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJud2NQ4mMvyMdjbiZrjHTmAKgJtbiIKzcaTUXZFriGC7DZ3696ffe0xGSIiSA0wLJ7wvDIcnwb7l1AQ0vbjhcSzF21PGshRmzRreyjkvQmrIgvBzwzMUHbjIm8cRUlbey640wehZxa3vu/w400-h300/IMG_6477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even though we were later than we anticipated, the park was not crowded at ALL!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T13-a9yInMywdMW-Vrv5fJy_Q-igI0OxhG1BrTIGDyxRulx3LaEYL2REcheRs8lizEBm_c1AZyK4i2HhjfaLzYfA96p_m8ntXnQeO1bX5SVC3A9w8L1SbA9RakHPfonI_mAlwxRb93Lh/s2048/IMG_6479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T13-a9yInMywdMW-Vrv5fJy_Q-igI0OxhG1BrTIGDyxRulx3LaEYL2REcheRs8lizEBm_c1AZyK4i2HhjfaLzYfA96p_m8ntXnQeO1bX5SVC3A9w8L1SbA9RakHPfonI_mAlwxRb93Lh/w300-h400/IMG_6479.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One thing my mom and Brayden share is their love for flowers. On this trip, Brayden stopped at practically every flower bed he saw, and sent a photo of the flowers to my mom. It was really really sweet! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl5JMp9CDMs4JY8dgiS-W8P0jtVCq_7rsbsCXwPpd9xQTNInCye4cTAvNr6LI0R9qasavK__D5eWi7-i2lCFiiG8_IddOifzzR4YJCrrafUZYeE8kA1pz35CGFhB6c1uKe1MHU5HTasIC/s2048/IMG_6482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl5JMp9CDMs4JY8dgiS-W8P0jtVCq_7rsbsCXwPpd9xQTNInCye4cTAvNr6LI0R9qasavK__D5eWi7-i2lCFiiG8_IddOifzzR4YJCrrafUZYeE8kA1pz35CGFhB6c1uKe1MHU5HTasIC/w300-h400/IMG_6482.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After finding our friends, we walked over to Fantasyland for a ride on Small World!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4m-DLhSD2p8PQCV5kzZetsIQ6S0E3zbmhlZVXxGeZ01j7f_v5Bo38BgoDTnt6Cal4S53SiH43SIJq5WN0M-36JuzWn2s9BtVisv4VcPrdkfAelHnH7zWUFny9fdF-Se0F7QCWe2TGHrb/s2048/IMG_6492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4m-DLhSD2p8PQCV5kzZetsIQ6S0E3zbmhlZVXxGeZ01j7f_v5Bo38BgoDTnt6Cal4S53SiH43SIJq5WN0M-36JuzWn2s9BtVisv4VcPrdkfAelHnH7zWUFny9fdF-Se0F7QCWe2TGHrb/w300-h400/IMG_6492.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I think I mentioned this before, but Small World was Brayden's very first ever Disney ride (at 10 months old) and it's a "must do" every trip for us now! He loves it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxejCsvvRJ9Z87w3pX3rP026NzbQOw_6pD4L6_S48vsWQDz1X4NSDqeMrnWiWl_roP3jvy_3Z4TS5Yh2wPRQLOZthfZOVeDyGcfJedGwaRKLXfvnBcCaBFiAUcvKhZ0Pfoy047YKCHA7g/s2048/IMG_6495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxejCsvvRJ9Z87w3pX3rP026NzbQOw_6pD4L6_S48vsWQDz1X4NSDqeMrnWiWl_roP3jvy_3Z4TS5Yh2wPRQLOZthfZOVeDyGcfJedGwaRKLXfvnBcCaBFiAUcvKhZ0Pfoy047YKCHA7g/w300-h400/IMG_6495.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Know what else he loves? Throwing coins into the water down below! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC9mLT0SPdKw3pEzP2Ke0kNHhzCyYP38HpFaTVgsAqQloULWJmZYixMW6-mUpRebUZnKRSjr411HTESiCEBj9OrjmhmIB1zHNXIiMz6KdCJKrCB0-YGsOXxpI2gLU-4yGt699klVLhB5M/s2048/IMG_6498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC9mLT0SPdKw3pEzP2Ke0kNHhzCyYP38HpFaTVgsAqQloULWJmZYixMW6-mUpRebUZnKRSjr411HTESiCEBj9OrjmhmIB1zHNXIiMz6KdCJKrCB0-YGsOXxpI2gLU-4yGt699klVLhB5M/w300-h400/IMG_6498.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Although it's blurry, this photo of him with his little hands in the air makes me smile! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm8zGHQv0X1CsxnZSCvjdZc4vXp4CDzgn-FWkgTFZKvnhMS3tTxJQLs5MS2Mya7bE8in9sZtgHr58zIrRXZ4aAmfptLoqnRgan5CWRgtCCIJ42rDK0WaIrMsSnf_oDH1nlV7djOKgyiTa/s2048/IMG_6518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm8zGHQv0X1CsxnZSCvjdZc4vXp4CDzgn-FWkgTFZKvnhMS3tTxJQLs5MS2Mya7bE8in9sZtgHr58zIrRXZ4aAmfptLoqnRgan5CWRgtCCIJ42rDK0WaIrMsSnf_oDH1nlV7djOKgyiTa/w300-h400/IMG_6518.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Somehow, my name appeared on the screen as we were departing the ride! Farewell, Small World!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS6agJ4q62MfSu3cjbHwLIQ6-6LQUlGsPALlC_ny-oMo4kbBA5kU11jNdvp7NFd_4bAwF7G-D5geKXgWAXkKu8KG2rurSQgU0y8mnNskGfva-Xr4B7BLj8UzolBwdz2YNeFpkSGzVGq8O/s1280/IMG_6526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS6agJ4q62MfSu3cjbHwLIQ6-6LQUlGsPALlC_ny-oMo4kbBA5kU11jNdvp7NFd_4bAwF7G-D5geKXgWAXkKu8KG2rurSQgU0y8mnNskGfva-Xr4B7BLj8UzolBwdz2YNeFpkSGzVGq8O/w400-h265/IMG_6526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Over to Pirates, we planned out our photo and I think we pretty much nailed it. The socially-distanced random guy on the back row made us laugh, too!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxVFDMH-3dC7yD2jFkg0-rtwfr_G_wOukMI0qIo3ZW_nnacbF6uvt9KfMx0HfYOaUo560PXzJZHjXgUTotH5W2z-mQzUezd_qTNdX1KUoyUR75CmpZ12J2IE90RMoe2FH9QlEMrACVe4b/s2048/IMG_6530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxVFDMH-3dC7yD2jFkg0-rtwfr_G_wOukMI0qIo3ZW_nnacbF6uvt9KfMx0HfYOaUo560PXzJZHjXgUTotH5W2z-mQzUezd_qTNdX1KUoyUR75CmpZ12J2IE90RMoe2FH9QlEMrACVe4b/w300-h400/IMG_6530.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For lunch, we stopped by Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. I hadn't had a "Disney burger" all trip, so this was my fix! I also ordered a Cheshire Cat Tail for dessert and it was really good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ipBGsFVORyVZ4WDLcNc0re1-2PkaWNNJZrREMd7iSyxNakKST9P09BbvDuwq8OS88COp01WxqKsMyPZNPmrhE6_9xxNKaYHqVCXDEtzazwLO76Dni_VqtDocNAmSPfICYsCnu8QGGtdV/s2048/IMG_6533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ipBGsFVORyVZ4WDLcNc0re1-2PkaWNNJZrREMd7iSyxNakKST9P09BbvDuwq8OS88COp01WxqKsMyPZNPmrhE6_9xxNKaYHqVCXDEtzazwLO76Dni_VqtDocNAmSPfICYsCnu8QGGtdV/w300-h400/IMG_6533.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-WLO1bghrUbj0tdPftgPhw70qsMPqAbjPG_IyZXug8AShLt8NBF0rZBrIvvMC85ORxB8_A1vOp2RPGzQLWzWxpZuUs2_A6jXkbA_dbCmRtkd1NE3rj0knRYfeQLepKDlAHizUpv4qm9s/s2048/EA1CA5A8-5030-4C89-A706-F75FDFC3F6D1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-WLO1bghrUbj0tdPftgPhw70qsMPqAbjPG_IyZXug8AShLt8NBF0rZBrIvvMC85ORxB8_A1vOp2RPGzQLWzWxpZuUs2_A6jXkbA_dbCmRtkd1NE3rj0knRYfeQLepKDlAHizUpv4qm9s/w320-h400/EA1CA5A8-5030-4C89-A706-F75FDFC3F6D1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For some reason, we waited until after lunch to ride the teacups, and my husband and our friend Melissa decided to spin their cup as fast as humanly possible. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx_WFZ3r9f8CdeZ2kYpuAlyRLKmTQcOnlis1nJOt9PomUh2SoD2jC9v5amnlrzS8Jdv1W2YciubHX6ulm5fXKxNV7h8jppa2_gF5JbRk6fQkSlB1O2VLL90Bc67m63iNPZRSicR865ue7/s2048/IMG_6549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx_WFZ3r9f8CdeZ2kYpuAlyRLKmTQcOnlis1nJOt9PomUh2SoD2jC9v5amnlrzS8Jdv1W2YciubHX6ulm5fXKxNV7h8jppa2_gF5JbRk6fQkSlB1O2VLL90Bc67m63iNPZRSicR865ue7/w300-h400/IMG_6549.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden, our friend Everett, and I rode in the "calm" teacup and we could hardly see our people as they spun on by!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZVSZnFaxybkxmp9690-NlFGaY6lWNVq2wyiVt8wEk0VR3gKOfB6hPw-csi0OCQunIhpRhvcKPsZRM9kMlzedwqQF9tjb9Km7PT2MiudRl5wfDRH_IwzSxx1oDmQLdyjm-sLcmNZ0Aysi/s2048/IMG_6562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZVSZnFaxybkxmp9690-NlFGaY6lWNVq2wyiVt8wEk0VR3gKOfB6hPw-csi0OCQunIhpRhvcKPsZRM9kMlzedwqQF9tjb9Km7PT2MiudRl5wfDRH_IwzSxx1oDmQLdyjm-sLcmNZ0Aysi/w300-h400/IMG_6562.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also took a turn on the Tomorrowland Speedway! Brayden and I rode together and it was quite the experience. I'm glad he's not getting his driver's license anytime soon! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiEKgUNyO8gFLS-4s5LYUGmMnH1scm1CBNmzoLYw29DNTLgwaTfDePq0kdxD3GmPkx9UmVWsHHeROhUDPbdx3Aq44cytR0hxnY5KA2ZXhyt_zEiIDym4rD0TTUt_Op0-y2dYEssc5juDJ/s2048/IMG_6567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiEKgUNyO8gFLS-4s5LYUGmMnH1scm1CBNmzoLYw29DNTLgwaTfDePq0kdxD3GmPkx9UmVWsHHeROhUDPbdx3Aq44cytR0hxnY5KA2ZXhyt_zEiIDym4rD0TTUt_Op0-y2dYEssc5juDJ/s320/IMG_6567.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier in the day, Brayden announced to us that the only characters he would wave to are Mickey and Minnie. No one else. (His exact words.)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwVJUVFffpJbB0lONfGkmpUHEedBgAPzVXs6YZpFHHwtWkDZLwBOMsyi-gxJct54BOyEF9pG5AE1Xp0ep1-aENqrF_kl_mraP-MfNrGtyp_K5rHH9riW4j4HJ5SKywrD7eoYwfcB0D0og/s2048/IMG_6578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1187" data-original-width="2048" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwVJUVFffpJbB0lONfGkmpUHEedBgAPzVXs6YZpFHHwtWkDZLwBOMsyi-gxJct54BOyEF9pG5AE1Xp0ep1-aENqrF_kl_mraP-MfNrGtyp_K5rHH9riW4j4HJ5SKywrD7eoYwfcB0D0og/w400-h231/IMG_6578.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So, we spotted their cavalcade passing by and we lined up to wave. True to his word, Brayden waved his little heart out! Kids are so funny!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwotPm5ekX31ONjUe_YabPNnvEEfvrvha8fhmUWhrMT-yBFmsx-JR4ArRfGAGLOiYBvhNyRmtUaSi1Oga3J_0Pntkkv5RvUvUJF6zyBXrZaKn-GjC8Lzy81q0er9RxTIDK3abZqo-XvIM/s3088/IMG_0545.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwotPm5ekX31ONjUe_YabPNnvEEfvrvha8fhmUWhrMT-yBFmsx-JR4ArRfGAGLOiYBvhNyRmtUaSi1Oga3J_0Pntkkv5RvUvUJF6zyBXrZaKn-GjC8Lzy81q0er9RxTIDK3abZqo-XvIM/w300-h400/IMG_0545.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A mid-afternoon Joffrey's break was much needed and hit the spot!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zBazdjBwkH1RlpUcSwju6t55Djfy5oQjm0ROI2fy9CHA8GuBnULxrWy4GtvNtdlCI08wgVsoFPhat3a1esFDlq6iN9bApok1zZO83KtV5NCUxp52TNsxgkpC9GWjbTukVDh5J6L-6hW2/s2048/IMG_6584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zBazdjBwkH1RlpUcSwju6t55Djfy5oQjm0ROI2fy9CHA8GuBnULxrWy4GtvNtdlCI08wgVsoFPhat3a1esFDlq6iN9bApok1zZO83KtV5NCUxp52TNsxgkpC9GWjbTukVDh5J6L-6hW2/s320/IMG_6584.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We'd been watching the line for the Jungle Cruise all day and finally saw a break in the wait time, so we moved over to Adventureland. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8qGNapYXbPjKSL8_6LEjKkroEB2ofwtnQT989XUZk4zIQfVfoiwGiAYZ4c-mdkqfA_M2yY1hwlKtyw3qXTjdhraHEL_RUj0D0aXZUfXGu0SwWJD5nhr4Mke3XGxLFLiHb-Xo9gFb3eaX/s2048/IMG_6588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8qGNapYXbPjKSL8_6LEjKkroEB2ofwtnQT989XUZk4zIQfVfoiwGiAYZ4c-mdkqfA_M2yY1hwlKtyw3qXTjdhraHEL_RUj0D0aXZUfXGu0SwWJD5nhr4Mke3XGxLFLiHb-Xo9gFb3eaX/s320/IMG_6588.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This actually ended up being our final park ride before taking a break to ride the Monorail around the loop a couple of times.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkEjMZ8CWsAkJ-HU0Nfelz1mKG1HdKupf0CP16bsz4LCYEJHAqaDRdh82N8Y2pidml8W3dmXg0T8NPX38WwhHhWi1lzn4ccxyu40htsKPYJGd8gCxaHY6NDrbatbhLld-iOHfCZHkyEvo/s2048/IMG_6607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkEjMZ8CWsAkJ-HU0Nfelz1mKG1HdKupf0CP16bsz4LCYEJHAqaDRdh82N8Y2pidml8W3dmXg0T8NPX38WwhHhWi1lzn4ccxyu40htsKPYJGd8gCxaHY6NDrbatbhLld-iOHfCZHkyEvo/w300-h400/IMG_6607.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden had been asking to ride the Monorail the entire trip, so we found our moment and took it! We ended up looping twice!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qc6dNFyvMWqOWsdw35Tp5QpWMNDeqrGk5nfGnApWtHRUkhxMErwPicU_y1ao4Ha4HiHtDz4w6R2Z0GAJJEXFquIvwTG8BjdcsDzcNOr4wr_34cpFntQMrf3Nbr3Tms6NkMriyhfz9wgn/s2048/IMG_6610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qc6dNFyvMWqOWsdw35Tp5QpWMNDeqrGk5nfGnApWtHRUkhxMErwPicU_y1ao4Ha4HiHtDz4w6R2Z0GAJJEXFquIvwTG8BjdcsDzcNOr4wr_34cpFntQMrf3Nbr3Tms6NkMriyhfz9wgn/w400-h300/IMG_6610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Remember that "I only wave to Mickey and Minnie" statement?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2iSJTlWExZ_dqHL55NJ8I_STLvyw86qwhEZ_pkYXatoYpsiTbIjsIsy6vDTGnjgZXylwQ5ry6jRWlTu5VPPdG4bTx_7Fyagfe1RetRfY5SyBcQSonGLtQddDtelQvUSVKIFG1FS-jVzZ/s2048/IMG_6637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2iSJTlWExZ_dqHL55NJ8I_STLvyw86qwhEZ_pkYXatoYpsiTbIjsIsy6vDTGnjgZXylwQ5ry6jRWlTu5VPPdG4bTx_7Fyagfe1RetRfY5SyBcQSonGLtQddDtelQvUSVKIFG1FS-jVzZ/w300-h400/IMG_6637.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Yeah, well the princess cavalcade rolled through just as we were walking back into the Magic Kingdom, What did this kid do? Cover his eyes!</div><div><br /></div><div>True story: Several of the princesses thought he was playing peek-a-boo and they started covering their eyes, too! It was hysterical!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm14O1PxmPy25G5kMdbexpouv5BqdVck7f3EEJkisV-69m7duKSTfGFUEE8XbtRIgYvalBQmCX3gbPyO7AgnCt3Yf9tln3CBKaBMOtosKfHq4AKTRwLuHiLUa8hUXbZJ3ZMW6d9LTZuY5J/s2048/IMG_6648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm14O1PxmPy25G5kMdbexpouv5BqdVck7f3EEJkisV-69m7duKSTfGFUEE8XbtRIgYvalBQmCX3gbPyO7AgnCt3Yf9tln3CBKaBMOtosKfHq4AKTRwLuHiLUa8hUXbZJ3ZMW6d9LTZuY5J/w400-h300/IMG_6648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Dinner that evening was at Be Our Guest. We hadn't visited in a while and had never experienced the prix-fixe menu, so we decided to try it out!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY1yWVfzKdxWWysS_1tmf4TUzECiQILUdcJxMOg2LHD27RmxrS9R1VDC498nuZjXnx41g8pOKIkwFInuQjEcTZCYMz1OPdwcNYT5Zrgh0lzA5lK9EUTkUwD_pCVyLvBSNk4YCOfV32fuA/s2048/IMG_6659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY1yWVfzKdxWWysS_1tmf4TUzECiQILUdcJxMOg2LHD27RmxrS9R1VDC498nuZjXnx41g8pOKIkwFInuQjEcTZCYMz1OPdwcNYT5Zrgh0lzA5lK9EUTkUwD_pCVyLvBSNk4YCOfV32fuA/w300-h400/IMG_6659.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The pre-dinner bread offering was delicious!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w_5dY85jd5zNZY0_Hni7KrwEjk3edyDQX019ajzuQ274mblke_Zgx4riyfqPNEfZX0mqoNu3MiWfpEdLpKA8JcVSvsv788vvH7IqujDxIhnXQAC6qrGBMBj5bS8wSQNka2On-Q87RezL/s2048/IMG_6668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w_5dY85jd5zNZY0_Hni7KrwEjk3edyDQX019ajzuQ274mblke_Zgx4riyfqPNEfZX0mqoNu3MiWfpEdLpKA8JcVSvsv788vvH7IqujDxIhnXQAC6qrGBMBj5bS8wSQNka2On-Q87RezL/w400-h300/IMG_6668.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For an appetizer, I had the meat and cheese plate and it was really good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZaz43JMOuVaidNnRJV_A0RbyMeCKgHjqcOgfI-mQ8poqv8YNf-BJyr-G7RSvIvZJ7DU3ebfxLDHlCc_F0EnROal4I_IA-7EOMs4JzZva61Q7agMioHVRs4mKME0UWVwxX5htd_Oa3pHF/s2048/IMG_6673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="2048" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZaz43JMOuVaidNnRJV_A0RbyMeCKgHjqcOgfI-mQ8poqv8YNf-BJyr-G7RSvIvZJ7DU3ebfxLDHlCc_F0EnROal4I_IA-7EOMs4JzZva61Q7agMioHVRs4mKME0UWVwxX5htd_Oa3pHF/w400-h289/IMG_6673.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm pretty sure each of us had the filet and we all really liked it.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVW8DE6-HH_F4oSLeVPk0nt02E-QK2FVpK5vD9ffgSU6n3i40P67CszElpLpwEOObtqcyxdCJ9YxsYR3HfakE4Gh832adD01OQElvrc5lq2Nn2ELddXrrplO8cIleQ_TXgBeO1rStQHb9/s2048/IMG_6676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVW8DE6-HH_F4oSLeVPk0nt02E-QK2FVpK5vD9ffgSU6n3i40P67CszElpLpwEOObtqcyxdCJ9YxsYR3HfakE4Gh832adD01OQElvrc5lq2Nn2ELddXrrplO8cIleQ_TXgBeO1rStQHb9/w400-h300/IMG_6676.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My favorite part of this entire meal though, was the dessert....especially that macaron to the left! It is truly one of the best desserts I've ever had!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJsAmLk3ujCj_vBj_sTeC3i5SSg3QytCMMJwkDmEfl-1Xpgf0uRReetMaKt6CWD8tVyW-1K9qurnICAvM0sFoWLqIjXY5OCnBEIJHhsa9mI6tRFV_hc-YGkPEgNv_OtJieoojseu3OjiT/s2048/IMG_6685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJsAmLk3ujCj_vBj_sTeC3i5SSg3QytCMMJwkDmEfl-1Xpgf0uRReetMaKt6CWD8tVyW-1K9qurnICAvM0sFoWLqIjXY5OCnBEIJHhsa9mI6tRFV_hc-YGkPEgNv_OtJieoojseu3OjiT/w300-h400/IMG_6685.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Look at this Chip themed cup, too! It was made of white chocolate and even included a little chip on the rim! SO cute!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcK9-rog5csiPfW1t9YFq0hk949TJCg6-OJks-neTOtsTtikoe3gLXQXugRJWHJdaeCjPzWBFF6_WKSD__ncx0bE0keOHnG0zEpWh4PVOWMgcVEuV4TLZjcWmrctke7sKsfxZTmfPQH3R/s2048/IMG_6699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcK9-rog5csiPfW1t9YFq0hk949TJCg6-OJks-neTOtsTtikoe3gLXQXugRJWHJdaeCjPzWBFF6_WKSD__ncx0bE0keOHnG0zEpWh4PVOWMgcVEuV4TLZjcWmrctke7sKsfxZTmfPQH3R/w300-h400/IMG_6699.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our final ride of the evening was on the carousel! It's so beautiful at night!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpz8im-_Ke4u5tSet1lI6tBAsTIz0lxZYyzFwekS9e88zFEC-3a90JdUkcX4-zmhyFnpvo37IE3IJsXFROkkk6MO7ilkKOQpGGmLU9LRBQH79ST275P1Tx-A11cGEsmzNRUzRgkYsd6Ae/s2048/IMG_6703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpz8im-_Ke4u5tSet1lI6tBAsTIz0lxZYyzFwekS9e88zFEC-3a90JdUkcX4-zmhyFnpvo37IE3IJsXFROkkk6MO7ilkKOQpGGmLU9LRBQH79ST275P1Tx-A11cGEsmzNRUzRgkYsd6Ae/w300-h400/IMG_6703.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I have to admit, I was incredibly sad while waiting in line. Someone had ripped out most of the flowers along the inner rim of the flower bed, all the way around the entire ride. They must have pulled up at least 30 or 40 of these beautiful flowers. I just don't understand people. At. All. I used this example as a teaching moment for Brayden - to encourage him to always respect other people's property, especially something as nice and beautiful as this. (I'm happy to say, we returned to the Magic Kingdom two days later and all of the beautiful flowers had been replanted! I so appreciate Disney's attention to detail and it made me wonder how often something like that happens? So sad!)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtSfrpFz3OBoXUc5H4VbnrhJZYFyZOj857QmGKI1mWOattm10oJnFlX179rUvqT_SUEcPkNMVp4a5x1E5yqHjJyZzLYwA84m3J7l-5H9FHZP9EZlxUgUEBIwNx75KZ0m7fhJUhl6UqHq_/s2048/IMG_6712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtSfrpFz3OBoXUc5H4VbnrhJZYFyZOj857QmGKI1mWOattm10oJnFlX179rUvqT_SUEcPkNMVp4a5x1E5yqHjJyZzLYwA84m3J7l-5H9FHZP9EZlxUgUEBIwNx75KZ0m7fhJUhl6UqHq_/w300-h400/IMG_6712.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another one of Brayden's favorites, the carousel!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzzbZ2pt_MwuIhlzVW8ldF2syPH7XqO39aaNLIYoeV62k2kwhnFNfpYVZn0lTPf5K-JeauC9kBK6tT27zZb5BCy_hUhsmCwSOB7-Om5gLPHXLcvOyzGHGI-CBM2fQ0Douz_d7RUGG1TwI/s2048/IMG_6721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzzbZ2pt_MwuIhlzVW8ldF2syPH7XqO39aaNLIYoeV62k2kwhnFNfpYVZn0lTPf5K-JeauC9kBK6tT27zZb5BCy_hUhsmCwSOB7-Om5gLPHXLcvOyzGHGI-CBM2fQ0Douz_d7RUGG1TwI/s320/IMG_6721.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Back at the resort, we took a little time to play in the splash area, even if it was 68 degrees outside! Apparently the cold didn't bother Brayden anyway!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">I know this was long, so if you made it this far I thank you!! Up next, our final "full" day at Disney - Animal Kingdom!</span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-29751491409215981722021-07-16T06:37:00.002-05:002021-07-16T07:28:46.147-05:00Disney 2021: Magic Kingdom Part 1 (& Copper Creek)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our final morning at Pop Century, we loaded up the truck, checked out of our room, then made our way to the Skyliner for our brunch reservation at Topolino's Terrace. Our plan was to leave the truck at Pop, take the Skyliner to Riviera, then take the Skyliner back to Pop to get our truck and drive over to Copper Creek for check in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our way to the Skyliner, we spotted a few friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4wfcIPkbRkxe-R2JSxNI4PKjOH1qVIHBHYc8a9OXho1ulBssuwC4ah3qqK_9lRBD3_knZ19mUvXXlvcQ4FvpBjtS0GLfCFDGu9U6vxoJ-ql4b7qKR6QG2WpzZzmyNf_hZv5VKxLwDPYW/s2048/IMG_5968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4wfcIPkbRkxe-R2JSxNI4PKjOH1qVIHBHYc8a9OXho1ulBssuwC4ah3qqK_9lRBD3_knZ19mUvXXlvcQ4FvpBjtS0GLfCFDGu9U6vxoJ-ql4b7qKR6QG2WpzZzmyNf_hZv5VKxLwDPYW/w300-h400/IMG_5968.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They were so fun to say hi to and wave. It was a cute little encounter!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOs1VMqY9K75OlqmD-TdjeUWFo55lvY5RmSbwfPC_dWaAa-wnDiJg5B0RTs-NgaBgMtfU4k5X4VemEfi6KMWp-HPjyXkAnmb28xULEkZpzK_gxK_qFo_3jSS6dyZP_HaEafS9cCZ4VNdH/s2048/IMG_5990.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOs1VMqY9K75OlqmD-TdjeUWFo55lvY5RmSbwfPC_dWaAa-wnDiJg5B0RTs-NgaBgMtfU4k5X4VemEfi6KMWp-HPjyXkAnmb28xULEkZpzK_gxK_qFo_3jSS6dyZP_HaEafS9cCZ4VNdH/w300-h400/IMG_5990.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Skyliner hub seemed like chaos but those cast member's had their system down and in no time, we were at the Riviera.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38f5yxYeiOl5BB2cyGR7Xyf3L5XVC8J20wh4cp7nkj1_z2uFUKFLylDQOhZ84wcnJCw8FDyEzSfH5QxLCa_GfUmOPyTpPgNz7l3mTfuwgKqKfdyYai55mMtAy1DNUCUgMD0gRn9P16F_J/s2048/IMG_6016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38f5yxYeiOl5BB2cyGR7Xyf3L5XVC8J20wh4cp7nkj1_z2uFUKFLylDQOhZ84wcnJCw8FDyEzSfH5QxLCa_GfUmOPyTpPgNz7l3mTfuwgKqKfdyYai55mMtAy1DNUCUgMD0gRn9P16F_J/w300-h400/IMG_6016.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Gotta love those Skyliner views!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_6wPwSOXTTE7Y1GdqRfD8gWDGQw9gGwS-UcJUoDv9-FaGjuojHBiCd41t3s7d8haEbHqjNRkMH3Tocx4u5Z9l8VDti8SFp3D1Zm1VNxlLV5NdnMs5-JKyM3sauyVBM2iykiddl54uHmx/s2048/IMG_6024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_6wPwSOXTTE7Y1GdqRfD8gWDGQw9gGwS-UcJUoDv9-FaGjuojHBiCd41t3s7d8haEbHqjNRkMH3Tocx4u5Z9l8VDti8SFp3D1Zm1VNxlLV5NdnMs5-JKyM3sauyVBM2iykiddl54uHmx/w400-h300/IMG_6024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To this day, Brayden's favorite is still the Skyliner. He LOVES it!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23JVyCanUa5gRjycCyisVmljYlL7IMroB7sUNeG_NsQmpVR7KpOPGS6YpgFCAiGao7P7CeWZ96AmsnoTUzMFGXK1WshEv8Nk0C4WlOizo8-h9UH-p-vBaPBh_2V8dUVjbq6PPMcE8aJM3/s2048/IMG_6038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23JVyCanUa5gRjycCyisVmljYlL7IMroB7sUNeG_NsQmpVR7KpOPGS6YpgFCAiGao7P7CeWZ96AmsnoTUzMFGXK1WshEv8Nk0C4WlOizo8-h9UH-p-vBaPBh_2V8dUVjbq6PPMcE8aJM3/w400-h300/IMG_6038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To see a full Topolino's Terrace brunch review, check out this post <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2021/07/brunch-at-topolinos-terrace.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>After brunch, our plan of taking the Skyliner back to Pop where our truck was parked, then driving to Copper Creek for check in worked out perfectly!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlZaBhNZSsnHj9IEkf5bXxXrMJmK3l-6kFd_YmUQ1UbNJWeOIGHRK0E6XwU867WXi8tbz7INt2C3BoqRQGQzDOVcGO9MZ79AM9trqEN2UNttLLlXcAegKmvdq-g1ZX45-ty5H3CdF9S8w/s2048/IMG_6144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlZaBhNZSsnHj9IEkf5bXxXrMJmK3l-6kFd_YmUQ1UbNJWeOIGHRK0E6XwU867WXi8tbz7INt2C3BoqRQGQzDOVcGO9MZ79AM9trqEN2UNttLLlXcAegKmvdq-g1ZX45-ty5H3CdF9S8w/w400-h300/IMG_6144.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Goodbye, Pop....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNFSw4cZtycXIJszy_wRBf1tSb6ryt2swwuW9FjdvuMJiFwmN9DaX8-PiNnbvkRIroeBKKzl5m5a14Gk9p5_N94izSBmcEa46VtOQUannzCd08di2nFm1hCgfgq0eFKiXk-_w6dyOTx0-/s1280/IMG_9199.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNFSw4cZtycXIJszy_wRBf1tSb6ryt2swwuW9FjdvuMJiFwmN9DaX8-PiNnbvkRIroeBKKzl5m5a14Gk9p5_N94izSBmcEa46VtOQUannzCd08di2nFm1hCgfgq0eFKiXk-_w6dyOTx0-/w400-h246/IMG_9199.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>...Hello Wilderness Lodge!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKEnUJx8NsdOIxm239aBTkIivo7B7h9-cBk9zHGUKn5afO04szqwlZivghcdC9b-uRUj_DmKDKv83YeFsMP4kELQRN8B9FhZdbMD3FeAYXHkkZ3AhCn08vHuzugGxIwi5hEkaap0LwJz5/s2048/IMG_6151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKEnUJx8NsdOIxm239aBTkIivo7B7h9-cBk9zHGUKn5afO04szqwlZivghcdC9b-uRUj_DmKDKv83YeFsMP4kELQRN8B9FhZdbMD3FeAYXHkkZ3AhCn08vHuzugGxIwi5hEkaap0LwJz5/w400-h300/IMG_6151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This was our first time staying at Copper Creek as members and we loved it! (CC is our home resort)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHoLPzjiVsNOjTvm9Y6HMMm3HTz46xUViFOKHMUGRUMTmdfQnfXKStiJnGdEoQG7vPzwGAm1or0cKvOQxzK5GTmz7KNV7PiOg5jEPIWnXgbaPnNw1z9vIv4UyTwXs_YVSk9jVsoO7OnYy/s2048/IMG_6153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHoLPzjiVsNOjTvm9Y6HMMm3HTz46xUViFOKHMUGRUMTmdfQnfXKStiJnGdEoQG7vPzwGAm1or0cKvOQxzK5GTmz7KNV7PiOg5jEPIWnXgbaPnNw1z9vIv4UyTwXs_YVSk9jVsoO7OnYy/w400-h300/IMG_6153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our room was a deluxe studio. I love how that little coffee table opens up to make a taller ledge/table! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQyvYVZbBKg-XY_CAbM-JMEdqvWSQRLCozhZzcMFqNSR9Q8HYfU5KHyxSDFJ18zl9ozcLWbZX7vWgJBqYZoPe7pivNR-xs_smuhhPZ0URV4PBvOoMBN8pcIHPYc_mWp4tR4fbei4dGKBT/s2048/IMG_6155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQyvYVZbBKg-XY_CAbM-JMEdqvWSQRLCozhZzcMFqNSR9Q8HYfU5KHyxSDFJ18zl9ozcLWbZX7vWgJBqYZoPe7pivNR-xs_smuhhPZ0URV4PBvOoMBN8pcIHPYc_mWp4tR4fbei4dGKBT/w400-h300/IMG_6155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There was also another small table included in our room. This room was perfect for the three of us!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sZIiCGo17aw8hzjfbBmm0HI4hAi-LPkTPwkXV_pVtMoBJSFyPyBqP6g_i_rVtDPv-7koi1MkjPMoUdp-vUJ07PiKHJnN9hFeUCKynVBvUMrZg7oqCaBCITq-6I2iq2z2pQekXr8aeRDd/s2048/IMG_6159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sZIiCGo17aw8hzjfbBmm0HI4hAi-LPkTPwkXV_pVtMoBJSFyPyBqP6g_i_rVtDPv-7koi1MkjPMoUdp-vUJ07PiKHJnN9hFeUCKynVBvUMrZg7oqCaBCITq-6I2iq2z2pQekXr8aeRDd/w300-h400/IMG_6159.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We utilized the little kitchenette area a lot, too!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOw8UN-x3ylw2z1LTdY1J88qsg6wGaHNX64Cj9lZIQ-PKZUMWkY-j99jm7Qv4ZGYQ6VtIrAzarc47gfS9AYop0BeC7Cd2_EtYD0GXEkbEr4XtaUHsfZzsJWTBB3ReQruzmYeBChG84XZX/s2048/IMG_6162.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOw8UN-x3ylw2z1LTdY1J88qsg6wGaHNX64Cj9lZIQ-PKZUMWkY-j99jm7Qv4ZGYQ6VtIrAzarc47gfS9AYop0BeC7Cd2_EtYD0GXEkbEr4XtaUHsfZzsJWTBB3ReQruzmYeBChG84XZX/w300-h400/IMG_6162.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>These rooms are fairly new and we loved the overall feel of them.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupsi9HDlBiQqsMnyBzF7kS796y_Eopon6FQlsIKJ0B90dxa2nBDqANCafYfyKeVtAet_prmlmZtZNTtn7Y8xPPvXjJ0H3K-vSuIrQHJgQUZLUMnDKVSq0f1fO1m-XaUEP17EM0nzilw-6/s2048/IMG_6167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupsi9HDlBiQqsMnyBzF7kS796y_Eopon6FQlsIKJ0B90dxa2nBDqANCafYfyKeVtAet_prmlmZtZNTtn7Y8xPPvXjJ0H3K-vSuIrQHJgQUZLUMnDKVSq0f1fO1m-XaUEP17EM0nzilw-6/w300-h400/IMG_6167.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also loved our balcony!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8STnOGWCnn2emEQ-iTu4ajHCgGsP_NncmL6qxNTtsS37eX7JRnNfzJAeSAudvuYwHO-11x7y7Vp3yvTu5Kk7Io3V056_edb5hfh3X7ZmfIQAliHmQMdFeeH11afNGU8sxCVA3A6ev2A5/s2048/IMG_6183.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8STnOGWCnn2emEQ-iTu4ajHCgGsP_NncmL6qxNTtsS37eX7JRnNfzJAeSAudvuYwHO-11x7y7Vp3yvTu5Kk7Io3V056_edb5hfh3X7ZmfIQAliHmQMdFeeH11afNGU8sxCVA3A6ev2A5/w300-h400/IMG_6183.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our room was on the first floor, but the path in front wasn't ever busy and it was nice being able to sit out and enjoy coffee in the mornings.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweb4H_sdhb0bodO7rWaDuOwovAJuKekpe9IKfABX15YuAMW2ZiBwTSUBAMSUqZUT93HHw6qGBuyDVdiE5oCcf60RY9XPvWGEQGX-Ll-ZBtuCHUtAhy4y7oJwqP9iafalupWPGM6SjVihG/s2048/IMG_6185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweb4H_sdhb0bodO7rWaDuOwovAJuKekpe9IKfABX15YuAMW2ZiBwTSUBAMSUqZUT93HHw6qGBuyDVdiE5oCcf60RY9XPvWGEQGX-Ll-ZBtuCHUtAhy4y7oJwqP9iafalupWPGM6SjVihG/w300-h400/IMG_6185.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Hello gorgeous!</div><div><br /></div><div>After settling in and arranging the room, we took a boat to Magic Kingdom to meet up with our friends there.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRJOkcEctsg71HzB4MLJHsjTSl5f_zLa5LDWLiYtlsGLi0djFjGUvHpS1wWYnvfqndu1qFMGLU7XR2praiXbDqstnug6_PvNCHW0LZILHaalXI3dJ1erpXpcLMsoPO1pu77lqTkADMyoK/s2048/IMG_6223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRJOkcEctsg71HzB4MLJHsjTSl5f_zLa5LDWLiYtlsGLi0djFjGUvHpS1wWYnvfqndu1qFMGLU7XR2praiXbDqstnug6_PvNCHW0LZILHaalXI3dJ1erpXpcLMsoPO1pu77lqTkADMyoK/w300-h400/IMG_6223.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They were waiting just outside of Starbucks and we had a chance to watch a cavalcade when we arrived!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneH9yBeP_WWA7eYP-jqcEvGlrMJ9MvrdrGufcn-20ZwoJHuQIq8jFVFLOtg6zUe6Q8F_tcbocfO7GJSgMylAzOtiDDJ1O500rw7R95EDbOoY-kH5uYZ8w7m9UjON1radOqnfI8IKSmWDs/s2048/IMG_6239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneH9yBeP_WWA7eYP-jqcEvGlrMJ9MvrdrGufcn-20ZwoJHuQIq8jFVFLOtg6zUe6Q8F_tcbocfO7GJSgMylAzOtiDDJ1O500rw7R95EDbOoY-kH5uYZ8w7m9UjON1radOqnfI8IKSmWDs/w400-h300/IMG_6239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While waiting in line for Haunted Mansion, the CUTEST moment happened. Chip kept pointing at Jason, motioning for him to play rock paper scissors. I got Jason's attention and they played and Jason won. It was seriously the cutest thing ever!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5oDzt04c-SvJXeMxprgyODOBaPmCbwePSrAOeUpuC4i0LepeJMCDcA86opQ0fSQjjU6f5boX0SYhUtPrPn9zod740aDlXSC58RlDL0wRXqEPWnPFNaWOIQd7qqopNAG6gVnMyhe3ILvL/s2048/IMG_6252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5oDzt04c-SvJXeMxprgyODOBaPmCbwePSrAOeUpuC4i0LepeJMCDcA86opQ0fSQjjU6f5boX0SYhUtPrPn9zod740aDlXSC58RlDL0wRXqEPWnPFNaWOIQd7qqopNAG6gVnMyhe3ILvL/w400-h300/IMG_6252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another new-to-us ride was the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. We didn't have to wait in much of a line, and Brayden wanted to ride with our friends, so we sat behind them! So cute!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCiyp_gDlRWi_6oRYPU4Hn2P2CEB95nEa9SRQ9jKtKLtkUgefZhe2POl0pRxM4JqoOOtw6TuE6PbipGojjUN3oB5yfiNOU92tLfEqlLzK2dJCZIVy11Nu4tWSBYz7n3fMrdd_xxpHU7gD/s2048/IMG_6264.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCiyp_gDlRWi_6oRYPU4Hn2P2CEB95nEa9SRQ9jKtKLtkUgefZhe2POl0pRxM4JqoOOtw6TuE6PbipGojjUN3oB5yfiNOU92tLfEqlLzK2dJCZIVy11Nu4tWSBYz7n3fMrdd_xxpHU7gD/w400-h300/IMG_6264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Dinner at Pecos Bill was delicious as always and did not disappoint.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhxsItTLy709HOJzg8iZaXoeOIf3jW9bMmTvusFujF2uCWeiagO7PBeytaaGRE3zNA0bqwfmZV6-M9dYaMcueQ32lUVK0bKSmBM_cGcI-k9Zd1RyXNqod_qjZdSKrO5tWCsbZ747SlR5b/s2048/IMG_6269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhxsItTLy709HOJzg8iZaXoeOIf3jW9bMmTvusFujF2uCWeiagO7PBeytaaGRE3zNA0bqwfmZV6-M9dYaMcueQ32lUVK0bKSmBM_cGcI-k9Zd1RyXNqod_qjZdSKrO5tWCsbZ747SlR5b/w300-h400/IMG_6269.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After dinner, we decided to let Brayden try Space Mountain. I reached behind me and held his hand the entire time. He told me he didn't like it because it went too fast and it made his mask fall off (but I think he actually liked it)! He still talks about Spaceship Earth to this day!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZbpYj10BC4hMaQvwM-afwu8PcjSO4-qO71ZeVQ4jNBg51YDR4L8lsQJy78poL1radPLrQk6NmmNE1gh8ToEXYjkkrm2LYzCh9VHRorQV78eUUpJp_FWbCM066VtCm1J3Ma-x26rJrmez/s2048/IMG_6298.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZbpYj10BC4hMaQvwM-afwu8PcjSO4-qO71ZeVQ4jNBg51YDR4L8lsQJy78poL1radPLrQk6NmmNE1gh8ToEXYjkkrm2LYzCh9VHRorQV78eUUpJp_FWbCM066VtCm1J3Ma-x26rJrmez/w300-h400/IMG_6298.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So funny!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mi5UgDRuWfMhUUwjAybDXya5LxK8q-LK8-OkyuuVPwonw7e4TN4WaEmL4VHkn9lasPoc_U9imqfm7jisLKIh9eOVb9m7ssO17OU5I3TlxPbQCJilYwKgb-rk5X1rjPPlwtOBPIv95DwG/s2048/IMG_6306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mi5UgDRuWfMhUUwjAybDXya5LxK8q-LK8-OkyuuVPwonw7e4TN4WaEmL4VHkn9lasPoc_U9imqfm7jisLKIh9eOVb9m7ssO17OU5I3TlxPbQCJilYwKgb-rk5X1rjPPlwtOBPIv95DwG/w300-h400/IMG_6306.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another new-to-us ride this trip was the Astro Orbiter. We rode it once during the day earlier in the trip and decided to ride it again at night for a different experience.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkLd9Qy1Ra54kuO3FE6G3Wcek7xIVUq91FhSOOHqO4gNfDbBw7gX06mNx4mBMKaGy2nJXtyHAErjtsdqjjBHGJQtwQ7bZJfdfUk_XnOZRC9itxpzQSMoQsatAQsLeIl22vg2JzNtg1Vbm/s2048/IMG_6334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkLd9Qy1Ra54kuO3FE6G3Wcek7xIVUq91FhSOOHqO4gNfDbBw7gX06mNx4mBMKaGy2nJXtyHAErjtsdqjjBHGJQtwQ7bZJfdfUk_XnOZRC9itxpzQSMoQsatAQsLeIl22vg2JzNtg1Vbm/w300-h400/IMG_6334.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was amazing! Definitely the best to ride at night!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjva6TNtYbrj4_bxbt-rDmEu5AQQ8YSKjCuyAOCBDglgTopFzOWs0i7U2uN9ZkBtNha6UOtNl5QyevLOPx6vrMmFwHH2rGEiOaPnH6FjXq7iV-IgTmnHMrerIT8xfkWuxSIb1H2Jg1lKW_j/s2048/IMG_6339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjva6TNtYbrj4_bxbt-rDmEu5AQQ8YSKjCuyAOCBDglgTopFzOWs0i7U2uN9ZkBtNha6UOtNl5QyevLOPx6vrMmFwHH2rGEiOaPnH6FjXq7iV-IgTmnHMrerIT8xfkWuxSIb1H2Jg1lKW_j/w300-h400/IMG_6339.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>By this point, the lines were so short, we were basically walking on to everything. I believe they also opened the MK to 10 p.m. this night to accommodate the crowed level. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV2ixgha8wCv52Eh6tfhJC6w0BGEcvXKwJZPclNkNUQbfpIZThmGo6tiq1pwfLd11ZfV2JPSAZnrNdKKhJWivyVyPaaSPXl4-z2IA727kfXmCwFD6qnQshfZQn4PAaLpJu88-Mz1k16zF/s2048/IMG_6356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV2ixgha8wCv52Eh6tfhJC6w0BGEcvXKwJZPclNkNUQbfpIZThmGo6tiq1pwfLd11ZfV2JPSAZnrNdKKhJWivyVyPaaSPXl4-z2IA727kfXmCwFD6qnQshfZQn4PAaLpJu88-Mz1k16zF/w300-h400/IMG_6356.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We made a quick stop on our way to Splash Mountain and decided to split a Mickey pretzel. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtgHoWnK57zxgb2L0krmxWaC4VCWphjbs4RmiIUm4vrq-GvBBoYRLnBZafws9ksEO-uUeajIbvn318yBAGRwvMJFIjLkZIw9FBbwedhIZxKK7r9ASbzCiH6HUle7rTY7RQ_b9R6ij754D/s2048/IMG_6366.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtgHoWnK57zxgb2L0krmxWaC4VCWphjbs4RmiIUm4vrq-GvBBoYRLnBZafws9ksEO-uUeajIbvn318yBAGRwvMJFIjLkZIw9FBbwedhIZxKK7r9ASbzCiH6HUle7rTY7RQ_b9R6ij754D/w300-h400/IMG_6366.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was chilly, but we rode Splash anyway and it was so much fun!! We didn't get soaked, so that was perfect!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zZoky515UPp1VVkZjIof62sPyNSlwdwahIPfRARyBsAakPrxYAzgYDomNI_vNkv1nimzju6mJ4w2JUOBQ8iQElobbb1adXIfjsmc1_v2FGilJEghabXtqGfDK4B5BYy5AXRkv6bR9uHs/s2048/IMG_6395.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zZoky515UPp1VVkZjIof62sPyNSlwdwahIPfRARyBsAakPrxYAzgYDomNI_vNkv1nimzju6mJ4w2JUOBQ8iQElobbb1adXIfjsmc1_v2FGilJEghabXtqGfDK4B5BYy5AXRkv6bR9uHs/w400-h300/IMG_6395.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Big Thunder Mountain was up next and another walk on.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpZUncZTGrY8zXoPn6AXHEWal3ZKWcb8Ct29B7olxVoEfnDfHsFEKw9RtLDenOTNJlILtsgFNieS8JBUaIR2XNzFAQNDNq59J0BrS1YlAagX821sR3cCLL7PFoSbtYAGnipB_u5pDILnB/s2048/IMG_6425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpZUncZTGrY8zXoPn6AXHEWal3ZKWcb8Ct29B7olxVoEfnDfHsFEKw9RtLDenOTNJlILtsgFNieS8JBUaIR2XNzFAQNDNq59J0BrS1YlAagX821sR3cCLL7PFoSbtYAGnipB_u5pDILnB/w300-h400/IMG_6425.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden was so brave and rode everything we put him on! My little rockstar!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY11Ay7G3MZZGj2Ljm0-S8jj6hL_h6fcwFAkF-YJzlQ7pMh6B8SdPLKjcQIyYTrIE4Ut2r-L37ku2oYIYer8_iap5T1AN4hPhqeGkogl-xXBXnHPYRzVsLvOwVLxqHRyqGv_IsRlEnmbC/s2048/IMG_6436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY11Ay7G3MZZGj2Ljm0-S8jj6hL_h6fcwFAkF-YJzlQ7pMh6B8SdPLKjcQIyYTrIE4Ut2r-L37ku2oYIYer8_iap5T1AN4hPhqeGkogl-xXBXnHPYRzVsLvOwVLxqHRyqGv_IsRlEnmbC/w300-h400/IMG_6436.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Pirates was our final ride for the evening before calling it a night. I couldn't believe we were able to walk on to so many rides like that! It was great!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScm-2T1x3P64C5x98ZmKln8wjYIdjeaUWp7ob6a6GsvDHo2MhYvHf32OiyO7EbwCcTIeQJFGAvtXCaepx2gyDjigFOQKGfyHFx-co45wnlDfPc2ourcmJ6Vbt-J_hHkznfTko2qWMcYbR/s2048/IMG_6441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScm-2T1x3P64C5x98ZmKln8wjYIdjeaUWp7ob6a6GsvDHo2MhYvHf32OiyO7EbwCcTIeQJFGAvtXCaepx2gyDjigFOQKGfyHFx-co45wnlDfPc2ourcmJ6Vbt-J_hHkznfTko2qWMcYbR/w300-h400/IMG_6441.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Goodnight, Magic Kingdom!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIHBhwyB1oq0Vlror7MsZRD3DDDvEkbUNB2agZkmFqlCSrFDYk_qe3rzJE0n2wZrbCC-tGw-ErpsIBy2VV1-j_pIisTPP3PhKrjXWlIzSq-BVRi5Z8d3GEWxR0fZMmuyeU9KQdBld0bb9/s2048/IMG_6451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIHBhwyB1oq0Vlror7MsZRD3DDDvEkbUNB2agZkmFqlCSrFDYk_qe3rzJE0n2wZrbCC-tGw-ErpsIBy2VV1-j_pIisTPP3PhKrjXWlIzSq-BVRi5Z8d3GEWxR0fZMmuyeU9KQdBld0bb9/w300-h400/IMG_6451.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The lobby of the Wilderness Lodge was so quiet and peaceful when we returned. Such a perfect end to an amazing day! </div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-34835922293966559942021-07-12T06:25:00.000-05:002021-07-12T06:25:42.406-05:00Brunch at Topolino's Terrace <div>It would seem that our February Disney trip revolved around food - but I promise it did not. Well, mostly. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I can say for certain is the fact that we love Topolino's Terrace. Although we haven't visited for dinner (yet), we have eaten brunch here twice - once pre-covid and once mid-covid - and it has passed the test both times! </div><div><br /></div><div>In order to properly share the love for Topolino's, I figured it deserved its own post, so here we go...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86XQRJnzXQ1-rX6auncWXXOh7pSmEaRuNevjCrmUamX4oeVE-DTxx-vYd1QIBlj2ilGQmMWsrYveTlS4t1OhGpt5-tOwli0mbZPCAmjWirWg_8J07ywKOYytUaBDN7O1rxYhjYMsUolbF/s2048/IMG_6046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86XQRJnzXQ1-rX6auncWXXOh7pSmEaRuNevjCrmUamX4oeVE-DTxx-vYd1QIBlj2ilGQmMWsrYveTlS4t1OhGpt5-tOwli0mbZPCAmjWirWg_8J07ywKOYytUaBDN7O1rxYhjYMsUolbF/w400-h263/IMG_6046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Topolio's Terrace is located on the 10th floor of the Riviera Resort. It's a premium character dining experience for brunch and a signature dining experience for dinner. The characters included with brunch are precious and revolve around Mickey and his friends, dressed in their favorite artistic attire. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ihjBUAa2uIyRJM1IYRqAYcBUXcppWY7hsKb2t_qGmH0iXhI5f-ov2BgLfTOjyWO0MT_pA-hV-qmTrLifknJjGLi_JtnW0n_3GPx7nc5xYrEiJOe6bMTjl1w2lovcKOl6ezhIPznAfMxN/s2048/IMG_6047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ihjBUAa2uIyRJM1IYRqAYcBUXcppWY7hsKb2t_qGmH0iXhI5f-ov2BgLfTOjyWO0MT_pA-hV-qmTrLifknJjGLi_JtnW0n_3GPx7nc5xYrEiJOe6bMTjl1w2lovcKOl6ezhIPznAfMxN/w300-h400/IMG_6047.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The restaurant isn't difficult to find - simply take the elevators near Primo Piatta up to the 10th floor, and there you are!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MuvFxm8XYI53JSccjV9c9HvlrCRT1LW-izWVE-b_QzlLezTNY6Cvpto2w591rGe67UfS_OQ6ZLfa76KePFdjSjsGXyuqyE9BBDmf2CJHxqZpJlMSw9cHUfEM-PdmARqBC3ZMsR_pYFoM/s2048/IMG_6053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MuvFxm8XYI53JSccjV9c9HvlrCRT1LW-izWVE-b_QzlLezTNY6Cvpto2w591rGe67UfS_OQ6ZLfa76KePFdjSjsGXyuqyE9BBDmf2CJHxqZpJlMSw9cHUfEM-PdmARqBC3ZMsR_pYFoM/w300-h400/IMG_6053.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Up first for our meal was a delicious glass of POG juice, known all over Walt Disney World breakfast dining locations. This stuff is incredible!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58rv6FA45JqpewLi7wTvIscTEKOvwI3K_Qro31oP35EmPB9gga54J3R1xfUfPiYX9i6RxxXVLDd475aE-LqTdfjPmYNfzYvh-AeynvFYa1CU2AivvYM3_5fkilpd5SDmub4QkKG9jKVlj/s2048/IMG_6059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58rv6FA45JqpewLi7wTvIscTEKOvwI3K_Qro31oP35EmPB9gga54J3R1xfUfPiYX9i6RxxXVLDd475aE-LqTdfjPmYNfzYvh-AeynvFYa1CU2AivvYM3_5fkilpd5SDmub4QkKG9jKVlj/w300-h400/IMG_6059.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also received a basket of pastries and toppings to go along with them.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Aet4GGTTS0zgSc3A9tb2V-HvQvQHHaQKUJjLMZgb0uCtVht-QLmBAH-oEiCicvByf2A9O8S9CkyonFdjm0faYh8pfvKJkaXm0T3Yv0OHmDFgtQWRzToSnrndlVFoUlflYBrS9tdY-Hk6/s2048/IMG_6066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Aet4GGTTS0zgSc3A9tb2V-HvQvQHHaQKUJjLMZgb0uCtVht-QLmBAH-oEiCicvByf2A9O8S9CkyonFdjm0faYh8pfvKJkaXm0T3Yv0OHmDFgtQWRzToSnrndlVFoUlflYBrS9tdY-Hk6/w300-h400/IMG_6066.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after we were seated, the characters began. In a modified fashion, they paraded around the restaurant, stopping for brief seconds so guests could capture selfies.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKHXfXM5vpt5BJ-sObUEfxzabti7buBY36lsg1kop2ObR6btunAgkJbkQNTTniFi6yYPGEnkqLgedP1KJoUQr3K3vZI_RuG639mmUL27iWGC_vajpX_-vCAA2QD9tqbLUlQzIyWJBSecr/s2048/IMG_6050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKHXfXM5vpt5BJ-sObUEfxzabti7buBY36lsg1kop2ObR6btunAgkJbkQNTTniFi6yYPGEnkqLgedP1KJoUQr3K3vZI_RuG639mmUL27iWGC_vajpX_-vCAA2QD9tqbLUlQzIyWJBSecr/w300-h400/IMG_6050.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course this is not ideal, and I cannot wait for things to return to "normal", but I wouldn't say it ruined or dampened our experience here at all!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-ZMKZ_GQv_sHPZHJ-IMhLe4LTIVOWoIWXMt3jQdLewo0AnGOiBXSGSX2Bto-QHsfO4axemw-1k-_2HXvzfeU6zH0hiwLegpgMvVwEJVht_NFiKN0gBIvCfF0Owkdc440HnoFWjrBVaX3/s2048/IMG_6075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-ZMKZ_GQv_sHPZHJ-IMhLe4LTIVOWoIWXMt3jQdLewo0AnGOiBXSGSX2Bto-QHsfO4axemw-1k-_2HXvzfeU6zH0hiwLegpgMvVwEJVht_NFiKN0gBIvCfF0Owkdc440HnoFWjrBVaX3/w300-h400/IMG_6075.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As far as our meal went, I absolutely loved the sour cream waffles on our last trip, so I had to order them again. I also had the chance to try the spiced sausage hash as the description was intriguing to me. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDl1f4WUpul7wO5d7RMu3YcXmZnnzglxr2m0krUsJh4Zkgz3l1HsfPA8apZhhrQZXKUHRTjtozh9hG_kcI-jFgHBTYpcl1-qbSGeL60INbG1jk_bI_ir-squhaqOyggPPvsIz4-bIoY33/s2048/IMG_6076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDl1f4WUpul7wO5d7RMu3YcXmZnnzglxr2m0krUsJh4Zkgz3l1HsfPA8apZhhrQZXKUHRTjtozh9hG_kcI-jFgHBTYpcl1-qbSGeL60INbG1jk_bI_ir-squhaqOyggPPvsIz4-bIoY33/w300-h400/IMG_6076.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jason ordered the wood fired butcher's steak and he loved it! Everything we ate that morning was delicious!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4ntyjac6_tKhO1raujVuRlYzW7oJ9t6eGyAqfk8IzYpTUkJPog8A8D57l3StVmreZpvxrtjl6whBKwBiKHaR2p18r5SRLZ9YNGQIOMjhwe9GORiPmox5iH6ldYcIZCm_B9yqwwdVoD2J/s2048/IMG_6079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4ntyjac6_tKhO1raujVuRlYzW7oJ9t6eGyAqfk8IzYpTUkJPog8A8D57l3StVmreZpvxrtjl6whBKwBiKHaR2p18r5SRLZ9YNGQIOMjhwe9GORiPmox5iH6ldYcIZCm_B9yqwwdVoD2J/w300-h400/IMG_6079.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As far as Brayden goes, he had the Mickey and Minnie waffle with a side of fruit and eggs. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pnNoH9ifIzeQh_oXQftZ0W8l3FzajYXasLxckOwb-yYLFADfkullxiuooasGvnXky6g3Nb8CJiP63_ZrCb5grmE1Skq9PYiFr04KCoOYfZQUOngwXVGOlmpuurneKbQtpIE8TAD2nDG_/s2048/IMG_6083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pnNoH9ifIzeQh_oXQftZ0W8l3FzajYXasLxckOwb-yYLFADfkullxiuooasGvnXky6g3Nb8CJiP63_ZrCb5grmE1Skq9PYiFr04KCoOYfZQUOngwXVGOlmpuurneKbQtpIE8TAD2nDG_/w300-h400/IMG_6083.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The addition of a "Minnie" waffle makes me smile every time I see it! So cute!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIhva1I1WMJBAJptpuDOZ_jwKuJ3EK3hbd_dV9Q599CDN0AWiVhiTsyphE6OZOJHwIdSyNwCYaj8ou88ktajKW6ZhgBZW4Ry4d1xT5lSLwi45QwJWuUslhTYfcNfOWk7xQPQ5xOAwMNAH/s2048/IMG_6086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIhva1I1WMJBAJptpuDOZ_jwKuJ3EK3hbd_dV9Q599CDN0AWiVhiTsyphE6OZOJHwIdSyNwCYaj8ou88ktajKW6ZhgBZW4Ry4d1xT5lSLwi45QwJWuUslhTYfcNfOWk7xQPQ5xOAwMNAH/w300-h400/IMG_6086.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More characters paused briefly for a selfie. I say "briefly" because that's exactly what it was - they did not really "stop" for long at all!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqSGTRIUagSZO2YYg5m-bcn78QML0iNL2thZJ7B_u6Zio5b1eqDZmgE9rSeEZWoOoZKIYDfbBoeohXahjWR0TqPAoW6aqQa5dHQNtmcqP3b0amarZsbuq3Jt0bHy0NUB9enhr-5hboQFD/s2048/IMG_6098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqSGTRIUagSZO2YYg5m-bcn78QML0iNL2thZJ7B_u6Zio5b1eqDZmgE9rSeEZWoOoZKIYDfbBoeohXahjWR0TqPAoW6aqQa5dHQNtmcqP3b0amarZsbuq3Jt0bHy0NUB9enhr-5hboQFD/w300-h400/IMG_6098.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You think my child loved seeing the characters? </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOGt1dzw16f6L7xwHG4qBoPbpXr45h7G2OQkKl4h3JJ-IEVQDu-AAARpQYE00buSy2DKx1f0-7YnNw80H8OdOvKsG1ywl9ATjL0IiVh6lvfvtqzxE1_G7CBN2wre4FQbf_xNAPz6u_Hu3/s2048/IMG_6103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOGt1dzw16f6L7xwHG4qBoPbpXr45h7G2OQkKl4h3JJ-IEVQDu-AAARpQYE00buSy2DKx1f0-7YnNw80H8OdOvKsG1ywl9ATjL0IiVh6lvfvtqzxE1_G7CBN2wre4FQbf_xNAPz6u_Hu3/w400-h300/IMG_6103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Negative. He literally took a nose dive into the booth every time one would pass. Silly boy! </div><div><br /></div><div>He's hilarious to watch on every trip - as an infant he loved the characters, which transpired to him not liking them at all, then liking them again for a few trips, then refusing to wave at them. So funny!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaFaBdEB5_OplJkxNpqXW6pFgsLJLxT-0DgSSwJcYFnGEva8cdrQi4vNLbqoCfTPOtu2bJ-adH_BmbVsitjrZgFgU8v5P605ls5z_BXqMl_ByWmKJHXOwXi3K3X22xINbD-b9pOzRuiP3/s2048/IMG_6106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaFaBdEB5_OplJkxNpqXW6pFgsLJLxT-0DgSSwJcYFnGEva8cdrQi4vNLbqoCfTPOtu2bJ-adH_BmbVsitjrZgFgU8v5P605ls5z_BXqMl_ByWmKJHXOwXi3K3X22xINbD-b9pOzRuiP3/w300-h400/IMG_6106.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Prior to leaving, we received an autographed card from the Riviera, which took the place of the character's signatures in a signature book.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPNVWCKEtFMhGot8pQrdkTwZ2u9LQZGQBvwTVCANYwXctz2WHsg1EgdtGf5jX0FPGkwjwVp-ag60qHy7-y-JXhCnmaguXsiVNxGo4q6MCco-bQgQZ7U71eFMWXBG_ua9HyPg3QRKeOXoX/s2048/IMG_6107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPNVWCKEtFMhGot8pQrdkTwZ2u9LQZGQBvwTVCANYwXctz2WHsg1EgdtGf5jX0FPGkwjwVp-ag60qHy7-y-JXhCnmaguXsiVNxGo4q6MCco-bQgQZ7U71eFMWXBG_ua9HyPg3QRKeOXoX/w300-h400/IMG_6107.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After we finished eating, we walked out on the rooftop to check out the view. This place is so beautiful and the view was breathtaking! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASDPWidVKW_GsDIdhchHWNDgmrvHz6EW6AtP0F7l4AP0B-Ch-iwfrBviejYqQbMLnQa80dOCMU6zBw0T39g_7shvI-_6_-aHu_5Fm3x2d1gqg2hHscIT-13jwR5Z52mMcOQi3gaS-42ud/s2048/IMG_6126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASDPWidVKW_GsDIdhchHWNDgmrvHz6EW6AtP0F7l4AP0B-Ch-iwfrBviejYqQbMLnQa80dOCMU6zBw0T39g_7shvI-_6_-aHu_5Fm3x2d1gqg2hHscIT-13jwR5Z52mMcOQi3gaS-42ud/w400-h300/IMG_6126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I could have stayed up here for hours! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka_1Rp4AxErz_oFiri1L85AfcjwMU4ftrV2IZkYB8HhMnvAg5EEKgXpkU1yX5u4ZXC1trVhbFgg4KGmOdoMcQEafO6cWypj0m_Iz6aCjdYpdHo1RPlxU5jH7e8m3pKinOZeTa3O2WlbUA/s2048/IMG_6138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka_1Rp4AxErz_oFiri1L85AfcjwMU4ftrV2IZkYB8HhMnvAg5EEKgXpkU1yX5u4ZXC1trVhbFgg4KGmOdoMcQEafO6cWypj0m_Iz6aCjdYpdHo1RPlxU5jH7e8m3pKinOZeTa3O2WlbUA/w400-h300/IMG_6138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another thing I love about the Riviera is the artwork. If you look super close at the bottom right hand of this photo, you can see a "hidden" Mickey, painting a portrait of the countryside. Such a fun touch!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While here, we also took a DVC tour of the resort where we were shown all different types/styles of rooms including the 3 bedroom grand villa! If you haven't taken the tour, I highly recommend you do - it's beautiful!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Will we be back? Absolutely! We already have brunch booked here for our August trip. If you haven't visited Topolino's Terrace yet, I highly suggest you do!</div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-90606261285166270472021-07-09T04:00:00.001-05:002021-07-09T04:00:00.282-05:002021 Virtual Enchanted 10K (At Pop Century Resort)<div>Let's back up a minute, shall we? Travel back with me...all the way to February of 2021 and our should-have-been-princess-half-marathon-trip. (Ok that wasn't that long ago...but still...it feels like it!) I was registered to run the Fairy Tale Challenge, then added the 5K later on once I saw that it was Ariel themed. I decided to run the <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2021/03/2021-rundisney-virtual-princess-half.html">half marathon</a> at home the weekend before we left for the trip, then complete both the <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2021/04/2021-virtual-princess-5k-at-pop-century.html">5K</a> and 10K while at Disney.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hm5rP1kcDncxSVhCz5FRjnNQWoij6ib-Ym-LkUNA46YeBAzNVqkYpofunqKBUY9gKEg66qPQeZS-t6bbSi-kivaTf9-qSSeyC22uAd9Io5q_4x07zM_jlZvdJKqLzKrGx95YR5cZgTQJ/s2048/IMG_5843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hm5rP1kcDncxSVhCz5FRjnNQWoij6ib-Ym-LkUNA46YeBAzNVqkYpofunqKBUY9gKEg66qPQeZS-t6bbSi-kivaTf9-qSSeyC22uAd9Io5q_4x07zM_jlZvdJKqLzKrGx95YR5cZgTQJ/w300-h400/IMG_5843.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Bibs and mile markers were printed ahead of time and brought along with me. I also loved this new shirt from Sparkle Athletic, so I went a little on the "Tiana inspired" side for this 10K!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_OM2v1EgZrVo-kJ3RVWHnGuwtpiY0AHTRitOVHHFeD7FNPUjQxFni5soHwkM0mxCdPIvmyoZlys672ihb3dlbcq0K7afFfaFNr6YnVvFm-9LRiE-hliNaBSxjUEDDDEhMqjbg6ytfLcd/s2048/IMG_5845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_OM2v1EgZrVo-kJ3RVWHnGuwtpiY0AHTRitOVHHFeD7FNPUjQxFni5soHwkM0mxCdPIvmyoZlys672ihb3dlbcq0K7afFfaFNr6YnVvFm-9LRiE-hliNaBSxjUEDDDEhMqjbg6ytfLcd/w300-h400/IMG_5845.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The trail around Pop Century and Art of Animation is a beautiful one to run first thing in the morning. It's also a longer-ish trail, so you don't have to make quite as many loops to get all of your mileage in.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn7uOT1dcNpUKTexE_6tiI7PZJwQEusGw81a9U-CBCapVMEoVx6mTJqZiBdhy8S4nyxyxQRDAk4dxhMOLiqQJ8XMhc0mV0BRWt7gWFPfSmFw79EuYuNU920KcClXLAkOn964fuXDFI4Ej/s2048/IMG_5850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn7uOT1dcNpUKTexE_6tiI7PZJwQEusGw81a9U-CBCapVMEoVx6mTJqZiBdhy8S4nyxyxQRDAk4dxhMOLiqQJ8XMhc0mV0BRWt7gWFPfSmFw79EuYuNU920KcClXLAkOn964fuXDFI4Ej/w300-h400/IMG_5850.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I felt kind of silly because I completely forgot about the Little Mermaid section at Art of Animation! I could have taken all of my 5K photos there the day before. Whomp whomp. Oh well!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6G-cv29FO31A44VXWFyMlE6iq4nGlIrZqblsD8u0VJQymoeLPhnKXPMcGTp3_UHY1wsapHwqv5eEeR-XRXMUyQUwWWguXMWaW0__inArnJ-_2AfX7tHVyKotHnCEl1g_6BNsFR4wCl51/s2048/IMG_5901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6G-cv29FO31A44VXWFyMlE6iq4nGlIrZqblsD8u0VJQymoeLPhnKXPMcGTp3_UHY1wsapHwqv5eEeR-XRXMUyQUwWWguXMWaW0__inArnJ-_2AfX7tHVyKotHnCEl1g_6BNsFR4wCl51/w300-h400/IMG_5901.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Today it is! :) </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzulLhfQsYLW5rYUu7V4aqTwga3NZ7wWsGtsFQL76-_W7_JZVJO_eQmJ7F_K9OZOfriGvQvoA4cN3VhgfwyGPqoxXwIZw9f85pr13oNqzhSmCw8n-T_CvCvefz3lt5M1FtQ36VPR4upljv/s2048/IMG_5913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzulLhfQsYLW5rYUu7V4aqTwga3NZ7wWsGtsFQL76-_W7_JZVJO_eQmJ7F_K9OZOfriGvQvoA4cN3VhgfwyGPqoxXwIZw9f85pr13oNqzhSmCw8n-T_CvCvefz3lt5M1FtQ36VPR4upljv/w300-h400/IMG_5913.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The sunrise was breathtaking and the weather was perfect during this run. It truly was a beautiful morning!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPr65y23dI3Z8pBRcXCHWn2rnkffArnapjHmcwXrKFxw9wmu93hvVR0oi1iell56y8MePPXN6CEWkAG5_lJ2WIyj5pBSLH5FB7jj6e5S9O75VLAIif1dYOgn8XTW5E9om0JKzTuq9gPiP/s2048/IMG_5915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPr65y23dI3Z8pBRcXCHWn2rnkffArnapjHmcwXrKFxw9wmu93hvVR0oi1iell56y8MePPXN6CEWkAG5_lJ2WIyj5pBSLH5FB7jj6e5S9O75VLAIif1dYOgn8XTW5E9om0JKzTuq9gPiP/w300-h400/IMG_5915.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also managed to bump into a few slacker friends of mine! It was so nice to see them! (Check them out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/pluto8981" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVyuLNGzy8SHkXkAqjXOnw" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1fkavtsS0ZDxGe8RLfow2fOarumGFVgzwDa43ZDZpgaTmF7QnBFPDzI6CiLbhiUscvRaEAMz3GHNaHGr1N-jEodjRTcdHyuBndRM2qh-Z8vHuLS6HUOS01bQTbIwDWs0jhE2NwltHlWl/s2048/IMG_5917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1fkavtsS0ZDxGe8RLfow2fOarumGFVgzwDa43ZDZpgaTmF7QnBFPDzI6CiLbhiUscvRaEAMz3GHNaHGr1N-jEodjRTcdHyuBndRM2qh-Z8vHuLS6HUOS01bQTbIwDWs0jhE2NwltHlWl/w400-h300/IMG_5917.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love running super early, before the skyliner is running!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM6f2spqtw7hVzVtR-OA9niSPwPa0DrgHjsQDlBQqJORRxqHIcz0jRo4ge2G8QWQkxv3JFjSPDSz9KIArI9or8L2Sejp568_rT6XHk07CaPdedHqiHHGdcUQ_Yub63AzOD_gmhukdJZZ_/s2048/IMG_5904.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM6f2spqtw7hVzVtR-OA9niSPwPa0DrgHjsQDlBQqJORRxqHIcz0jRo4ge2G8QWQkxv3JFjSPDSz9KIArI9or8L2Sejp568_rT6XHk07CaPdedHqiHHGdcUQ_Yub63AzOD_gmhukdJZZ_/w300-h400/IMG_5904.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Before I knew it, I was done! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKut4OuHbaykqxCmbsa9GEjs0Bfc327AP9GbItUpRW_RnF1ZsHr47g3ne7oQg-FfUU99aJCTCyiz8V2K6Nq9z0BmAFH8HqmrSRLxv_NsNnSCVy_ygH951FNgHXFSlQ02xPbbWJznVeMXb2/s2048/IMG_5924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKut4OuHbaykqxCmbsa9GEjs0Bfc327AP9GbItUpRW_RnF1ZsHr47g3ne7oQg-FfUU99aJCTCyiz8V2K6Nq9z0BmAFH8HqmrSRLxv_NsNnSCVy_ygH951FNgHXFSlQ02xPbbWJznVeMXb2/w300-h400/IMG_5924.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Although this experience of running Disney was 100% different from the norm, it was nice to have other runners out there, cheering each other on! That aspect made it feel not quite so different after all! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Now that live racing is returning to Disney, we are planning to run Princess once again, this time in 2022! What about you? What's the next race on your runDisney list? </span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-77327216290833145382021-07-07T06:07:00.001-05:002021-07-07T06:07:04.259-05:004 Miler on the 4th of July & Other Festivities<div>Hello blog world! Long time no see! It's been insanely busy around here, but I realize that's not a good excuse because everyone is busy. It seems like every time I think I have a chance to sit down and put together a post, something else happens and it just doesn't come together. I am making an effort to be better, though! I love blogging and it seems to be a part of who I am...so even if the posts are random and scattered, they will still be there!</div><div><br /></div><div>On to this past weekend's festivities - I RAN A RACE!! In person! </div><div><br /></div><div>Although the details and logistics of running said race didn't come together until the night before, the stars aligned and I was able to make it happen. I knew I couldn't miss out on our areas 4 miler on the 4th of July, so my dad agreed to stay with Brayden and off I went!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75Da3g8bOAsWP7kcfa4K6gnVfIjkZR3xgspTy2ZOlS34XjVmbh1KY3lBNsHTIQig1rvqI2emyEVRLAGL3_IM67MREXP_d9rvh0g2YJaytrhLzmIHRj-uNiMG9P1zMhJaPEFivSdFrIWvC/s2048/IMG_8422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75Da3g8bOAsWP7kcfa4K6gnVfIjkZR3xgspTy2ZOlS34XjVmbh1KY3lBNsHTIQig1rvqI2emyEVRLAGL3_IM67MREXP_d9rvh0g2YJaytrhLzmIHRj-uNiMG9P1zMhJaPEFivSdFrIWvC/w300-h400/IMG_8422.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Had to pull out the traditional skirt! Love it!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlj0zTb4VIw5PnlfWN4Z1M4iskx7A2IECZuRzdqpP6wFU1hxAmB8Uycsagpk28rL0EbIc98Y_uaw_Oyvj61DNGFpcsAilojRh5OFmdljMvqmm54qTtlO3ImmmdPETmnpOTiWoMYdwrkn-/s1284/IMG_8425.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="1284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlj0zTb4VIw5PnlfWN4Z1M4iskx7A2IECZuRzdqpP6wFU1hxAmB8Uycsagpk28rL0EbIc98Y_uaw_Oyvj61DNGFpcsAilojRh5OFmdljMvqmm54qTtlO3ImmmdPETmnpOTiWoMYdwrkn-/s320/IMG_8425.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It wasn't "hot" by any means (because we were graced with a cloud cover) - but it was humid...so so very humid!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeN2ygVlbf8RLaFn39EBbeYzScqEyifCrblowI3vXK-9MeOsRf9jAphPsWCvNvmqDIPXFMnJ4PmIOk7EZR7phzgyanZQB9TFqY40j0WMtT4D7WqpihL3vlmhxPKt8_AciXmVIRzHJyUZ2/s2048/IMG_8435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1697" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeN2ygVlbf8RLaFn39EBbeYzScqEyifCrblowI3vXK-9MeOsRf9jAphPsWCvNvmqDIPXFMnJ4PmIOk7EZR7phzgyanZQB9TFqY40j0WMtT4D7WqpihL3vlmhxPKt8_AciXmVIRzHJyUZ2/w331-h400/IMG_8435.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The sight of a bib on my shirt and other runner's feet around me made me so very happy!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2s_EVTVIyIY9wCkwAhm6sLslEpKlI75HRBySHSAh_p00uVrxe5f8DXptCUYsvuCYl6pBIYq3jCsCLRGwWEzqOIH-LXxsJ2Ivgpx3NZ08PxFuSnyjrH4XVjDawxUBgigI0DcbISPzBlZw/s2048/IMG_8437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1803" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2s_EVTVIyIY9wCkwAhm6sLslEpKlI75HRBySHSAh_p00uVrxe5f8DXptCUYsvuCYl6pBIYq3jCsCLRGwWEzqOIH-LXxsJ2Ivgpx3NZ08PxFuSnyjrH4XVjDawxUBgigI0DcbISPzBlZw/w353-h400/IMG_8437.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also LOVED the addition of a "fireworks" start! This runDisney fan approves! :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, this race was a really good one for me. Nothing hurt, nothing felt off, I didn't breathe funny and my heart didn't act crazy. I also knew ahead of time that I wouldn't PR this race and I was ok with that. I'm nowhere near the speed/pace I was a couple of years ago and that's ok. Hopefully once our Orangetheory opens back up, things will improve even more. (Not corona related but <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2020/11/its-been-while-update.html" target="_blank">Hurricane</a> related.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I managed to keep pace during the race with a runner ahead of me and it was pretty smooth sailing to the end. I pushed myself to an extent I was happy with - without overdoing it - and was incredibly happy with the end result!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Uo9Mk8Q9CH1lZZ5x2ipSR3C8m5DiLdQyRc6q79CYGEyWwzGIQPsKyOAL-6sMdCyi7oYvQ_4m-S2V_hqkBh1VwrUzSPmUQRvL2po9gZMnj39f1ng3uhxUR8TTmnDFa16HrUZuLNOhmtsR/s2048/IMG_8440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1518" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Uo9Mk8Q9CH1lZZ5x2ipSR3C8m5DiLdQyRc6q79CYGEyWwzGIQPsKyOAL-6sMdCyi7oYvQ_4m-S2V_hqkBh1VwrUzSPmUQRvL2po9gZMnj39f1ng3uhxUR8TTmnDFa16HrUZuLNOhmtsR/w296-h400/IMG_8440.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My official time was 35:14 was with a pace of 8:51/mi. I was 5th in my age group and 17th woman overall. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKQboNnQG8KV3_vsadhcej5Qedf9xaAf0-nZokYwbgQoDCMdrG4GUswUJ0AyF5f3EIYaqfDjXZ88f5uzgRxgFuOHWYIfDX5E_AGh1mH7Lp7PT7WynpnAE-xDKHq-v3dWYtr5RzS2AFJ2Q/s2048/IMG_8443.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKQboNnQG8KV3_vsadhcej5Qedf9xaAf0-nZokYwbgQoDCMdrG4GUswUJ0AyF5f3EIYaqfDjXZ88f5uzgRxgFuOHWYIfDX5E_AGh1mH7Lp7PT7WynpnAE-xDKHq-v3dWYtr5RzS2AFJ2Q/w300-h400/IMG_8443.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It felt SO nice to be back, I just sat near the finish line and watched/cheered on runners and listened to the music while attempting to cool down.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLT4tMOnUGzqqQOKqYgxTSk9VCGH4iUQnRcPTNUymIT1X-Lz3IifLrqRRNDZjfTgc0X0B_drcx9oN07xazPCTUqD7HUAb2utNGBI-yG1BjSN-6uqJSx-45flKei-aqXqFnrkRbGvLUEOE/s2048/IMG_8474.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLT4tMOnUGzqqQOKqYgxTSk9VCGH4iUQnRcPTNUymIT1X-Lz3IifLrqRRNDZjfTgc0X0B_drcx9oN07xazPCTUqD7HUAb2utNGBI-yG1BjSN-6uqJSx-45flKei-aqXqFnrkRbGvLUEOE/w300-h400/IMG_8474.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After the race, I showered then met up with my parents and Brayden for breakfast at Waffle House. Seriously, their waffle with peanut butter chips is my all time favorite. So good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTbkW_-b65vl-jO4wP7rst6cZLY1vdTWTbsqJjBvykI9pQMoyi2ryiErSdB4GdCXY3ZOk7NaM9XPzhokZTy_ioSMoC_Bwdp7IJL9X4PJYgbNi9ji6UG-IqCknhmjhlrCmRKg3J88u8Sap/s2048/IMG_8476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2048" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTbkW_-b65vl-jO4wP7rst6cZLY1vdTWTbsqJjBvykI9pQMoyi2ryiErSdB4GdCXY3ZOk7NaM9XPzhokZTy_ioSMoC_Bwdp7IJL9X4PJYgbNi9ji6UG-IqCknhmjhlrCmRKg3J88u8Sap/w400-h281/IMG_8476.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden is growing so big, so fast and will be starting kindergarten this fall. I made it my mission to make this summer the most magical one yet and I think we've done a pretty good job with that! (More to come later with our summer shindigs.)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginwBeNFDoJJTlZnd66BDD-LFbqWk9Ro7FM2H56CKyvzWlXoPfv6AoC-TLLySiPMokPh4j2vw42xmq47uVFLNUFPnqL8r-IUxGozYTxcylj29hgPDChWAAEXLO7lveOPj478utl75Qp6WU/s2048/IMG_8517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginwBeNFDoJJTlZnd66BDD-LFbqWk9Ro7FM2H56CKyvzWlXoPfv6AoC-TLLySiPMokPh4j2vw42xmq47uVFLNUFPnqL8r-IUxGozYTxcylj29hgPDChWAAEXLO7lveOPj478utl75Qp6WU/w400-h300/IMG_8517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That evening, Jason joined us after work for a 4th of July celebration at the park. I was sad it rained literally the entire time, but we still had fun!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgHBMJgiz4I2xCXbW2dE_MIXimaq6UalN_AEoPQDvB5-oxkytF5UGB-O2pCfow9zuZKeBYCH-vWoRaMJ8Hmem1mkd9bs2e2wIDoivTB40VwkcRSTHGOVv10ZHHN5mHpwjnUPTeZS-oXxf/s2048/IMG_8546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgHBMJgiz4I2xCXbW2dE_MIXimaq6UalN_AEoPQDvB5-oxkytF5UGB-O2pCfow9zuZKeBYCH-vWoRaMJ8Hmem1mkd9bs2e2wIDoivTB40VwkcRSTHGOVv10ZHHN5mHpwjnUPTeZS-oXxf/w300-h400/IMG_8546.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The fireworks were great, too!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAYHhJmN32fyzyswRZLiBZ2MlTzn_CZEk_kmXQNUjcUwwBcSFbrrJki-5y4XVjNClZfoLl7pH71zOKW3LUKoceKwWCPCuoZZwLmoA0k8Jpdzpb4GXLwm3W2uwjYle4MWQLnS7iSMBLn_-/s2048/IMG_8609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAYHhJmN32fyzyswRZLiBZ2MlTzn_CZEk_kmXQNUjcUwwBcSFbrrJki-5y4XVjNClZfoLl7pH71zOKW3LUKoceKwWCPCuoZZwLmoA0k8Jpdzpb4GXLwm3W2uwjYle4MWQLnS7iSMBLn_-/w300-h400/IMG_8609.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Sunday, our church had a BBQ potluck dinner, complete with waterslides for the kids. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPtb6kGXhojPM15INgw4q03ZvTXGIGboSrDPB6hON9hMm4EaQLpxa_nVU0RpjK90OhlZ8HozADrpxDyM6nrUsDJEMBMNwPseB-vF1C3qp0KvFqsfcls704UaovEZypllI9jRx3t9tmu33/s2048/IMG_8626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPtb6kGXhojPM15INgw4q03ZvTXGIGboSrDPB6hON9hMm4EaQLpxa_nVU0RpjK90OhlZ8HozADrpxDyM6nrUsDJEMBMNwPseB-vF1C3qp0KvFqsfcls704UaovEZypllI9jRx3t9tmu33/w300-h400/IMG_8626.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was fantastic and Brayden had a blast! I loved matching him for church that morning, too!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYsn-NOxTN9pqVGRdLJj8TDB502BsgWqi6AgvEDKSKEkSY_Lo_AEiUgSfymrMqOahwGrDKk-UvtEeAWw2Z0GD4gD2MKeP6kRLhlTNl0xG5TrqbAU1hMDa6f3hLNmJeS1qTvMPT2ymFN8G/s2048/IMG_8658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYsn-NOxTN9pqVGRdLJj8TDB502BsgWqi6AgvEDKSKEkSY_Lo_AEiUgSfymrMqOahwGrDKk-UvtEeAWw2Z0GD4gD2MKeP6kRLhlTNl0xG5TrqbAU1hMDa6f3hLNmJeS1qTvMPT2ymFN8G/w300-h400/IMG_8658.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The weather on Sunday was 100% different from Saturday's which I was grateful for! It gave me a little time to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the gorgeous weather!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1sd3eZP3tNTUwRDJgoznSsx454tr0JHGj0jAi6JUafCSsdPvVWgodmXLa0Wj812L-6F9tcwMg3fegVJwATjaYuptSag-BHii4NCgsLT-Au4iBy7wLX9cgQlomZqVqmfecNB8Oc16Ibpd/s2048/IMG_8777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1615" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1sd3eZP3tNTUwRDJgoznSsx454tr0JHGj0jAi6JUafCSsdPvVWgodmXLa0Wj812L-6F9tcwMg3fegVJwATjaYuptSag-BHii4NCgsLT-Au4iBy7wLX9cgQlomZqVqmfecNB8Oc16Ibpd/w315-h400/IMG_8777.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Sunday evening, we drove downtown to the lake to watch the fireworks there.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XpGBvDcyWkAEGoUCErEi8Npb5FnOU8h6LRb3t92BlSWc1xRon1bL2PhYy_18a2rzbL0gT9eFKxRSkSS1-5eqwOgl4AQoaEAacdtpSCc-oFZOQ2E8AMvZU9JyyTBT61uIUXeqYFdr_Eh2/s2048/IMG_8795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XpGBvDcyWkAEGoUCErEi8Npb5FnOU8h6LRb3t92BlSWc1xRon1bL2PhYy_18a2rzbL0gT9eFKxRSkSS1-5eqwOgl4AQoaEAacdtpSCc-oFZOQ2E8AMvZU9JyyTBT61uIUXeqYFdr_Eh2/w300-h400/IMG_8795.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They had food trucks set up as well as a commission of people handing out small American flags.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmruiXVgtDdR_d_xvkE9UT6G72rgdU3gusJRYK0WuVW7y1bltfix4Jjy728oyzIULdllwrWwxe0I_penGU98fV04xLsBG6-h0DSP3oBu-DL-0T1bm5YAJEnZn8ECKb2HOJSOOtu5u1SQY/s2048/IMG_8838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmruiXVgtDdR_d_xvkE9UT6G72rgdU3gusJRYK0WuVW7y1bltfix4Jjy728oyzIULdllwrWwxe0I_penGU98fV04xLsBG6-h0DSP3oBu-DL-0T1bm5YAJEnZn8ECKb2HOJSOOtu5u1SQY/w300-h400/IMG_8838.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This time, we met up with some of our friends and we had a blast!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ux7TjFoOJ-kTo4hLE1-GN9kbLhiyljllM6X8oIxSGBM4L5g9ddZuhQB88XMtpK5N4o9LztL6ANCl_SwYXI16Ou8XJOIrnt7ZLfSiA8VhyfNHr2bTz1uezcoX5zcVcNk80G4DHmiOp0Eq/s2048/IMG_8874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ux7TjFoOJ-kTo4hLE1-GN9kbLhiyljllM6X8oIxSGBM4L5g9ddZuhQB88XMtpK5N4o9LztL6ANCl_SwYXI16Ou8XJOIrnt7ZLfSiA8VhyfNHr2bTz1uezcoX5zcVcNk80G4DHmiOp0Eq/w300-h400/IMG_8874.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My friend Jane and I were pregnant at the same time, so these two are only 6 weeks apart. It's been so much fun to watch them play together over the years!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCspNMOMHta_N3GZNqH5SP011LVgtkGzvhn3wCy8gjZOIyIJ6e631JJiQp4o2IfootNuErXu5RYnf9s5VAaP0G6PWIbc_iSZtqRD8IpdqKOLWOa_12ESjQE0PTqQK9KdHRSanikze2KaG/s2048/IMG_8987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCspNMOMHta_N3GZNqH5SP011LVgtkGzvhn3wCy8gjZOIyIJ6e631JJiQp4o2IfootNuErXu5RYnf9s5VAaP0G6PWIbc_iSZtqRD8IpdqKOLWOa_12ESjQE0PTqQK9KdHRSanikze2KaG/w300-h400/IMG_8987.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed long after the fireworks were over, just talking and catching up. It really was great to see our friends!</div><div><br /></div>As a last minute addition on Monday, we had my parents over for hamburgers! None of us were working, so it all came together perfectly!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzC7CR2YXZs504vAhka8s5vTrOzy1j8mORwx2TYX22ZtWX09YNicKhGpKz8AzPWoImiVGV_5hqx9D6h_L0pGss1mHcXgs3_KU1iei42y9z5B2Sl5ZHy6oed2Rb6_lKDzrtQeS5KrVftW1/s2048/IMG_9059.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzC7CR2YXZs504vAhka8s5vTrOzy1j8mORwx2TYX22ZtWX09YNicKhGpKz8AzPWoImiVGV_5hqx9D6h_L0pGss1mHcXgs3_KU1iei42y9z5B2Sl5ZHy6oed2Rb6_lKDzrtQeS5KrVftW1/w300-h400/IMG_9059.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was yet another beautiful day, so enjoyed dinner outside on the patio. I just love days like this! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmqsOJoTU20azzlIR4tLkKRAqLboGOes8AB-pJVobGwyvTKd06uct1zWYGfed40AE8U_FJvwYu2nXHXrMGzaV2gO2_7dnCbXk0Ky-ArgKcCQx-WUFhe55J_a7_pOWf1uGQ3SrUod1UD43/s2048/IMG_9061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="2048" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmqsOJoTU20azzlIR4tLkKRAqLboGOes8AB-pJVobGwyvTKd06uct1zWYGfed40AE8U_FJvwYu2nXHXrMGzaV2gO2_7dnCbXk0Ky-ArgKcCQx-WUFhe55J_a7_pOWf1uGQ3SrUod1UD43/w400-h299/IMG_9061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This past weekend was a great one and definitely one I'll remember forever!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">How did you celebrate the 4th? Run any races? Watch any fireworks? Spend time with friends/family?</span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-51083565863832729112021-05-07T07:06:00.000-05:002021-05-07T07:06:03.533-05:005th Birthday Party - Maui Themed (From Moana)This past April, Brayden celebrated his golden birthday (he turned 5 on the 5th). After a lot of back and forth on discussing a theme, what we wanted to do, etc, he finally decided on a Maui (from Moana) theme with a water slide at our house. He recently discovered the song "You're Welcome" and well...it's all history from there!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7aZWFROfPXzR2sQptywYPZeVFCe7Fm4482X59goXj8gPVLss0cPycJPQBqpvoFo52Npa9DnlVNGVjPk6Ck8w4qVnW8VSt7jv-Y398D_1g3eDfTZ7z84gobwMrICrV-HQa2I7Hy_rZSKL/s2048/IMG_1619+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7aZWFROfPXzR2sQptywYPZeVFCe7Fm4482X59goXj8gPVLss0cPycJPQBqpvoFo52Npa9DnlVNGVjPk6Ck8w4qVnW8VSt7jv-Y398D_1g3eDfTZ7z84gobwMrICrV-HQa2I7Hy_rZSKL/w400-h300/IMG_1619+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Let me first start off saying that I was thrilled with the theme he chose because I love Hawaii! In order to make this less focused on "Moana" and more on Maui/Hawaii, the decor drifted more towards palm leaves, the ocean, and a little Maui character I found on Etsy. I was seriously thrilled with the way it all came together. <div><br /></div><div>As far as colors go, you can see the ones we worked with above (yellow, teal blue, orange, green, and gold for the golden birthday year). Also to note, my options were sort of limited this year because our Hobby Lobby still remains closed from the damage it took during <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2020/11/its-been-while-update.html">Hurricane Laura</a>. I did make one trip out of town to visit Hobby Lobby, but it's about an hour away so visiting frequently was out of the option. I think the whole party came together pretty well considering the resources I had available to use!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfEjjQnyVzL5MAEGannbB-BgTXk135Pzi0rEfJf9LbC2Ej_AZiPmG7FeaSV8z26kP813g2O4Hf8C-OlLrgBRZQYsiKnuXtiRkj1XvJ59NqfQaAouuKJHyVYsXfO3OYNCgDfSoQMs6Zg4g/s2048/IMG_1669+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfEjjQnyVzL5MAEGannbB-BgTXk135Pzi0rEfJf9LbC2Ej_AZiPmG7FeaSV8z26kP813g2O4Hf8C-OlLrgBRZQYsiKnuXtiRkj1XvJ59NqfQaAouuKJHyVYsXfO3OYNCgDfSoQMs6Zg4g/w318-h400/IMG_1669+copy.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For the entry way, I made a little welcome sing from a white surfboard looking object I found at Dollar Tree. It was supposed to be used for laundry room decor and served as a decorative ironing board sign but I repurposed it as a surf board! Hah!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rHjmEzbl_xgPF81bvl3v1vbU3QLqQ8SSmPaOKj8-rG7Q614n9etA62zw3nmSYOLslnj6TNe72ABdz-TfALkQIgIO2ykErV-W1WuVKT2TEaO92tk-MMVdW6KoE8_YiEfrdk8h4P_WbV3e/s2048/IMG_1687+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rHjmEzbl_xgPF81bvl3v1vbU3QLqQ8SSmPaOKj8-rG7Q614n9etA62zw3nmSYOLslnj6TNe72ABdz-TfALkQIgIO2ykErV-W1WuVKT2TEaO92tk-MMVdW6KoE8_YiEfrdk8h4P_WbV3e/w400-h300/IMG_1687+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully, our Target and Party City were open this year, so that helped a ton! The table cloth you see here as well as the leaf banner across the front were all on clearance at Target so I snagged up what they had!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia93TsPtwqiDZGfz7DZItYfB2viIxgkQCb1B6wxSDKTH-kUJl_tBsTExk7oAKriBO6qJV8lRbzToycIRRnw8UlIeM14y_XmHKX6sFrxA24xqwMVRdv6TKTBqTKYmMt-eMh0kzNlwjK62dG/s2048/IMG_1680+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia93TsPtwqiDZGfz7DZItYfB2viIxgkQCb1B6wxSDKTH-kUJl_tBsTExk7oAKriBO6qJV8lRbzToycIRRnw8UlIeM14y_XmHKX6sFrxA24xqwMVRdv6TKTBqTKYmMt-eMh0kzNlwjK62dG/w300-h400/IMG_1680+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This cake was an idea from Pinterest and my usual cake lady ran with it. The figurines on top of the cake were from JC Penney (that's all I could find and I think I literally got the last one) and I let Brayden pick out his candle. Most recently, his favorite color is blue! :) </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7VZ9jHOYayf_f2HyIXCEdErO00PAk-hk6PmONNsj_SDBJVmPq1S-Mr-VD9bEzZCA23BmBSaANzaKjgG4NSb_qQnnrCS5_zOlGIeRy0DeOh7bEYNtJvyIJ1XzK4eAlR6RDRM1zRzBKh11/s2048/IMG_1672+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7VZ9jHOYayf_f2HyIXCEdErO00PAk-hk6PmONNsj_SDBJVmPq1S-Mr-VD9bEzZCA23BmBSaANzaKjgG4NSb_qQnnrCS5_zOlGIeRy0DeOh7bEYNtJvyIJ1XzK4eAlR6RDRM1zRzBKh11/w300-h400/IMG_1672+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The cookies were delicious as always and made by a friend of mine. I think she did a decent job! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY6fqqgoZ0taf07hx0U6oURGjRWPgzy5R_DD-t_6jnc7NSdwM0t0kdbiNTU5X1DJCIT43XPpuJDSXqIdC_E0_j7BeYtewXJKnVesQW0cuB7-v8qRv2wXYkSNi4nRCcu2eV45-yTOwtC3x/s2048/IMG_1651+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY6fqqgoZ0taf07hx0U6oURGjRWPgzy5R_DD-t_6jnc7NSdwM0t0kdbiNTU5X1DJCIT43XPpuJDSXqIdC_E0_j7BeYtewXJKnVesQW0cuB7-v8qRv2wXYkSNi4nRCcu2eV45-yTOwtC3x/w283-h400/IMG_1651+copy.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The entry way table had a couple of photos, some balloons, and the treat bags for his friends. The treat bags included a mini sand/bucket set to play with at the beach, a few pieces of candy, a lei, and a small beach ball. I found all of those items at Party City, too.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3LWPqLj3GcsownyXnPtRU8CnDfvvZPoFFDrPpnwVwPO5PMX7eTtE8agrs76dYiYUAFKKcru32WljZvcnpzA7D3aG_Ze-hHEh5GCQdAWqqUTw387F_yoN_qgKpDH7agGhgNkjm9opGHH/s2048/IMG_1793+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3LWPqLj3GcsownyXnPtRU8CnDfvvZPoFFDrPpnwVwPO5PMX7eTtE8agrs76dYiYUAFKKcru32WljZvcnpzA7D3aG_Ze-hHEh5GCQdAWqqUTw387F_yoN_qgKpDH7agGhgNkjm9opGHH/w300-h400/IMG_1793+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We had shirts made that I thought were pretty funny! Jason's says "just your ordinary Demi-Dad" and mine says "Today got me feeling like Hei-Hei". They turned out so cute!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_GmJT1Q1zpCxc-ayXBOA1STC8XJytXiGz-erJzycVvAyZCOSghhVJJ9h6piMLRItneMYJkDBCrrpP9K98DoLk9kA1xdJN4BcZkVPZdrb-2YUrhnCotDPOwY9q5acihuxPxZ3E9jaMExS/s2048/IMG_1846+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_GmJT1Q1zpCxc-ayXBOA1STC8XJytXiGz-erJzycVvAyZCOSghhVJJ9h6piMLRItneMYJkDBCrrpP9K98DoLk9kA1xdJN4BcZkVPZdrb-2YUrhnCotDPOwY9q5acihuxPxZ3E9jaMExS/w300-h400/IMG_1846+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For food, we decided to go with pizza and finger foods this year. Due to COVID, we wanted to encourage everyone to stay outside as much as possible and be able to grab and go quickly.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixojcqmJgOVZXHTZCn5dhnZF91u_Wjn3sPYpBVcPVsVwU1taIElVdV3AT7eGLtIkjLd2BBUHuYIvkUqa_LVwnwFmXPZFhyx3wu1dkNa4r4P81Cy6wYA9FdkxY2N2nyzrSZjP_64FHg_dot/s2048/IMG_1694+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixojcqmJgOVZXHTZCn5dhnZF91u_Wjn3sPYpBVcPVsVwU1taIElVdV3AT7eGLtIkjLd2BBUHuYIvkUqa_LVwnwFmXPZFhyx3wu1dkNa4r4P81Cy6wYA9FdkxY2N2nyzrSZjP_64FHg_dot/w400-h300/IMG_1694+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Y'all know I love a good "themed" food, so I made place cards with names!</div><div>Life preservers = gummy life savers</div><div>Coconuts = whoppers</div><div>Bamboo = pirouette cookies</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R-_4SZeCb0Bgv8zM8BZx22k7ros1OgePwQEunrDGX7Sc6I1gdQqZMpHDTQRKJLvAUm5SQuAmEddjulS1SRq356kmnOSm3MLKEiEG3DOZJtb5P-2D4Qhl5UFxi7FbRFFYBdoDcoHKjiej/s2048/IMG_1688+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1738" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R-_4SZeCb0Bgv8zM8BZx22k7ros1OgePwQEunrDGX7Sc6I1gdQqZMpHDTQRKJLvAUm5SQuAmEddjulS1SRq356kmnOSm3MLKEiEG3DOZJtb5P-2D4Qhl5UFxi7FbRFFYBdoDcoHKjiej/w340-h400/IMG_1688+copy.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I purchased a pineapple but wasn't sure how to cut it, so I left it as a decor item! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV8fzYdo7iV9nIoi9pG-qkXzSdc1DZtxOrnDhpwHsy_2Zs_A7vEdbDzNSMoTc3pDZ0BW7pAwBV9pYU2a7KHFaSFjqCNHTJ4fd3OMzVwK9ru-rTN6339x7GaTLYAooCiLTJoXMXhH_yhkA/s2048/IMG_1689+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoV8fzYdo7iV9nIoi9pG-qkXzSdc1DZtxOrnDhpwHsy_2Zs_A7vEdbDzNSMoTc3pDZ0BW7pAwBV9pYU2a7KHFaSFjqCNHTJ4fd3OMzVwK9ru-rTN6339x7GaTLYAooCiLTJoXMXhH_yhkA/w300-h400/IMG_1689+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I thought the idea behind "fish and chips" was cute. The taffy in front was another Pinterest idea - it's key lime flavored with white/green swirl (aka, the Heart of TeFiti)!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCC5OCcV50EtbmLCJs8AddQpfVoPf0k5YEKfdR39nOkzMnbIIj_l8O7MQrd-67kv5CyQgEC_KHgpmeojkEtvLlDVJ61JR5aShZbYmK_GEXlMg1BfPEjS8XyhI1E-IWqrXMqwMWUoKoU-K/s2048/IMG_1690+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCC5OCcV50EtbmLCJs8AddQpfVoPf0k5YEKfdR39nOkzMnbIIj_l8O7MQrd-67kv5CyQgEC_KHgpmeojkEtvLlDVJ61JR5aShZbYmK_GEXlMg1BfPEjS8XyhI1E-IWqrXMqwMWUoKoU-K/w400-h300/IMG_1690+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The trays I used under a lot of these dishes came from Party City. They are actually supposed to be "chargers", but this worked perfectly!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBqCNAJFwLDneL6b5yQvDEabFNYmtRJHm_qCFh3Eap3FcbFrtvVCwooE1uWqmC8LYjAkpW1219pvNbBP0EzyHLx2Wsr-nn0F1xAGskyCXUChJSHxUKvOfBy6UH41OtwhVu4xFVmol_eBM/s2048/IMG_1691.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBqCNAJFwLDneL6b5yQvDEabFNYmtRJHm_qCFh3Eap3FcbFrtvVCwooE1uWqmC8LYjAkpW1219pvNbBP0EzyHLx2Wsr-nn0F1xAGskyCXUChJSHxUKvOfBy6UH41OtwhVu4xFVmol_eBM/w300-h400/IMG_1691.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There was also plenty of salty sea water....I mean hand sanitizer around the house!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsw0IXv_k_pkxoJq0Hka6RwI_xrZTvw_iox8OuJENBKVEMINPJvuW83ijKZxN3yvtlDpl9gIPpchCR-pRtqVOi1Zm3UNDriZ6OpNI7SUuMhk9qk2SlPruYFOgek2odUn7p1FesJPDXqkB/s2048/IMG_1692+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1603" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsw0IXv_k_pkxoJq0Hka6RwI_xrZTvw_iox8OuJENBKVEMINPJvuW83ijKZxN3yvtlDpl9gIPpchCR-pRtqVOi1Zm3UNDriZ6OpNI7SUuMhk9qk2SlPruYFOgek2odUn7p1FesJPDXqkB/w313-h400/IMG_1692+copy.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As far as beverages go, we had water in bottles, sweet tea, and juice pouches.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPtdhBLUsuYLZlfpONrkvQ68hMyViBQrbqcF3Alw-z7Xg6O2-ctizW_n6IW71EG5FRDtoGBJh8Xe0e0y4qBMrcPWjqz17pZ7pxi_cf_Hn069Z_078RwwZuPPVM32viv9kK0OVbDqVnM9q/s2048/IMG_1662+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPtdhBLUsuYLZlfpONrkvQ68hMyViBQrbqcF3Alw-z7Xg6O2-ctizW_n6IW71EG5FRDtoGBJh8Xe0e0y4qBMrcPWjqz17pZ7pxi_cf_Hn069Z_078RwwZuPPVM32viv9kK0OVbDqVnM9q/w400-h300/IMG_1662+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden picked out his favorite juice pouch and I love how it worked with the theme! Didn't even do that on purpose!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBXiEhyz_pE8LPAQAvfNBzL5X5JRPFbkU7MQ2ioC0SwLy3qR6cDsggSjxkR3yWKDSvMwHy2pBDe2x2fKICrCyG-xkLIfZV0A7vCgMOJQXuBMAn8eigjHwoZ5N1ST6sDU-o0uiBQq1PI5M/s2048/IMG_1663+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBXiEhyz_pE8LPAQAvfNBzL5X5JRPFbkU7MQ2ioC0SwLy3qR6cDsggSjxkR3yWKDSvMwHy2pBDe2x2fKICrCyG-xkLIfZV0A7vCgMOJQXuBMAn8eigjHwoZ5N1ST6sDU-o0uiBQq1PI5M/w400-h300/IMG_1663+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also had a coffee bar set up for the adult party guests.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBKU1R5pUyJtEpL99hKgWJczU6SOCwjnio3Is8a8zBgF07oz7nP5ChbiNDiUhpzjr-BeVooc2tpzp9si8VtaCf_Ivh4oAGB3Olc1grt-z0GAlZdc1R0YfU82zdMr1IhcEDYzQjH06Pta6/s2048/IMG_1700+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBKU1R5pUyJtEpL99hKgWJczU6SOCwjnio3Is8a8zBgF07oz7nP5ChbiNDiUhpzjr-BeVooc2tpzp9si8VtaCf_Ivh4oAGB3Olc1grt-z0GAlZdc1R0YfU82zdMr1IhcEDYzQjH06Pta6/w400-h300/IMG_1700+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of my favorite mini-details was the coffee cups. They came from Party City as well! </div><div><br /></div><div>For creamer options, we had plain creamer, almond milk, and funfetti coffee mate. The coffee mate was a big hit! I really like the funfetti flavor, too.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GwhEF5Ltk3XVyOL3TxZVSXiJtmi1a4yF9yY_u_FmBwDcVViKmgg7m3mFZjVqyg4Qiwye6X8pqH3JXqTQqkJKGs5KYuZb24bCXqh3n_WPCTuFCswdYDMlt17aRJ_7tObkCVEuLLGdmmth/s2048/IMG_1647+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1839" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GwhEF5Ltk3XVyOL3TxZVSXiJtmi1a4yF9yY_u_FmBwDcVViKmgg7m3mFZjVqyg4Qiwye6X8pqH3JXqTQqkJKGs5KYuZb24bCXqh3n_WPCTuFCswdYDMlt17aRJ_7tObkCVEuLLGdmmth/w359-h400/IMG_1647+copy.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Moving outside, we had our Alexa devices connected so party music could be heard throughout the house/outdoors.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuY8rGC0eVyTdVm6ZXwBCOfPeIvYa76_4BP4nWzSpBvu5Cnf8TqVkUCyPzEoskiftEBBvObu21DVzv9FoPQUjRI7LgrPUCEZZ478uIgns5_BnT0GJ8CNcUsLmU384u814LQCcXaUV08B34/s2048/IMG_1703+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuY8rGC0eVyTdVm6ZXwBCOfPeIvYa76_4BP4nWzSpBvu5Cnf8TqVkUCyPzEoskiftEBBvObu21DVzv9FoPQUjRI7LgrPUCEZZ478uIgns5_BnT0GJ8CNcUsLmU384u814LQCcXaUV08B34/w400-h300/IMG_1703+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The water slide was HUGE (I misjudged the size). It was a giant volcano though, and totally fit with the overall theme!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk48ZdyJnEHrkB9shoz9p17ACDZbPJ4C-21GMqSppIzKYBPovy1ohB0QHJQcF6sjVLDSDBIC_UokwQNidWefjEtljxcBFVl68uk4aHHY_pvEkQtFdViidsbdbTTHYK0g-RTECuvt5zUCg/s2016/IMG_1737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk48ZdyJnEHrkB9shoz9p17ACDZbPJ4C-21GMqSppIzKYBPovy1ohB0QHJQcF6sjVLDSDBIC_UokwQNidWefjEtljxcBFVl68uk4aHHY_pvEkQtFdViidsbdbTTHYK0g-RTECuvt5zUCg/w300-h400/IMG_1737.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Finding a piñata to fit this theme that wasn't an astronomical price was rather difficult. Finally though, I found a cute palm tree (on postmark of all places) and added a 5/Maui decal to the front once it came in.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0mzd5K6tOuhwjWKx3vJkVItiJA329vri9zAskz8AMG_glRA1hbTsbuMrcZnIuc44k7-dx-IpfD9Q__0l83oj7aiw1B1gqWVvxK0ZjxE4wSmiJLKTca0zP66UU8rj45zsGYAZjfRc1Q3f/s2048/IMG_1868+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0mzd5K6tOuhwjWKx3vJkVItiJA329vri9zAskz8AMG_glRA1hbTsbuMrcZnIuc44k7-dx-IpfD9Q__0l83oj7aiw1B1gqWVvxK0ZjxE4wSmiJLKTca0zP66UU8rj45zsGYAZjfRc1Q3f/w400-h300/IMG_1868+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The pinata was "legit" and came from Mexico so it was incredibly hard to break. I finally had to rip it in half! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0usD4MgV3jgfKmScmo4JV0Yr-mCqvW04MjhYTabDefdY7J0rJQ0ihl2rdj-8izlasLTpEU5tCwDrocQ-pFLQkNCJCOll7lj4OxnwYBVXN8Fy08u7Hws9oWQXC8yueq6Es3o59R10zTVL/s2048/IMG_1897+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0usD4MgV3jgfKmScmo4JV0Yr-mCqvW04MjhYTabDefdY7J0rJQ0ihl2rdj-8izlasLTpEU5tCwDrocQ-pFLQkNCJCOll7lj4OxnwYBVXN8Fy08u7Hws9oWQXC8yueq6Es3o59R10zTVL/w300-h400/IMG_1897+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The kids had so much fun on the slide!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQBZSGKXgIda0TZnr7ul20RxZf9F42411ZcuRkurMzTkII2NN143ViOlewLvIs73q6_Qw6mTmaL4_Tt2rxi7xqKPLgP2PnXL2sVfwmHWfaUeUN6MUalYK2k8SVMdpxcl8VTLwDAXHLxk-/s2048/IMG_1965+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQBZSGKXgIda0TZnr7ul20RxZf9F42411ZcuRkurMzTkII2NN143ViOlewLvIs73q6_Qw6mTmaL4_Tt2rxi7xqKPLgP2PnXL2sVfwmHWfaUeUN6MUalYK2k8SVMdpxcl8VTLwDAXHLxk-/w400-h300/IMG_1965+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also invited Brayden's little class at his school and out of 12 total kids, five of them were there! (We missed one before she left.) He was SO excited to have his friends join us for the party!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzivRYU0Dmy9m7QAgCUa8WPDWL1NgItj9MXK2-PLO2U85NuwSJZz7R3I5pC7ezjz66J3bjHqEL2klIY7dbjUvNyzieS9zIL94ep-wntpw6Dt7DhDrMxs0BY4w0a8iO8FIrEttawEsqBeh8/s2048/IMG_1977+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzivRYU0Dmy9m7QAgCUa8WPDWL1NgItj9MXK2-PLO2U85NuwSJZz7R3I5pC7ezjz66J3bjHqEL2klIY7dbjUvNyzieS9zIL94ep-wntpw6Dt7DhDrMxs0BY4w0a8iO8FIrEttawEsqBeh8/w400-h300/IMG_1977+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden had SO MUCH FUN at his party and is still talking about it! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CL2fFoIHSWniYx6tack1tvcVG4kbtzGvXXviTck0mfhjT5rJzWQzuzY8wDm88FMeaaAXSMZk2D46hQfb0QIb3vPIM2oOzkW_kAB68j9pPpV3BJ0bDPP-zbs_WnZRgyMB41mQ6FwB4FUR/s2048/IMG_2066+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CL2fFoIHSWniYx6tack1tvcVG4kbtzGvXXviTck0mfhjT5rJzWQzuzY8wDm88FMeaaAXSMZk2D46hQfb0QIb3vPIM2oOzkW_kAB68j9pPpV3BJ0bDPP-zbs_WnZRgyMB41mQ6FwB4FUR/w300-h400/IMG_2066+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>He was so worn out, he fell asleep outside! Shortly before this, he butted heads on the slide with one of his little friends and it wasn't fully convinced that his jaw was ok. After a nap and a little Tylenol though, he woke up feeling fine! I felt so bad for him, but it didn't totally ruin the day! He still had a blast playing with all of his friends!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15mJNEtHQAFjTsxzhNdaR1Svc-lEuQBnu8GHjkGGrKgH7qJ3vAcXGmbttyggk4KrFhUdTXlz1-ulS-MYCkfmJp75gGuUjdtAmkkHPmE1ou_BJIbj0TWR_Jw9w1qX1LHcpXsYyrFTnFMNu/s2048/IMG_2089+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15mJNEtHQAFjTsxzhNdaR1Svc-lEuQBnu8GHjkGGrKgH7qJ3vAcXGmbttyggk4KrFhUdTXlz1-ulS-MYCkfmJp75gGuUjdtAmkkHPmE1ou_BJIbj0TWR_Jw9w1qX1LHcpXsYyrFTnFMNu/w300-h400/IMG_2089+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the end of the evening, all of the party decor had been taken down and we joked that Brayden looked like a balloon CM at Walt Disney World! :) </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of balloons, these were all ordered off of Amazon. The palm trees and pineapples also came in a package with pink flamingos. Those poor pineapples would not stand up straight! I had to tape them to the palm trees because otherwise, they literally stayed upside-down. So if you happen to come across a similar package, just know you'll have to finagle the pineapples to make them cooperate!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, that's a wrap on Brayden's 5th and golden birthday Maui themed party. To me, it was the most fun one yet because he truly got to play, see his friends/family, and enjoy his time at his party. Seeing the light in Brayden's eyes when he talks about how much fun he had makes it all worth it!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for continuing to join us on all of our Disney/family/party adventures! I have a few days remaining in our February recap plus a 5 year old update coming for you soon! Have a magical weekend!!</span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-53129140649904851582021-04-28T07:01:00.002-05:002021-04-28T07:01:34.289-05:00What We Ate At EPCOT's Festival of the ArtsOne of my favorite parts of our Walt Disney World trip this year was our experience at Festival of the Arts! Our plan for the day was to spend the afternoon wandering World Showcase, taking our time, and snacking our way around for lunch and dinner. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDTGuAjEhKtIZlTECAiw17uVAljhKvGePH3qgWSAMUvae_PaxAv-CQFObYVy9U_AbXrdODrh6nkGq0WSMq1jzyu-O06a49I1_ESjBY_Q9fdyLAIn_S__qQ1aFSsWhQyzIPORF6BkwlHWQ/s2048/IMG_5601+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="2048" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDTGuAjEhKtIZlTECAiw17uVAljhKvGePH3qgWSAMUvae_PaxAv-CQFObYVy9U_AbXrdODrh6nkGq0WSMq1jzyu-O06a49I1_ESjBY_Q9fdyLAIn_S__qQ1aFSsWhQyzIPORF6BkwlHWQ/w400-h280/IMG_5601+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The crowds weren't super heavy either, so we never waited in any long lines and it was SO nice!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2ckepYNZxhwvEky9OEeLV04gqDgZZzLRQULDZfxi-4uHWY5qA5p0flSieZEIRRgRuLZ4v4mYYMwp9_jpfVz_LQYKk9Dag_GZNI1Y_OVD90RorDe6b4ycvW8EMQqIawBO0k5xjKGT4Xh3/s2048/IMG_5680+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2ckepYNZxhwvEky9OEeLV04gqDgZZzLRQULDZfxi-4uHWY5qA5p0flSieZEIRRgRuLZ4v4mYYMwp9_jpfVz_LQYKk9Dag_GZNI1Y_OVD90RorDe6b4ycvW8EMQqIawBO0k5xjKGT4Xh3/w300-h400/IMG_5680+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>First stop was at <b>POP Eats</b> for the <b>Tomato Soup with French Onion and Bacon Grilled Cheese</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of it all, this turned out to be our favorite dish of the entire festival!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rcx96OE6FK28pjNNGdHjM7Wd8d8qWisRBrLyl-7_jfEoI5DCy-fjdVBrHpVy9oeZbUY-WHE9HohHLPFVmR5h-Q1I309IZCHhjzjNeHtbQO71gR0-1sGTOnV-0iPYTjlgTiJSpZrIAOKf/s2048/IMG_5682+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rcx96OE6FK28pjNNGdHjM7Wd8d8qWisRBrLyl-7_jfEoI5DCy-fjdVBrHpVy9oeZbUY-WHE9HohHLPFVmR5h-Q1I309IZCHhjzjNeHtbQO71gR0-1sGTOnV-0iPYTjlgTiJSpZrIAOKf/w300-h400/IMG_5682+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also tried the <b>Pop't Art</b> at <b>POP Eats</b>. It was a sugar cookie with strawberry filling and just tasted "ok" to me. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpgBcn-D-8rawsBN3oYyX9m5hkwv5etx0r4q908t-OCywNHM-RKpIZ_l6t2A18tEMc03t2MHe4emlW2TwCnnrYFO4oVsRe80mabT-p7UCoY4aNWr3ERYgm_6kMbJcZoYqT-3oEmqR9jRo/s2048/IMG_5686+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1709" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpgBcn-D-8rawsBN3oYyX9m5hkwv5etx0r4q908t-OCywNHM-RKpIZ_l6t2A18tEMc03t2MHe4emlW2TwCnnrYFO4oVsRe80mabT-p7UCoY4aNWr3ERYgm_6kMbJcZoYqT-3oEmqR9jRo/w334-h400/IMG_5686+copy.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In <b>Mexico</b>, Jason wanted to try the <b>Chile Relleno</b> and I wanted to try the <b>Taco de Chocolate</b>, so we each shared one. </div><div><br /></div><div>The chile relleno was a poblano pepper filled with steak, black beans, and tomatoes with a poblano cream sauce drizzled on top. The taco de chocolate was just that - a chocolate mousse filled taco.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both dishes were very good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4-_WOe4sWe76iNXHs1_1YA2RL67cizXiVGhTZJJQYOkggXBqtKr2LIR2_lx8X0Jijf7Icav2DZEovUYJn2S7mZBupul0bCCPTHzkCJMABkCgZOh4U6uGtdSn0rHfldGvhZiy1Cae0Iud/s2048/IMG_5688+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4-_WOe4sWe76iNXHs1_1YA2RL67cizXiVGhTZJJQYOkggXBqtKr2LIR2_lx8X0Jijf7Icav2DZEovUYJn2S7mZBupul0bCCPTHzkCJMABkCgZOh4U6uGtdSn0rHfldGvhZiy1Cae0Iud/w300-h400/IMG_5688+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While meandering our way to the <b>Refreshments Outpost</b>, we spotted something that sounded heavenly - a <b>Warm Brown Sugar-Stuffed Pretzel with Banana Soft Serve</b> ice cream on top!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3KFPVFAoumJUi59aq77e3yvy2ZThCIGBwGX0r3SEWmSyrYFmPqwAvL1lyivxnHBBtcWvFFbzTbkwU7kzTCleuGYRtUOMj9NXhsGU_4iZKI-vqmfAHbnS6DYV9hemwsOfWP7M1BiZfCkD/s2048/IMG_5691+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3KFPVFAoumJUi59aq77e3yvy2ZThCIGBwGX0r3SEWmSyrYFmPqwAvL1lyivxnHBBtcWvFFbzTbkwU7kzTCleuGYRtUOMj9NXhsGU_4iZKI-vqmfAHbnS6DYV9hemwsOfWP7M1BiZfCkD/w300-h400/IMG_5691+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This was good (and big) and filling and ended my dessert taste testing. Out of the three we tried, this was my favorite dessert!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhnRhy2Gs11ody3MR0P3yahP6TO4f49RMvhzPUz0eFmHOLnjDVYw5QqXHRsOQp1fzemb4CB9_Vw_y6z178PfgHWqPIj6VSiMLQOykkJKnDbL2LJnC8VglI2Fusk3ZYqtDgEAA9Oe3YvzJ/s2048/IMG_5763+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhnRhy2Gs11ody3MR0P3yahP6TO4f49RMvhzPUz0eFmHOLnjDVYw5QqXHRsOQp1fzemb4CB9_Vw_y6z178PfgHWqPIj6VSiMLQOykkJKnDbL2LJnC8VglI2Fusk3ZYqtDgEAA9Oe3YvzJ/w300-h400/IMG_5763+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our next stop was in <b>America</b>, where we ordered the <b>Beef Wellington</b>. Jason says this was his favorite dish, hands down!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE5Pyt729cMzWh46Vme4tgsxeH_rftDSxVrtl9z8ktPJLGj0RjcTmM3u6O4shvuCWkmMArozjczRtCTssyygc8pjz96iupOooW0IZtWfrfshrhFZ05vUOUz5Ts4LJUqWMCs78N6cTSixt/s2048/IMG_5770+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE5Pyt729cMzWh46Vme4tgsxeH_rftDSxVrtl9z8ktPJLGj0RjcTmM3u6O4shvuCWkmMArozjczRtCTssyygc8pjz96iupOooW0IZtWfrfshrhFZ05vUOUz5Ts4LJUqWMCs78N6cTSixt/w300-h400/IMG_5770+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We decided to skip the sushi donut in Japan for the <b>Mediterranean Flatbread</b> in <b>Morocco</b> and I'm so glad we did. This dish was SO VERY good and definitely topped my favorites list!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXny6MaN8QgxFtP_TeV1ZIhcaTr28IdNZb-WZRWlplOghNwKL13qAWc-noSFu-K3uOA3SKX3EhgW1allNyXbEy85KiPBIluWjhkMFGUrGjUGe8I31SbcOIySjQ1FrzF2MzFJ1sVVcz9RBp/s2048/IMG_5774+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXny6MaN8QgxFtP_TeV1ZIhcaTr28IdNZb-WZRWlplOghNwKL13qAWc-noSFu-K3uOA3SKX3EhgW1allNyXbEy85KiPBIluWjhkMFGUrGjUGe8I31SbcOIySjQ1FrzF2MzFJ1sVVcz9RBp/w300-h400/IMG_5774+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Near Morocco was the <b>Vibrante & Vivido Food Studio</b> booth where the <b>Blue Corn Pupusa</b> was located. I'd heard such great things about this dish, I knew I had to try it. After reading the description, I still had no idea what I was getting myself in to, but I went for it and it was very good! (Blue corn pupusa stuffed with cheese <i>((they had me at cheese))</i> and topped with shredded pork, guajillo and arbor chile sauce, cabbage slaw, and aji amarillo crema.) </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKPGQuonuqHuc71Xo1ov5fMZwPyUnZ1gIaAmcV1Niyq1hMDjJBgW2X8qak0pOtO0ULHpHFXktoBojGrI5AnImPw3Z7NmerK2NHjpscxtw9guV0WFpCxW6w4sQ4fQJ-JuKyy84U7ZUBRHk/s2048/IMG_5781+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKPGQuonuqHuc71Xo1ov5fMZwPyUnZ1gIaAmcV1Niyq1hMDjJBgW2X8qak0pOtO0ULHpHFXktoBojGrI5AnImPw3Z7NmerK2NHjpscxtw9guV0WFpCxW6w4sQ4fQJ-JuKyy84U7ZUBRHk/w300-h400/IMG_5781+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Our final stop on our grand tour around World Showcase for Festival of the Arts was in <b>France</b> for the <b>Creme de Brie en Petit Pain</b>. It was a delicious warm bread bowl filled with cheese and YUM! Another one that topped the favorites list!</div><div><br /></div><div>That ended our day at EPCOT and our time tasting our way around the world. EPCOT festivals are one of my favorite things to experience because they give you a chance to try new dishes or tastes you wouldn't otherwise order/try for yourself (hello, blue corn pupusa)! We had so much fun with our friends and can't wait to visit the Food and Wine Festival later this summer! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Have a fabulous day! (Hope I didn't make you too hungry!) :)</span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993706116118561467.post-11953121502969335672021-04-22T04:00:00.004-05:002021-04-22T04:00:00.263-05:00Disney 2021: EPCOT<div>The timing of the EPCOT day on our most recent February trip worked out perfectly for me, because it gave me plenty of time to run the <a href="http://www.justmeandmyrunningshoes.com/2021/04/2021-virtual-princess-5k-at-pop-century.html">virtual Princess 5K</a>, then get ready for the parks. With EPCOT opening later in the morning, I wasn't rushed at all. Have I mentioned I kinda loved these "revised" park hours? Cause I kinda did....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijBOoMl_MX1wvuURfs5-G-D24aBReEX-Zfy0euekXO7TNY_zNCFP7YyJ8J-o1Y74PswjGFoID8473zKZHvIe935uhgXPukOHG0OR__ErQ9Lx-uzHtTnAGRIBSYhMsBFK3oqotKYbD2djS/s2048/IMG_5568+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijBOoMl_MX1wvuURfs5-G-D24aBReEX-Zfy0euekXO7TNY_zNCFP7YyJ8J-o1Y74PswjGFoID8473zKZHvIe935uhgXPukOHG0OR__ErQ9Lx-uzHtTnAGRIBSYhMsBFK3oqotKYbD2djS/w400-h300/IMG_5568+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So with that, I was able to sleep in a little bit (as opposed to a normal runDisney race weekend), shower, get dressed, meet up with our friends, and still get to EPCOT before the park opened! </div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, we ordered Joffrey's on the way there! :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZIE6GPZp_QnESmDll2V3J8UVNFeIg6vZECFLgGuPzBjRKlZworFJdUrt1CnetC7wWOGSBAJynuuSmcLA7kQAnHOCFiOMikKP-wqqQ0iLhOVq8srkrbXex8d3NUK46s-VZa_oHJNpbtU6/s2048/IMG_5583+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZIE6GPZp_QnESmDll2V3J8UVNFeIg6vZECFLgGuPzBjRKlZworFJdUrt1CnetC7wWOGSBAJynuuSmcLA7kQAnHOCFiOMikKP-wqqQ0iLhOVq8srkrbXex8d3NUK46s-VZa_oHJNpbtU6/w300-h400/IMG_5583+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Although it wasn't quite time for the Flower and Garden Festival just yet, there were several topiaries out and about for the occasion!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqZyxXf2z8D3_yrt2uloWNt3YkWOsfRAZs2OL5SLRlIQyo_VI2ho1Bt94fDoivTdNHJrFd2im9hyphenhyphenpsL7CDno_flFdqOsE9Ggryoe2RMxsMAwOFcnINwpY-f4EngwaWpIPNzfJDzVTSpiD/s2048/IMG_5586+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqZyxXf2z8D3_yrt2uloWNt3YkWOsfRAZs2OL5SLRlIQyo_VI2ho1Bt94fDoivTdNHJrFd2im9hyphenhyphenpsL7CDno_flFdqOsE9Ggryoe2RMxsMAwOFcnINwpY-f4EngwaWpIPNzfJDzVTSpiD/w400-h300/IMG_5586+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our plan for the day was to spend a few hours in Future World, then the remainder of the afternoon/evening/night time in World Showcase, eating around Festival of the Arts.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaQ64HPvLdzrPzNxNqKfvu0NF58teLWJ8CVyhkLpFj0tmHIT1tA-W9hyFkINxqRMq3IbNWyqG5vrVJbSyUlhcbVgYHEVmbErpYHT7tySpl0ObgDxCBOZj9mUvZS57UwXQYIu13RHKMdIK/s2048/IMG_5591+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaQ64HPvLdzrPzNxNqKfvu0NF58teLWJ8CVyhkLpFj0tmHIT1tA-W9hyFkINxqRMq3IbNWyqG5vrVJbSyUlhcbVgYHEVmbErpYHT7tySpl0ObgDxCBOZj9mUvZS57UwXQYIu13RHKMdIK/w400-h300/IMG_5591+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This plan should have worked out perfectly but I didn't do my research well enough prior to park arrival. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlhTHew7J183pNRhEORToVoAGvcgsHY5im0phcSiaOK0_BLjFkdDN1u0KWk2u521kPsIY9F7NGmeSVzdOz3GCju6P6-0_HH9D7dEPTG-SJAeeGnO_HhyphenhypheneI8dGo5oZDQC9qSG239WYEyIe/s2048/IMG_5601+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="2048" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlhTHew7J183pNRhEORToVoAGvcgsHY5im0phcSiaOK0_BLjFkdDN1u0KWk2u521kPsIY9F7NGmeSVzdOz3GCju6P6-0_HH9D7dEPTG-SJAeeGnO_HhyphenhypheneI8dGo5oZDQC9qSG239WYEyIe/w400-h280/IMG_5601+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently Test Track is the current "hot commodity" ride in EPCOT and since I didn't realize that, we rode Frozen first with little to no wait...and then we literally waited a little over an hour to ride Test Track. Whomp whomp!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4k2t1Wh73E5RRfoTuEsUFONfLxhEtlIFZAVfukiL8FTIGJe2BEwdobxfm2xy5RrrZyazJ6HvWkSQvPQ50b2Zglw8meMmgHckAk9sinzuZyHZvYUBYZggf0FReHVj6XAPlN6aJ4m9ox_F/s2048/IMG_5632+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4k2t1Wh73E5RRfoTuEsUFONfLxhEtlIFZAVfukiL8FTIGJe2BEwdobxfm2xy5RrrZyazJ6HvWkSQvPQ50b2Zglw8meMmgHckAk9sinzuZyHZvYUBYZggf0FReHVj6XAPlN6aJ4m9ox_F/w400-h300/IMG_5632+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While waiting in line for Test Track, I spotted the all-new "candy cane" wall and had to jump over for a picture. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ1CZLbh_TUmBFkXkBmQ2M3F3ap3iEvin9Mb4PdXCuA_EJsumEiYPWR6_Lzkg53368ohro11T2OHZ-Pk0AQnGXUY9W1lPR747AANdD3PY9YN4T0A0e5MjQAXRzC9ZniPUCZ6SIImlweYt/s2048/IMG_5643+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ1CZLbh_TUmBFkXkBmQ2M3F3ap3iEvin9Mb4PdXCuA_EJsumEiYPWR6_Lzkg53368ohro11T2OHZ-Pk0AQnGXUY9W1lPR747AANdD3PY9YN4T0A0e5MjQAXRzC9ZniPUCZ6SIImlweYt/w289-h400/IMG_5643+copy.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This wall is in the funniest spot! It's literally between the entrances to the men's and women's restrooms! Oh well, it serves as a cute photo op so it works! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSX6JqaPL7BkYC_aOW4M8YsF4myz0r3yis-sM3V6IN3B7viFYfYncQW-GpNeI-0eayRegYJwd79ePUdzhB9E8eGMVl3ploe65p8LyYotG6XU_L1wc4BNuETa5wn4FVVHTnHYGuiLVu9bk/s2048/IMG_5650+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSX6JqaPL7BkYC_aOW4M8YsF4myz0r3yis-sM3V6IN3B7viFYfYncQW-GpNeI-0eayRegYJwd79ePUdzhB9E8eGMVl3ploe65p8LyYotG6XU_L1wc4BNuETa5wn4FVVHTnHYGuiLVu9bk/w400-h306/IMG_5650+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I had to laugh at this beautiful portrait, too...Brayden peeping through the table and my husband trying to eat the sunflowers. We make quite the interesting family! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNFiWvSwbMBTi4cwEO_MGaIP16P8P32Zc8QogZDwsM5vbpE8gQmw3ma5Y5OB4g26GfnjFFOWjIaDrLx2-pmxwNm5GCc76WDTlzbXQkKm45i67rq4pCIM315Y3qkRbulRxkZHN1lzYf63C/s2048/IMG_5653+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1578" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNFiWvSwbMBTi4cwEO_MGaIP16P8P32Zc8QogZDwsM5vbpE8gQmw3ma5Y5OB4g26GfnjFFOWjIaDrLx2-pmxwNm5GCc76WDTlzbXQkKm45i67rq4pCIM315Y3qkRbulRxkZHN1lzYf63C/w309-h400/IMG_5653+copy.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>We really did enjoy all of the beautiful photo opportunities throughout EPCOT! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD-EzPtDfcBMGYQSzrOCMQVTKzhDSYaL8eqsp0a1Mq2CJ4HECXw9uNgMGqbkLfZZb0Ior8PVndDBrpkNdqSwvP-VfhU1LdNfTTEWJzzclK-8WfJ0GjOemIZ43nufmrKpvLp7lmOJq1co5/s2048/IMG_5660+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigD-EzPtDfcBMGYQSzrOCMQVTKzhDSYaL8eqsp0a1Mq2CJ4HECXw9uNgMGqbkLfZZb0Ior8PVndDBrpkNdqSwvP-VfhU1LdNfTTEWJzzclK-8WfJ0GjOemIZ43nufmrKpvLp7lmOJq1co5/w400-h300/IMG_5660+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I took this photo just minutes before the bottom fell out of the sky. Since we needed shelter from the rain, we decided to hop inside the Land pavilion and ride Soarin!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3kjvSIEWn0agk3O2TXlp41nKvrgUtcz5VFEGPhI-vx1Ny3twuRUOCszX0MdlLxIKo4KefpYCCWSx4vGUJj3bex0bIq4xHcUac6F9BMzIaIEar_sozvWOXTHUKs-WAGagnZOsHJdIt3DK/s2048/IMG_5665+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3kjvSIEWn0agk3O2TXlp41nKvrgUtcz5VFEGPhI-vx1Ny3twuRUOCszX0MdlLxIKo4KefpYCCWSx4vGUJj3bex0bIq4xHcUac6F9BMzIaIEar_sozvWOXTHUKs-WAGagnZOsHJdIt3DK/w300-h400/IMG_5665+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The line wasn't terrible - I feel like we waited about 40 minutes or so.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWkf5svF1U9E2UBTOlB56QkWHT1B-KCfA4eubQQ_GgSmbLY5LPXg8TcCD8hTfR67F7jpRKEfn695eOo74M9_GaC_UepSMLOaru6tCqboayuRvM477Xe1j2dD2T9TwgOeZ7lv12jUjIOVl/s2048/IMG_5674+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWkf5svF1U9E2UBTOlB56QkWHT1B-KCfA4eubQQ_GgSmbLY5LPXg8TcCD8hTfR67F7jpRKEfn695eOo74M9_GaC_UepSMLOaru6tCqboayuRvM477Xe1j2dD2T9TwgOeZ7lv12jUjIOVl/w300-h400/IMG_5674+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Like a typical Florida rainstorm, the rain was done by the time we were off Soarin.</div><div><br /></div><div>By this point, everyone was hungry and we decided to begin our tour of eating around World Showcase. I'll share an update of all of the delicious food we tried in the next blog post so this one isn't terribly long.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuKkrpxnluyv5RdvXUZC6HSZm9QeT-4HTvS87aBAjPMecJE5e52jj5J1849wgaGTYh_lytHA6LbzG0faHeyp3e2dF4AO6BaJjRZB9RIX6jyuyev443NK7iyLHV0h8p9xC72286r2WV47W/s2048/IMG_5699+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuKkrpxnluyv5RdvXUZC6HSZm9QeT-4HTvS87aBAjPMecJE5e52jj5J1849wgaGTYh_lytHA6LbzG0faHeyp3e2dF4AO6BaJjRZB9RIX6jyuyev443NK7iyLHV0h8p9xC72286r2WV47W/w300-h400/IMG_5699+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another "traditional" photo stop for me is in the Germany pavilion. I talk about this every year at Christmas, but this is where NSYNC sat for an interview in their "Holidays in Concert" Disney Channel special...you know, way back in the day. Well, I've been taking a photo here in this spot on every single Disney trip since! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cfHDwLtY3zLjqaV4ThKEpJyQ_7D9hWEyLB2otSywu3pYuazoxTyAxoVS_p5zkCf92lJuL3YITLNXtDDNm-UUr46k0NeiZDCOslDDkogkBjHxVq995bmPo-0V2ZGeV3vOLt3UuBD9aRWq/s2048/IMG_5747+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cfHDwLtY3zLjqaV4ThKEpJyQ_7D9hWEyLB2otSywu3pYuazoxTyAxoVS_p5zkCf92lJuL3YITLNXtDDNm-UUr46k0NeiZDCOslDDkogkBjHxVq995bmPo-0V2ZGeV3vOLt3UuBD9aRWq/w300-h400/IMG_5747+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Brayden's shirt was fitting for our afternoon of eating around the world!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSVr8CU4ClG5CxJSgsx-qVYAkAmQZGRNTwyXzqHxsfsxrU9O2LsDp_zuewjivSaNpi3v2-b-9pDE0pQqhGCgmNP8i_XoJvfqTCWtcDl1mvSxarPhLhoeYYz9ROUGCgiR2R1_-pDdMLuRB/s2048/IMG_5768+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSVr8CU4ClG5CxJSgsx-qVYAkAmQZGRNTwyXzqHxsfsxrU9O2LsDp_zuewjivSaNpi3v2-b-9pDE0pQqhGCgmNP8i_XoJvfqTCWtcDl1mvSxarPhLhoeYYz9ROUGCgiR2R1_-pDdMLuRB/w300-h400/IMG_5768+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also made sure to take part in the Disney Vacation Club scavenger hunt game. It was fun learning new facts about EPCOT that we otherwise wouldn't have known. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYClSFtSUuxciN3ZdfluxkxsXrBGBU1HtQF9OQVWYzIhcMPua-PxVlrWjxlJt6VgTmF236XZumZFzmD2vje4hWkt9aDA4WPhU-i7lRYHfKFQCb1WSxHPv5y9x0B0Xjkt50GDrYNQMTDAV/s2048/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1085" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYClSFtSUuxciN3ZdfluxkxsXrBGBU1HtQF9OQVWYzIhcMPua-PxVlrWjxlJt6VgTmF236XZumZFzmD2vje4hWkt9aDA4WPhU-i7lRYHfKFQCb1WSxHPv5y9x0B0Xjkt50GDrYNQMTDAV/w213-h400/IMG_5778.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Along the way, I spotted Laura and Jennalyn and we stopped to talk for a few. It was so nice to catch up with them!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLahq8PTHKRq0BxaoduiLoJd8JGr2NDoxq7KNvS_xjppdWl7PsR4RYEzBQjcPoG3fpCOgjTuzgGuO8nCgiWeTFAecrlwqKX9N_w1ZeGhOBVIKit5W_2GOY2aYl_l4yTikMnOl66O_KF96r/s2048/IMG_5785+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLahq8PTHKRq0BxaoduiLoJd8JGr2NDoxq7KNvS_xjppdWl7PsR4RYEzBQjcPoG3fpCOgjTuzgGuO8nCgiWeTFAecrlwqKX9N_w1ZeGhOBVIKit5W_2GOY2aYl_l4yTikMnOl66O_KF96r/w400-h300/IMG_5785+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To top off our evening, we wandered back over to Future World and a ride on the Seas with Nemo and Friends as well as Spaceship Earth.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzUxzXJ0XoCnCuqe8x6x9glMuJkZisTa-GMLnvQ4xnBjQ2ME4iOnDhexuRH4-3-pkXWPbT6gv-j7QKtwx2HTshqEy0UeKcFKo_lhFIereqtO4z5RVTf7noxs8vfuAp7jRsbyXjXb8gyFe/s2048/IMG_5809+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1723" data-original-width="2048" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzUxzXJ0XoCnCuqe8x6x9glMuJkZisTa-GMLnvQ4xnBjQ2ME4iOnDhexuRH4-3-pkXWPbT6gv-j7QKtwx2HTshqEy0UeKcFKo_lhFIereqtO4z5RVTf7noxs8vfuAp7jRsbyXjXb8gyFe/w400-h336/IMG_5809+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I thought it was hilarious what the ride did to our photos with our masks!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF_3c3-MJglNMcuDhpB9ZOTEamlkCMv7TqHMlLQYyrdYg6RD5iNs4BLJCL3PIF4z3_Npiu2ghUysu2TJjZcFhVZOV3LPv7OIE4GLqnl4qXDgpWv1z7Sll1q9GZL9wZT4pP64fe_2BV5gO/s2048/IMG_5813+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF_3c3-MJglNMcuDhpB9ZOTEamlkCMv7TqHMlLQYyrdYg6RD5iNs4BLJCL3PIF4z3_Npiu2ghUysu2TJjZcFhVZOV3LPv7OIE4GLqnl4qXDgpWv1z7Sll1q9GZL9wZT4pP64fe_2BV5gO/w300-h400/IMG_5813+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>No ride on Spaceship Earth is complete with a photo at the Bubblegum wall! :)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr30L7veRpEoj18ATWJfASNRy39M_7GrRevM_jmSOPzxQW-Ozxeqek-vvuQODVEnJTkl8GlZUVSWaLKE_JhwK-WfQ0bJRHM_22ETEq4wn59Ul2dQgGWXe-8Ks40hQCzuuofoHR-irJW4r/s2048/IMG_5820+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr30L7veRpEoj18ATWJfASNRy39M_7GrRevM_jmSOPzxQW-Ozxeqek-vvuQODVEnJTkl8GlZUVSWaLKE_JhwK-WfQ0bJRHM_22ETEq4wn59Ul2dQgGWXe-8Ks40hQCzuuofoHR-irJW4r/w300-h400/IMG_5820+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We had a really nice day at EPCOT and this actually turned out to be one of my favorite days of our trip. It was nice to relax, walk around, take our time, eat a lot, and just simply enjoy vacation!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Up next: Indulging at Festival of the Arts :) </span></b></div>Karen Sealhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859540994687133829noreply@blogger.com0