Three Things Thursday ...

Fired Up - Last night, I hit the pool for my final pre-race workout - 800m. When I got there the place was a zoo. A third of the pool was closed for swim lessons. Another third was open swim (i.e. creepy men standing in and around the pool). Then in the middle of the two were two lone swim lanes.

As I walked over, I noticed a man floating on his back down the lane. Once he drifted (very slowly) to the end, I asked if I could join. In broken English, he told me I could have the lane, he would leave. Awesome!

I started. Halfway through I knew I was crushing it. I was in the zone. With about 150m left, two 14 year old girls jumped in my lane. No biggie. I just started circle swimming. 35m later one of them was on my heels. She passed me, flip-turned and kept moving. Her friend, however, was standing at the end of the lane when I got there. As I popped up (no flip-turns for me), she threw me a "Oh, that swimming thing you are trying to do is so nice" look.

I nearly decked her.

Seriously, kid?

Who the heck cares that your 50m split is twice as fast as mine? Can you freaking swim 1.2 miles and then bike 56 and run 13.1? No? I didn't think so.

You're an athlete. I'm an athlete. Respect that.

Packing Worries - After I posted this picture yesterday, I got a slew of emails and comments with suggestions of things that I had forgotten.

I want you all to stop worrying. Although, I truly appreciate that you took time out of your day to help me out, I am fully prepared. Those bags already had things in them when I took the picture. I have 3 checklists that I am working off of. I have back ups of back ups. It's all good.

Oh, and I will be wearing my Team Tough Chik tri kit the WHOLE TIME. The swim suit is there just in case I get the chance to swim on Friday or Saturday.

Stalk Me - So, I have no idea whether or not Ironman has live race tracking, but if you want to attempt to follow me my bib number is 1066 and my wave starts at 7:45 a.m. Central.

You might also be able to find me under the name Honey Badger. OK, not really, but if you see a picture of Lance, look really far into the background and I'm probably there ...

Wordless Wednesday: Gear

And you thought you had a lot to pack for a marathon ...

nesting ...

I'm nesting.

And don't ask. I'm not pregnant.

But, I do have this unending urge to clean my entire house from top to bottom. To purge my already rather limited wardrobe. And to organize the heck of my life.

Apparently, taper is rather similar to the last weeks of pregnancy.

It hit me approximately 2.38 hours after I finished my final training workout yesterday.

And it makes total sense. Isn't scrubbing the bathroom the first thing you want to do after finishing a 45 mile bike ride and 10 mile run?

Yeah, I thought so. Sounds like a blast to me. (Note: That's really not sarcasm. Totally being serious here.)

I know my nesting is just a side effect of my anxiousness. When I feel uneasy, I need to create a sense of control. And how do I control things? I bust out my OCD hat and clean. Because in case you didn't realize, things just got real up in here.

Six days from now I'll be in the midst of 70.3 miles of pure endurance.

And there's not a whole lot to distract me between now and then.

This is going to be interesting.

Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 7

This is the seventh in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care
Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self
Principle 3: Surround Yourself With Honey Badgers
Principle 4: Break the Mold
Principle 5: It's Not Selfish. It's Self Fulfilling 
Principle 6: It's Your Life. Take Responsibility

Principle 7: Find Your Strengths and Play to Them

Think back to your childhood.

Chances are you tried a lot of different things. Different sports, different games, different foods, different ways to "outsmart" your parents and probably a million other things. Over the course of many years and perhaps, sometimes instantly, you learned what you like and what you don't. And thus, those experiences and preferences shaped you into the individual that you are.

Now, think about the reasons behind why you like some things more than others.

With the exception of food preferences (i.e. flavors you like/dislike, not the food choices you make), your preferences are largely determined by how you view yourself in relation to the the activity or experience. Take school, for example. We all attend in one form or another. Yet, not everyone likes school. Now, why is this?

I would wager that the people who enjoyed school, especially as they aged, were the people who enjoyed learning, got the best grades and had a drive for academic excellence. In addition, individuals who experienced social acceptance and/or were not picked on, most likely enjoyed it as well.

However, this is not the case for everyone. What about the people who struggled to pass or were social outcasts? Chances are they hated school. And it makes sense.

Generally speaking, we like the things at which we excel and dislike those at which we struggle.

And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, you'll be happier for it.

Everyone has something they are good at. And most people have lots of things they are good at.

• Maybe you have a endless drive and determination.
• Maybe you are a natural born leader. 
• Maybe you have the ideal body type to run or swim or whatever.
• Maybe you have a knack for organization. 
• Maybe you are creative and crafty. 
• Maybe you are mechanically inclined. 
• Maybe you have a potential you have yet to discover. 

Regardless of what your natural or learned strengths are they all do the same thing.

They allow you to feel good about yourself. They give you more self worth. And they show you that you have potential to be successful.

And the first step to being successful is believing that you can be successful.

So, try new things.

Challenge yourself.

Find your strengths and play to them. You won't be disappointed.

Three Things Thursday ...

Taper Madness - I've trained for a lot of races before, but I am pretty sure I have never really experienced taper madness.

Until now.

Ironman 70.3 Texas is 10 days away and I'm kind of freaking out. Not only have I suddenly been hit with seasonal allergies AND a cold, but I'm pretty sure that my right leg need to be amputated. It's awesome. But, at least with all of my obsessing, I have learned the following things.

I'm confident that I trained well enough to finish.
I'm confident that I am overestimating my abilities.
I'm confident that once I pack my bike, I won't be able to rebuild it. (Note: I only have to lower the seat, remove the front wheel and rotate the handlebars. But it still freaks me out.)
I'm confident that it's going to be freaking hot in Texas.
I'm confident that I am going to get stuck in my wetsuit.
I'm confident that I have no idea how to keep my water and Nuun from boiling in the Texas heat.
I'm confident that despite my notorious list making, I am going to forget to pack something.
I'm confident that I am going insane. For example, last night I had a dream that I accidentally released the air from both of my CO2 cartridges while setting up my bike in transition.
I am confident that I am going to cry when I finish.
I am confident that even if I have to crawl I am going to finish.
I am confident that even if everything goes awry and I am the last person to cross the finish line, I am going to still want to do an Ironman. I'm crazy like that.

Tattoo - Once I have survived Ironman 70.3 Texas, I am going to get another tattoo. The design has nothing to do with the race or my love of endurance sports (although I have considered adding something to it), but I am going to have to stay out of the pool for two weeks so I have to wait. I'm kind of excited. And bummed. I'm going to miss the pool.

Moving - So, in a little over two weeks, my little sister (the one who recently took up running) is moving in with us. We could not be more excited. J and I really want her to be successful with her new career (she just got her esthetician license) and we want to do whatever we can to help her establish herself. So, if you live in central Virginia and could use her services (facials, waxing, professional makeup application, etc), feel free to contact me.

Plus, having here with us will be a huge help to us. For one, I won't have to schedule my workouts around J's travel schedule. Score one for me. Plus, the girls love her to pieces. It's really a win-win.

a trifecta of letters ...

Dear Run, 

We've been together for a long time. You were the one who helped me lose the baby weight and the one that showed me just how powerful I am. You nourished my soul and strengthened my being. And I will forever love you for that.

But, I'm not in love with you. 

I'm sorry. It just kind of happened. For a long time, I tried to fake it, but you're just not my number one anymore. Maybe, one day you'll regain that title, but for now, I think it best that you realize that things have changed. You will always be in my heart. I hope you can wait.

Love, 

TMB

Dear Bike,

I'd love to tell you that you are awesome and that I can't wait to spend hours on end with you, but that would be a lie. You still freak the heck out of me. I like you a lot more when I visit you on my trainer, but even then you leave me wanting more. I mean, is it really too much to ask you not to crush my lady parts? No, I didn't think so.

All the best, 

TMB

Dear Swim,

By now, you may have heard about what is going on between me and Run. We are going through a rough patch and I just don't love him like I used to. And if we are being honest, it's entirely your fault. 

Sure, you make me look like a fool with those latex caps and tinted goggles, but you make me feel so free and strong. Rarely is there a day when I wish for our time together to end. Just this morning, I added 1000 meters to my workout just to be with you longer. 

I'm so sorry for all of the horrible things I said about you in the past. I didn't mean them. I just didn't know you well enough to understand your appeal. I never should have doubted you. Please forgive me.

Submerged in love, 

TMB

funk ...

I'm in a funk.

It's absurd. 

I'm a freaking Honey Badger who's in a funk.

And there seems to be nothing I can do to shake it.

It started a few weeks ago and little by little has been consuming me.

Yesterday, I gave in.

Feeling bad and facing mental demons, I started my long run. Two and a half miles later, I couldn't fight the negativity anymore. I stopped the treadmill. Took a shower. And slept for 12 hours.

I woke up feeling even worse.

It was a total fail.
 
I know exactly what's bothering me.

I'm feeling inadequate.

Not only compared to those around me, but compared to my self-imposed expectations.

I feel like I am doing a lot of things decently, but nothing superbly.

And I freaking hate it.

It's hard to be positive all of the time.

It's hard to always be "on."

And it's really hard to admit your weaknesses.

I know mine.

Now I just need to find away to eliminate them.

On your 5th birthday ...

Dear Doodle,

Today, you turn five and for me, it feels like you are no longer a baby. I looked at you as I put you to bed last night and all I could think was, "How did this happen? When did you get so big? And why can't you stay little so that I can protect you from the world?"

Doodle, three days old

And while I know you are still so young, five just seems like such a big age. This year, you'll start kindergarten. You'll start losing teeth. You'll stop spending every waking hour of every single day with me. Big changes are coming and you don't even realize it.

Doodle, age 5

Now, I'd like to tell you that the last five years were all "rainbows and unicorns", but that would be a lie. You're not the perfect child. And I am not the perfect mother. We battle. We butt heads. You throw tantrums and I throw them right back at you. You cry. I cry. And I swear, there are days when I am convinced you are possessed.

But, it's not really those moments that matter. It's the other moments. The ones when you are the most cuddly person on the planet. When you are the most amazing big sister I have ever seen. And when you are impressing me with the person you have become. Doodle, you are strong and beautiful and passionate. You are caring and loving and determined. And you are going to do great things.

Recently, I have begun to understand that you don't act out to hurt me or to get your way. Instead, you get loud and argumentative because you are feeling stifled. Like me, you thrive on order and control and when things don't go as plan, you get upset. You don't always see that there are multiple paths to get to the same destination.

My advice to you is relax. Just because there are stumbling blocks along the way doesn't mean that you can't reach your goals. You are too strong not to. Doodle, don't ever let anyone quiet your inner strength. Don't let anyone shut you down. And don't ever stop believing that everything will work out for the best.

It will, if you just let it.

And remember, I love you bigger than the whole wide world forever and ever. Happy 5th birthday!

XOXO,
Mom

Wordless Wednesday: Tight Squeeze

This is why we drive an SUV. 

6'7" J in a Fiat 500

 Yes, that is a full sized Fiat. And no, this image hasn't been photoshopped.

biking truths ...

Did you know that I am 20 days away from my first 70.3? And did you know that you don't cover the 56 mile bike leg on a trainer? Well, from the looks of my training, you might think that I was told otherwise.
 
You see, thanks to J's work schedule, the cold temperatures and my overwhelming fear of crashing, I haven't really gotten outside much to ride. If were telling the truth, since my crash last May, I've only rode outdoors two times - first, in January and then again, yesterday.

Oh, yesterday ...

Yesterday, was just a comedy of errors that resulted in revelation of quite a few biking truths.

• Truth #1 - It is unsafe to bike without a helmet. When you ride on a trainer, you do not wear a helmet. Thus, when packing your gear for an outdoor ride, you must triple check for your helmet or risk showing up ill-prepared. Like I did. (Thankfully, I have an enormous head and I was able to borrow one.)
• Truth #2 - When it is 40 degrees outside, wearing five layers on top, three layers on bottom, knee high socks, a ski cap and a pair of gloves with hand warmers is excessive. You only need FOUR layers on top, three layers on bottom, knee high socks, a ski cap and a pair of gloves with hand warmers. Be prepared to shed that extra shirt on the side of the road.
• Truth #3 - It only takes about seven minutes for your toes to freeze.
• Truth #4 - Hills are a b*tch. That is all.
• Truth #5 - I am totally afraid of going too fast on my bike, breaking too hard and crashing. Downhills are evil and make me feel like I am going to die.
• Truth #6 - A lot of motorists are poopshoots. Seriously, when there are two lanes, why can't you move over? Don't you know how freaked out I am of crashing? Oh, and while you're driving me off the road, why don't you honk? That would be fun!
• Truth #7 - I love my bike. Like really love it. Once I get past all that fear, it's a freaking amazing bike.
• Truth #8 -  The longer I rode, the less scared I became. At this rate, I will be over my fears by 2015.
• Truth #9 - Laughing at yourself can be a heck of a lot of fun.
• Truth #10 - Even if I have to put training wheels on my bike, I am going to bring it on race day.

Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 6

This is the sixth in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care
Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self
Principle 3: Surround Yourself With Honey Badgers
Principle 4: Break the Mold
Principle 5: It's Not Selfish. It's Self Fulfilling

Principle 6: It's Your Life. Take Responsibility.

Take a look at yourself.

Is something holding you back? Keeping you from reaching your goals? Stopping you from becoming a better, stronger you? Do you have a reason, better known as an excuse, as to why your life is the way it is? Are there outside forces holding you back? Or maybe circumstances that are out of your control?

Now, be honest.

How many of those barriers are legitimate? How many are honestly out of your control? And how many are really just the result of your inability to take responsibility for your choices, actions and disappointments?

I bet your list just got really short.

Now, I'm not saying that bad things don't happen to good people. Or that some individuals don't face more challenging circumstances than others. That just wouldn't be true.

What I am saying is that some people are better at working with the hand they are dealt. Some people see life's stumbling blocks as an opportunity to challenge themselves and to improve. Others see those same stumbling blocks as a reason to give up. Not because those difficulties are a true barrier, but because they choose to let them be.

You can't let your doubts, fears, weaknesses and excuses get in the way of you being the best version of yourself. If you want to live your dream life, then live it. No one is in control of your life, except for you.

You didn't become overweight because someone else made you.
You didn't adopt an unhealthy lifestyle because someone else made you.
You didn't lose your inner strength because someone else made you.
You didn't get to where you are today because someone else made you.

You are who you are because you chose to be that way. Even if you feel like someone or something else has had a negative effect on your life, you are still responsible for the way you are in this very moment because you chose how you would react to that negativity.

You can choose to be better. You can choose to tackle life's challenges head on. You can be everything you've ever wanted to be. Nothing is going to stop you but yourself.

It's your life. Take responsibility.

Three Things Thursday ...

Patience - I like to think that I have an abundance of patience. I'm not one to care if someone cuts me off. It doesn't bother me if someone who showed up later than me gets called first. Basically, I don't sweat the small stuff. And when it comes to parenting, I am usually the one saying, "Why are you getting so worked up? They are only little kids."

The thing is, when J is traveling (which is pretty much everyday recently), those little kids eat away at my last nerve. I simply can not take their meandering and lack of follow through. When I say something, I want it listened to and followed. No questions asked.

But that never happens. Not even once. It drives me insane.

Honestly, I have a completely different demeanor when I am solo parenting. I'm short and harsh and I really feel bad for my kids. I usually find myself yelling at them one minute, then apologizing for losing my cool the next. And the thing is, when I am freaking out on them, I am fully aware of how psycho I sound and in my head I am telling myself to stop being such an a**. It's just that once the verbal vomit has begun, I can't get it to stop.

I'm pretty sure I have Parenting Bi-Polar Disease.

Cuteness - Fortunately for my kids, they were blessed with an abundance of cuteness. It's probably the only thing that saves them from my psycho rants. Seriously. I mean, how you could stay mad at someone who looks like this?

Punches - No lie. Despite that picture above, in the 15 minutes that I have been writing this post, I have wanted to punch someone in the face about 6,845 times. Apparently, my children have no concept of what the word CALM means. Or quiet. Or don't hurt your sister.

It's going to be a long day ...

refocusing ...

When I am on vacation, I do my best to stay present with the people around me. I keep my computer shut off. I keep my cell phone at bay. I try to remain "disconnected." Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn't. But, without fail, I always return from vacation with the reminder of two things.

First, I'm not a fan of "keeping up" with the people around me. Deep down, I know that you can't prove anything by owning the best of everything. I know true value is not attached to objects, but rather actions.

But, that doesn't mean I don't get caught up in it.

And second, I'm not of fan of "forcing" things to happen. (Note: there is a difference between forcing something to happen and working hard at something). Things that are meant to be, will be. And if I am constantly pushing and pushing to make things happen, they probably shouldn't be a part of my life.

But, that doesn't mean that I don't push harder than I should at times.

I came home from our recent trip feeling like I needed to refocus. Feeling like I needed to reassess how I am spending my time. And feeling like I needed to decide what people and things deserved my attention and what could fall to the wayside.

So, I'll be downsizing some aspects of my life.

Commitments that I don't really want to be committed to.
Obligations that don't excite me.
Fillers that are just taking up space.

I want my actions to have purpose. I want to do things because I want to, not because I have to. And I want to share those things with the people I love, because in the end, they are all that matter.

Princess Half Marathon Recap

Location: Orlando, FL
Date: 2/26/12
Temperature: mid 50's @ start
Official Time: 1:59:26 (9:07 pace)
Garmin Time: 1:59:26 for 13.26 (9:00 pace)
Place in Age Group (30-34): 191/2473 (top 16.6%)
Overall Place: 949/15803 (top 12.9%)

The Good:

Goals Accomplished: This race fell right in the middle of my Half Ironman training, which meant no taper and no attempt at racing for a PR. Instead, I set the following goals.

First, look fantastic. CHECK

Even without the eyeball, I know how to work it.

Second, have fun. CHECK - I mean really, it's Disney. Who doesn't have fun at Disney?

My Race Strategy: I decided before the race that I wasn't going to pay attention to my watch. I was going to run based on feel and the second I stopped enjoying the run, I was going to slow down. And I did just that. I ran the first seven miles harder than the last five, simply because I felt like I'd have more fun if I stopped pushing the pace. I sang along with every song on my iPod. And I tried to take in all of the entertainment on the course. It was awesome.

The Atmosphere: If you've never run a Disney race, then it might be hard to understand the atmosphere that surrounds a runDisney event. It's like all the favorite things about your childhood crammed into 13.1 (or 26.2) miles. It's an invitation to have fun. And it's the perfect excuse to act like a kid.

Always my favorite part of runDisney races ...

Plus, running through Cinderella's Castle is going to make any girl feel like a princess.

The Weather: Although, my personal preference for a race temperature is somewhere around 38 degrees, this race fell on a "textbook perfect" weather day for a runner - Mid 50's and overcast. I'm pretty sure no one was complaining about the conditions.

Meetups: Not only does Disney host events like runDisney Social Media Meetups and Race Retreats (think VIP treatment pre and post-race for around $100), but their events serve as the ultimate destination race for families. This usually means I know someone (or a lot of someones) who are attending. This year was no different. I ran into and/or spent time with a handful of my favorite blogging friends. But, unfortunately, failed to take a single picture.

The Bad:

Outfit Fail: Although I tested my outfit for chafing prior to the race, I did not test the adhesive on the eyeball. I just figured it would work. But, three miles and a little sweat later, I was blind. Or my shirt was blind. Either way, they eyeball fell off and I was transformed into the Green Devil instead of Mike Wazowski.

The Corrals: I first ran the Disney Princess Half in 2010. That year there were 8,000 runners. This year, there were nearly twice that amount. And while Disney does a great job with wave starts, including fireworks for EVERY wave, they are falling behind on getting everyone to the start.

In order to get to your corral, you must walk close to a mile. In years past, this walk took around 20 minutes. This year, it took 40. I walked into Corral A as they were closing it. Had I stopped to go to the bathroom, I would have missed the start. Perhaps, a wave start for the walk to the corrals is in order?

The Expo: Now don't get me wrong, I love an expo. But, despite the organization of bib pick-up, the expo is always a cluster. Overcrowded and hard to navigate (especially with three small children in tow). With all the property Disney owns, you'd think they could find a larger space to hold the event.

The Ugly: 

What ugly? Disney doesn't do ugly.

February Rewind ...

Run Miles Ran: 74.46 miles

Bike Miles Rode: 398.5 miles

Swim Meters Completed: 13695 meters or 8.5 miles

Rest Days Taken: 10

Highest Run Mileage Week: 2/20-2/26: 31.46 miles

Highest Bike Mileage Week: 2/1-2/5: 135 miles

Highest Swim Volume Week: 2/13-2/19: 4450 meters

Long Runs Completed (10+ miles): 2

Current Book: I've been flipping between Triathlon Swimming Made Easy and The Triathlete's Training Bible. I'm not even close to finishing either.

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Apparently, my eating habits. Didn't quite realize how out of hand they had gotten.

Current Colors: orange and pink

Current Drink: I'm on a rotation of water, Nuun and Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Current Song: Give Your Heart a Break - Demi Lovato

Current Triumph: After nearly five years of running, I finally started bringing my family over to the dark side. It looks like both my little sister, Beans, and J are going to run the WDW Half Marathon with me in January. Plus, my mom called me last night and she wants to run the 5K that same weekend. I'm pretty sure it's going to be epic.

Current Goal: 70.3 domination. That is all.

Current Blessing: I feel like my whole life is one big blessing and I am entirely grateful.

Current Excitement: There are only 27 days until my 70.3 debut. Not sure if I am more excited or nervous ...

2012 To Do List Update:

Fitness:

• Take 70.3 training day by day. Don't get caught up in what is coming, but rather focus on what is. Trust that it will get you where you want to be. - CHECK
• Find the strength to NOT add races to your schedule during 70.3 training. That is your focus, don't screw with that because of FOMO (fear of missing out). - CHECK
• Cross the finish line of your first 70.3 in less than 6:57:59.
• Maintain at least one day of cycling and one day of swimming per week, post 70.3. Give J some proof that a new road bike would be a good investment.
• Log 4,000 miles, swim, bike and run combined. - As of March 5, 828.57 miles completed
• Race a 10K with a finish time much faster than your very dated current PR of 53:17.
• Set a new PR in the Half Marathon, currently 1:57:06 (or 1:56:18, if the half split from the NYC Marathon counts).
• Race a Fall Sprint Triathlon. Actually train for the event, unlike in years past.

Nutrition:

• Eat like an athlete. Be mindful of the nutritional value of your food. - FAIL. Seriously need to work on this
• Consume no more than 18 desserts from either Shyndigz or Two Sweet Cupcakes (approximately 1 dessert/3 weeks) - As of March 5, 6 desserts consumed.
• Cut out snacking on the girl's leftovers. Just because they don't eat it, doesn't mean you have to. - Half Fail

Personal:

• Only say yes to the projects you REALLY want to work on. - CHECK
• Throw away the credit cards. Stop repeating history. - CHECK
• Ignore your impulses. Take time to process the true value of the things you are filling your space/life with. - CHECK
• Declutter and Organize using this calendar. - CHECK
• Continue to balance family life, training and now, work. - CHECK
• Prioritize and be a good example for the people in your life. - CHECK
• Help and support J and the kids in reaching their goals. We are a team and that must always be the primary focus of our lives. - CHECK

Three Things Thursday ...

Disney Princess Half - On Sunday, I ran the Disney Princess Half (full recap next week) dressed like this ...

Well, at least for the first three miles. That's when the sweat weakened the adhesive holding on the eyeball and I lost it. For the rest of the race, I ran as a Green Devil.

But, regardless, I had a blast and I finished in 1:59:26 without racing. I didn't even check my Garmin once. I'd say my pre-race goals were a success.

Active Recovery - This week in my 70.3 training, I have an active recovery week. My plan calls for three hours of cardio. Since the half marathon on Sunday, I haven't done a single workout (I am currently dressed to head out for a run though).

However, since Sunday afternoon, we have logged 29.3 miles of walking throughout the Disney theme parks. Someone, please tell me this counts for active recovery.

Seriously, though, we are averaging somewhere between five and nine miles a day and Dizzle, our six year old has walked EVERY.SINGLE.STEP. Yeah, she's a total Honey Badger.

Disney Obsessed - We are having a blast on vacation and I am probably going to move here permanently. Yesterday morning, for One More Disney Day, we woke the kids up at 4:30 a.m. to head over to the Magic Kingdom. Yes, we are obsessed. And no, that is not a form of child abuse.

J and Doodle

Dilly, Dizzle and Me

Me and my sister, Angie Pants

 See? Despite the early wake up calls, we are all smiles.