After the marathon

I did it! I finished. Here is what we did after the marathon was over.

I got my medal and my finisher jacket. I love that jacket.

Then we found some problems. We had to take a bus back to the start area - I did manage to make it on the bus with minimal complaining. Then after sitting for 15 minutes I was expected to stand up and walk. These people were insane. I finally made it off the bus. We had to walk back to the hotel because I NEEDED a shower. Only there was this giant evil thing in my way, I wasn't sure if I was ever going to make it, it's called a curb but my legs did not want to move that high. I did make it back to the room eventually. After a shower I was hungry which required more walking.

On the way to dinner. I had a drink with dinner and didn't feel a thing. I really wanted something to take the pain in my feet and legs away.

So I got another drink. I didn't feel this one either, apparently running is good for my alcohol tolerance which wasn't the idea!

The next day the kids were full of energy and I hurt everywhere. We went to this indoor play area so they could play and I could sit perfectly still. It was just what I needed.

Rock n Roll Marathon

I got up early to walk to the start line and meet up with friends. Everyone else was mostly asleep when I left so you can see my surprise when I see my family cheering me on before I even make it to the start line!

(I'm in the white hat near the middle - behind the woman in the orange headband)

It was cold at the start so we had sweatshirts on just until we got ready to start. Here you can see my awesome friend, M who got me through the marathon. She was by my side the entire time never letting me quit (I really wanted to).

Here we are crossing the start! (I might be in the middle of a yawn.)

My cheering squad

Almost to the finish and still not sure I can even walk it in. Everything HURT. My feet were awful - I will be kind and not show photos or describe in detail, but there were many colors that weren't there a few hours earlier. I promised myself I would NEVER run another marathon again.

Exploring New Orleans

Arriving the day before the marathon in order to attend the expo means we had an evening to explore New Orleans with 6 year olds. Here's how that went.

 St. Louis Cathedral (this is the cathedral on the medal when I complete the marathon)

Cafe Du Monde - 3 of us loved it. One crazy child complained because there was too much sugar.

A few blocks from Bourbon Street

Posed perfectly

Travel and Race Expo

I did a crazy thing. I signed up for a full marathon. 26.2 miles. CRAZY. I signed up with a group of friends and picked the Rock n Roll New Orleans marathon because it is good for a first marathon. It has a total elevation change of 12 feet. It is flat. Of course, we don't live in New Orleans, so this did add the extra excitement of travel.

Yoga at the airport, always good the day before a marathon

Uber to the race expo

Our kids love race expos - free samples, characters, games, toys, it's awesome

Here I am with the map.

(Remember I keep this blog a year in the past for safety reasons. I am not actually out of town when this is published.)

Wordless Wednesday

Friends, Family, and Polish Food!

Music!

With the kids both playing multiple instruments, the house is never quiet!

Aunt J helping Sweet Daughter with flute

Sweet Son trying to play as loudly as possible

This is an awesome group. They take musicians and combine them for educational performances. We went to one last year that was a brass quintet. Here they had a piano, trumpet, flute, and bassoon. If you have never heard a jazz bassoon performance, you are missing out! I highly suggest any performance by Astraios based on the two we have attended.

Other Vacation Photos

These are the other fun photos from the vacation that didn't fit in any of the previous posts. Enjoy!

Beach and Volleyball

Deep Thoughts

Sleeping! One is using a pillow and one is using a blanket. It all works out!

Family Vacation Photos

7 members of our family went on a vacation to the Dominican Republic, I've written so many posts about the wonderful trip. Here are the best photos of everyone who went.

At the resort

Too sunny, but a great view of the pool

Smiling from morning till night

Messages in the Sand

While I was at home working and missing my family like crazy, they were having a great vacation in the Dominican Republic. I wasn't completely forgotten though, they sent these photos to me to let me know they were thinking of me.

Sweet Son's message

Sweet Daughter's message

Wordless Wednesday

Top Golf

Teleferico Puerto Plata Cable Car

This looks like a fun adventure! The family went to explore the cable car and get an amazing view.

On a platform

Riding up

At the top

Iconic background

My boys with a beautiful background

Ready to ride down

Family photo!

(I couldn't take off work for this vacation, so I'm missing all of the fun.)

Local Band in the Dominican Republic

Have you ever been standing in line and heard a local band and wished you could join them. Apparently that's an actual thing and here's the proof! Musicians just recognize each other.

Fort San Felipe

The family explored Fort San Felipe in the Dominican Republic.

A doorway just for them

Canons are always fun

My perfectly normal family, nothing strange here!

They are ready to be the lookouts

Beautiful grounds

Puerto Plata

The vacation wasn't just at the resort. They also explored the local city of Puerto Plata.

Sweet Daughter, Uncle A, Aunt J, and Sweet Son on a bus

Neat buildings and blue skies

Group selfie!

(I'm back in the United States working so I'm not in any of the photos.)

Wordless Wednesday

The would be a duck pond (with ducks) and a chess board with pieces.

I'm impressed. This may also be the last time the Lego table was that clean.

Playing in the Sand

The best part of a beach vacation for the kids is getting to play in the sand.

Can you stand still for a couple of minutes? Just ignore what we are doing. It will be fine.

Starting with a plan

So that is how wells work!

We can make roads and paths in the sand.

I think it's almost deep enough...