Monday, September 1, 2008

Disneyland Kids Races

We went to disneyland this weeked for the the kids races. Robbie was signed up for a 200 yard dash and Lauren for the 100 yard dash. I had no idea what to expect with this. I didn't know if when the time came the kids wouldn't even want to run. We were supposed to be lined up with the kids at 7:30 in the morning so we decided to Priceline a hotel for the night before. We got lucky and got a very nice hotel where we spent some time in the pool and hot tub.
*Early Morning before race

We woke the kids up the next morning at around 6:00 so we would have plenty of time to get them ready, get to the park, and get them to their spot. Unfortunately, I didnt read the instructions very well. The race was inside California Adventure so I took them to the front gates of California Adventure. Apparently, we were supposed to meet at a parking lot behind California Adventure. The family fun 5K was going on, so they couldn't let us in the park until it finished. We ended up waiting their watching people run for about 45 min. *In front of disneyland hotel

*Waiting for 5K races to end

By the time we got in the the park and lined up, the kids were getting REALLY grumpy. Lauren told me many times over and over again that she just wanted to go home and didn't want to run. Sigh, I was sure we were wasting our time.
*Waiting for her race to begin
*1-3 year olds! 100 yard dash!

Finally the time came to start the races. They announced where to go. They said runners to the left and parents to the right....unless parents plan on RUNNING with their kids! WHAT?!?!?! I didn't expect this. Obviously...I couldnt send a 3 year old off on her own to find where the finish line was so I had no choice but to RUN with her! I didnt mind at first. I decided I would run out far ahead of her so I could turn around and get some good pictures. HA! Yeah right! The announcers said, "on your marks, get set, go..." Lauren took off running soooo fast! There was no chance of me catching up to her. How pathetic...last year a ran a half marathon, this year a hobbled through a 100 yard dash, trying to keep up with a 3 year old. She did so good and had so much fun! She finished the race probably 30 yards ahead of me. At least I can blame this on being 8 months pregnant!
Lauren went right over to get her two medals upon finishing her race and was very exciting to have them. *And she's off!

*Getting further and further ahead of me!

* You can see me in the back.... :)

*Finish Line...look how happy she looks! *Cheering section at end of race.

*My view of the finish line. Yep...Lauren is long gone. *She was getting her medal when I caught up to her.
We had to hurry though because Robbie was next and we wanted to get a good spot so we could watch him. I wasn't sure what to expect when he was coming because I didn't know if Rob would have sent him on his own or ran with him. Sure enough, a few minutes later, here comes Robbie running with a huge grin on his face with his dad, with the same huge grin on his face trailing only steps behind. Robbie said that his race was started by the green Toy Story army men and that they army men had them do stretches before they ran. Robbie doing his race.
*Can you find him in there?
*Robbie and dad crossing the finish line.

The kids loved it! They did SO good! I was very proud of how well they did. It was really fun to have it inside California Adventure and for them to get medals of their own. I'm sure we will make a tradition of this.
*Yippee! Kids and their medals!
* In front of the disneyland 1/2 marathon weekend sign.
Afterwards, we were very hungry so we went to the Grand Californian for breakfast. Only to find out after we got seated that it was probably the worlds most expensive place to eat! Guess they can do that because they had characters walking around the restaurant. The kids had fun with that and the food was good, so it all ended up okay! Lauren loved taking pictures but Robbie for some reason can't stand taking pictures with characters.
*Dad and Robbie at Restaurant

*Mom and Lauren at restaurant *Chip.....or dale?

*Dale.....or chip?

*Brother Bear Character
*Another Brother bear character

3 comments:

Becky said...

Way to go, Robbie and Lauren! I think you must be the world's fastest kids! I love your medals.
Love, Grandma

Unknown said...

Great job! Congrats to all - runners and chasers. Love the pictures. It looked like the kids had fun. Wishing you all the best.

Love,
Grandpa

Judy said...

I loved seeing the kids and parents running the race! What a perfect tradition! Way to go Au Family!!!
Love, Bubby