A Day at Busch Gardens and a Madagascar Live! Preview

Disclaimer: My kids and I were invited to participate in the premiere of “Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation” at Busch Gardens. I received no compensation for my honest review. My family and I provided our own Busch Gardens annual passes.

As Busch Gardens passholders, we visit the park quite often but I can rarely convince my kids to sit through any of the shows. My children are all about the rides. Therefore, I was grateful to be invited to experience the premiere of Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, escape the sun and cool off in the newly renovated air-conditioned Stanleyville Theater.

As we entered the park through a back lot, my girls already felt so VIP, even before receiving a VIP pass. That excitement escalated as they experienced the premiere paparazzi-style with paw print lined floors and a lime green runner instead of the usual red carpet.

While enjoying Busch Gardens Tampa’s newest live stage show “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation”, guests are invited to dance, sing and party along with the characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit Madagascar franchise, including Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and King Julien as they embark on a vacation adventure at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

Photo credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The lively stage full of vibrant jungle colors and larger than life Madagascar characters mesmerized my toddler. Singers, dancers in bright colorful costumes and a live band join the rollicking Madagascar characters as they amp up the party to full throttle.

Photo Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa

The fun, energetic original tunes and party animal favorites such as “I Like to Move It, Move It” encouraged my kids and me to sing, clap and dance along throughout this 20-minute musical adventure. All three of my kids (ages 11, 7, 2) loved the music, the choreography, the costumes and the bubbles. Of course, no show is ever complete without tiny bubbles falling on you.

After the premiere of Madagascar Live, my kids and I explored the park with our friends. The rest of the afternoon was filled with flume rides and other fun ways to cool off in the heat.

For information about Busch Gardens Tampa and its newest show, Madagascar Live! Operation Vacation, visit online for showtimes, tickets and hours of operations. Guest can also experience “The Royal Treatment with King Julien”, an exclusive dining experience now available, featuring lunch at Zambia Smokehouse, reserved show seating, and priority at the end-of-show meet and greet with the characters.

Soup du Jour Vlog Hop: My Mother’s Day Reflection

soupdujour_blogbutton

Earlier this week, the Today Show shared a piece by Today Moms on how parents of three children felt more stress than parents with fewer children or even more children. According to their survey, parents of three often feel outnumbered, whereas parents of four or more children tend to be more relaxed.

Being a mom of three, I definitely feel outnumbered, over-stressed and have resorted to self medicating with beer or wine. However, one too many glasses and I could hit the magic number of four children. Of course, I’ll be more relaxed and I’ll drink less due to something called the “Duggar Effect“. Sure. I’ll drink to that.

Happy Mother’s Day!

What are you reflecting on this Mother’s Day? Do you have one, two, three or more children? Do you feel stressed or does the idea of more children stress you out?

Thankful for the Kindness of Strangers

This past Sunday, my oldest daughter and I experienced stand up paddle boarding (SUP) together for the first time. We explored the brackish waters of Crystal River and searched for manatees with our friends. It was a wonderful day trip and one that deserves a full post review (to follow shortly), however, this post is dedicated to the kind people who helped Allana and me.

Once we reached the springs, Allana and I took the moment to take in gorgeous view and snack on the blueberry Larabars that that I packed which contained cashews. Unbeknownst to me, Allana is severely allergic to cashews and she immediately went into anaphylactic shock. Her throat itched; her breathing became labored. She began to swell and turn beet red with hives all over her body. After only ingesting one small bite, our fun adventure now turned into an emergency situation.

Due to my walnut allergy and my other daughter’s allergy to bee stings, I normally carry two EpiPens, but I left them back in the car along with allergy medication. I asked our guide if he had a first aid kit containing Benadryl or an EpiPen, but he did not. I quickly paddled over to a dive boat within sight and asked for first aid, but they did not have any medication on board either.

Then, I spotted a boat idling past and I flagged them down to ask for a ride back to the public park where we launched our paddle boards. With 14 mph winds, I knew I didn’t have the strength nor the time to spare. Thankfully, they graciously offered assistance.

I share this story hoping someone in the six degrees of separation in this big blogosphere may know Gary and Amy of Crystal River. (Other than they have two children a boy and girl ages 3 and 4, that’s the only information I have.) Please let them know Allana is safe and we are truly grateful for their kindness.

One Woman Army for Mother’s Day {Music Monday}

No musings for Music Monday. The lyrics for Kate Earl’s “One Woman Army” and one photo set the perfect mood for Mother’s Day. (Be sure to watch the entire video the end.)

Never knew what I was signing up for
Knew it was hard but not this hardcore
Never gonna stop, never gonna give up on you
No matter what I do

(Chorus)
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
I’d fight for you, I’ll die, I’ll be your protector
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
No matter what may come, I won’t surrender

Gonna give you everything I never had
Love you and teach you good from bad
Never gonna stop, never gonna give up on you
No matter what I do

What I do, I do for you the best I can
Build a life for you with my own two hands
Never gonna stop, never gonna give up on you, baby
No matter what I do

(Chorus) X3
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
I’d fight for you, I’ll die, I’ll be your protector
Here I am baby, I’m your one woman army
No matter what may come, I won’t surrender

Happy Mother’s Day from Run DMT, your one woman army.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

{Girl Scouts} Run the World – Run 4 Respect

On Saturday, Allana’s Girl Scout Troop hosted an anti-bullying 5K fun run, “Run 4 Respect” to earn their Bronze Award. Advertised and publicized solely by word of mouth, the inaugural event had 125 registered runners.

Over the past few months, the girls planned every aspect of the event: the route, the signage, their shirts, awards, finisher ribbons, refreshments and entertainment.

For the entertainment, there was a DJ, a bouncy castle, a face painter and a volunteer to make balloon animals, a first for any race I’ve attended!

Allana selected me to serve as a cheerleader along the course and I wore my green tutu just for the occasion. I thought the color coordinated nicely with the Girl Scout’s t-shirts, but the color would also keep the runner’s spirits bright.

The troop invited Mrs. Universe, Kelly Lightburn, to emcee, present awards and speak to the crowd after the race about standing up to bullies and the importance of self-confidence.

The inaugural event was a huge success and it was evident the Girl Scouts worked very hard on their Run 4 Respect Fun Run from start to finish.

For Music Mondays, I’m now teaming up with my good friend and fellow Marathon Mama, Chrissy.

Visit Xmas Dolly and Jade Louise Designs for more Music Monday.

Random Thoughts about Stroller Strides, Being Boston Strong and Track Tuesday

My husband’s American Airlines flight was canceled due to some IT difficulties and he was unable to book another because everyone was trying to do the same, which limited the number of available flights. While still on edge from the Boston marathon bombing, I was so relieved to have him home.

Between FCAT, my youngest daughter behaving poorly at school and my husband’s traveling, the past few weeks have been so stressful and I so glad to have it all behind us now. Throw the Boston bombings on top and I felt so riddled with anxiety, which only a good night sleep or a good run could fix.

Since I knew I would be running with my kids’ running club and also participating in a trial Stroller Strides class with my moms group, I decided to sleep in on Wednesday morning. It seemed that the stress was draining me and I needed the rest.

The Stroller Strides class led by Regina, a sweet little pregnant instructor, was fun. Even Liam enjoyed it! I wasn’t sure how he would do sitting in a stroller watching Mommy work-out, but he seemed to like it or perhaps he liked making faces at me. I enjoyed soaking in the sun while exercising.

We met at the trail and after an introductions and a warm-up, we did a short jog. We stopped between runs for intervals, like lunges and squats singing toddler songs like “The Ants Go Marching” or bandwork singing ABC’s or “Hurry, Hurry! Drive the Fire Truck!” (Liam’s favorite) I appreciated all the strengthening exercises, but I thought they were a bit easy. Or at least I thought they were a bit easy until the next day. Man, my legs were sore for two days. I guess I could use a bit more toddler song lunges. Expect a vlog post about that soon!

Later that afternoon, I ran a couple miles with my girls at running club. It was crazy hot, but I encouraged the kids to keep running Boston Strong.

Thursday, I ran 6 miles. I tried to do a tempo run but my PF heels couldn’t handle it or maybe my heart wasn’t it to it, because I still had Boston on the brain. Whatever was going on in my brain (Boston bombings and bad behavior) had me deep in thought, however, that concentration quickly broke when a poodle came charging at me. I jumped back into a body combat stance and nearly kicked the mutt in the head. The flat of my foot was inches away from that poor pooch’s snout before he whimpered off back to his house and all I could think was “Chamber your knee!” But it’s like I always say, all dogs look like Cujo when they come charging at you and a kickboxing Kung Fu kick is literally my knee-jerk reaction.

6 miles
Time 1:02:19
Ave Pace 10:03
Max Pace 7:52

Saturday and Sunday, I slept in. Again, I just wasn’t on my game. But Monday, I needed to shake off whatever funk I was feeling and get my head back into running along with the rest of the country. All across the nation, runners met to run #BostonStrong and Fitniche Running Stores hosted our local #BostonStrongTampa. Proudly wearing blue and yellow (Boston colors), my girls and I joined the run at the Shops of Wiregrass location along with over 400 other runners. It was truly a tear-jerking sight.

*Photo credit to Fitniche*

We ran along the main boulevard of the mall and exited out onto a road for the long mile stretch. I let my girls set the pace along the 3.1 mile course but encouraged them to stay with it.

My girls wanted to walk more than I would have liked to, but I was just so proud of them for even wanting to be part of this moment. It was so wonderful to see runners of all abilities out there showing love for Boston.

I even saw a few Striders (Kim, Rachel and Christina) out there. I loved bumping into them during the run. Of course, they passed me and my junior running group.

At the mile and a half point, we stopped for water provided by Fitniche and the girls ran the second half even stronger. Once we reached the entrance to the mall, I told them they had to run back to the running store without stopping, which they did.

Surprisingly, Emmalynn snuck a sprint in the last tenth of mile (just like her mama). When we reached the finish line she said, “I finished STRONG, mama!”

“You mean you finished BOSTON STRONG!” It was a true proud mama moment.

3.2 miles
Time 47:56
Ave Pace 15:05
Max Pace 7:17 (Emmalynn’s sprint)

This morning, I ran sprints. Funny thing with my speedwork, I’m not showing any progress. I think it may be time to bump it up to 6 x 400 sprints and to push myself a bit more.

1 mile warm up
Time 9:57

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:55
Ave Pace 7:44

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:54
Ave Pace 7:34

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:34

1.1 mile cool down
Time 10:36
Ave Pace 9:41

Total Time 28:13
Total Distance 3.1
Ave Pace 9:07

Is Boston on your brain these days or are you staying Boston Strong?

*Also linking up at*

Random Thoughts about an Oil Spill, New Shoes, Boston Marathon and Track Tuesday

Last Wednesday, I wanted to get a quick 6 miles in before my husband left for his business trip. When crunched for time, I seem to run better under pressure in my training runs. I was so impressed with myself.

6 miles
Time 1:03
Ave Pace 10:32
Max Pace 8:30

Hubby has been working on the yard and therefore, the garage is a disaster. As a result and there is no path get in or out. I managed to maneuver through the garage before my run, but somehow I slipped trying to work my way back inside after my run.

I tripped over my hubby’s recycled oil container and used motor oil glubbed all over my shoes. I went into hysterics and probably woke the neighbor up with my cussing. I immediately took the shoes off and vigorously attempted to scrub them clean with an old toothbrush and Dawn dish detergent. I then threw them the shoes in a bleach cycle in the washing machine in the hopes would come clean. Another Dawn scrubbing and two more bleach cycles in the wash and the motor oil stains and smell remained.

I was devastated. These shoes were less than two months old and now I needed to replace them, however, I’ll hang onto them until Pretty Muddy. I’ll wear them for the mud run and then donate them at the end of the race. Hopefully, their industrial commercial washing machines can remove the smell and stains.

So, ordered a new pair of shoes form Brooks in the hopes they would arrive in time for Iron Girl, but they didn’t. They arrived on Monday by Fed Ex in this nifty shoebox free packaging.

Following the directions printed on the packaging, I turned the FedEx envelope inside out and it become a groovy tote. Don’t you just love that! It’s so green. Earth Day came a week early!

But oil spill shoes, new shoes and fun totes seem so trivial after the events that unfolded in Boston yesterday. I had been watching the live streaming on Facebook to stay up-to-date on my friends, Marcia and Andrea, but the live stream marathon updates were overshadowed by devastating news of explosion near the finish line. Patrick (Marcia’s husband) couldn’t locate her for about 40 minutes and we were all on edge until we had word of their safety.

When I finally watched the news footage later that evening, I cried. That could be any of us at any race. Why would someone do this? Is it some anti-government person trying to make a statement on Tax Day?

Well here’s my statement to the sick bastard who bombed the Boston Marathon.

You didn’t just bomb some race. You bombed THE race. Boston Marathon is the race that all runners dream and aspire to in a lifetime. It’s on every runner’s bucket list and some, like me, only qualify in our dreams.

Yes, these marathons are our dreams. Marathons are our goals and while your goal was to put fear in a nation with dodgy explosives, we don’t fear you. You make us stronger. You make us want to run more. You make us long for Boston even more. We will train harder and thanks to your cowardly ploy, you made Boston Marathon attainable.

We survived 911 and stupid shoebombers and we didn’t stop flying. We fly more.

You may have caused another massacre in Boston, but you messed with the wrong community. Runners are a resilient bunch. We are a strong people. Runners compete in wheelchairs and others with prosthetic limbs. Even bombs won’t stop us. Our will, our love and our passion makes us stronger. Just give us a reason to run and we will run until we die.

Though it turns my stomach to learn of the death of a young child who died while cheering for the world’s finest athletes, it won’t stop me from bringing my children to races. My children will keep running with me and we will keep cheering for others.

Furthermore, the actions of a lone lunatic won’t stop me from applying to the NYC marathon again this year, because I refuse to live in fear. Much like those who ran Boston, NYC is my dream. Once we stop dreaming, the terrorists win.

For Boston, I will keep running and dreaming.

And so will my children.

To prove it, my girls and I ran 26.2 minutes for Boston after dinner.

Today’s Track Tuesdays speedwork is dedicated to the speedy runners, the spectators and the lives lost at the Boston Marathon.

“I got sole, but I’m not a soldier.”

1.1 mile warm up
Time 10:45
Ave Pace 9:48

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile
Time 1:58
Ave Pace 7:54

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

Lap 3 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:03

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile
Time 2:00
Ave Pace 8:02

1 mile cool down
Time 9:34

Total Time 28:18
Total distance 3.1

*Also linking up at*

Perfect Easter Pictures

These are a few of my favorite photos from Easter.

My camera isn’t fast enough to capture the front of a speedy toddler.

I love this photo us.

I asked a random stranger at church to take a picture of us. I need to find that gentleman at church again to ~~hug~~ thank him and find out his secrets for picture taking. Seriously, do you know difficult it is to snap a decent photo of my family with everyone looking in the general direction of the camera and somewhat smiling? It’s perfect.

I hope your Easter had some picture perfect moments too.

Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After {Giveaway}

Is it really necessary to explain what big Disney Princess fans my girls and I are?

My Disney Princess obsession began before I had children, but it may sound more normal if I tell you my children are the Disney Princesses fans.

We experienced many Princess moments when my oldest daughter was younger, but when she was four years old, we experienced the magic and wonder of Disney on Ice for the first time. Our friends joined us that evening and we were surrounded by many Princess Belles.

Years later, the Disney Princess obsession continues with my youngest daughter, which means we can experience Disney on Ice with a Scottish flare and some feisty red hair.

Or maybe some long blonde hair will be tossed and lassoed as Disney Princesses twirl around the ice.

Of course, you can’t forget the Mermaid who wanted to be part of our world and the other who tried to save ours from the Empire.

This May, you and your family can join my princesses and me at Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After. (Psst…There’s a giveaway at the end of this post!) I haven’t told my kids that we’ll be at the show, but when they hear the news, I will the coolest Princess mom ever!

Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After is bringing an all-star lineup of your favorite Disney characters to the ice in a sensational live production coming to Tampa! This brand-new spectacular featuring scenes from Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, visits Tampa from Thursday, May 16 to Sunday, May 19 for seven performances at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 22, 2013.

Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, BRAVE, competes to win the heart of adventurous, sharp-shooting Merida, making her on-ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel. A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn. And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle’s enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin’ remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to Tampa!

Performance Dates and Times:
Thursday, May 16 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 17 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 – 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
Sun, May 19 -1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Rinkside Dining $75, VIP $45, $35, $30, $16.

Purchase your tickets online at www.tampabaytimesforum.com and save $5 on select performances with the code: MOMD13

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After are available at www.disneyonice.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Tampa Bay Times Forum ticket office at 1-877-610-8284.

To learn more about Disney On Ice, please visit www.disneyonice.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

Enter to win a family four-pack tickets to experience Disney on Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After!

One winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. Contest ends 3/30.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour

Thomas the Tank Engine rolled into Tampa Bay last weekend. My family and I had the pleasure to visit Thomas and experience the Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013.

Little Lion Man love trains and adores Thomas the Tank engine. Upon our arrival, he immediately spotted the parked trains at the Florida Railroad Museum, home to the Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013.

At the entrance each of my children we’re given an activity map. After visiting each station, a volunteer stamps each completed activity. Little Lion Man directed us which station to start at first for a chance to earn a set of Thomas stickers upon completing the activity map.

With a 2:15 departure time, we had plenty of time to enjoy all the stations and other fun activities, like climbing the old fashioned fire engine, the bouncy jump houses, mini-train rides, tractor-pulled hayrides and dancing at the children’s rock concert.

Once we boarded the Thomas, we enjoyed our quaint train ride through the Parrish countryside which vaguely reminded my children of the scenic towns of the Island of Sodor.

Little Lion Man couldn’t contain his excitement to be riding Thomas. As we clickety-clacked through the countryside, the conductors chatted with the passengers and distributed Jr. Engineer Certificates. Little Lion Man held his certificate proudly.

After our Thomas the Tank Engine train ride, we visited with Thomas to thank for him for another fine job and special special. Being such a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan, Little Lion Man was thrilled to meet Thomas in person. Thomas seemed happy to meet Liam too.

Nearby, Sir Tophamm Hatt greeted all the visitors boarding and departing Thomas, but Little Lion Man didn’t want to stop for a photo opportunity and chat with Sir Tophamm Hatt. Soon after, he fell asleep and missed his chance with Sir Tophamm Hatt. All the Thomas the Tank Engine excitement was all my locomotive-lover could handle. Thanks to Thomas and friends, Little Lion Man will surely have train filled dreams.

Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 will be stationed in Tampa for only one more weekend, Saturday, March 23 and Sunday March 24. Visit the Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 site for ticket times and availability.

*I received Day out with Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 tickets for my family in exchange for my honest review. The opinions shared are my own.*

Run DMT

I'm a mom on the run!

Tag Archives: children