3rd Annual Busch Gardens 5K

We were up BRIGHT and EARLY on Saturday morning...

for the 3rd Annual Busch Gardens 5K.

 Of the past three years, this was my FAVORITE
because several of my dear friends joined us.

(Sarah, Tory, and Grace...Barb and AJ, Courtney, Robin, and Laney Grace)

Clare, and her best bud Laney Grace, had fun "walking" through the park.

 The Sesame characters even made an appearance.

 This was the first year that Phil ran the 5k, and HE PLACED 2nd OVERALL!  Yes, you read that correctly.  My husband, who last year at this time didn't even own a pair of running shoes, was the SECOND OVERALL FINISHER! 
(It goes without saying that I'm a proud little wife!) 

 Phil walked back into the course to find the other 75% of his family (who was in the running for last place finishers), and our Little Cookie Monster was happy to get out of the stroller and finish the rest of the course on Daddy's shoulders.

 Here's a quick snippet of Clare, Daddy and Isaac crossing the finish line.

 Proudly donning her medal...

which she's worn to bed every day since then!

 The Pink Posse

 Sarah (who was pregnant during the race last year), Tory, and baby Grace

 Laney Grace with her Mommy and Nana (and little sibling on the way)

 Barb and AJ...with little sibling due in two weeks.

BEST BUDS...Isaac and Papa

 Best Buds...Clare and Laney Grace

 The day wouldn't be complete without some "Clare in the Air"

 My dad is the only other person who has done the 5K all three years with us.  He wasn't planning on being here, but he just couldn't miss the fun!  :)

FLASHBACK:

 Here's a picture from last year's 5K.  Isaac was only FOUR DAYS OLD (How, and why, on earth did I do that?!)  Check out this link for more pictures/stories from 2010.

 Here's a picture from the 1st Annual Run For Wildlife 5K.  Clare was 15-months-old, and I actually ran instead of walked.  Check out this link for more from 2009.

 As per tradition, we went to First Watch for breakfast after the race.
  That was fun, and we're already excited to next year!