A Running Mama's Saturday

I love being a mama (most of the time!) and am obsessed with my running (most of the time!). Since hubby is not home today and our treadmill is still broken, I still haven't gotten my run in today!!!

However, my day still seems to revolve around the kids ... and my running ...

I WILL get that run in later ...




I love to hit thrift stores. I visited my local Savers and got all of this for less than $15.

A running skirt for Little Diva, an sports bra and to wicking running tops. All in my size and all my style. Love it!

Little Diva had a dance team clinic this morning, held by the high school dance team. Little Dude and I ran some errands and then picked up Little Diva after her camp. That girl loves to perform! She sported her new running skirt and her rainbow knee high socks from Pride Socks (HERE). Lots and lots of comments on those socks today!!

I can't wait to see her perform their routine at the football game, to "Baby" by Justin Beiber. Now, I have had that song in my head all day.

The kids and I headed towards the other side of town to the running store. I knew that there was a McDonald's in the area that we hadn't visited before. They also had a nice play area, including one for toddlers. I love the excitement on their faces when we go somewhere new. The way they run towards the play area, ready to play for hours. Even if it's the same old crappy food, it's still a new, fun experience for them. It keeps things exciting.

I also love that since I've discovered so many new parks, places and picnic spots on my long runs ... I often take the kids somewhere new. Today, when we showed up at this McDonald's (about 15 miles from our house), Little Diva asked ... "How did you know about this place?! Do you run over here?!".

The kids and I headed over to Fleet Feet Sports in Madison (HERE). I had received a call that my new pairs of Brooks Adrenalines had arrived. I had stopped by last week, during Ironman, and they were out of my big size 10's. They had a nice kids play area and table to entertain the kids while I shopped. Little Diva also enjoyed looking over the assortment of Sweaty Bands!

I was able to try on an adorable running skirt that was 50% off and I got it for only $30!! I also loaded up on some energy gels and bars. I was able to use my $15 off coupon from the Running Diva Mom bloggers meet up last month -- yeah! Still a hefty bill when I checked out ... but cheap considering it all came from a running store!!

I loaded up on some old favorites and some new items that I wanted to try, including Bonk Breaker Bars in (chocolate peanut butter and also PB&J), and Accel-Gels. I can't wait to try some of these on my long runs and at my marathon ... in two weeks!!

On the way back home, the kids and I stopped at Bean Sprouts Cafe (HERE) in Middleton, WI. We have been there a few times before. It's always a fun experience. The kids get a kick out of the special little things they thought of when creating this cafe for children. If you're ever in the Madison area with your children -- you definitely need to check it out. And, for those of you that read this blog ... and that have been there with our kiddos ... we need to go back soon. You know who you all are!!

The cafe also does birthday parties, tea parties, free story time and fun, interactive cooking classes (HERE) for children. I hope to get Little Diva over there someday for one of our mommy/daughter dates.

We rarely eat out with the kids anymore -- it's just not worth the time or the effort for how quickly we try to scarf our food down before there is a tantrum. Bean Sprouts is totally geared towards kids. Just look at this ...

Stroller parking!

Big Sprouts / Little Sprouts Doors

The kids continue to get a kick out of this!

Big Potty / Little Potty in both of their restrooms

Kids potty supplies, too!

Thank you, Bean Sprouts ...
I had been trying to get Little Dude to sit on the potty all day ... success!!

Bumbo Seats everywhere for the infants

Sorry, Littla Diva ... you're a big girl now

Step stools everywhere

Since our visit last year, they have also added a kitchen and grocery store to their play area.

Bins for placing toys with germs

Fun play area with chalkboards

Floor seats and booster seats everywhere

Drawing / creation station

The cafe features a food menu (with entree sizes for children and adults), snacks and drinks and smoothies. The menu is available online (HERE). The prices are a little more than fast food, but totally worth the healthy options you get there and the experience. We've tried several of the items on their menu during our four trips to Bean Sprouts. We've never been disappointed.

Today we tried the Pink Patootie smoothie (they gave me an extra cup with the leftovers - yum!), chocolate milk, fruit salsa with baked cinnamon chips, and a fun chocolate cake lollipop from the bakery case.

They also sell tons of organic foods, yummy baby foods (aka Baby Bites), playdate platters, and healthy sides.

Do you eat out with your kids?

Where can you take them and avoid a tantrum?!