I think I felt like my lunch yesterday was way too healthy because I had the opposite for dinner: ddp, bagel and then a 10 piece chicken nugget pack on our way up north with Paige and her husband. Nutrition at its finest.
Utah people, this is another item for your ‘holiday season must-do or else you’ll be sad’ list.
We went to see Santa’s Reindeer at Thanksgiving Point. Clearly the kids couldn’t even take their eyes off of the reindeer for more than 1 second to take a picture. That would just be asking too much.
Just because I am sure you have been dying to know:
These kiddos were living the dream.
They also had a guy making ice sculptures while we were there. He was incredibly talented.
We warmed up inside with the richest hot chocolate I have ever had in my life by a Christmas tree.
Day #9 of Christmas traditions was another success. I kind of don’t ever want this month to end. Ever.
I think I found the answer to help us to get our next PRs.
Anyone else have lightup shoes as a kid? I am on the hunt for a sweet pair for Brooke.
What was your dinner last night?
Your absolute favorite kind of animal?!?
100 comments
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
Live reindeer?! How fun!
I never had light up shoes, but my niece has a couple of pairs. Hers are Sketchers and so cute!
Last night for dinner I had Lemon Spinach Couscous with a wedge of Garlic & Herb Laughing Cow cheese stirred in to make it creamy. It was pretty yummy!
My absolute favorite kind of animal is a cat. Love my kitties, but not in a crazy cat lady kind of way. ;)
Ellie @ Double Trouble Running
No light up shoes for me! Clearly I missed out. Is it too late to join the gang??
Dinner for us last night was hamburger and chips. After a run, I might add, but still… yeah, not healthy at all.
Favourite animal is a dog! Or a bunny.
Molly
I made General Tso’s tofu, rice and broccoli! It tasted just like take out! I can’t decide on a favorite animal, so I’ll just go with dog. Who doesn’t love puppies?!
Sarah @pickyrunner
Hahha I always thought the brighter my shoes, the faster I’ll be. Good thing my new racing sneakers are bright pink! Whenever I try to be “too healthy” earlier in the day, I end up only wanting to eat junk food later, so i think that means junk food early in the day will help me make better decisions later, or something like that. Dinner last night was a grilled chicken salad, cheez its, and a milkshake. Solid life decisions.
Abby @ Change of Pace
I bet Brooke never wants the month to end either- how fun!
I’d have to say my dog is my favourite animal! But otherwise it’s sae turtles. They’re so peaceful just slowly swimming through the ocean!
Megan @ Meg Go Run
Oh I am not a fan of those light up shoes! When the kids wear them to school and I’m teaching, they seriously distract me with all the blinking! The kids aren’t distracted mind you, just me, the easily distracted teacher. ;)
Emma @ Culturecopia
Looks like these Christmas Traditions are turning out to be a blast! I never had light up shoes… too bad. I love dogs and horses – I have two Labrador Retrievers back home whom I miss so much! And they are really great dogs for kids :)
ari @ whatarisaid
Lol, I’m with Meg Go Run – my students wear them to school and sometimes they’ll blink when I’m teaching and pretty much blind me!
Love how into the reindeer the kids are, I’m sure I would’ve been the same way too. Because if reindeer are real, that means Santa is real too… no? :)
Casey @ stayingonpace
I thought I was SO cool as a kid with my light-up shoes! haha
Dinner last night was turkey cabbage stir fry…delicious!
Run Charly Run
Dude, remember L.A. Gear’s?!
Made chicken quinoa stew. Think chicken noodle soup without the noodles, added quinoa.
My favorite animal? My Dogbert, of course.
Meaghan @ New York and Nikes
I wanted light up shoes so much as a kid but never had them! Brooke should definitely get a pair from Santa! Dinner last night was salad and garlic bread, with a side of kashi go lean :)
Nyviewsnikeshoes.com
Jackie
I love puppies!
Holly
Wow, that is so cool!! I bet Brooke was LOVING every minute of that experience!!
So my Mom wears a kids size 5 shoe (she’s short!!) & has been dying to get light up shoes forever. How funny is that?!
tess
Mine, too! And she LOVES light up shoes! Cracks me up.
Meagan
I saw that picture on fb the other day and thought it was hilarious!
I made a stir fry using a Hot Chile Pineapple Chipolte sauce from Target and mixed it with chicken, portobello mushrooms (lots of them), sugar snap peas, snow pea pods, and cashews. It was delicious!
Leah @ Running with the Hayneses
Haha! I love the picture where Brooke and her friend couldn’t look away from the reindeer! :)
runningwithscissors
Dinner last night was refried beans straight out of the can cold topped with shredded cheese and sour cream. Dried cranberries for dessert. Yum!
I love monkeys for some reason. They are just so stinkin’ cute to me.
Sanaz@ Run for Cake
I didn’t have light up shoes as a kid but I am going to make sure my one year old does. They are so cute and fun! What a nice place to go see the lights and the reindeer. I don’t know why we don’t have more places like that in South Florida. Looks like the kids had a blast!
For dinner last night, I made a plate full of yummy Trader Joes finds. Chicken Sausage with feta and garlic, sweet potato fries and a yummy salad.
Andrea R. @ Morning Runner Girl
YES loved light up shoes!!! such a great time in those things!! why are we no longer wearing them??
Dinner last night = left over Costco chicken and Costco Ground Turkey stuffed Red Peppers!! yumm! ((of course then frozen berries and yogurt for dessert! yumm))
FAve animal?? Probably monkey or dolphine :)
HollieisFueledByLOLZ
Yes. Dr. Pepper for the win, I think I have mentioned to you I’m addicted for real. I went to the diner that is .5 from my house last night for dinner…also nutrition at its finest LOL.
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I honestly didn’t even think they made light up shoes anymore until I saw a little girl sporting some at church a couple of weeks ago. I never had any as a kid because I don’t think they really became a thing until I was a little older and “too cool” for light up shoes. Sad face.
Sue
Dinner last night was leftover pizza since I had to rush to my daughter’s school. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and I literally had seconds to get to the school once I got home from work. I made it though. My daughter had light up sneakers when she was little and spent so much time looking at her feet she ran into things a lot!! LOL. My favorite animal(s) are cats and dogs!! Have a great day.
Penny
Check out the Skechers Twinkle Toes!! I’m a Buyer for Dillard’s and those are the best sellers!! They have the bright LED lights and a lot of flashy glittery bling
Ashley
I didn’t have light up shoes but I had the keds tennis shoes that changed color in the sun! Oh man, I loved those shoes!
Lori
Oooo. Light ups for kids are so much fun. I didn’t get my daughter a pair until she was almost three, now, that’s all she’ll wear. I blame myself for not letting her choose what she wanted. But we are in love with Sketchers’ Twinkle Toes. They are soft sided, not overly bulky like some light ups, come in 1/2 sizes, and have sparkly velcro. There is obligatory bling on the toes, and three of her “blingies” are special and light up. They are obnoxious in a non-obnoxious way, if you get what I mean.
Also- newer to following your blog- but I love the daily updates, they provide such good inspiration! Thank you!
Bryan Kraham @ BSX Athletics
Hey, you learn something every day.
Dinner was leftover pizza and birthday cake from the back to back birthday parties of my kiddos. talk about picture of health there!!
if there are any of you that can say you OWNED your own pair of light up shoes as a kid…well I am just way to old.
Linda
You can find light up princess sneakers at Payless and Sears has a bunch of light up shoes too.
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my 7 year old has a pair and they are really really cute!! I think she got them at WAlmart?? not 100% though!
I am really jsut loving your traditions!
Last night was homemade chicken caesar pizza….it was soooooooo goooood
ok, now i am already hungry for my lunch (leftovers) and its only 8:50 am!
Kristina @ Fast and Foodiest
I never got to have light up shoes or anything else flashy- being the oldest of 5 I think my mom always had hand me downs in mind for the others! I take out this frustration now on my entire shoe.. collection. My hot pink Newtons definitely rule! I blogged about dinner yesterday- homemade mahi-mahi “fish sticks” and big salad- LOVED it.
I love frogs. I have since I wanted to catch them all when I was a kid and keep them in my kiddie watering cans with a little big of grass and some water. The frogs were probably tortured, but I loved the idea that I could kiss it and maybe it would turn into a prince :)
Kristina @ Blog About Running
Whaaaat two Kristina with a K comments in a row. When does this ever happen?! I have to check out your blog :)
Kristina @ Blog About Running
Dr Pepper is the most unique soda. It’s flavor is very distinguished. One time I asked my bf to get me a refill of diet pepsi and he added a drop of dr p. and as soon as I took a sip I was like, “what’s wrong with this diet pepsi, does it have dr. p in it?!” He was like “wow I only put a drop in, i can’t believe you could tell” but oh could I tell :) Sorry for the boring story but I’ve never had an opportunity to tell it and now seemed somewhat appropriate! haha (I do like Diet Dr. Pepper just not in my diet pepsi :))
mary @ minutes per mile
haha I used to have a pair of L.A. Gears! They lit up pink and blue… until i jumped down the stairs and broke them :(. Sad times.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
My favorite animals are blue whales and elephants. Clearly I think there’s something majestic in large animals… haha.
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Last nights dinner was sweet potato fries and BBQ -sauced chicken – YUMMY
I never did have light up shoes – but I would agree, they totally make you faster ;-)
Becky
I think I had one pair of light up shoes when I was younger, and I loved them! They are the perfect shoes for kids! And I agree, December is such a fun month!
karla @ finding my fit
Not only did I have light up shoes but I have lightup jellies! best sandals ever.
I need to force myself to get into the holiday spirit this year.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
There is not one photo where we can see Brooke’s face! Not okay, Janae. You’re gonna have to make up for this in your next post. I don’t know how to start my day now. Have a great day!!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
How funny!!! I also had chicken nuggets last night! Dipped in bleu cheese with sweet potato fries haha. Pregnancy food at it’s finest. Mine were the store-bought ones though! Have a great Tuesday!
Marissa
Skechers makes some cool kids’ light up shoes. My 8 year old just stopped asking for them :(
I had chili mac and a side of broccoli made by the hubby which made it taste even better.
My favorite animal is probably either a tiger, jaguar, lion or a household cat. Yup, I’m one of those people.
Chelsea
Well that explains why Reindeer are so badass! I loved my light up shoes!! I also had a pair that Polly from Polly pocket inside this heart on the side. And everyday I thought about cutting her out so I could play with her haha. Pandas will always have my heart , <3
Cori @ olivetorun
I feel like light up shoes are a necessity at some point for everyone…. whether you’re 2, 5, or 27 like me. I don’t have LIGHT UP shoes but I do have shoes that glow in the dark and I love using them to light my way on my morning runs.
Jill
Dinner was chili with a homemade apple/raspberry salad with a yummy dressing.
I got my child’s light up shoes at winners. I think they r quite easy to find though. My favourite animal is probably a giraffe! I love everything about them.
Those reindeer r so cute omg. So so so cute.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
I loved those light up shoes! Confession, I found an adult pair when I was about 17 and didn’t buy them. I’ve been kicking myself ever since. ;-)
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
My son had light up shoes from Stride Rite when he was little! I never did, but I recall wanting a pair of these pretty sneakers that had a rainbow on them and my dad wouldn’t let me get them for camp because they wouldn’t have enough support – he was a runner and I now understand!
Joy
I definitely think grown up runners need light up shoes to help make us more visible for night/winter running!
Amy @ Long Drive Journey
NEGATIVE SIXTY NINE DEGREES for the record low?!?! That sounds absolutely miserable.
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Tacos for dinner. Reebok pumps and keds we’re cool when I was little. I just got my little boy lightning McQueen light shoes. He calls them his “running shoes.” They are super light, some of those are heavy. Walmart is where we bought them.
Flower
Lightup shoes, never. Although I wouldn’t mind having a pair with those wheels in them. That would be the secret to being fast!
The hubs took me to dinner at Longhorn last night and after we came home to my favorite animals, my dogs.
Livi
oh my gosh– my light up shoes were my favorite! I would walk around stomping to show them off!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
Love the pictures of Brooke all bundled up. :)
We just had leftover lasagna for dinner last night. And we’ll be having it again tonight. I love leftovers. ;)
Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life
Hahahah I love that! I had light up Sleeping Beauty shoes (she was my favorite because she was a blonde like me and her dress changes colors). I thought I was the coolest kid ever.
Colleen
That reindeer fact was really interesting…maybe it’s the science teacher nerd in me coming out! Utah has some awesome Xmas exhibits/activities! Brooke def needs light up shoes.
amy
Oh reindeer! I will have to check that out while I’m at my brother’s house this weekend. My baby loves all animals and will love that.
I had cafe rio last night in vegas! It was not up to the same quality of most of the Cafe rio I’ve been to but it was still pretty darn delicious.
Try looking on zulily.com they always have a huge variety of shoes. The downside is that sometimes shipping takes a while.
I feel the same way about December. Im living all the traditions you’ve come up with. Im enjoying reading them too.
michelle kim
Favorite animal (at least in the wild) is a tiger! Or a snow leopard… or any other big cat. They are such beautiful creatures.
Those reindeer are super cute, as are the kids walking toward them ;)
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
Wow that place looks BEAUTIFUL! wish we had somewhere around here to go like that!
I always wanted light up shoes as a kid but sadly never got them! I think they came around just about the time I was growing out of that age!
Carson
I almost cannot fathom those crazy low temps.
I went to a Christmas party last night and had a ton of carb heavy food. I am pretty sure everything I ate had cream cheese in it, and it was all delicious.
Kathy
We had scrambled eggs and pumpernickel bread last night….it is my “quick lets eat kind of meal”. ;-)
No light up shoes when I way young…I don’t think they made those 40 some years ago…in fact I still remember how great I thought I was when mom finally bought me my first pair of “Nike” tennis shoes. Finally, in the cool club…ha!
I use to LOVE ALL ANIMALS when I was younger….now, after having so many with the kids ….from guinea pigs, turtles, hamsters, dogs, and cats I can honestly say I am sick of cleaning up after hair balls, pukes, poop, pee, food thrown every where out of certain cages, hair from animal play and simply living a life around animals….ugh! So over them….but, I wouldn’t mind checking out reindeer! cool!
Kari @ Running Ricig
I was always jealous of the kids with light up shoes. I never got any…so deprived.
Kay
Mmm, hot chocolate sounds so good right now. Maryland got snow and it’s still snowing a little bit now too!
Leslie
Light up shoes are so cute! I love seeing little kids running around with them. I wish they were cool for adults too!
Trader Joe’s has a Sipping Chocolate that is super rich. So if you like rich hot chocolate, that is a good one to try. And since it is TJ’s, it is only $3-4 for the container.
The reindeer village looks awesome! So much fun. I don’t have kids, but I want to go to see the reindeer! lol.
Last night, I made a club rollup for dinner. It was delicious-crescent rolls stuffed with ham, chicken breast, roast beef, and bacon. Super easy and super filling!
Amanda
Beautiful pictures! I love how both cuties were turned around in sync. I don’t think light-up shoes had been invented yet when I was a kiddo :)
Josse
I’m all in for those light up shoes, we really should so the cars will see us better when we run before the sun comes up. I really hope it warms up soon I miss my running pals.
Mondays are easy dinner days it was grilled cheese with salmon and veggies.
Dogs are my fav and especially mine:)
Johanna
Awww! How fun it would be to see those reindeer! :)
I never had light-up shoes as a kid… At least if I did I don’t remember them! :)
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I never had light up shoes, maybe that is my PR problem?! ;)
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I love that picture of the kids staring at the reindeer… haha too funny. I love all kinds of animals, but really love polar bears. I know they aren’t cute and cuddly in real life, but they are just so awesome.
Anissa Angelosante
I found the Reindeer factoid very interesting!! I learned my one thing for today!
I never had a pair of light up shoes, but always wanted them, I wonder if one day they will make a pair of real running shoes like that for adults!
Dinner last night was Picante Chicken Soup! You can find the directions on my website.
Any my favorite animal… probably my pug!
Holly @ Healthy Living Holly
YES! I remember in kindergarten having light up shoes and my best friend was mad at me for a long time (until she got her own pair).
Dinner last night was a giant salad with lots of roasted root vegetables and a homemade olive oil/ACV/garlic dressing. Super yummy!
My favourite animal would probably have to be a cat. So original, I know. This includes jungle cats as well! Meow :)
Bethany
Dinner last night was a staple when my husband travels, tomato, mozzarella Panini. Love all the Christmas lights!
Ashley
Oh my gosh I absolutely remember my first pair of light up shoes. Shoot I’d still rock those!
Shelley
Yes had light up shoes as a kid and loved them…
Dinner was two slices pizza during a fire meeting and then a bowl of home made chicken noodle soup when I got home yummo!
alicia
I made white chicken chili in the crock pot and enjoyed the leftovers for lunch today.
Definitely a dog person!
Ali
I had light up shoes as a kid. I haven’t thought about those for decades haha. I think they were L.A. Gear??
Carrie
My son has light up shoes but they don’t make them in size 5 for my 2 year old! (At stride rite) let me know if you find little little light ups:)
Runner Girl Eats
I had a conversation the other day about how reindeer are my favorite animals. They just feel so magical :) last night my dinner was pad Thai and it was wonderful!
Blaire @ Just Been Running
Heck yes I had light up shoes when I was little! They were the best! I am pretty positive you are correct too, I think we would all run a little faster if our shoes lit up :) I do think it’s great that shoes are so colorful and bright right now though! So that can count!!
I had sushi for dinner last night mmmm!!
My favorite animal was always a horse…I still love them and think they are beautiful, but I really do love dogs becuase they are the coolest animal ever :)
Kate
My daughter has the Disney Princess Wish Light shoes and LOVES them! They are sparkly and light up!
Elizabeth @ Positive Change
What an awesome night! Whenever you finish with hot chocolate it totally makes the night!
I never had light up shoes when I was growing up! I would have loved to have them thought! Last night dinner was BBQ chicken and some veggies with a side of apples! I love frogs!!
Liz @ Carpe Diem and Run
I don’t know if I had light up shoes, but I know my sister did! And my brother :)
Taylor @ Singletrackedmind
I love elephants and big cats!
Dinner last night was Indian takeout…yum!
Nicole @ Pink Elephant on Parade
Girl needs to get a pair of LA Gear (no knock offs, please, name brands are important in light up footwear) kicks, and they’ve got to have more than one set of laces each one a different color and possibly even actual ribbons. Brooke deserves nothing less.
kristi
I had pumpkin curry pasta for dinner last night that I made, and that I wasn’t a fan of so I’m kind of dreading dinner tonight since it’s leftovers.
Angela
You have started an amazing tradition! What fun! And light up shoes, I think you are really on to something here;)
Kerri C.
I do the exact same thing with soups. I use add ins like Spinach and Kale, sometimes frozen peas and carrots make it in there as well. I LURVE that minestrone soup from TJs but have never tried it with Wheat Thins… have you ever microwaved wheat thins with cheddar cheese and mustard on them (put the cheese on, micro for like 30sec, then put the mustard on)? TRY IT, IT’S DELICIOUS!!!
Kerri C.
okay… maybe micro for more like a minute, basically until the cheese melts.
Joshua Reed
I love the light up shoes pic. Lol. I def had a pair. I wonder if they make neutral performance running shoes with light ups. Be a sweet night running shoe. Yes, I’ll buy a pair please and thank you. :)
Emily
I’m a slowbie, so I definitely need lots of light up shoes! ;) I was lazy and came home from finals all day, so my dinner was cottage cheese + yogurt + chopped apple + maple syrup + cinnamon + 2 cookies. More like dessert, but heck, the earlier part of my day was just tooo healthy! :P
crystal pryor
I am 27 and still believe the brighter the shoes or running gear the faster I am. Haha:)
At the moment I am craving Dr.Pepper and choc chip cookies..while trying to plan a healthy dinner. Randomness at its finest.
Lauren
That looks like such a fun and Christmas-y place! I love that the kiddies couldn’t stop looking at the reindeer – so cute! Our dinner last night wasn’t too healthy either because we we’ve been sick the past few days. We had one of the only things we could both manage to eat, homemade mac & cheese.
Ashley @ BrocBlog
I love giraffes, the are incredibly badass.
K
I used to have light up shoes…and squeaky ones that would squeak every time I walked! It annoyed my parents a lot… Dinner was Chinese food! My favorite animal would have to be Pigs! They are so cute!! :)
Katie Did What
Oh my gosh, reindeer!!!! That is the coolest thing ever! My dinner last night was brussels sprouts, fish and french fries :) Balanced, and all ;)
xo
Megan
Never had light up shoes, but always thought they were pretty cool! Brookers would look great in them…my dinner last night was a chicken sandwich with spinach and pesto (yum!) and fruit nut extreme gluten free granola with an apple and cutie on the side…yes, all my meals consist of this degree of randomness…absolute favorite kind of animal would have to be a dolphin! So cute!
Katie Buckley
I had light up shoes in 1st grade. Because of them I got to be at the front of he line and lead the way to art class, and that made little me very happy!
My favorite animal would hands down be a horse! In addition to thinking about my running schedule when I see the forecast, I think about the riding conditions! This week has been awful as GA has had a downpour! At least with running I can deal with the rain or go to a gym. My dream would be an indoor riding ring, connected to a gym.:)
Nikki @ will run for pizza
I never had light up shoes, but I found that picture on Pinterest a couple weeks ago and was dying laughing too! It’s on one of my blog posts too! It’s still making me LOL.
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I loved mine when I was little. I think they need some for adults!
Kelly
I loved my light up shoes! Whenever I see kids wearing them now it makes me smile- they’re always jumping and running and stomping to make them light up :)
Cassie
Def had light-up shoes as a kid. They were the best. It might be cool to have them now for running in the dark!
Jen @ countryroadrunnerwi.blogspot.com
Never had light up shoes but I did have Lacey jelly shoes and I loved them!
I think my fav animal would have to be either dogs or beef cattle. I love my cows
Niki
I remember my light up shoes!!! Do they even make those anymore? They should!
I don’t want December to be over either…I can’t believe how fast Christmas sneaks up!!
*http://expertbrand.com-Performance Apparel for everyone. Use the code Expert10 to save!
Sarah
I love that picture about the light-up shoes. Hilarious!
Shoes: Jelly shoes were the light-up shoes of my generation ;)
Dinner: Lentil soup with turkey kielbasa
Favorite animal: Flamingo
I’m glad you are doing fun festive things this month! I haven’t done anything, and it’s helping me get excited for the holidays. Thank you!!!