Mills Family

Today, as you Graduate, one chapter in your life has closed, and another one is about to begin. The futures stands bright before you, so take hold of your dreams and no matter what .... don't let go. There will be time ahead when you feel overwhelmed but do not give up. For nothing which is worth anything comes without hard work and sacrifice. When you were a little boy I held your hand. I guided you and protected you the best that I could. It is time for me to let you go now. There is pain in that. Still there is a wonderful sense of pride and accomplishment as I look at the young man that you have become. I love you, Ryan, and I pray that my love will sustain you. It is time now........... spreed your wings and fly.

Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon Trip:

Day 1: We got were so excited to becoming from the freezing weather of Colorado to the incredible warmth of Florida! After getting ready in the morning in our nice warm hotel room we stepped out side?????? WHAT?? 40 degrees with a cold wind. We all had to go back in the room and pile on anything warm that we had brought in our suitcases. But, a little cold weather can not stop us!! (Mom arrived a day before us and called to encourage us to bring gloves, We had a good laugh at that one. Important safety tip always listen to your mother)

Sea World: There were 2 Fantastic Roller coasters. Since the weather was so cold there were no lines and we could go as many time as we liked. The Shamau show was a little sad being there right after the trainer was killed (only 4 days earlier) and you could tell the trainers were hurting and they were not allowed to touch the whales.

It was a fun day, but I never thought I would go to Florida and be watching the sun set thinking I can not wait to be in the car with the heater going full blast so that I can stop shaking.

Day 2: We started the day by going to the Disney Sports Expo building to pick-up my registration packet for the race. Disney had Cinderella's coach men at the door. Upon entering the building I was over come with emotion. It was really happening 4 months of daily workouts and now it was really here. As you entered you could be sprinkled with pixie dust and the fairy makes a wish that all your dreams come true. WOW!! Just help me finish the race, was my wish.

Following the expo we all went over to Disney's Hollywood Studios. It was great to enjoy the rides with no lines again. You know that you have been on the tower of terror one to many times when Tiffany can take a call on her cell phone during the ride.

Day 3: Discovery Cove. Believe all the good reviews you read about this place. It was amazing. Actually swimming in an aquarium. There were schools of fish, sting rays as big as your bed (yes, the kind that killed Steve Irwin!!), dolphins, barracudas, and so many different kinds of fish. WOW!

The grounds were amazing!!

DAY 5!!! PRINCESS RACE DAY!!!!

It is 3:20a.m. yes AM, and only 38 degrees outside!!! ( this is crazy) My sweet family all got up with me to go to the race. I need to board the bus before 4:00am. for a race that did note even start until 6:00. It is a long wait in cold weather but my wonderful and supportive family were there every shiver and step of the way.

6:00 AM. Ready set Go!! Firework GO off .... and....., and...., and.... no movement. It took me 28 minutes to just cross the start line. I was in the last corral for starting because in order to be in one of the upper corrals you needed to have a previous time to submit. Since this was my first 1/2 I was put in the back of the pack. We started out in Epcot and ran towards the Magic Kingdom. Mark and the kids jumped on the monorail (just a little faster than running) because we decided that would be our next meet up spot. Along the path there were Disney characters, live bands, and volunteers standing on the road to cheer you on!! Cinderella's castle here I come.

It felt SO GREAT!! to see my family when I reached the castle. Half way now. How they picked me out from 15,000 runners is just amazing to me. I heard them call to me and I just was filled with their love and support. Back to Epcot I go, through tomorrow land, small world, back lots of Disney. More supporters, and Disney personalities. It was party all the time. Mile 10 it began to get hard. My knees informed me that they had had enough pounding, bobbing around other runners and uneven surfaces. But I pressed on. Oh, how happy I was when I could see the big silver ball in the distance. Upon reaching Epcot they led us into the park, around this ride, through this ride, up this road, "OH MY" the finish line must be close, please let it be around this next ride. Yes, I see it FINISH LINE!!!!!!!!! I had done it. There's Mom, Mark, Alyssa, Ryan, and Tiffany, oh it was great to have them there as I finished the last steps.