Video in HD on Vimeo set to Nancy Sinatra’s “These boots are made for walkin”.

Derby walks from The Tadpoles on Vimeo.

YouTube had some issues with the Nancy Sinatra song so here is the video in low quality (to play on iPhones) set to Roger Miller’s “Walkin’ in the Sunshine.”

• Come up with team name: Team Tadpole
• Make team shirts: Donated by my brother Iain
• Enlist walkers: Jim, Joanna and John (I just realized they are all J’s)
• Bring enough drinks , snacks, gear, toys, diapers to look like were going on an overnight hike
• Sunscreen

The one thing I didn’t think of was shoes. I live in a pair of flips 24/7. It is Santa Barbara, you can wear them year round. Tadd was talking about getting some new athletic shoes and I said we would all go to the mall to help him look. He asked what I was going to wear to which I replied “My flips”. After Tadd wiped the incredulous look off his face I was told I couldn’t do a 5.5 mile walk in flips. So the mama got a new pair of Nikes. The lady at Nordstrom asked what I would be using them for ie: trail running, the gym, kick boxing. Nope, I do none of those things. I pointed at my two 17 pound weights that were getting into things and said that was the extent of my exercise. So she helped me find a simple all around shoe. The original pair I wanted was sold out of my size so she brought me a few others to look at. At first glance they were obviously not my style but Loen’s eyes got huge as she gazed at the MOST WONDROUS SHOES KNOWN TO MAN. You know she wanted a pair in her size and bedazzled.

Saturday morning dawned way too early (5 am) and we sprung into action. Decked out in our new kicks and team shirts we hit the road. There was a ton of people at the park in Simi Valley and excitement was in the air! There was also a chill in the air so we kept the kids in their jeans and sweatshirts.

We stopped by registration and ran into a fellow preemie mom that we knew. Quick hellos then we got ready to go.

We met a mom who was going to be walking alone with her two small daughters. She asked to join our group, the more the merrier! Tadd decided we should do the 5.5 mile route versus the 3 mile family route. The walk wasn’t bad but we definitely started to straggle to the back of the pack. As the sun rose and shade was getting scarce we got a little slower.

John & I were getting a little loopy from the heat

We finally made it back to the park and the kids were roasting. We were next to the last team to come back. We missed the closing ceremonies. Our friend Holly told us our shirts won an honorable mention in best team shirt design but you guessed it, we missed it.

We talked with other parents of 24 weekers and we have come to realize that the twins are on the tiny side. Tadd thinks genetics play a lot into it because he was a small baby and I only weighed 21 pounds at their age. Granted that’s 3 pounds heavier than Loen but when we saw 8 month old micropreemies that weigh more than us it can be disheartening. I am tired of size 2 diapers and 6-12 month pants!!!! Phew got that off my chest.

“Yup Derby the scar is still there”

Giving my mini muffin a kiss

Derby trying to return the favor or eat half my face. Im not sure which

Derby and Jo

I think everyone had a great time for a great cause. We have already recruited a new member for next year! Tadd and I cannot convey how thrilled we were with all of the generous support and encouragement we received. Donations were made from friends, family and some from people we don’t even know (thanks Christal!!!). It was wonderful to see that so many people supported not only a great cause but our family as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Formal thank yous may or may not be on time, well just have to see how things go with the twins

Loen learning to walk from The Tadpoles on Vimeo.