I cannot believe 2022 is over and we are already into 2023! What a crazy year it has been! For us, it’s been chock full of “first time with a baby” adventures. Since little man was a bit older and we all got vaccinated against Covid, we traveled much more. This was wonderful… and A LOT with a baby/toddler. 2022 has been filled with new adventures and lots and lots of learning! Read on for the BEST of Running Disney Travel in 2022! Make your own list and reflect on 2022. It’s a fantastic way to start the new year!
Running
First Post-Partum Half Marathon
While this wasn’t my best half marathon by far, it was the strongest I had felt since giving birth. I ran the Nashville Rock’n’Roll Half (read about it HERE) and felt very proud to finish on a hot day. This motivated me to sign up for my next half marathon!
Murfreesboro Middle Half
Now, THIS was my best and favorite race of 2022! I raced with a goal time and actually completed it with a little time to spare. The race was flat, the weather was perfect, and I got to see my family at the end of the course. Read the race recap HERE! It was a fantastic race! =)
Marathon Training
2022 also brought my first dip into MARATHON TRAINING in three years! Ack! This would fall under best LONG distance running. While it hasn’t been a perfect training session, and it has looked MUCH different than my pre-baby training, I am very proud to be getting back out there and running some crazy miles. And 2023 will bring my first post-partum marathon very soon!
New Run Group
I also branched out and started running occasionally with a run group. While I haven’t gotten the chance to do many runs with them, I plan on doing more in 2023. This was definitely the best social group for me in 2022!
Disney
Walt Disney World Trip!
After MANY canceled Walt Disney World trips, we finally got back in 2022! Read all about that trip HERE! It was so nice to enjoy the parks and the resorts in a low-key way with our little man. Experiencing Disney with a baby is so different, but so wonderful! I cannot wait to get back to the parks soon! Plus, I cannot wait to see it all through his eyes as he grows older. It really has so much magic and I love how interesting everything is to him!
Disney+
We could not survive without Disney+! It has been a lifesaver for us with our kiddo. It’s wonderful having all of our favorite Disney movies in one place. Disney+ was definitely the “best of” streaming for us in 2022! Even if we didn’t watch much of the new content this year.
Travel
Food
This year we didn’t get a whole lot of amazing food while traveling. Though our one failed trip (we left after one night) to the Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee had some great room service. I would say that was probably the best food we had while traveling in 2022.
Airbnb
We had several fun-filled trips using Airbnb. We started the year off with a trip to Decherd Tennessee (read about that HERE). It was a great relaxing come-back trip after the failed Ritz vacation.
Then we had two vacations to Navarre Florida to see family and the beach. Both places we stayed were lovely and we had the best time! We also got to see Sea Turtles at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Rescue. These trips were so relaxing and fun for the whole family! =)
First Flights
Our little man also had his first AND second flights as we flew to Florida for Disney and California to see family. They weren’t the “best” experience flying, but they were momentous for our family as we flew with our toddler for the first time!
Best Purchases
Minimeis Carrier
We purchased the Minimeis carrier midway through the year and it was a game-changer! Read the full review HERE. It really helped us travel with our toddler and he just loves it. It’s definitely worth it!
SlumberPod
After a few trips with terrible naps and much crying at bedtime, I was on the hunt for a way to make travel easier with our kiddo. Enter the Slumberpod! I was very skeptical to buy this weird blackout tent which was very pricey… but I am so glad I did! Once we started using the “pod” our little one started taking full naps when we traveled and complaining MUCH less at night. He actually really likes it in the Slumberpod! We still don’t zip it up all the way, though he’d probably be fine, I’m just a little nervous about it. Even unzipped it makes a dark enough space so sleeping is much easier. It was a great purchase!
What a year 2022 has been! Though nothing is ever perfect, this year has been filled with much love, snuggles, miles, and Mickey, it makes my heart so full! I cannot wait to see what 2023 will bring us! Our little guy is growing up so fast, I am grateful for all the special moments I get to spend with him and my family. 
Have a wonderful New Year and stay safe and healthy my friends!
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