Recently, I managed to score tickets to a JPL tour, which, let me tell you, is no easy feat—these tickets are harder to get than Taylor Swift tickets! For those who might not be familiar, JPL, or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is a NASA research and development center that focuses on the construction and operation of planetary robotic spacecraft. It's basically where some of the coolest space exploration projects come to life.

As a mom with a family that’s super into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), this tour was a dream come true. My older daughter, Evelyn, who was turning 7 that weekend, was especially thrilled. She’s got a keen interest in all things science and technology, and I knew this experience would be something she'd remember forever. We were all buzzing with excitement as we prepared for our big day at JPL!

The best part about the JPL Visitor Day Tour? It’s free! The trick is that because it's free, spots vanish faster than you can say "rocket science." Currently, reservations open about two months in advance. So, if you’re eyeing a tour for September, be ready in July. But be quick—those slots get snatched up within hours, sometimes even minutes. You can book your tour here.

Our excitement soared as we pulled up to the enormous JPL campus, which turned out to be a whopping 168 acres—much bigger than we had imagined! Parking is free but limited, so we were glad we arrived a bit early. Check-in is conveniently located right across the street from the free parking. Remember to bring the government ID you used to get your tickets; you'll need it for check-in. Drew got us checked in, and we waited in an outdoor area with plenty of shade. Our tour guide was amazing! They handed out our lanyards and reminded us to keep them on for the entire tour. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and involves a decent amount of walking, including some stairs. We were asked to stay close together and in a single-file line since it’s a working campus.

Our first stop was the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Visitor Center. We started with a 20-minute video that gave an overview of our solar system and seamlessly connected it to the exciting projects JPL is currently working on. Evelyn was absolutely captivated by the video, while Hazel, being only 4, wasn’t as curious. Thankfully, we packed some quiet toys for her, and she did fantastic. There were quite a few other kids there, so as long as she was quiet, no one seemed to mind her lack of interest in the film. After the video, we explored the visitor center, which showcased replicas and models of past missions. It was fascinating to see JPL’s incredible progress and their ambitious plans for the future.

Next, we got to see full-size models of the current rover, Perseverance, which is busy conducting its missions on Mars. There’s a fantastic documentary on Disney+ about Perseverance that I highly recommend to anyone who’s interested. We also got to see a model of Ingenuity. Ingenuity was a last-minute addition to the rover mission. Another team at JPL was researching flight on Mars and asked if they could send a helicopter with Perseverance to study. The Perseverance team welcomed the idea but it had to weigh only 4 lbs. They would have been happy if Ingenuity flew once, but they really hoped for 5 flights. It ended up flying over 72 times! My absolute favorite fact is that when the Smithsonian Institute found out about this helicopter being sent to Mars to achieve the first flight on the alien planet, they sent a small piece of the Wright Brothers' first plane to JPL. The JPL team incorporated that piece into the helicopter, so when it flew on Mars, it carried a piece of the Wright Brothers' plane with it. How amazing is that story?! I wonder what the Wright Brother’s would’ve thought about part of their plane, being flown around on Mars!

The Space Flight Operations Facility (SFOF) houses the control room, along with related computing and communications equipment areas at JPL. It’s also where NASA's Deep Space Network is operated from. We were thrilled to get a rare opportunity to actually sit in Mission Control. This room is almost always in use, so tours usually go through the viewing room above the control room. Because it wasn't in use, we were allowed to sit in the chairs! Even our tour guide was giddy since this doesn’t happen often. Drew and I have actually watched launches/landings that were conducted in this room so it was very cool to actually sit there. We got to see all the different missions out in space on a large board that showed the data being sent from and to the different satellites. That is why it is lovingly called “The center of the universe”. We got to hear the story about the Lucky Peanuts, which was hilarious. If you go on a tour, make sure you ask about it! If you are interested, I snapped this picture of a laminated copy of the story you can read. I really regret not grabbing a picture with one of the cans of peanuts scattered around the room. For me, this was the highlight of the trip!

Next, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Spacecraft Assembly Facility, where we peered through a second-story glass window into High Bay 1. Inside, JPL staff were diligently working on preparations for their next mission. We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the Europa Clipper, but sadly, we missed it by just three weeks. The spacecraft had recently been shipped off to the Kennedy Space Center, where it will be launched in October on a mission to explore Jupiter's moon, Europa. These rooms are steeped in history, having housed the construction of some of humanity's most profound space missions. Witnessing the expansive clean room and the meticulous assembly process for space-bound instruments was truly awe-inspiring. Everywhere we looked, we saw badges commemorating past missions that were built, tested, disassembled, and rebuilt right there. Personnel working in these spaces don "bunny suits" to maintain cleanliness, with the air refreshed every five minutes—an essential precaution in the delicate environment. Evelyn particularly loved this part of the tour, captivated by the enormity of what was being accomplished right before her eyes.

Experiencing the JPL tour was nothing short of mesmerizing. From witnessing our tax dollars in action—totally worth it, in my opinion—to marveling at the meticulous care and precision that goes into every aspect of space exploration, this tour left an indelible mark. It was essential for my daughters to witness firsthand how the pursuit of knowledge benefits humanity. Evelyn, at 7 years old, absorbed everything with fascination, while Hazel, at 4, was a champ despite being a bit too young to really appreciate everything we saw. Personally, I'd do this tour again in a heartbeat. With our understanding of space and Earth continually evolving, each visit promises new discoveries and insights.

As a mother, events centered around celebrating the journey of motherhood resonate deeply with me. The "Inspired by Motherhood" event that was hosted by Be Inspired PR, beautifully captured the essence of motherhood in all its facets. From the heartfelt connections forged between fellow mothers to the creative and inspiring displays that adorned the venue, every detail was a testament to the power and beauty of motherhood. As I reflect on my own journey as a mother, events like these serve as reminders of the strength, love, and joy that define the experience of motherhood and I was grateful to have been apart of such a beautiful and special event.

At the helm of this heartfelt celebration were a group of incredibly talented women who poured their passion and expertise into every detail. Leading the charge was Leila from Be Inspired PR, known for her knack for crafting unforgettable experiences that touch the soul. Providing the enchanting backdrop was The Revery a sanctuary of elegance and warmth where the special guest mothers gathered to connect and celebrate. Orchestrating the magic was Gianna San Filippo, whose creativity and attention to detail transformed the space into a colorful haven, adorned with delicate touches and thoughtful arrangements. Behind the lens was Lisette Gatliff, whose amazing ability to capture emotion and beauty in every frame, perfectly summarized the day.

The event's ambiance was a symphony of vibrant colors and warm detailed touches, thanks to the meticulous attention to detail in the decor. Hello Pretty Events provided the space with a gorgeous backdrop that served as the perfect canvas for the center of the event. Hidden Garden's exquisite floral arrangements added the showcase of the day with their color blocking arrangements down the tables, infusing the venue with fragrant charm. Balloon Avenue's whimsical balloon installations added a playful yet sophisticated element to the decor. Complementing these enchanting elements were the chic rentals provided by Collective Rentals and La Pinata.

Colette's Catering curated a culinary experience that was as delightful as it was delectable, serving up a vibrant and sumptuous multicourse brunch. To kick off the event in style, guests were treated to welcome mocktail drinks served from Hoddebros‘s charming Airstream. These refreshing beverages were adorned with tags and stir sticks provided by yours truly, Delovely Details, adding a stylish flair to each sip. Additionally, we provided place cards guiding guests to their seats, and tags adorning every swag bag, ensuring a cohesive and visually stunning experience from start to finish. As they walked in with a mocktail in hand, they were greeted also with the beautiful music of On The Beat Music Agency. Guests could read all about the delectable treats and all the sponsors and vendors on the exquisite paper goods by the talented Chelcea Cupples Creative.

Lastly, our dear friends at JuiceBox Media worked their magic to produce an extraordinary video capturing the essence of the event. With their keen eye for detail and storytelling prowess, they beautifully encapsulated the vibrant energy, heartfelt moments, and empowering conversations that unfolded throughout the gathering. Their skillful editing and artistic vision brought the event to life, allowing us to relive the joyous memories and inspiring interactions shared among all the attendees.

Leila Lewis, the visionary behind Be Inspired PR, kicked off the event with a warm welcome, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The audience was captivated as Dawn McCoy, founder of the Loving Way Foundation, took the stage, sharing her inspiring insights and stories. Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan, partnered with Ready. Set. Food, then enlightened attendees on the crucial topic of introducing allergens to children safely and early. As the event unfolded, guests were treated to a heartwarming surprise—a touching video montage featuring heartfelt messages from their cherished family and friends. Tears of joy flowed freely as loved ones expressed their heartfelt 'Happy Mother's Day' wishes, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended.

Last, but not least, all of the attendees went home with some amazing swag bags. Guests received custom gift baskets filled with products from top brands catering to moms' needs. Ready. Set. Food!  provided early allergen introduction products, while Millie Moon contributed diapers and Pink Stork supplied vitamins. Beauty essentials from Summer Fridays, denim jackets by Three Wildflower Designs, mealtime kits from EZPZ, and pajamas from Hanna Andersson added to the treat. Custom labels from Mabel’s Labels, baby carriers from  Tula x Oddbird, robes from Oddbird,, and sweatshirts from Baby Barn completed the thoughtful selection, ensuring every guest left feeling cherished.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this inspiring Motherhood Event. It was an honor to contribute our products and services alongside such talented individuals and businesses. Being able to share in the celebration of motherhood and empower attendees with our offerings was truly a rewarding experience for us. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and support events that celebrate and uplift women.

Producer
Be Inspired PR

Venue
The Revery

Planner
Gianna San Filippo

Photographer
Lisette Gatliff

Caterer
Colette's Catering

Florist
Hidden Garden

Stationery
Chelcea Cupples Creative

Videography
JuiceBox

Welcome Drinks
Hoddebros

Name Cards & Drink Tags & Stir Sticks
Delovely Details

Balloons
Balloon Avenue

Backdrop
Hello Pretty Events

Live Musician
On The Beat Music Agency

Tabletop Rentals
La Pinata

Furniture Rentals
Collective Rentals

When I found out I was expecting Evelyn, I was determined to be that unstoppable pregnant lady who kept going at full speed. Running was a big part of my life, and I was eager to keep up with my routine throughout the pregnancy. I'd seen many inspiring stories in the running community—women running right up until their due dates. But, as they say, life had other plans for me. Severe morning sickness and constant breakthrough bleeding brought my running aspirations to a halt much earlier than I anticipated. The Star Wars Half Marathon, around my fourth month with Evelyn, marked my last race, and let me tell you, it was tough. I knew then that I had to hang up my running shoes for a while.

Between navigating the whirlwind of new motherhood, the unexpected challenges of a global pandemic, and the joyful arrival of another little one, finding the time and energy to lace up my running shoes again took a backseat... until last year. When the news broke that Run Disney would be reviving their iconic races through Disneyland, it was like a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. I was determined to reclaim that exhilarating experience once more. So, without hesitation, I registered both Drew and myself for the half marathon, and of course, signed up our little girls for the Kid Races too.

Like many families, juggling the demands of everyday life— from nursing the girls through multiple school-induced illnesses to managing my business while being a full-time mom—left little room for training. Time seemed to slip through our fingers, until suddenly, it was race packet pickup day at the Disneyland Hotel. To say I was apprehensive and battling a crisis of confidence would be putting it mildly. Let's be real here: the lead-up to the race saw me wrestling with countless sleepless nights and wrestling with a few anxiety attacks I'd rather not admit to.

Stepping into a Run Disney expo for packet pickup is an experience like no other, especially if it's your first time. You'll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant mix of Disney enthusiasts, avid runners, newcomers eager to try something new, and a whole array of people from all walks of life. Before the kids came along, I used to spend time helping out at my friends' booth, Sparkle Athletic, turning the expo into a lively social gathering and a mini-reunion of sorts. But returning after such a long hiatus felt like stepping into a different world. I couldn't shake the feeling of being 'out of the loop' and completely out of my comfort zone. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, feeling so awkward in a space where I once felt so confident and at ease. Despite all that, I was excited to introduce the girls to the excitement of the expo and get them pumped up for their race the next day.

The next morning, bright and early, we escorted the girls to their races. The setup was in a completely different area from what I remembered before my running break, and I had never participated in the kids' races previously, lacking little ones to sign up. The atmosphere was bustling with a mix of excitement and chaos, as even the Run Disney crew seemed to be adjusting to the new arrangements. While the girls could have run independently, the scene felt a bit overwhelming, so we opted to run alongside them.

The girls were absolutely thrilled by the whole experience! Once we got to the starting area, they were greeted by a lively DJ, lawn games, and an infectious sense of anticipation. As the races were about to kick off, the energy spiked even higher. Families turned out in droves to cheer on their young racers, creating a vibrant but crowded spectacle at the finish line. Drew paired up with Hazel, and I accompanied Evelyn. Hazel, upon crossing the finish line, was disappointed it was over and expressed a very strong desire to keep going! On the other hand, Evelyn, running alongside me, was anxious not to be slowed down. And boy, did she set a pace! I found myself struggling to keep up with her as she dashed ahead like lightning.

After the races, we made our way back to the expo to catch up with my friends at the Sparkle Athletic booth. In the past, I had modeled for their running skirts and accessories, and Drew had even taken some of their marketing photos. As we chatted and reminisced, Evelyn spotted some flyers and banners featuring yours truly. Witnessing her excitement at seeing her mom showcased in such a way was such an amazing feeling. There's nothing quite like the feeling of your child thinking you're cool. It left a lasting impression on Evelyn, who now keeps a marketing postcard of me on her nightstand and proudly refers to my friends at Sparkle Athletic as 'HER friends, the Sparkle Girls.'

It's moments like these that make the journey all the more worthwhile.

We hit the sack early that evening, knowing we had to rise at the ungodly hour of 3:30 AM to make it to the race on time. Sticking to tradition, we enjoyed a pasta dinner the night before, and I indulged in a glass of wine in an attempt to ease my nerves. However, sleep eluded me, and I tossed and turned, anxiously awaiting the day ahead. Before I knew it, we were trudging through the chilly morning air, bundled up in layers to combat the cold. This race was shaping up to be one of the chilliest I'd ever experienced. Wrapped in my 'throw away jacket,' ear muffs, gloves, and layers of clothing, I braced myself for the challenge ahead. Through all of the excitement and anticipation pulsating through the crowd, I couldn't shake the nerves gnawing at me. Fear of not completing the half and the biting cold weighed heavily on my mind as we awaited the starting signal in our corral.

Our strategy for this race boiled down to one simple motto: 'Leave something in the tank to finish strong.' Aware that fatigue would inevitably set in, we aimed to maintain a steady pace, reserving enough energy and stamina to power through to the end. As we hit the pavement, especially weaving through Disneyland and California Adventure, I found my rhythm surprisingly quickly. The mile markers whizzed by, bolstering my confidence that we could actually finish this race.

However, around mile 10, a searing pain flared up in my hips, prompting more frequent walk breaks and casting doubt that I would actually finish. Thankfully, with the encouragement of my cheer squad—via calls and texts—I found renewed determination to press on, their unwavering support reminding me of my resilience.

The last three miles tested every ounce of my endurance, but the roaring cheers of the crowd propelled me forward, filling me with a much needed sense of exhilaration. Summoning a burst of energy, I quickened my pace, and as we approached the finish line, Drew and I held hands as we always did when we crossed a finish line. Gratitude washed over me as closed in on the finish line. Despite the biting cold of the 40-degree weather, our faces and hands numb from the chill, and our training far from adequate, we defied the mountains of self-doubt and crossed the finish line together. Having my steadfast cheerleader by my side every step of the way meant the world to me. Drew's unwavering support has always been my rock, and I owe this accomplishment to him. Crossing yet another finish line together filled me with immense gratitude.

Experiencing that post-run euphoria was like rediscovering an old friend—I had almost forgotten about the rush of endorphins and overwhelming sense of achievement that accompanies completing such a challenging race. It's a feeling like no other!

Reacquainting myself with running after a hiatus wasn't as effortless as I had hoped. It required dedication and perseverance, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding. With the girls growing older, I'm eager to share my love for running with them and demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the human body when determination meets action.

This weekend was truly special for our family. We forged unforgettable memories, celebrated remarkable achievements, and strengthened our bonds through this shared experience.

Looking ahead, we've already committed to participating in the next Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, and Drew and I are excited to embark on additional non-Disney runs in the coming months.

I’m back!