It’s not like you feel different all of a sudden, but one day you just are 30. Your 20s are behind you, but you still feel young, able, and eager to keep exploring the world.

For my 30th, I went to my favorite place: Disney World. I dressed up as Minnie Mouse, and somehow convinced my sweet husband to be my Mickey. I bought ridiculously huge mylar balloons just because I thought they were cute. I had a cocktail in Epcot and got free bubbles at dinner. I watched fireworks go off all around me as I stood next to Cinderella’s Castle.

And my festivities didn’t end there. I stayed for a whole week. My family was there. My in-laws even celebrated with us. Two lovely friends flew across the country and walked miles and miles in crappy “bomb cyclone” weather. We watched New Years fireworks from our beautiful balcony. We went to Hogsmeade, and my wand chose me. We rode bikes with ET and went on adventures with Spiderman.

I wore ridiculous outfits everyday, including several hand-made pieces. I found a handful of souvenirs, including a super soft Eeyore to snuggle with.

My amazing hubby slept in a tent for four nights in surprisingly cold Florida weather, just so I could run my first half marathon one week after my birthday. In total I walked or ran 102 miles. Maybe more - my watch ran out of batteries a couple evenings.

The greatest guy celebrating me finishing the race, even though I wear ridiculous homemade Haunted Mansion skirts

We drove home through New Orleans, ate delicious food and walked down Bourbon Street in the rain.

Lots of people seem to think it might be bad to have your birthday so near the holidays. It’s never bothered me, though. It’s always felt like a special day, and I also like that it’s so close to the New Year. Any goals for 2018 can easily just be my goals for 30.

I started off 30 the best way I know how. I feel strong, and I know I can do even more. Here’s to 2018 everything my 30s have in store.