Girls Weekend Getaway

There's a few of us girls that make a point to get together at least twice a year, if not more for a little girls weekend getaway some where fun. This past weekend Sarah was home visiting family so we had plans to meet up for a little camping Adventure in WV. We've been to The New River Gorge a few different times and have done several of their activities at Adventures on the Gorge so it only seemed fitting to go back. We decided to ruff it up a bit by camping this time around instead of renting a cabin. I've only been tent camping one other time in my "adult time" so I was semi excited about this little outing. Picture this 4 girls- setting up our camp ground, tent and camp fire included. We did just fine if I do say so myself, had absolutely no problems and we'd all do it again. We did sleep in a bit of style with our air mattresses though. That ground would have been awful hard.

Day 1) We arrived and checked in for our activity. Stand Up Paddle Boarding. The water was a bit chilly, which I honestly wasn't expecting at all. We had a tour guide that we had to stick with which was kinda a bum but it was just the four of us girls and her so it wasn't to bad. We spent 2.5-3 hours I think out on the water. Someone saw a picture of a person doing a head stand on a paddle board so we made it our mission to accomplish one. We didn't do half bad at all and all managed to get up at least once. After paddle boarding we headed back to the resort site to check in and set-up camp. Followed by dinner at Cheddy's. A fabulously delicious little restaurant there at the resort. Where we enjoyed a yummy dinner and a couple of drinks. We made our way back to our camp-site, where we built a fire all on our own, Roasted Marshmallows, Made Smore's and Played Cards. It was a perfect day filled with fun, friends and way to much food.

 Day 2) I for whatever reason can't sleep in, it doesn't matter what time I go to bed it just doesn't happen. Wide awake at 6am I decided to make the most of my morning and work off some of those Smore's I'd eaten the night before. A quick 4 mile run around the resort and back and the sleeping beauties where still sleeping. Eventually they woke up and we got our morning started. The plan was to cook breakfast on a camp fire grilled I'd brought. While Sarah and Brandy where in the bathroom Nancy and I decided to start the grill up and get things going. We didn't intend to start a forest fire but that's what almost happened. Come to find out the grill we where given before we left SC was broke. The line feeding the propane to the burners was snapped in half causing a huge burst of flames coming out the side. We tried putting the fire out, as it sat on top of the picnic table but had no luck. Panic started to set in as we looked around for help. There was a couple packing up there site right next to us, so I called out over to them asking for help. The guy came over and struggling a bit to get the fire out himself but finally managed. He said we should be fine, let the grill cool down a bit and he'd help us get it started again. (at this time we didn't know the line was snapped) After a little investigating when he came back over was when he noticed it was broken. Needless to say it didn't make the trip home with me. What about breakfast you ask?!?! We started up our campfire, scrambled our eggs and cooked our ham over it for a tasty breakfast sandwich. Have no fear we've got this!!! The first half of the day was spent lounging by the pool working on our tan. B. Sarah's husband brought their little guy up for a bit to swim and see momma. (this was her first night / weekend away from him) We went into town with them for lunch at a yummy little sandwich shop before they headed back home.
From there we went to a different resort where we spent the rest of the day. A large lake that had tons of inflatable's that you where able to climb on and jump from. There was a slide that was a couple stories high that shot you off right into the water, a teeter toter type thing, a rock wall slide, a round 4 person rocket and a blob just to name a few. I unfortunately couldn't brave myself up enough to jump on the blob. Picture this- your standing on a plank platform where you jump off landing on this large inflatable thing. Once on you craw to the end and sit while waiting to the next person to jump which shoots you flying into the air. I'm not afraid of heights but I freaked myself out because I stood there two long thinking if through in my head. I tried again a 2nd time and couldn't do it. I felt like such a chicken. We spent a couple hours there before heading back to shower, change and make our way to dinner. Cheddy's again for Wing Night. I went with a Grilled Chicken Sandwich, I'm not much of a Wing girl. Drinks again of course, followed by Smore's and Card's back at our campsite before calling it a night.

Day 3) Up early again before the others I went out for another run, getting in 5 miles this time. We had to check out of our site by 10am so that meant getting those sleeping beauties up when I got back. We packed up our tent and cars before settling down for a little Pancake Breakfast once again cooked over the campfire. It was pretty tasty for not having much to work with, I have to say we did pretty good and made a great team. Who says girls can't survive in the wilderness. Although I don't know that I'd want to extend it to a lengthy amount of days to test out that theory. Eventually we had to say our "see you soon's" and each of us headed out on the road to make the drive back home. It was very bittersweet moment.

We always have so much fun when we all get together, life seems so easy going and stress free. It's never long enough although we almost always have our next trip planned or at least in the works before we leave but the time apart simply sucks. I'm so thankful for these girls and the memories we've made over the years and can't wait to create more with them. :) 

Catching Up!!!

I can't even use the excuse that I've been overly busy here lately because truth be told I really haven't. Pictures to prove it, we haven't had much going on here the last couple weeks. I've simply been slacking in the blog world and need to get my booty in gear. Our time here in the South is quickly coming to a close and we've been slowly getting things ready for our move. HHG purging, working on some DIY projects and eating everything in the frig and freeze. Not to mention the deep cleaning. We're trying to save every penny we can with this move so I've been doing little by little each weekend. It hasn't been all house work and packing through I've managed to have a few outings with the girls. 

*Up bright and early for our last Graduation "Rights of Passage" Ceremony. This is were the SIT aka PVT's officially become Soldiers and place their Beret on for the first time. Becky, Julie and I got up around 5am and made our way out to the range for the ceremony. It was so cold!!! Thankfully each Company had fire pit they were all huddled around. 

My handsome Drill SGT and I at the "Rights of Passage" Ceremony. 

*Becky and I had a girls night out at a Victory Spouse's event. Denim and Diamonds Auction at Weston Lake. We got all dolled up, Becky even purchased some fun Diamonds for us to wear. Sadly enough though it was nothing like either of us expected. The auction items were less than impressive and dinner well it wasn't to bad. The best part about the evening was getting to hang out with this fabulous girl. 

*BCT Victory Concert, day before Family day. At the end of each Cycle the day before Family day the SIT attend a concert put on by Eric Horner and his wife Debbie. The SIT are able to order pizza, soda and candy. All of which they haven't had in the past 10 weeks. Eric puts on a concert with patriotic songs and a slide show of pictures plays from the last 10 weeks of training. Rebecca and I along with a few other FB Volunteers from our Battalion attended and took loads of pictures to put on FB for the families. It's a chance for the SIT to kinda of let loose for a bit and have some fun. A fun part about it is, most of them take their pizza boxes once they are empty and will write messages on them to their families. 

Up close and personal with some of our Delta SIT. Supporting out Drill SGT's with their PVT's. 

*Taking full advantage of the chilly weather you would have though I would have made this fabulous chili before now. NOPE, just now getting around to it on a perfectly warm Southern evening. That didn't matter though it was still fabulous. As was the corn bread to go along with it. Sidenote: I'm LOVING my new cast-iron skillet the hubbs got me for Christmas. I use it for everything. 

Since we are on the subject of food, I'll go ahead and share with you this super yummy dish. 

Potato, Corn and Ham Chowder, of course it wouldn't be complete with out some tasty Peach Tea to go along with. Using left over ham from Thanksgiving that I had frozen was the best part of this. Operation clean out the freezer is in full effect. 

 *This past Thursday night was my School's Spring Art Auction at Leaside. Every year in the past we have had it at the school and its been a family event. This year they change things up a bit and made it a adult only event. Catered in food and served alcohol. I wasn't planning on going, in the past we've been required to go because it was at the school. Since things had change we as staff were not required to go. I took a babysitting job for the night (a month in advance) with one of my favorite families here. That was until my classroom mom informed me that she had purchased my ticket to go to the event. As a "Thank You" for everything I've done this year. (tickets were $40 each, not cheap for the evening) A couple of our other parents got together and bought tickets for the hubbs and the other teachers in my class. Although only one of them came (Ms. Elaine, bottom left) I convinced Jamie (bottom right) to come along with us and gave her our extra ticket. It ended up being a great evening. The EDSPO really out did themselves on the event. I foresee many more of our Spring Art Auctions in the years to come here. I was so happy that many of my parents current and past were finally able to meet the hubbs. They hear so much about him so finally being able to put a face with a name and story was nice. 

(I'm going to miss the school so much when I leave, I absolutely love my job. More on this in a later post)

*On another note: This kid below Graduated from College this past Tuesday. I couldn't be more proud of my little bubby. He's completely turned his life around in the past year and I can't wait to see what is in store for his future. We were at each other's throats growing up, many times we hated each other but now I'd do just about anything for him. He's my best friend and I'm so glad I'm able to call him my Bubby!!! His beautiful Girlfriend Becca treated him to a Dallas Star's hockey game the night before Graduations as his gift from her. He loved loved (still does) the Dallas Stars growing up so this was right up his alley. I only wish I could have gone home for his big day but soon enough I'm hoping to make a trip home. 

That's just a bit of life lately and what's been going on with us. I feel like we have a lot more going on with the move but its just not all blog worthy exciting so I'll spare you the details on that. I do plan on posting about our DIY projects and other happenings in the coming weeks. Thanks for sticking it and out hanging in with me!!! 

GoodBye Miami!

We finally made it back to our room Sunday morning around 4am. For some reason we listened to Nanc when she told us it was already 5am. At that point we figure there was no reason in going to bed only to be up in about a hour to hour & half. So what did we do…downloaded all the pictures to my computer and looked through them. When I turned my laptop on we noticed it was only 4am so in reality we could get a couple extra hours of sleep then we though. We still looked through the pictures, talked about how much fun we'd had and how we couldn't believe it was over. We were all ready to be reunited with out loves but I would be lying if I said I wasn't sad that I was leaving the girls. Shortly after falling asleep our phones started going off with email and text message notification. That only means one thing we were back in cell range. We popped up and looked out the window as we were pulling into port. Bittersweet for sure, I was that much closer to my love but that much closer to saying see you later to my best friends. We managed to get a little bit of sleep before our wake up call came through and we were up packing our last minute things and heading to the 7th floor to get off the ship :(

Once we got in line we really didn't have to wait to long before we were off and making the trip to the airport to start our journey home. It worked out that we were all on the same flight out of Miami and the four of us girls split in Charlotte, NC. While in Miami we stopped for coffee and hot chocolate and look what the spouse had for us. Is she not the sweetest friend ever. Gosh I love her. I can't help but get a lump in my throat as I'm writing just thinking about how much I miss living in the same state. 

We tried to get all of our seats together but with a fully packed flight it just didn't work. Brandy was in the very front of the plane which worked out for her because she had very little time to make it to her connecting flight. The only down fall to that was the fact that we had to say our "See you Soon's" to her before we went back to our seats. Sarah was suppose to be in the VERY back but we were able to get our two seats together. Thank Goodness!!! Nancy was across the aisle one row ahead of us. So we were able to be close to her as well. Along with the most talkative two guys ever. Seriously from the moment we sat down they did not shut up, minus the 15 minutes they slept right after we took off. We did get a few good laughs out of them though and they made the flight go by quick. 

Before we knew it we were in Charlotte and heading our separate ways. The Spouse and I took a second to get one last picture and squeeze in before we parted. It never fails I ALWAYS choke up when our time together ends. She's my other half and I'd do anything for her. 

From here Nancy & Brandy had one more flight each and Sarah had two. I however just had to walk outside and there was my love!!!! I was so happy to be back in his arms. We headed to OTB (On The Border) for lunch and of course he had to stop at Base Pro before heading home. 

We've already starting talking / planning our next girls trip / get-together. Sarah and I will both be moving to different states SOON and so it gives us another opportunity to see more of the great USA. 

I love how the army allows us to travel around and meet up in different places. :)

A Girls Trip To Remember!!!

Country Cruising Day 6- Cozumel

We woke up not so bright and early, seemed to be a theme there. We grabbed some lunch and headed off the ship to enjoy the day in beautiful Cozumel. Forgive me but the area we went to just wasn't beautiful to me. As luck would have it we were walking off the ship and ran into the guys. Not that big of a deal really, we like Joe. Ben on the other hand, that's a little questionable. We were hoping for a girls day but how are you suppose to say no sorry you can't come with us. 

After much standing around and trying to figure out how the heck we were gonna get to the beach we agreed to get in a taxi and go. Not really knowing were we were going but heck I guess that's partly the fun in things sometimes right. 

We ended up at probably what we called the most touristy beach ever. Loads of people, inflatable blow up things and crappy lounge chairs. We saw a little sign of relief when we saw one of the bands from our ship at the same beach. Still it was a WTF moment of how did we end up here. 

We ordered a drink, lounged around a bit, took a dip in the ever so chilly water and worked on our tan. Before we knew it, it was creeping up on 5pm. Ship return time was 630 but we'd rather not cut it short. I'm not trying to get left here or anything. 

When we got back to the pier Nancy and Sarah though it would be fun to take a bike taxi back to the ship. Little did they know when they got on neither of them had anything less than a $20. So they talked me into getting on, in hopes I did. WRONG, that man got lucky that trip. I'm sure we were quite the sight riding back to the ship. 

Another towel animal just for Sarah, another one we couldn't really figure out what it was. 

After getting back to the room we showered, change and got ready for the evenings show. 

Lone Star was our last artist to preform in the main theater. Sadly no amount of alcohol could help us manage to sit through the entire thing. One of the guys (I forget his name) was sick so that had some to do with it but not much. We knew a couple of their songs but nothing to make us want to get up out of our chairs and start dancing. We bailed half way though. Sarah's mom and Aunts said the 2nd half was the best but we just couldn't make it past the first. 

We spent the evening hanging out in the Atrium listening to the jam sessions. This was were different band members got together and played. Wasn't always country music, in fact it hardly was. But it was a nice change of pace. It was a younger crowd of people and everyone let loose and had a good time. 

Ok this guy!!! Let me tell you, about him. He was on the cruise last year by himself (who does that), some how he found out I was from Texas and the rest was history. Total creeper / stocker guy. We always ran in to him all the time. No matter how much we tried avoiding him it just happened. And from the moment we saw him this year it was the same thing all over again. I know it sounds bad but really if you were there you'd get how awkward and uncomfortable he could make things at times. Well the 2nd or 3rd night he sat at the end of our row by Nancy, it took her a minute for it to register who he was and then it all clicked. 

We saw him in Bliss late in the evenings, even asked if we'd dance. This evening he was wearing this shirt he'd got in Cozumel……Sarah and Nanc though it was the funniest thing and had to get a picture with him. In turn they made me as well. I tried offering to take shots to avoid it but that didn't happen. Talk about a awkward moment. Lord help me!!! Later that evening when we were in Bliss Nancy pointed it out to someone and he told her she had to try it out if she liked it so much. FACE IN PALM. 

The Hawaiian Trio!!! Love these two!! 

Nancy and I hung out in Bliss a bit later that night talking with Carey and Brian. (loser dude ben in the middle blah!!!) They were always so sweet and fun to hang out with. They had to make sure we got down to our floor that evening or really that morning I should say, since we'd had a bit to drink. 

Perfect opportunity for a little cartwheel action in the hall way!!! 

No worries I'm 100% confident I can handle myself even when I've been drinking. (can't speak for others)

Country Cruising Day 5- Grand Cayman Island

The plan today was to take the tender to shore and go with Steve, Chris, Randy and Joe to get lunch. We wanted a nice sit down place that had good food. Nothing fancy but nothing fattening and greasy either. After checking out a couple different menus at a few local places our last resort was Margaritaville. 

The food was horrible, the service was ah…ok and the bill was insane over $300 for the 8 of us. Talk about craziness. Def. a waste of money, but we did have a good time so in the end it wasn't that bad. We had lunch and headed back to the ship, it was a short day in port and be time we actually got up and off the boat we really didn't have but about 3 hours. 

That evening Love and Theft played, I'd never heard of them before and didn't know any of their songs. Well maybe two but that was it. They were ok, not great but we had a good time. 

Brandy and Mark, he plays with Bryan Edwards. 

Hanging out in the Atrium we ran into the Trace Adkins look alike. We figured we'd get a picture with him since the real Trace was no longer on board. I'm not getting into detail as to what happen, so if you'd like to know I'm sure you can google it. Lets just say he was off the ship by our first stop. 

We had no clue in the moment that the person we'd asked to take our picture with him was Frankie Ballard (below) So of course we had to get one with him afterwards. He's got a great voice and some really good songs. 

Later that night we ended up in Bliss, lounging on the bed people watching. We were all way to tired and well really just an emotional wreck that we had no energy to get up and dance. 

Are they not the cutest couple ever!!! Brandy was the single one out of the group, her and Joe hit it off the first day and the rest was history as its called. 

We finally called it a night and headed to the Atrium to get some food to help ease the pain and sober up a bit. Carey caught up with us as well after he got off work. He was a absolute sweet heart, I loved chatting with him about is girlfriend and their future together. He worked with the production crew, he was there with a group from his school. We knew one of his friends from last year that was there again this year. It was fun to meet them all and get to know everyone. 

 Our night ended shortly after eating and Sarah and I headed back to the room. I tell you that girl has pretty thick skin but when you cross her the wrong way you'd better watch out. That beautiful blonde hair can sure full you. I'm so blessed to be able to call her my best friend!!!! 

Country Cruising Day 4- Ocho Rios Jamaica

After staying out way to late last night before we managed to get up have some breakfast and head off the ship to check out Jamaica. We had no plans or excursions set, we were just gonna go with it and see were we ended up. 

NCL- Pearl, same ship we sailed on last year. 

After being approached by several different taxi drivers we finally settled on one. Although we had no idea what we got ourselves into. We were slightly fearing for our lives at one point. We just wanted to go to a beach but some how we ended up going on a random drive around parts of the city first. Finally we made it to the beach, def. not what we had in mind at all. I forgot the sun block so the girls asked around and borrowed from another helpless soul that was stuck at the same awful beach as us. Sad that was we couldn't leave because we had to wait on our driver to come back. We ended up falling asleep on the beach for a good few ours. My back showed for it later that evening. Finally around 2:30 I think it was our driver was there and all we wanted to do was go back to the ship. He still wanted to show us around though. NOPE, no thank you. I think, NO I know, we are all just so spoiled living in Hawaii for so long that beaches any were else just don't compare. 

After getting back we got ready for the evening and enjoyed a drink while we waited for our show to start. It was Neil McCoy night and we were really looking forward to it. Every night we made sure to get in line early so we could get our same seats. Tradition from last year, gotta carry it out. 

Handsome Hunk of Love Lester himself jamming out on the drums. 

Neil McCoy doing what he does best. Seriously one of the best performers / artist I've ever seen. He never gets old. 

We had such a great time, I think by the end of the night the people around us during the show were over us but you know what who cares. We were there to have a good time just like everyone else. 

The bathroom doors absolutely sucked, they were so annoying the way they opened and shut. You'd think after a couple times we'd get the hang of it but NOPE. Never happened. 

Taco Night in the buffet area. Because we got in line for the show so early we didn't eat till after. Some times the late night buffet was good and other nights not so much. It was really hit or miss. Tonight was Taco night and Brownies for Sarah. How I have no clue but the people that sat behind us during the show ended up sitting across from us in the dining room. They were less than thrilled but hey they could have moved we were there first. 

It was Sarah's night for the alcohol to not set so well. Poor girl was a hot mess. (I'm sure she'll kill me for these but hey it could have been worse.) She got brownies to eat and we told her to get us each one as well. However we never got them, I'm pretty sure she ate almost everyone herself. 

After we ate she fading fast and just wanted Steve. AKA her brother from another mother as she called him. We went on a walk to try and find Steve, first stop Bliss. NOPE No Steve but some how Sarah and Brandy got ruffied with Tequila. How on earth that ever happened I have no clue, I would be lying if I said Nancy and I had nothing to do with it. (for the record we had them take a shot of tequila, Sarah was a bit gone and had no clue what it was but Brandy on the other hand caught on quickly only taking half the shot. Neither of them do Tequila) It was so comical, but the search for Steve was still under way. We decided to make our way to Spinnaker, another lounge area clear on the other end of the ship. 

And guess what we found STEVE!!!! Sarah was so happy, brother / sister love right there. 

Back up a bit, Steve is married we met him last year and he always told / tells everyone we are his girls and he takes care of us. If there was or is ever a issue or problem we knew we could go to Steve for anything. While S finished off his flask of Fire Ball Brandy and I headed out to the dance floor to do a little Wobble. Who doesn't love the Wobble. A little later Nancy came to tell us she was taking Sarah to bed. She was done for the night. Eventually Brandy and I headed to Bliss for a bit, then I went up to the Atrium with everyone for our nightly meal. Not long after we called it a night and headed back to the room.