Happy Vansgiving

We decided to do things a little nontraditional this year and for go the big hoopla of a meal and all that comes with it. Wednesday afternoon I was able to get out of work a bit early and make it home just in time to help the hubbs finish packing up the Westy. Shortly after we where on our way to celebrate our first holiday of what I am sure will be many to come in the Westy. Vansgivning!!!! 

We arrived at Montgomery Bell State Park just after sun set, set up camp (which in the Westy is seriously so easy.) While the hubbs worked on starting a fire I started getting dinner ready. Bean & Cheese Quesadilla with a side of chips and salsa. We are still trying to figure out what meals work for us on the road / camping and what doesn't so we decided to keep it as simple and easy this time around. We spend the better part of our evening around the fire just enjoying the evening. The weather was perfect not to chilly at all. We roasted marshmallow, made s'mores, and chatted with the In-Loves a bit. 

The next morning we, well I tried to sleep in some but the pups and my ever so lovely automatic alarm clock in my head just didn't let me. One beautiful thing about arriving to your camp site after dark is when you wake up you get to see the beautiful surroundings around you. The stream running right behind us, and the lush trees made for a cozy sight. Which simply put that pep in my step for a early start to our day. Sausage, Eggs and a bagel for breakfast while sipping on some Hot Chocolate. After breakfast we headed out to do a little exploring around the camp site with the pups. I managed to get in over 8000 steps before 10:30 that morning. It always fun to take the pups out walking along the trails, they get so excited. 

The plan was to have Thanksgiving lunch at the Park Resort. It was only 3 miles away so we knew we would just ride our bikes up there. Literally up, it was mostly up hill half way there. Around 11:00am we decided to make our way over to the Resort, knowing we'd probably have to wait a little bit we wanted to get a early start. Much to our surprise the Resort Restaurant was already packed full of waiting guest's to eat. We where told it would be about a 45 minute wait, which really didn't seem to be that bad considering the amount of people there. It gave us time to catch our breath and cool down from our ride. Lunch / Dinner was served Buffet style, with all the traditional Thanksgiving foods and then some. I'd never been to anything like this before and I asked the hubbs if he had either and he said nope. I didn't really know what to expected. I was so used to doing everything myself and or being with family. This was all so new to me, but let me tell you the food did not disappoint. It was simply fabulous, hot, fresh and kept us full. It wasn't a bad deal at all for $15.95 you could enjoy a feast till your heart desired and that we did, dessert included. Although I couldn't help but think about the fact that we had to ride our bikes back. 

We headed out to the parking lot and the hubbs mentioned he figured out a short cut. Ok, I'm all about that, although he failed to mentioned that we would first have to carry our bikes down a couple flight's of stairs ride across a bridge and then straight up close to 100+ stairs to get back up on the road. I wearing boots, blue jeans, a sweat and not to mention I'd just stuffed my face with loads of food. So to say I struggle just a tiny bit would be a true statement. 

The pups did so well staying in the Westy while we where gone. We didn't think we would be gone that long but I'm so glad they didn't mess anything up or get into anything.

 What else do you do after a full Thanksgiving feast, crash out. And that's just what we did. The four of us passed out on the bed. We left the door open to enjoyed the nice breeze coming through and the pups did so good, they didn't even get up to go out once. 

Later that afternoon we went on another little trail hike across the stream back behind our camp site. I loved how it was super dog friendly and yet gave us a pretty good work out at the same time. Gotta work off all that goodness we ate right. 

That evening our site-neighbors arrive, we chatted with them a bit, cooked up some skillet pizza's for dinner, made some s'mores and relaxed around the campfire.

We knew we wanted to head home shortly after breakfast the next morning and of course I did everything I could to sleep in but it just didn't happen. So up early again, I cooked us up some eggs, bacon and potatoes that we enjoyed and then we went on a little walk to get some of the pups energy out before heading out. 

It was the perfect Vansgiving, just the two of us. The weather was amazing the entire time!!! No hustle and bustle of trying to get a big meal prepped and cooked or being on a time schedule having to be at one place or another. I am very traditional and generally want to do things the old fashion way but this was perfect for us. As I grow and experience life I've learned and come to realize that its not all about doing things like everyone else or going all out but rather simply just about being with the ones that matter and that was just what we did this weekend. It was simply but it was perfect!!! 

I Hope You and Your Family had a Wonderful Thanksgiving and are Enjoying the Holiday Season. 

#GabrielVansgiving2015

Block Leave- River Weekend Edition 1.

Bright and early Saturday morning around 3am we started our road trip journey home to the great state of Texas. Our plan was to drive straight through and stop about half way for breakfast / brunch. We where headed straight to the River House to spend the weekend with my Brother and his Girl friend Becca. He didn't know we where coming but Becca did. I couldn't wait to surprise him, spend the next few days together. We where making really good time so Becca asked if we wanted to meet them at the boat ramp and go out on the boat for a late afternoon ride. Ummm, Yes Please!!!! We got to the boat ramp right at 4pm, right when we told her we would be there. They however where at the Island which was a good boat ride away from where we where. It took a good bit of convincing from Becca to get Justin to drive all the way back to the boat ramp. Typically once he gets there he's not coming all the way back till he's ready to leave. Thankfully he gave in and came back, not really knowing why she was so determined to go. Waiting on the shore line near the ramp, as I saw the boat pull up I started getting tears in my eyes. My brother and I are so close and it had been almost two years since we'd seen each other. As he was pulling up he just kept saying "I knew it, I knew it". He knew someone was coming to visit him but didn't know who, he claims to have known it was us coming but I really don't think he knew. Getting on the boat he gave me the biggest, longest hug ever. I didn't think he was ever going to let go. I was so excited to be back on the water with him. It was also the first time that the Hubbs had been out on our boat. Finally after almost 9 years of being together he was getting to experience something that I love so much.

 We took a cruise up to the island and said hello to a few people before heading back. I took over driving and didn't wanna go in, but we where all so hungry, tired and had, had a long day.

We spent the evening relaxing on the patio over dinner and drinks catching up with a couple friends. It wasn't to long after that we called it a night and headed to bed.

Up early the next morning to work out and get a run in around the hill before breakfast and heading out on the water. Bubby's girlfriend B works at City Grill in downtown Ft. Worth and let me tell you this girl can cook up a mighty fine meal. She made a fabulous breakfast for us all before we left. I love cooking and baking its one of the things I really enjoy doing but its also nice to have someone else take over everyone in a while.

Our dad came up to the River House and went out on the boat with us, which was a nice surprise. I loved getting to spend the day with him on the boat. Between Justin, Dad and Myself we took turns skiing up to the Island where we hung out for the day. Since it was Sunday there wasn't to many boats out which made it nice. Dad and Justin Barefooted and I Slalom skied several times. The hubbs has only seen pictures of me skiing but never in person. I was so excited for him to finally see me Slalom. I also decided to Barefoot on the boom, I've never done short line or behind the boat when it comes to bare footing. I have absolutely no desire to but the fact that I can do it hanging on the boom is pretty awesome. I planted my feet the first run and road for a good long ways. I was so stoked, it had been almost two years since I'd skied.

We did a little recreation attempt at the island. 

That evening we relaxed, hung out at the house, had a fabulous dinner and cuddled on the couch watching a movie. It was a long day and we where all completely exhausted. Monday morning up early again to workout, then I decided to take Rebecca's bike around the hill instead of going on a run to see how I liked it. (we've been talking about getting bikes for a couple months now) Half way around I ran (road) into the hubbs who was on the moped with one of the three dogs they have following along side him. He said he was coming to find me to see how I was doing. Really I think he just wanted a excuse to ride it again.

Rebecca made us another yummy breakfast before we packed up the car to head into town to have lunch with our mom, followed by a evening at the Rangers game. It was a great two days at the River, I was so glad that we changed our plans up a little and went there first instead of into town. It was a much needed break from the craziness of life and a great way to kick off our vacation. 

Country Cruising Day 1- Sail Away Party & Reunion

Of course it took us forever to get ready, get the hotel packed up and out the door but we managed to make it to the port with plenty of time to spare. We may or may not have been in the last group of people to check in. It worked out well though because we didn't have to wait in line at all. 

We had two rooms between the 4 of us but we gave one of them to Sarah's mom and we all stayed in one together. We wanted two for the extra room and bathroom to get ready in but knew we'd stay in one. Our room attended was nice enough to convert our two twin beds in to one queen bed. We had plenty of room to cuddle up and spoon at night :) 

After we dropped our stuff off we headed up to the pool deck for the sail away party. Best part of a Country music Cruise is you don't know what to expect. Neil McCoy climbing the speaker tower, Free Drinks, meeting up with friends we'd met last year and simply having the time of our life. What more could a group of girls ask for. 

Goodbye Miami, Hello Caribbean!!!!

 

Last year we had the early show which wasn't bad but we decided we wanted the late show this year. It allowed us more time to hang out at the pool or simply do whatever and not have to rush around to get ready. Our first night was Wynonna Judd, I knew who she was and had heard a couple of her songs but not many. Let me tell you she's one sassy woman, and the story of her husbands accident just gave us chills. Before the show while we were waiting to go in Neil walked through the hall way and we were able to say hello. He's seriously the nicest most down to earth country music artist I've ever met. 

After the show we grabbed some dinner and then met up with everyone for a evening out. We met Chris, Steve (from Brandon & Leah) and Nick (from production) last year on the cruise. This year B&L added Joe (crazy hair) to the band and Randy (older guy) was Steve's FIL. We sat out by the pool deck listening to Frankie Ballard play before heading into the Bliss Lounge were we ended every evening.  

Shots all around!!!! I couldn't even tell you how many we took that night but it was all in good fun. Our little group continued to grow and well we couldn't leave anyone out. Buttery Nipples at your service from Nancy (below left.) We met Lester who is Kelly Clarkson's drummer, he was drumming with Neil McCoy for the Cruise and let me tell you guy's got moves and he's not bad to look at either. Super sweet down to earth with a absolute beautiful voice. (above middle, w/ us four girls)

I can't for the life of me remember how to spell the bartenders name but he was so nice. We got our first round of shots and drinks from him and the entire cruise from there on out he called us his girls and always made sure to take care of us. 

Jonathan aka Pretty Teeth as we named him (below middle) was with production. He's a youngin 21 but one of the sweetest guys we met. He quickly became a great friend and we hung out with him when ever we had the chance. When you on a cruise everyone becomes like family. 

Every evening, really I should say it was way early in the morning, we ended our night just like we did last year. I don't think we ever went to bed before 2 or 3am. 

Although this year was a little bit of a let down. See last year we would go up to the Atrium sit down at the same table and order yummy chicken fingers, tomato soup and french fries from a menu. We had someone bring it out to us and it was fresh and hot. We talked the evening up to Brandy so much because we looked forward to it. 

EPIC fail, we went up to eat only to find out it was set up as a buffet style. Your options were salad, burgers, hot dogs or chicken wing with chips and spinach dip. We were less than impressed and definitely disappointed but we needed food to absorb the ungodly amount of alcohol we'd drank so we sucked it up. Hoping the next night they'd have chicken fingers……..

It's September Already.....

I'm so happy to announce I've finally found a zumba class I can attend on a regular basis. I've been attending different classes around town when my schedule allows but nothing consistent until now. A fellow co-worker is a newly certified zumba instructor and is teaching classes at the school / church were I work. The classes are held on Tuesday & Thursday's at 5:30pm which works out perfect because I get off at 5:00pm. I don't have to leave to go some were else or go home wait a couple hours and get back out. I'm able to get my dance groove on (ps: this white girl can't dance) right after work. It's so much more fun when you know the instructor to, I don't feel so out of place if you know what I mean. We can all laugh and have a good time. It was a bit odd the first couple classes because several of my co-workers are attending, but I got over that for the most part.

~DAY 327~

Today was a Delayed opening day at work, which means we don't start classes till 9am. I still had to be there at 7:30am (my regular scheduled time) because we had a 8:00am staff meeting. Womp Womp Womp. When I got settled in my room I noticed this sitting on my counter (picture below). 

~DAY 328~

My fellow CW that I worked with last fall also opens at 7:30 with me and she stopped and got us breakfast. How sweet is she!!! Totally made my day, ok now if only every week can start on Tuesday, have a delayed opening on Wednesday that included Chick-fil-a breakfast then we will be doing good. "If only right"

Some how we got on the mustard subject on our morning walk. I made the comment how I only like mustard on sandwiches from Schlotzsky's and What-a-burger burgers. I asked K (the girl I work with) if she'd ever eaten there before. I mentioned I was bummed there wasn't one in the South. And that's when she was quick to correct me saying there was. Low and behold it really wasn't that far from were we work maybe 10-12 minutes, give or take. I of course had to make the trip on my lunch break, and it was well worth every bite. 

~DAY 329~

It was a bit sketchy and oddly placed with no drive through so I had to go inside. It was very old and out dated, it didn't look like your average What-a-burger. I don't know that I'll go back often by myself, its just not in the best part of town. But this trip was so worth it. I didn't feel guilty at all devouring every last bite because I knew I'd work it off at zumba later that evening. 

Today was the first home game of the season for the Gamecocks, college football is a big deal here. I was asked by one of the families from my last class to watch their two girls today while they went to the game. Sure not a problem hubbs has CQ so we didn't have any plans, it worked out perfect. Only one problem I wasn't able to sleep in on a Saturday because I had to be there at 9am NINE AM for a NOON kick off game. I wasn't joking when I said College football is a big deal, these people like live for it. I stopped off at Chick-fil-a for some breakfast on my way not thinking it would be busy because it never is on the weekends in the morning. WRONG, the drive through line was packed. I went in and behind me followed a mob of Gamecock fans, I was just glad I was ahead of them. 

The family left shortly after I got there around 9:15 with their coolers loaded down with food and beer. I guess its never to early to party on game day. They said they'd be back around 6:00pm, yup they were planning on having one heck of a party lol. The girls and I did lots of coloring, played out side for hours, had a Mani Pedi session, watched the game and baked & decorated cookies with glitter frosting. I think this was their favorite part of the day. It makes it fun when you have such sweet well mannered kiddos to hang out with. We had a blast, I'm glad I still get to see my little ones even though they've moved up to the next class. 

South Carolina ended up slaughtering East Carolina 48 to 10. Not to bad for the start of the season. 

side note: I am NOT nor will I ever be a USC Gamecock fan. 

On a more sad note, my favorite pair of comfy flip flops broke this evening. I knew they were on their last leg and I've been looking for a new pair to replace them. I just haven't found "that" perfect pair yet. Thankfully I was at home and just walking out to get the mail and not some were else. We've had lots of great times together as you can see they are pretty wore, I'm sad to see them go. :(  I guess tomorrow I've got my work cut out for me on finding a new pair. 

~DAY 330~

Movie Night @ the Drive In.

Making the most of the hubby's 4 day weekend we decided to finally make our way to the drive in. Lucky for us there are two in the south and one is just a hour away. We decided a few weeks back that we would go this weekend as long as something decent was playing. We both wanted to see TED but that was about the only thing on this weeks listings that interested us. What the heck we though you can't beat two movies for $7 bucks and besides it will be fun.
We headed out just after 5pm to get there in plenty of time before the movies started. Gates opened at 6:30pm but the movies didn't start till 9pm. We wanted to get there early to 1- ensure we got in and 2- make sure we got good parking with a easy get away at the end so we wouldn't be stuck in traffic for a hour. This was only my 2nd time to the drive in and I can't wait to go back. We will definitely go back in the fall / winter time, that's when it gets dark earlier and the movies start before 9pm. 

On our screen The Amazing Spider-Man was playing first then TED. Not being a huge SM fan myself I wasn't jumping out of my seat about seeing it but it ended up not being that bad. The husband hated it and as soon as it was over said, "That was the worst movie I've ever seen." Opps good thing we had a good one to follow up. 

We took full advantage of the snack bar, best part about that was the prices were dirt cheap. A thing of nachos, couple orders of fires a burger or two and we were set for the night. We were gonna go back for a funnel cake at some point but decided not to. (i'm sure that was for the best lol)

We bummed around on our phones, did lots of people watching and chatting while we waiting for the movie to start. Once we got there I kinda felt bad that we were there SOOO early but hey we had fun and got to spend loads of quality time together and for me that's all I wanted. The hubbs has been so busy since this cycle started we haven't had much time to just go out and relax and not have to worry about staying out late because we have work the next day. 

We had a great view of the screen since we got there so early and there was only a few cars before us. Next time we go we probably wont go quite as early because we now know what to expect. The weather was in the low 80's the entire night, even at 1am when we were still there watching TED, we looked at each other and pointed out the temperature gage on the dash. Kinda crazy right, we went back and forth having the windows down and the AC on. 

Just hanging out with my love before the movie started. 

It was definitely a lot of fun and I can't wait to go back and do it again. We are trying to see more of the city / state when he's on pass or cycle break and I have to say this weekend was so much fun. As much as I say I wont miss it here when we leave, I know I'll be bummed if we don't get a chance to do certain things. I'm glad I was finally able to mark this one off the list. Good news is though we will be going back!!!!

~DAY 282~