Christmas Celebrations - part 1

My dear friend and college roommate, Michaela, hosted a Christmas party at her home in Charlotte the weekend before Christmas.  Since we are only 3 hours away and our friend Jen could watch Darwin that weekend, we decided to have a little overnight getaway.

On Saturday afternoon, after leaving Darwin with Jen, we enjoyed the scenic drive on route 64 from Apex to Charlotte.  We had bid on a hotel on Priceline.com a few days before our departure and managed to get the 4 star Hilton Charlotte City Center for $60/nt + tax!  I felt so sophisticated checking into the hotel and getting dolled up for the semi-formal party - although I had to rush because we arrived at the hotel when the party was scheduled to start (oops!).  Unfortunately, we also somehow missed the photo op of me in my dress and Colin in his suit (probably because we were rushing to get ready) - but I think we looked pretty good.

The intimate party boasted enjoyable conversation and we managed to keep the hosts up until after midnight! I must mention that Michaela and her husband have an almost 1 year old and an almost 3 year old (both of whom missed most of the party because of bedtimes) - so after midnight is late!  To spend a little extra time with our friends and see the kids, we made plans for a Sunday brunch.

The hotel accommodations were fantastic! We were able to find free parking across the street, the bed was so clean and comfortable, the room was tastefully decorated with a great view of a downtown plaza, and I really enjoyed using the Peter Thomas Roth bath products.  I finally remembered to use my camera and managed to take a few photos.

On Sunday, a large, inexpensive brunch was offered at the Landmark Diner, located just outside of the downtown area, near Michaela's home.  Colin and I received a taste of parenting two young children during our 30 minute dining experience - but the boys are so cute.  We resorted to kid's programming on Colin's cell phone to try and enjoy the last bites of our meal.  In hindsight, we should have met up at a park to enjoy the beautiful spring-like day.

Before leaving Charlotte, we stopped in the "Noda," or North Davidson, area to pick up some lunch-to-go at the highly acclaimed restaurants Cabo Fish Taco and Crepe Cellar.  This area of Charlotte is known as the Historic Arts district and was much smaller than I expected.  I assume this happens after you live in a place like NYC.  We enjoyed the Salmon Fish Tacos, Nopalito Salad and Nutella/Banana Crepe on our drive back to Raleigh.

It was nice to have a little trip away for the weekend. While Colin may not mirror my sentiments, I really enjoyed staying in a nice downtown hotel and getting dressed up for a party.  Next time, hopefully we can go a little earlier in the day so we can walk around with more time and enjoy a meal in one of the nice restaurants instead of eating on the go.  In addition, if we want to hang out with the kids, we should find a location where they can play.

Stay tuned for a few blog posts on hosting my first Christmas!

What fun pre-holiday events did you enjoy?

Fitting it all in at Thanksgiving!

Now that we are in Raleigh, NC, visiting family for the holidays is proving extremely challenging.  I think a lot of it also has to do with having a dog.  Unfortunately, he hates the car and we hate leaving him behind.

So, this year for Thanksgiving, I took the whole week off to try and see all of the family and bring Darwin along.

We started with a 12.5 hour drive from Raleigh to Rhode Island on Sunday before the holiday.  In the usual fashion, Darwin sat behind the seat, resting his head on the center console for the entire ride.  I can't imagine he's comfortable now that he's too big to really fit in that space!

His body is behind the driver's seat and then twists so he can rest his chin on the console.

We made an hour pit stop in New Jersey so Darwin and I could get out and stretch our legs.  It was dusk when we arrived at Jen's family's farm house, but the dogs still ran around chasing each other for awhile.

By the time we arrived in Rhode Island, I was exhausted and Darwin's stomach told me he was not feeling well.  We both needed a good night's sleep, but had a hard time resting that first night after a stressful day.  It took a solid 36 hours of being "home" and a more restful night's sleep before we both felt normal.

On Tuesday afternoon, I made my way up to Worcester (without Darwin) to celebrate with my dear friend, Juliamy, on her 30th birthday.  Since she works in the schools, the party started at 3pm!  Even though it started so early, we still closed the bar down at midnight!!  I'd call that a successful party.

Here is "my best friend Juli" with her birthday cake.

(Apologies for the "fuzzy" look - it was taken with my phone camera)

After a very filling breakfast a the local diner in Spencer, MA, I made my way back to Rhode Island.  I had been trying to get walks in with Darwin each day after the 12 hour drive, but I decided to up the ante and run on the eve of Thanksgiving.  My parents are so fortunate to have a greenway less than 0.5 mile from the house.  At some point it will connect from Worcester, MA to the southern beaches in RI - but for now it is an easily accessible 8-10 miles of well maintained pavement.  Most of this section travels along the Blackstone river and offers an abundance of opportunities to view, and experience, nature.

While I catch my breath after a 5 mile run, Darwin acts like it was no big deal!

 

While traveling, there are 3 main things I need to feel at my best - rest, exercise, and eating right.  Unfortunately, it's difficult to combine all 3 of these things when away from my routine at home.  I'm pretty good about getting a run or walk in on the greenway when visiting my parents.  It helps that they love to go walk/run as well.  Colin and I also frequently run in the neighborhood at his family's house.  The resting part is hit or miss.  When we try to do a lot, I don't rest much.  On this trip, I felt tired the entire week and didn't really get caught up on sleep until the weekend after I came back home.  Eating is also hit or miss.  My mom makes really delicious foods that are mostly healthy.  During the holidays, there are always a few extra desserts that I really don't need.  I always find myself choosing the less healthy options when I am away from home as well.  On this trip, I did pretty good with my eating - until we celebrated our niece's 1st birthday!

My mom's Thanksgiving spread was amazing!!

My fairy healthy portion of turkey, stuffing, corn, potatoes (white and sweet), and veggies.

I wanted to make sure I left room for dessert (which I will not show you).

From RI it was on to the Albany, NY area.  I think Darwin remembered how awful the last car trip was, so he would not get in the car.  Colin threw out his back getting him into the car (I think he just likes picking Darwin up - but this time it backfired).

In upstate NY, we celebrated Snow White's 1st birthday (our niece) 

with lots of food, desserts, and presents.

Darwin was also a big hit, especially with our nephew Brian.  

As Brian says, "I'm Darwin's best friend."

It took Darwin a little time to adjust to his new surroundings, but I think he was just so happy to be out of the car again.  We managed to get a few walks in the neighborhood, but didn't run because of Colin's back and rested only a little because we snuck in some visits with friends.

So after 3 days in Rhode Island, a day in Worcester, and 2 days in upstate New York, it was time to drive back to North Carolina.  Knowing the Sunday after Thanksgiving would be an awful driving day, we decided to leave upstate NY at 6am in the hopes of beating the traffic (although we had low expectations for south of DC).

Halfway to NYC, we saw the first signs of daylight.

Making just one pit stop in Jersey to get gas, take a bathroom break, and stretch our legs, we made it to DC in about 6.5 hours!  Unfortunately, by noon, people were on the roads heading home.  After sitting in N. Virginia traffic for an hour and only going about 20 miles, I needed to take a real break.  A consultation with Google Maps on our phones allowed us to see that we were very close to "Prince William Forest Park" - a national forest near the Quantico Marine Corp base.  Since it was about 70 degrees and sunny, we pulled off the exit, parked the car, and hiked a 2 mile trail.

It was a really pretty trail and the day was fantastic.  The hour break was just what I needed to rejuvenate for the 250 miles we still had left on the drive.

Thankfully, there was only another hour of traffic before we had 3 hours of stress-free driving again.  I could not have been more thrilled to pull into our driveway - 14 hours after leaving NY - safe and sound.  

I think this image of Darwin summarizes how we all felt.

 

It was great to visit family and friends - but oh so exhausting.  That drive up I-95 is brutal!!  I'm looking forward to having family visit us in North Carolina in a few days for Christmas!!

How do you keep your sanity when traveling long distances by car?

Fall in North Carolina - a little late

Last thing I remember we were getting back from Aruba and now here we are a week before Christmas. Wow, time does fly!!  

In the spirit of the fall weather we are experiencing today, I'd like to share some photos of how we enjoyed beautiful North Carolina weather during the month of November.

1. Hiking in the mountains - Hanging Rock State Park

2. Walking along the trails and parks around our neighborhood.

 

3. Raking leaves - sorry we don't have a picture of this one! 

 We were too exhausted to even capture the moment.

No one does exhausted better than Darwin!

How did you enjoy fall weather?

Aruba Fun in Pictures

One of the awesome things about going to a destination wedding, is that you are there with a group of people.  Most of my friends arrived by Thursday and left on Sunday.  We were lucky enough to have a full week, arriving on Wednesday and leaving on Tuesday.  Because of this, we spent a lot of our time with the group Thursday-Sunday, and spent Sunday evening and Monday with a smaller group that included the bride and groom and a few of the groom's friends.

Here is a summary of our week with friends in pictures!

 

 Taking the boat ferry from our hotel to the private Island

Having a few drinks during the "booze cruise" that turned into 

drinks and appetizers at the Argentinian restaurant "El Gaucho"

Eating steak at "El Gaucho"

 Eating 4 different half racks of ribs at "Smokey Joe's"

 Eating more steak at "Madame Janettes"

When most of my soccer teammates left and we hung out with "the guys" - all of whom practice mixed martial arts (MMA) - I found that we ended up eating a lot more meat. 

 Winning $8 from our $10 playing cards at the casino.

We aren't big gamblers, but some of our friends won big money!

 Enjoying "adult" balloon making with the clown at Senor Frogs!

My crown was rated "PG" and so was Colin's whatever-that-thing-is.

 

 

 Enjoying a water fountain show (to music) in a shopping plaza.

 

 

Late night swimming and "guess that tune" whistling at the hotel's pool

 

Watching the sunset from the pool/bar/lobby of the hotel.
 

Tell me about vacations you might be taking in the near future!

An Aruba Wedding

Do you notice that  holidays seem to fly by? Last thing I remember, we were celebrating Halloween and BAM! Thanksgiving is here.  I'll try to post my Thanksgiving holiday soon, but with all the driving, I haven't had a chance to finish up the posts on Aruba.  So without further ado, here it is.

The much anticipated wedding day brought with it some morning clouds and showers.  At 10am, the guests were situated in the "church," ready for the civil ceremony to begin.  Thirty minutes later, we were all still waiting for the ceremony to begin.  At first, we thought everything in Aruba just took a long time (which had been our experience the first two days of our stay).  Unfortunately, we learned the necessary paperwork had not been completed by the man in charge because he had a stroke the day before.  After an hour wait and a bit of complaining, the ceremony was ready to begin.

 The bride and groom sit through the civil ceremony with their parents (the witnesses)

The bride and groom pose for some of their first pictures as "husband and wife."

As the day passed, anticipation grew.  The bride, groom, and about 30 guests arrived a little behind schedule to witness the final preparations to the ceremony site.  While there was much excitement, many of us were also getting nervous about the approaching dark clouds.

A beautiful sight, except for the dark clouds.

  I am showing my concern over the weather

 My "model shot" is actually my attempt to keep my hair out of my face - it was a bit breezy on the beach.

 The groom is ready as the first bridesmaid begins her approach.

This is about 30 seconds before it starts raining.

 Most of us got wet, but we did manage to take cover in the restaurant 

across the street from the beach before this downpour happened.

The bridge and groom were so cute, each one hoping the other was okay with the weather situation.  The wedding planner, who claims to have been doing destination weddings in Aruba for 10 years, did not have a "Plan B" in the case of rain.  To help out, some of us "type A" guests set up the restaurant to accommodate all the guests for a covered wedding while enjoying a round of cocktails.  Before long, we were again ready to see the bride - and she did not disappoint!

The beautiful bride is escorted into the restaurant by her father - and I have a front row seat!

I think we did a pretty good job setting up the restaurant 

so everyone could enjoy the dinner and dancing.

The priest, who also got rained on, took it all in stride. 

 

One of my favorite pictures of the bride and groom!

Neither showed any signs of frustration or anger during all the stressful moments of the day.

 All the ladies enjoyed seeing our friend and teammate marry the man she loves.

I would have loved to experience a wedding on the beach at sunset, but alas, it was not to happen.  The first destination wedding we attended, in Cabo San Lucas, also experienced one of its 10 days of rain per year on my friend's wedding.  Maybe the third destination wedding will be a charm!  Or maybe we just keep bringing the rain for good luck!

To Mr. and Mrs. Aldo and Veronica Eguia, may you enjoy a lifetime of happiness in each other's company.

What was the best wedding you've ever been to and what made it the best?

Vacationing in Aruba

Aruba is a beautiful island.  The sand is silky and soft and the water is crystal clear.  It's too bad that a few bad things have happened to give the island as less-than-ideal reputation.  Each time I would tell friends that I was going to Aruba for a wedding, their first response was "be careful."

Colin and I enjoyed 6 full days of the best Aruba has to offer - the beach!!  We spent as much time as we could on the Renaissance hotel's private island.

A boat was available every 30 minutes to pick you up inside the Marina hotel.  It would then drive the 2 minutes to the Renaissance Ocean Suites to pick up a second group of passengers.  From there, it was just a 5-10 minute ride to the private island.

View of the Renaissance Marina from the boat as we head to the private island.

The private beach was sheltered from the waves by a rock barrier.  It also had a wide beach area and several smaller beach areas like the one you see above.

The private island boasted a "family" beach and an "adults-only" beach.  We spent time in both areas, but the beach was better on the "family" side.  Thankfully, we didn't hear or see too many bratty kids, and we tried setting up our chairs away from the main beach.  The other awesome thing about the private island was having free wifi!! So we could catch up on e-mails, post facebook photos, and keep in touch with the rest of the world (when we weren't napping, swimming, eating, walking around, reading books, or listening to podcasts).  

 Half of the days were picture perfect, with blue skies and calm waters for most of the day.  

A disturbance in the Carribean (Tropical Storm Rina I think!) gave us a few days of rough waters, which led to the canceling of the wedding's booze cruise (more about that in the next post).

 This picture shows us looking back on the main beach area from one of the small areas.  Yes, the water is this bluish-green and you can see all the way to your feet while standing in 5 feet of water!

 

The private island had a series of paths between each of the beach areas.  Along the path, you could see lots of fish in the water and lizards of all sizes sunbathing on the wood!

 

We also got to see some flamingos on the beach and some dolphins out enjoying themselves in the water (I couldn't get my camera in time to catch them!).

 

During the six days, I fully recovered from appendix surgery, read two books, and got a nice tan!  Lounging on calm waters or in a hammock isn't a bad way to forget about life's problems!

It was also wonderful to catch up with my friends and former teammates.  

Look at all those soccer legs!! I have to give Annie (4th from the right) the title for best abs!!

When we weren't at the beach, we were hanging out with our friends at the pool, or participating in the wedding festivities (more about those in the next post).  

 The hotel pool was right near the lobby/bar and had a great view!  

The only bummer is that you could see and hear the cars on the road below.

To explore the island, we decided to walk from our hotel (downtown) to the high-rise hotels (called the high-rise area).  On the map, it looked really close, but it ended up being ~4 miles.  That doesn't sound so bad, but when the weather is beautiful and you are walking on the sidewalk looking at this...

instead of walking on the beach, it seems like forever.  

(Note - we took this photo because they have a shoe store called DCW, instead of DSW).

By the time we got to Eagle Beach, which is supposed to be one of the nicest on the island, it was already late in the day.  While the beach was nice, it didn't allow you to wade slowly into the water like our private island did.

It was nice to enjoy some solitude though.

I definitely want to go back to Aruba.  The beaches are as beautiful as they were in 2000.  

Both times these beautiful beaches have keep me from exploring other parts of the island 

- not that I am complaining. 

Stay tuned for the wedding celebration details, a story that's sure to entertain!

What's your favorite beach destination?