So there have been lots of fun activities in the past couple weeks! We showered Tara, one of my best friends, in anticipation of her upcoming nuptials in November. It was a fiesta-themed shower based on her destination wedding in Mexico, which we'll be attending in a few weeks. Our passports, tickets, and reservations are all ready to go! We'll be spending four days/three nights in the
Iberostar Paraíso Maya all-inclusive resort on the beachfront of Playa del Paraíso, between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. And can you say "lazy river around the resort"? YES. That's where you'll find me when I'm not doting on the bride. Here's a photo of me with Tara and Katie at the shower. We've been best friends since about 7th grade. Unbelievable.
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| Clockwise from top left: Tara, me, and Katie |
Ryan and I also attended the
North Carolina State Fair last week. I have an odd love for this event... always have. People from all over the state (under whatever rocks they live beneath) emerge to convene at this melting pot of crisp fall weather, fried food, rickety rides, and bizarre spectacles. This year Ryan and I pigged out on the following (yes, all of it): giant turkey leg, roasted corn, lemonade, philly cheesesteak, al's french fries, deep-fried twinkie, root beer float, and a vanilla milkshake. We strolled around the stables to see all the cows, visited the art exhibit and craft vendors, and took our annual exhilarating ride on the Fire Ball. I can't stop laughing for about ten minutes after I exit this ride...so scary, but so much fun.
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| In the cow stables at the NC State Fair |
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| The "Fire Ball" ride at the fair |
Finally, this weekend we went up to Norfolk, Virginia to attend Aiden's fall festival. Activities and rides, cotton candy and popcorn, craft vendors... you name it. Aiden had a great time running around with his class buddies, and we got to sit outside on this sunny fall day, picnic, and see how many blow-up prizes Aiden could win (I think he got a microphone, an M&M guy, oversized blow-up shoes, a giant flower, and a fish... and probably more). On Sunday we took a trip to Newport News, VA, to visit the
Virginia Living Museum, which exhibits more than 250 species of animals and plants native to Virginia (including sea otters, red wolves, and bald eagles!). It also had tons of cool indoor and outdoor exhibits, gardens, and a planetarium show that we attended on the Virginia skies. All in all, it was a great way to spend a Sunday with the family.
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| Ryan and Aiden at the fall festival (with his inflatable prizes) |
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| Posing with the statue outside the Virginia Living Museum |
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| Aiden inside a giant turtle shell, with his little round head |
