Sunday, April 16, 2017

The Girls Take on VA Beach...4.13-4.15.17

For the first time in a very long time, we took a trip for spring break.  I opted to take the girls to Virginia Beach since they had never been before.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the warmest, but we found some things to occupy our time.

On Wednesday evening, we arrived at the home of our wonderful hosts, the Jameses.  After the welcoming party, we ventured to the Lynnhaven Mall and Dave & Busters.  We played some games.  I smoked the girls in the basketball shooting game, of course.  All the playing made us hungry, so we decided to try D&B's menu.  TERRIBLE idea.  The cleanliness was not the greatest; it was very confusing on how to be seated; once seated, the wait to order and to be served was too long; the food was cold and the Dee's steak wasn't cooked properly.  Let's just say that we won't be eating there again.



Friday, we headed to Adventure Park to challenge ourselves.  It was a little intimidating, I must admit.  There were plenty of times that I questioned myself as to why in the world I was doing it.  But we made it through one of the 3rd hardest trails.  I'd say at times, jumping out of an airplane was less scary.  All in all, we pushed through it and truly enjoyed it.






















Next, we headed to the ocean.  The water felt like ice cubes.  There were some brave souls in the water, but not us!




On the iFly for the girls' first indoor skydiving experience.  I chose not to partake since I've already had the indoor and outdoor skydiving experiences in the past.

Before....

Devyn's first flight video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEpi8SGarI8




Maya's first flight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQkkssjQ5Hw



Both girls second flight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DICX-Db_6h8&t=15s


...And after

We finished off the evening with dinner at Red Lobster.  We even witnessed a couple get engaged.



Saturday morning, I treated our hosts to breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  I've been longing for those pancakes for weeks.  I enjoyed the conversation and the food.


We head back to say farewell to Big Bro E and Sister Malissa, and head back to the 'boro.













We look forward to visiting again when the weather is warmer.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

AJP Takes on Washington, DC (3.28-3.30.17)

At the end of March 2017, I had the opportunity to chaperone Maya's school trip to Washington, DC.  These are some of the highlights...








Here are some of the statues and art that I appreciated in the Capitol and the Library of Congress...



















I was so glad I was finally able to see the MLK, Jr. monument after seeing some of the other war memorials..












I truly enjoyed my first experience at Medieval Times as well...










The National Cathedral...


The floral stained glass was so pretty.






I'm looking forward to going back next year or later this year to see the African American History Museum and the African American Art Museum.