Take me to another place, take me to another land....(9.21-9.23.18)

A few of us headed to Tennessee for the weekend.  For some, it was their first time visiting the area.

We met up at AJP to pick up some of the youngsters, and were I-40 West bound.

After a pretty smooth 4ish hour ride up and through the mountain, we checked in at the Wilderness at the Smokies.  We received a surprise upgrade to our room at no cost.  Lord, thanks for favor!

Of course I forgot to take pics of the indoor water park.  Oh well.

After settling in, we ventured to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner so the "Crabheads" could get their "fix".

 Next, off to Rockin' Raceway.

Waterpark time!!!!

I'm an official surfer babe now.

My eyes were closed the entire time I rode the outdoor blue slide (see from pics above), but here's someone else's video of what it looks like.  It was terrifying for the first 3 seconds.   You start off pretty high up, and you're standing straight up until the floor drops.  It goes by so fast that I couldn't even feel myself going through the loop.  I will definitely wear goggles the next time.

I was so proud of the ones that were brave enough to try zorbing.  I absolutely loved it after trying it last year. It was so fun.  Unfortunately, I somehow pressed a button on the Go-Pro, so our inside video didn't record.  :(

We enjoyed dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, and pretty much too pooped for more partying after that.

Sunday, we checked out and headed to the outlets for retail therapy and lunch before heading back to NC.

I absolutely love the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area of Tennessee.  I definitely look forward to going back since there are still so many attractions left to visit.

July-August 2018 Recap

 Not much major adventure, but some memorable moments.....

 

Family Matters Month kicked off at MTZBC with activities for the youth.  I think everyone enjoyed the color war and water balloons.

Pam being sneaky...

....and she got me with the water balloons.

At work trying to capture my little crochet hairdo.

 

Enjoyed MTZBC movie night.  "I Can Only Imagine" is a great song and a great movie.

Us ladies helped Pam celebrate the wonderful 4-0 at the Raleigh Crab House!!!!

It was pouring down raining when we left, and Pam couldn't get the new 'do' wet!

I layed carpet in my sunroom.  For my first try, I think I did a pretty good job.

Maya, Bentley, & I put her new desk together.  I'm proud of the little girl, she did it mostly by herself.

First day of high school.  Go Panthers!!!

Who Shot J.R. (Dallas, TX 7.19-7.22.18)

I had the fortunate opportunity to travel to Dallas, TX and spend the weekend with some of my cousins.  This was my first visit to Dallas, which is now checked off of my dream list.  It was also an eye-opening weekend where I learned more about myself and my family.

The gang's all here.  Let's get started...

Our grandma, Ginny D, loved the tv show "Dallas".  It was an entertainment staple just like wrestling.  I was so happy to find that Southfork Ranch offered tours and horseback riding.  I'd gone riding way back when I was a small lad, but never as an adult.  So now, another item checked off the list.  We're natural cowgirls now!!!

We purchased the City Pass, and our first stop was the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck.

Next it was time for Park Avenue.  Oh what fun!!!  Good food, and I danced for about 4 hours straight!!!

Dee Dee couldn't decide whether to leave or stay!!!

I was struggling.  It was way beyond my bed time.

The next day we visited the Dallas Arboretum for a photo shoot.  Our Ginny D absolutely loved flowers and plants.

I'm the "Quaint & Quirky" cousin

My fave plant

Lisa surprised Dee Dee with a custom Starbucks cake for her birthday.

Next stop, a ride on the DART heading to the Perot Museum.

A heart for Jamie D.

Looking forward to planning my dolphin encounter next year

My fave animal's grandpa

It was extremely hot the entire time there, over 105 degrees each day.  We packed a lot of stuff into a short period.  I enjoyed the heart to heart convo I had later that Saturday night.  

It was a weekend of many firsts:

1. first visit to Dallas, TX

2. first horseback ride as an adult

3. first time most of Ginny D's granddaughters actually took a trip together as adults

4. first time riding in an Uber vehicle

5. first time riding in a Lyft vehicle

6. first time using the Cash App

7.  first time I felt totally free to be me around my cousins without feeling like I was stuck at some childhood era in life (long story)

8. first time eating bacon wrapped shrimp kabobs

9.  first time meeting my cousin Tasha's baby, Pixie  

Such a cute little doggie diva

I'm sure there were many others, but that's all I can remember for now.

As I sat in the Dallas airport, I  realized that I didn't randomly bump into anyone from Martinsville or Greensboro.  Well, that changed 15 minutes later when I lined up with Sherelle from MTZBC.  It was so great to see her!  She was Maya's Creative Movement leader for 2 years.  We caught up on the haps.  Our convo was cut short, because my motion sickness reared it's ugly head.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and look forward to heading back to Texas.  I think I'll have to give Houston a try for my birthday, thanks to Sherelle's glowing recommendation.

Until next time...

So who shot J.R.?   Nobody.  That Dallas summer heat took him out!!! ;)