FALLing more in love BREAK

picture from school.discoveryeducation.com

Fall Break. 

This was not a privilege I had growing up, but my what a wonderful idea it is! Now back from my week-long hiatus from  everyday life, I feel so much more refreshed.

I kicked off the week by finishing another grad school course (only 3 left, yay!). Then, I enjoyed a lovely luncheon with my mother-in-law. A real life tea party was so much fun! Tea with Thee in Madison is such a quaint little place with the best hot tea, scones, finger sandwiches,  soup, and desserts. 

 

Then, Paul and I took off for a little trip away to have some fun and relax away from the hustle and hustle of life. I don't think we slowed down any, but it was a different kind of busy. 

We began with a more relaxing day at Virginia Beach. Beautiful sunsets on the beach, romantic walks on the boardwalk, and glorious sunrises over the ocean were a great way to kick start our trip. We also enjoyed some fresh seafood at Tautogs - a candelit dinner followed by bread pudding for dessert made for a perfect night.

Then, we took off the next day for Williamsburg, VA. We enjoyed seeing the old town and visiting the Yankee Candle store, the 2nd largest in the nation with a candle section, home section, candy and food section, and a Christmas village. We even got to have a conversation with Santa. :) We followed that up with a little retail therapy for my upcoming birthday and a nice southern dinner at Golden Corral.

(I just wish that the sign from Virginia Beach had followed us to Williamsburg - the language was ridiculous. They needed a bar of soap and a good mouth washing.)

Finally, we spent our last two days riding some more coasters. We went to Kings Dominion  near Richmond, VA the first day and enjoyed some tall rides, steep drops, speed, and twists and turns through mock volcanos. Lots of thrill! However, I was not too crazy about the scare night for Halloween. Creepy clowns, dolls, zombies, and nursery rhyme music playing made for an interesting night as we tried to find alternative routes and pretend to be brave so they would leave me alone. 

We dominated that coaster!

Our intimidation faces look more fun than scary!

We have so many coaster pics that we have to start having fun with it!

 The next day we headed to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for another fun time. We enjoyed even steeper drops, as one ride actually stops and suspends you at the top of the drop to build anticipation. There was also a German named ride that slingshots you through dark tunnels, through the night woods, and even has a freefall/elevator style drop in the middle of it. 

Then, I had fun in the aviary as the birds hopped on my arms, back, and head. Who needs overpriced nectar when you have a shiny ring? They come right to you! Too bad we missed the photo op when I had several birds on my shoulder, back, and head at once! We also enjoyed seeing a trainer work with a wolf. Neat animals!

Excuse scary lady behind me. It was scary night at the park for Halloween, and I was NOT a fan of that!

 

Then, we began our 10+ hour commute back home, stopping in Lynchburg to check out my online stomping grounds for grad school. Liberty University has a beautiful campus, and I was able to find a couple shirts to add to my college collection.

Aside from having our belongings rummaged through in our room at our hotel in Williamsburg and a few rain showers here and there, I definitely cannot complain. We had a marvelous trip and are so blessed to have had this time together to grow even closer and fall more in love! 

God is so good, and we continue to be amazed by the truth that you cannot out-give God We are truly living and loving our Happily Ever After!

Until next time...