Vacation

It's always so difficult to motivate myself to start these things...but since someone in the immediate area is, from the sound of things, doing some serious home-construction, sleeping in is not an option.

About two weeks ago, Luca was experiencing tummy problems. He was vomiting, refusing to eat and, as far as we saw, not going to the bathroom. Thinking he had a bowel (sp?) obstruction, Adam and I took him to the vet where they wanted to run $800 worth of tests on him. We're a little tight on money at the moment and couldn't afford that so we declined the offer and pissed off a few staff members in the process. We ended up spending around $100 on meds and fluids but immediately after the visit, Luca took two massive "mandatory's" behind Petsmart. We monitored him closely and gave him bland food. He's better now but, OH! It broke my heart when he was sick.

Adam and I had planned to go on a cruise for our 1st anniversary but due to a serious lack of funds, we decided to take the cheapest option and go to Jacksonville. It was a very last minute decision but luckily, we know awesome people here in VA that enjoy watching our pups! We left for Fl after dinner on Thursday (to avoid tunnel traffic) and arrived around 6am. What a LOOONG drive! As soon as we got to Brentt and Rachel's house, we CRASHED and slept until after noon. Since both Cumbaa's were at work by the time we woke up, Adam and I decided to go exploring around the city to see what all had changed. We drove everywhere...even into the depths of Green Cove Springs. Jacksonville has changed a TON; everything seemed weird and different...and HOT. Don't get me wrong, VA gets hot too but not so miserable that all the greenery is scorched to death. That night Adam and I had dinner with (almost) my entire side of the family at Texas Roadhouse. It was wonderful to see my family and catch up on things but the long table set-up made it difficult to see and hear everyone. After dinner, Adam and I met up with my old roommates, Rick and Joel and Joel's girfriend to play 3-D Blacklight Indoor Mini-Golf. I know it sounds kind of lame, but if you ever get the chance, you need to play. The neon, 3-D paint is mind blowing!

Saturday, Brentt and Rachel invited us to brunch. I can't remember the name of the place but it had the most delicious Huevos Rancheros I've ever had. We visited a few more friends after that then headed over to the Kalota residence for Allison's birthday party. Alli's dad made delicious food (I kept sneaking pieces of fresh, fried gator tail) and we went swimming and played Wii. Note: I am NOT a great Wii-dancer. Adam made the call to make Saturday and early night, and I couldn't have agreed more. We were both exhausted.

Plans were tentatively made to go to Ginnie Springs on Sunday but since we'd yet to see Adam's family, plans were altered. Instead, Adam decided to take his sisters, Tara and Beth, and their respective children, Lori (2), Ashley (3) and Chris (10) to Chuck E Cheese. Adam bought pizza and tokens for everyone and the kids went wild. As fun as it was to see the little ones, I'm happy with waiting a few more years to have one of my own. We some great pictures and had a great time, but by the time we reached the bottom of the cup of tokens, everyone was tired and ready to go. Adam and I dropped Tara off and her girls then headed back to Casa de Cumbaa to get ready for dinner with Mrs. Kathy, Adam's mother. Dinner was short and delicious and most of the conversation was Adam catching his mom up on everything that's been happening, Navy-wise. Afterward, in the parking lot, the three of us talked about the past and all of our hurt feelings and made a promise that things would start fresh from that moment on. I'm glad to say much of the tension has been relieved!

The girls. I didn't get many pictures of the adults or Christian but it was wonderful to be with everyone!

There were a few errands left for Monday. Allison, Bobby, Brentt, Adam and I all ate lunch at Sonny's, something us Peeples have been craving for almost a year! Somewhere along this trip, Adam and I were also able to eat Moon River Pizza and go to Dreamette (a first time for Adam and he was unimpressed!). We thanked Rachel (the only Cumbaa home at the time) for her incredible hospitality and friendship then stopped by Nanny & Papa's on our way out of Jacksonville. Instead of taking 95 straight up, the Peeples-wagon headed towards Atlanta. We made it to Macon (an hour South of ATL) and decided to stay the night with Bobby and Allison in their newly purchased home! It was GORGEOUS. They have a huge house tucked in between rolling hills and a fairly large creek. I loved the size of the rooms, specifically the kitchen and Adam was crazy about the screened-in sunroom, giant garage, and tree-covered property. Oh, it makes me want a house SO BAD! That night we played old school Nintendo games, of which I am terrible, and shared stories.

The next morning, Adam and I left for Atlanta. I was shocked at how much I really liked the city! I'm sure there are gross parts but it just seemed like there was so much to see and do! First, we went to the Georgia Aquarium. This place is GIANT and probably my favorite aquarium we've ever been to. Almost every exhibit has massive acrylic slabs for walls which makes viewing the animals incredible!

Adam looking at the jellyfish

Giant ray!

This female Beluga kept playing with a crinkle, plastic tube with straps. She was so playful and intelligent!

Then we headed across the street to the World of Coke to explore Coca-Cola's history and taste Cokes from all over the world! We saw lots of products that we used to remember like Surge and Five Alive. We even saw the actual torches that were used in various Olympic Games!

Entrance

Adam and I took the long way home, traveling through Georgia then Tennessee then Kentucky and finally Virginia. We couldn't figure out anything to do for our anniversary so we decided to go straight home. Well, that was the plan, anyway. When it came time to switch drivers, Adam was still too sleepy to drive so we found a rest area and slept overnight. Since we were in the mountains, we just cracked some windows and turned the car off. Believe it or not, it actually got pretty chilly! We woke up at a rest stop along some desolate stretch of highway with terrible breath, dirty clothes, and stinky, unshowered bodies and even though it's not how I pictured spending our first anniversary, it's nice to know that no matter what happens, we're still going to be head over heels in love with each other.

After getting the pups from the sitter (THANKS, Michelle and John!) we pulled up the the house, happy to be home. Of course we slept some more, this time in our own, familiar bed and woke up just before dinner. Adam took me to the beach and we tried a new restaurant called 5th Street Taphouse (or something). Although the food wasn't great and the beer was warm-ish, we had a good time. We walked along the board walk and found a 50s/60s/70s cover band that played phenomenal music. Their drummer looked like Lil Wayne and had the fastest arms of anyone I've ever seen. The band even had a full brass section! After walking and drinking and listening to the state-paid street performers, we headed home.

Adam had to go back to work on Thurs but I was off until Monday. We helped Adam's friend, Steve, install hardwood floors in a home he recently purchased for him and his soon-to-be-wife. I haven't seen the finished product but from what I could tell, it looked amazing! Adam promised since our anniversary was less than ideal, he would take me out some place nice that weekend...which he did. We went to Byrd & Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse in downtown Norfolk. It was the most expensive meal I've ever eaten but it was easily the most delicious food I've ever had. We got dressed up and just enjoyed each others company and the night was perfect. When we got home, Adam surprised me with a Kitchen Aide mixer, something I've been wanting for a very long time. What a guy!

Now, everyone is back to the normal grind. I've worked two back to back doubles so I'm looking forward to a normal shift today. I'm still job-hunting whenever possible and I'm delighted to announce Adam and I got a six month extension on our lease! Tonight I've made plans to have a stay-at-home girls night with my friend Claire and her adorable baby, Rowan. After work on Thursday, I've made plans to help a friend move some furniture. I guess there's no rest for the weary.  :)

Thanks to all who sent us anniversary cards, emails, texts, and love! GJ- Luca  L O V E S  his tennis balls. Crazy thing; he can actually tell the difference between the three (even though they're the same size and color) and makes us play with specific ones. Even Piper got in on the games of fetch...and she NEVER does ANYTHING physical!

Lastly, in case you guys didn't realize this: we are TEN days away from college football season!!! (Words cannot describe my excitement!)