You're Gonna Get Some Hop-ons....

I was this close to hopping a train to NYC last weekend, but stayed here instead.



I've made a huge mistake.

Image source

Outerbanks

It was so lovely to get away for an actual vacation with Brody and spend some time exploring the Outerbanks and relaxing on the beach.

The Outerbanks is a long skinny series of islands off the coast of North Carolina with the Atlantic on one side and the Currituck Sound on the other.  It is beautiful and so picturesque with endless beachgrass and ocean views, and stunning beach houses with cedar shingles and white trim everywhere!

It was my first time being in the South (other than Florida which is its own animal really) and it was great. Southern hospitality is alive and well, we tried hush puppies for the first time--which were delicious, and Nascar was playing in more than one restaurant we went to. Brody got to eat some fresh seafood and we both got some much needed sun.

Brody taught me how to golf for the first time, and we stumbled upon some incredible kite surfers, apparently it's a big thing in the area. We went to Kittyhawk and saw where the Wright Bros made the first flight, and visited the Bodie (pronounced body) island lighthouse, which I just fell in love with.

On our last day we woke up at 5:45 am  to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic and it was magical (complete with soundtrack of Adagio in D Minor thanks to Brody).  The sun was incredible and the water was the most beautiful shade of seafoam blue, and so calm! Absolutely worth the early-morning wakeup. Which, if you know me and how much I'm not a morning person, is saying a lot.

On the drive back to DC we stopped at the historic Jamestown settlement in Virginia and got to see some cool ruins, amazing trees, and learn more about the real history of Pocahontas, John Smith and the rest of those hardy colonists. So many lies Disney, so many.

The Final Countdown

I'll post a bunch of pictures from our trip at some point, but first things first:

There is a place...

...just behind the Korean War memorial on the mall, that is kind of one of my favorites. It's just a small group of benches nestled under some meticulously trimmed trees that, for the most part, tourists don't notice or care to stop and consider. It is quiet and beautiful and surprisingly secluded. It overlooks the other side of the "Freedom is Not Free" pond and there are usually little duckies padding around or relaxing in the water.

Perfect for a few quiet minutes of respite from the bustle of the mall.

Tomorrow

You're welcome.

The Countdown(s) Begin

Brody takes his last final in a few hours.

By this time next week, we will be here. Literally, this is the Bodie Island lighthouse in the Outerbanks, NC.

We're a little excited.

In a year from now, Brody will be finishing law school!!!

Let the countdowns begin!

Things to make you smile

Between Boston and Texas, last week was pretty rough, so I've compiled a few things that should make you smile:

• That kid loving life at the beach.
• Puppies. I just want to be this guy, and/or start a business that just lets you play with a bunch of puppies for a nominal fee.
• My sweet mom's attempt at a hashtag on instagram. She's the cutest.
• Cherry blossoms, Magnolias and Dogwoods galore!
• Having a vacation to look forward to
• Tax refunds
• Administrative Professionals Day gifts and festivities at work
• And this guy.