Normally
around this time each year, I get a little panicky that summer is
slipping by too fast. This year is no exception, but I'm happy to say
that it's been a blast so far!
Since summer "unofficially"
starts on Memorial Day weekend (you know, when all the pools open),
that's where I'll start, too. Memorial Day weekend happened to coincide
with the 30th birthday of yours truly. I *may* have mourned the loss
of my twenties for a day or so, but then my hubby took me to The Wilds
for a weekend getaway. If you haven't been there before, it's a
wildlife conservation center in Ohio where the animals roam free
Savannah-style. (Well, as close to "roaming free" as they can. The
herbivores and carnivores are still very much separated--it's not "The
Circle of Life: Live on Stage!") I've wanted to go there for pretty
much forever, so we packed our bags and stayed overnight in one of their
super-fun Yurts.
We even
splurged for a "Wildside" tour, where you travel the park in a small
truck to get up close and personal with the animals. It did not
disappoint.
Shortly after
the holiday weekend, my little sister graduated from high school.
(Sniff. Now I really do feel old!) To commemorate, we all headed to
Disney World for a week of family festivities. The revelry also
included birthday celebrations for two of my sisters, and an honorary
birthday celebration for me. (Did you know that Disney cast members wish you
"Happy Birthday" all day long when you wear a birthday button in the
parks? I sure didn't, and got startled more than once!) It was an awesome week featuring:
FOOD!
 |
| Epic EPCOT desserts! |
FAMILY!
 |
| We almost got everyone to look at the camera. |
MORE FOOD!
 |
| Mmmmm....waffle sandwich.... |
RESISTING THE URGE TO DANCE ON RIDES!
 |
| Holding hands is required. |
AND HUBBY NOT SMILING IN PICTURES!
And
of course, I had to embarrass everyone by demolishing one of those ginormous turkey legs in
public. (If you recall from my 2013 trip, it's tradition!)
My little sister said I looked rather primal devouring the thing, with my scrunched-up nose and meat-tearing head
jerks.
I've been to Disney many times, but this is the
first trip where we got to experience the "Magic Bands." I must say,
the technology was really neat--even spooky at times! (Like when the mirror ghosts smashed my little sister's face with a cake on her birthday at the "Haunted Mansion.") However, the
bands kicked me out of the family
on our very last "It's a Small World" ride.
After all
of that merrymaking around the Magic Kingdom, there was still more
celebrating to be done post-Disney. As I mentioned in my last update
post, one of my writing buddies and I challenged ourselves to some
writing/illustrating goals in May. The endeavor carried on into
June so we could both kick our goals in the butt. My target was to edit
at least two chapters of Pirate Ferret (check!) and to doodle something
every day. (I had to make up a few sketches at the end of the month, but
double-check!) Here are some of my favorite sketches from the challenge:
Kristy
finished her goals, too, so we marked the occasion by stuffing our
faces at a delicious Chinese buffet. Trophies and medals are nice, but
you can't beat all-you-can-eat dumplings and egg rolls!
And
lastly, that dash of Disney magic inspired me to finish one of the
"It's a Small World" illustrations for my nephew! I still have several
to finish painting, but I'll celebrate accomplishing one! :)
The
rest of the summer is chalking up to be pretty darn busy, but there are
also plenty of exciting plans ahead. I hope you're all having a fun and
sunny season!
