Versions of Thankful

Although it is Thanksgiving, I have other things to talk about. Plus, it's still early so my Thanksgivnig really hasn't been too eventful yet. It will be, though, I'm certain, and you'll all be updated on the antics in due time.

So let's backtrack--I had Veteran's Day off and couldn't bear to waste it. Eric also had the day off, so we decided to head to Jungle Parrot Island. I had a coupon for free entry plus $2 off another person, which really means that Eric and I got half off. I find this method key, because most things in Miami aren't really worth the price you pay to get into them. So I don't feel quite so bad when I only pay half price.

It was kind of a crap day, and it acutally started raining when we got there, but we made it work.

I guess this place is a bird sanctuary or something--there were tons of birds everywhere, which was kind of gross but they were mostly caged or enclosed, so I could deal. There was this whole walkway, though, were you could feed the parrots. They were just chillin' on all of these little perches with little pointed hats on the top. They were kind of pretty from a safe distance.

There was also this little petting zoo area with goats, lamas, and cows. Of course, we petted them. And there were turtles there as well, including this giant guy that I had to ride.

They had several shows there, one was a bird show (we saw it and it was scary 'cause they flew overhead and eewww) and another was a cuddly creatures/creepy crawlies show. They asked for audience volunteers so I raised my hand, and I had to pick a creature out of a bag. I totally figured it was a snake, and I have no issue with snakes, so I took it like a trooper. This little guy (or girl, I didn't look that closely, lol) and I made fast friends. He was totally just chillin'.

This was the coolest area of the park--the flamingo lagoon. It was extremely beautiful, even in the rain. The colors were so vivid, I wish they translated in the picture. But alas...

Finally, after the rain and a fun couple of hours, Eric and I took a family photo with the Miami skyline, something we both love about this place.

We still look good for having been soaking wet only an hour or so before!

It was a great day, and an attraction I'm glad I finally took the time to visit, and that I got to spend a nice day with a friend. Yay. :)

The following weekend, I went to Michigan for a, like, 48 hour engagement. I left here Friday night, got in around midnight, headed to Grand Haven in the morning (with a pit stop at my parent's house to see my mom), went to a wedding, visited a friend, went to a reception, partied my face off, and then flew out from GRR that Sunday. It was a whirlwind, but it was fun.

I miss so many of my college friends so much... I've said to my students that in high school you make friends and in college you make family. I feel like they're my family in a lot of ways, or part of my family, and it hurts to be away from them. Seeing everyone again at my sorority big sister's wedding was amazing, sad, and revitalizing.

So now for the pictures... I took Lancelot with me and left him there. I'll pick him up again at Christmas. Once we got to my parent's house, he wanted to run outside. He loves it there, clearly...
The BeSucker/Dephouse wedding took place in Grand Haven at this Lutheran Church. Let me tell you--it was so nice to say The Lord's Prayer the protestant way for once! But anyway, the wedding was lovely, and the bride and groom looked wonderful and happy, which is all that really matters.

A few of us did, however, have a problem with the ceremony's officiate...

After the wedding, Jody, Timmy, and I made a quick pit stop at Meijer. God, I miss Meijer...

In the hotel waiting for the reception to start, Granny and Michael decided to renew their vows in the presence of those who were unable to attend their wedding a few months ago. Of course, Reverend Gore presided. It was a beautiful wedding. There was no dry eye, let me tell you... And yes, her "veil" is my sweater from the pic above. lol!

One of my favorite pictures of the night, my Coot and I at the reception.

I love my Coot. :) It was a great trip and I'm so glad I went. I can't wait to get back for Christmas and see everyone again. VanCooter reunion, anyone?

There are more pictures, but I haven't managed to create an album of them yet. I've been consumed with my job lately. There was a Leadership Summit I was planning and it happened last weekend. I seemed to go really well, the kids gave positive feedback, and the administration (the nuns, mostly, lol) seemed to support the idea and feel like it was a successful event. It was like my baby, so I couldn't be happier about how it went. It's a huge relief that it's done, but it was a wonderful validation and an awesome professional success. I win. :D
Happy Thanksgiving and much love.