Showing posts with label adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventures. Show all posts
Hello all! I know it has been a rough couple of weeks, but over this past weekend, I got the amazing opportunity to travel all the way from Chicago to "the happiest place on earth"--Walt Disney World. It was a very well deserved trip that my entire highschool marching band had earned. If you're new here, I am was on color guard for three years and I have been truly blessed to have been with a great family of amazing friends. It has been one heck of a year and a high school career for that matter, and I couldn't have asked for anything better.
My marching band was invited to march in Epcot's day parade and we were to travel a 20+ hour bus ride (ugh) all the way to Florida. While I have to say, it really wasn't that bad being on a bus with all of my friends, it did start to weaken as we came back home (it smelled like pee lemme just tell yuh). Besides the little things I remembered, like our insane bus driver that we loved (shoutout to ma boi Terry), our dope bus ("Bus #1, yaw yaw yaw!), or just giggling at the most randomest whale jokes, the journey was not as amazing as the destination. We were there from Saturday until Monday (March 24-26) at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and then Universal Studios.
Day 1: Magic Kingdom
I was there with all of my band and color guard friends and on the first day, we went straight from a 20 hour bus ride to a 20 hour marathon of walking and riding. I was the most excited for Magic Kingdom because it has been about 6 years since my last visit and I was feeling the nostalgia a lot once we got there. So many things I remembered and so many new things I had never seen before like Belle's castle or the new Dwarves ride that I ended up loving.
We got fastpasses to three things; space mountain, splash mountain, and to meet Rapunzel and Tiana. I had never done any of those things because when I was little I was in the "weenie club", my mom would taunt at me...then I'd just get ice cream and everything would be fine. Ah those were the good ol' days.
Day 2: Epcot and the Parade
Epcot was one of my favorite parks when I visited a very long time ago because I loved all of the world showcases and different countries to go and explore. Plus, it was mostly shopping and I never really liked rides. In the morning, the band and I had time to kill and do some stuff before the 3 pm parade, so my group and I did Test Track twice with out fast pass which was one of the smartest ideas. I love that ride so much because it takes you through a test drive and you go almost 600 miles an hour. Whenever my dad would drive really fast or recklessly (I do not condone), he would say that we're in Test Track.
After that ride, we headed to all of the showcases and explored the countries. We also had a fastpass to go meet Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy! It was really funny because Mickey left me to go grab Minni from Goofy and it I was Mickey's new Minnie.
Probably the most epic part of the trip was marching. It was one of the most fulfilling moments I had ever felt throughout my entire marching season. When they announced our band twice in the park, I nearly teared up because it was such a great feeling to be there in Disney doing what I love with the people I love.
We performed Thnks Fr Th Mmrs by Fall Out Boy and, while I didn't really approve of the song as a marching song, it was still a really fun song to perform to in Disney. I just can't believe that it's finally over. The last hoorah that many former band members never got.
After being in our hot and sweaty uniforms in the beautiful, 80 degrees and sunny weather (as opposed to Chicago's 40 and rainy) we changed and received a golden Mickey award for marching! We also got Disney performing arts hats that I ended up embroidering and getting signed by Mickey himself.
Day 3: Universal Studios
I had never been to Universal before, but at this point in the trip, we were all pretty exhausted and ready to head back home if you could believe it. However, I was most excited for Harry Potter World and had to keep my energy up to enjoy it--because I really did.
Of course, here's me with the $7.50 butterbeer that everyone needs to get when they're there. It was just like a coffee or butterscotch frappuccino with a marshmallowy foam on top. So sweet, but super delicious. I wasn't feeling too great that morning, but I did go on the Hippogriff ride which was really fast and awesome. We also went around to Dr. Seuss Land and Jurassic Park Land to explore the other rides. We ended up getting completely soaked on a Popeye raft ride and I was so ready to get on the bus and change into my warm sweats.
I know this post might not be as detailed as you might have hoped, but I want to just remember the things I want to remember and save the memories. I am probably running on only 6 hours of good sleep, but this morning I slept in until 11 and could have slept until 3 or 4. It was all so worth it and I wanted to thank my parents for helping me go on this trip and supporting me with flags for the past three years, my coach, Mrs. Riley for sticking with me and helping me become a better flagger and performer, my band directors, Mr. Riddle and Mr. Pavlik, for dealing with everyone and making this the first Disney trip our band has gone on, and to just all of my friends and supporters who have also helped me along this one hell of a journey through my high school career. I hope to remember this for the rest of my life and I am sincerely grateful and glad I got to be a part of this experience and marching band.
We brought Terry home! #bus1 #yawyawyaw #whalejokes #JuilaMccoy
<3
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Over this past weekend, my family and I made a trip out to Larson's Family Farm, which is small, quaint, and everything you would look for in an all American pumpkin patch. The pumpkins were not picked over and they were very big and juicy! My family has paid for store bought pumpkins in the past and it just isn't the same. The day we went was one of the best days we've gone pumpkin picking; it was so crisp and felt like a beautiful, first autumn day!
This farm was not your average, commercialized "Big 'Ol Pumpkin Fair Extravaganza" patch. It just felt...real. The owners were so welcoming and seemed to have been running their family business for a very long time. They had a lot of acreage and owned a couple horses that I couldn't stop petting!
This farm had a pretty big patch of pumpkins which also included gourds (mini squash-like vegetables) every where we stepped! They also seemed to have been growing Christmas trees for the winter already. As we made our way around the rather abundant patch, we also managed to buy a pile of Indian Corn (some pretty rainbow corn that you can hang and use to decorate just about anywhere in or outside of your house) and some small gourds...that we totally forgot to bring home after we bought them. So, that just gave us another excuse to go back to the pumpkin patch again. Ha!
Once we were finished picking pumpkins, we paid for them all in their massive barn which consisted of a ton of Halloween treats! They had popcorn, apple cider, hot chocolate, candy, and of course caramel apples (which were amazing because they had home-made caramel).
I have always enjoyed picking pumpkins and it's a great time to spend with friends and family. I feel like fall isn't fall without a pumpkin picking excursion! I would totally recommend going to a pumpkin patch, preferably family owned and non-commercialized to get the best experience you can get! Plus, there will be warm, home-made goods that you can't get at those places anyway. If all else fails, supermarket pumpkins work, too! What's a fall tradition you enjoy doing?
Jacket-Charlotte Russe Flannel-Old Navy Denim-American Eagle Outfitters Hat-H&M Satchel-Urban Outfitters Chelsea Boots (look alike)-H&M
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I am back in civilization at last! A week in the woods isn't something every single person would like doing but, I love it and I captured some pretty candid shots as to why camping is something I think everybody should do. Camping to me is very personal. I have been camping for about 12 years now and love every minute of it. My family and I go every summer to this place in northern Michigan. Sure, there are bugs, mosquitoes, birds, sand, dirt, raccoons, storms, etc. and did I mention that I camp in a tent? Ah yes, the beauty of nature my friends.
I'd like to call myself a very well experienced camper, however, I don't think the hair dryer, curling iron, Kuerig coffee maker, or electric skillet can make me an authentic camper. We just call it "Glamping".
First of all, I think a lot of people have their own definitions of camping. Whether you pitch a tent in your backyard and have a sleepover with friends or go into the mountains and you only have a flashlight and a sleeping bag with you. My version of camping isn't the only way to camp (I don't personally count trailer "camping" to be one of them due to the lack of actually being outside since you still have like a kitchen and a TV).
Many people think camping is cheap but, actually it's not. Camping with a dog and four other people means that we need a ton of stuff like sleeping bags (expensive), air mattresses (expensive), a lot of food (expensive), and the actual tents that have to fit everybody (expensive).
Camping would only be cheap if it was like you and one other person because you wouldn't need merely as much stuff as my family does. It's not like every year we buy new stuff; it took us a while to gather everything we actually needed over the years. If you are wanting to camp, make sure you understand what a financial investment it might be.
Where I camp, we have a beautiful bay area to swim, paddle board, kayak, and watch the sunsets. One of the reasons we always come back to this same place is just because of the amazing views.
While I was there, I actually managed to do some yoga on the beach. There were flyers in the little camp store and some instructor from the area was teaching in the morning on the sand. An experience I will never forget!
Another reason, besides the gorgeous views, that I camp is that I do make experiences that I will want to keep forever. We invite friends and other family members to join us camping; we go swimming, kayaking, play on the dunes, paddle board, or just enjoy the camp fire together.
The Benefits of Camping:
- You are connected with nature and get to enjoy what it has to offer
- Live off the grid (no more Snapchat folks)
- Discover new places and meet new people (or wild animals)
- The food tastes better anyway
- The smell of fresh pine and camp fire
- Quiet time
- Watching the sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing
- Spend time with pets
- Exercise
- Rekindle relationships with family and friends
Of course I brought my puppy along! My dog loves to camp and since we live in a big city, he never really gets to experience the "Great Outdoors". A lot of people bring their pet to camp and it's really not that hard. I think the hardest thing about bringing your pet is actually finding room for them in the car among all of your gear.
A lot of places have kayak and paddle board rentals which can be really nice because buying one is like $600! Fortunately, my camp site just added these amenities and people are able to rent one for like $15 an hour. You do not have to be a pro either! I have never paddle boarded before and I learned really quick (after falling a couple times).
If you are looking at places to camp, consider what types of amenities you would want! Maybe a beach store, bike rentals, kayak rentals, or just a bathhouse is your desire. Many places have websites that list what they have.
If you guys have any questions about camping and what I do, please ask! I had a wonderful week camping and got a ton of sun. If you have been camping, please share where you camp and your thoughts on it as well!
Xoxo, Nat
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I am laying here comfortably in my bed reminiscing on all the fun that I have had so far this summer. It is unbelievably crazy that I will be a senior in high school in about three weeks. Time has sure flown by! It makes me sad that happy times come to an end and even though we are still pretty much in the midst of summer, school starts extremely early (ugh) for me here in Chicago.
I thought I could recount the amazing things that have happened or I have been doing lately. Sometimes I forget about the great moments I have shared with friends and family during summer. These last couple of weeks I have really tried to live in the moment and just be present because one day my young life will come to an end eventually (sorry to get all deep and stuff).
01. I always try to push myself to try new things and do more things. I mean, I have like three months to do what ever the heck I want (within my budget of course). A few months back I purchased Adele tickets and Ellie Goulding tickets. Probably two of the best concerts I have ever and will ever see in my entire life. I literally can't explain how amazing it was because you just. Had. To. Be. There. It was so good.
02. I think on everyone's summer vacation checklist is at least one or two visits to see Grandma and all the other relatives. I know people that have family that live like 20 minutes away, mine live like 7 hours away from my house so it is a pretty lengthy road trip. It's always nice to see my family; we go swimming, fishing, shopping, etc...we do practically everything together and I love the bond I have with all of my little cousins, too.
03. One thing that I have been a little bad about during this summer is hanging out with my school friends. I get so busy during the summer and it's so hard to meet up and hang sometimes. I have been reconnecting with older friends, though. I have been a little proud of myself for contacting them because they're the same, awesome people they were when we were so close way back when. Rekindling old relationships is good! It's nice to catch up with people; people who have really made a huge impact in your life. I am sorry to any of you (ahem friends who read my blog, God bless you) that feel like I haven't communicated to you during this summer. Work and trips can be overwhelming...
04. If you have been reading a lot of my posts lately then you might already know that I have been doing a ton of yoga. I mentioned that I was doing a yoga challenge at my studio; 40 classes in 90 days and you get a t-shirt and a $40 gift card to all their merch. Just to let you all know, I have only 5 classes to go! I am pretty proud of myself for staying motivated to keep on going to yoga and not decide to ditch and go eat pizza. I know a gift card and a t-shirt might not sound like much but, it's hell of a reward after pushing myself to become stronger and better. That, my friends, is something I will always take a t-shirt for.
05. One last big SHEBANG. My annual, family camping trip is coming up at the end of the week. I will be camping in a tent (have been since I was a baby) for about 10 days, more or less, next week. I love connecting with the outdoors and just enjoying what nature has to offer. I am an outdoor girl. What can I say, the city is my home but, the forest and the beach are my playground LOL! My family and I camp in northern Michigan and the views are incredible. I highly recommend visiting such a beautiful place. Here is the post of the trip I took last summer.
Since I will be on a hiatus for a week, there won't really be much going on my blog. However, I think I have decided to write up a couple posts so that you guys can have something to read while I am gone! Everybody needs a break once in a while but, I'll try my best. I also want to take more pictures during my trip so hopefully you guys can see them once I get back.
What have been some of you summer highlights so far?
Xoxo, Nat
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Hello everybody! I have a very awesome post to share with you all today. I would like to share my trip to San Francisco, California that I took over this past Memorial Day weekend with my family! I had an amazing time experiencing all things San Fran and I lived my dream of being in Full House (an American TV show that takes place here). I only had a couple of days to explore as much of the beautiful city as I could; we had great weather and it was surprisingly colder than Chicago!
I have a travel journal type post so I won't be giving a full paragraph for everything but, I will explain some of the pictures along the way; the things I did, saw, ate, etc. I hope you enjoy this little adventure that I went on and it inspires you all to go visit San Francisco yourselves!
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Hey guys! So today was a very VERY fun day. I live in Chicago yet I've never been to Chinatown. Today was the day I got to explore more of my beautiful city!
This is a candid of me and one of my best friends, Alyssa. I went with my little sister, my mom, and her friend as well!
We walked into many souvenir shops around town and found many tiny treasures! I loved these little cats and all of the mini Buddhas they had. I bought a little jade one and Alyssa got some for her little sister, too.
While we headed to lunch, we found these awesome statues of the Chinese zodiacs and we were all reading the little plaques that tells us what each sign means. I'm the rabbit!
So we headed to this restaurant on South China Place in Chinatown and it was so delicious! My friend recommended this place and it is now one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in Chicago. I totally recommend it!
This restaurant had tons of choices: noodle dishes, soups, meat dishes, rice dishes, and a ton of bubble tea options on their menu! I love bubble tea so much! I feel like it's a hit or miss with some people but, I really enjoy the tapioca balls and the amazing range of flavors you can get!
We stopped in one of the small bakeries in town and I forgot the name of this one but, they had an awesome selection of Chinese pastries. I had this red bean sweet bun type thing. I have always wanted to try red bean. It kind of tasted like almonds or an almond paste in the middle. It was really good!
Another thing I bought was this really cute (fake) jade bracelet. Alyssa and I decided to get matching ones. I loved how it looked with my watch.
There were a ton of stores filled with a ton of stuff. Sometimes it was just your basic needs like dishes, kitchenware, clothes etc. There was a lot of random stuff too. It was all really cute though.
Here's my little sister being a little weirdo. Haha she loves me so much. She was like, "Nat, I want to model like you do in your blog!". Whelp, there's my sister for yuh.
There were also some restaurants with live fish and tanks all over. It was kind of cool and kind of weird and unsettling at the same time. But, I managed to sneak a pic anyway.
There was a ton of beautiful architecture around Chinatown. It all looked so detailed and someone really knew what they were doing with this building.
You probably can tell that I am not that educated on the Chinese culture. I'd love to learn and know more about it. I loved experiencing this new part of my town that I'd never seen before. Chicago is so diverse and it made me happy that I got to explore and experience it all. Sure it's not actually China, but I met a lot of really nice people and I've seen a lot for what it's worth.
Traveling and exploring for me is only going to continue due to my love and passion for learning about different cultures and meeting new people. I had a really fun day and I hope to come back another time!
Xoxo, Nat
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