Push it......push it real good....

I titled this blog entry with a few lyrics from the song, "Push It," by rap duo, Salt-N-Pepa, because it actually defined what I did - I "pushed it real hard." Oooh, baby, baby.

Due to conflicting and busy schedules we only had a weekend to pack in some quality time and I'm pleased to say that we were able to squeeze a lot of fun things into that short time span.

Our first stop was to Sweet Spoons, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop. I witnessed several gummy worms, crushed Reeses bar, hot fudge, whipped cream and nuts being sprinkled over different flavored yogurts, but I stayed with my favorite - Salted Caramel Pretzel - sans toppings.

My Sweetie with Papa George.

Cooper

Summer

9/22 "Triumph - "umph," added to try. How appropos.

On Saturday, 9/22, we took a trip to "Go Ape," a ropes/adventure/zip line course. Although we opted for the Junior Course, it was still a challenge for my old and out-of-shape body. We all made it through and my fear of heights was averted, because instead of looking down, I kept looking ahead at how the kids and Joan were doing. For me, walking off the edge of a platform in the trees was the most difficult part, but the (too short) zip line ride was worth overcoming that "drop-off" fear. Like George warned me, the kids would have no fear. They ran off the platform...I hesitated, grabbed my rope tightly and slowly slid off. This is something I had been wanting to try and I'm so happy I pushed myself past my comfort zone to accomplish the deed.

The "Zippers" minus Summer (hiding behind the mascot).

Savannah and mommy, Joan

Monkeying around before the course.

I followed Joan throughout the course and was encouraged by her shirt! 

"The Bird" and I.

Getting harnessed up and instructed.

Each checking our rope and pulley.

First victim, uh, participant, Summer.

Low, practice run.

Cooper starting off.

Joan and I thinking, "We got this." But forgot to look up at the real course.

Does anyone else see "What's wrong with this picture?"

Getting higher into the tall trees.

Jumping off the platform.

Joan, with me, bringing up the rear. Getting higher each obstacle.

One step at a time and two-stepping each board.

Our official certificate stating that we completed the course.

George holding a coupon - He was our photographer.

For Sunday, I had booked an Escape Room at Cipher Escape. Neither George or I had never done an escape room, but the kids have done a couple prior to this one. We were not successful in getting out of the room in time, but we solved several difficult clues on our own and got three hints that helped us get further, but in the end, it was too difficult of an escape room for us. Some of the clues were quite obscure and I don't think it was meant for their age level. But, it was a new experience that I will probably attempt again.

She loves to bake. Peppa Pig Cupcakes.

On Sunday night, we regrettably bid our farewells. Hurricane Florence caused schools to be closed for two days the week before, so instead of having a scheduled break, the kids needed to make up those missed days. We weren't sure of the route we would be taking home at this point either, because Interstate 95 southbound was closed from the exit we needed to access it well into South Carolina.

Luck was in our favor, because after planning an alternate route that would have added a whole extra travel day, I-95 reopened in the morning. We had smooth sailing the entire way. George got to "push it real good" on the ride back to our FL home with only one overnight stop.

We arrived safe and sound at Elite Resorts to find weeds bursting though our pavers and stones. With temps in the 90's, we will have our work cut out for us.

Deep thought for the day:  When push comes to shove, I'd rather push myself - it's easier.  ~vc

Raleigh, NC - Pushing It

Florence as it approached Willimgton, NC

We arrived in Raleigh, NC on Thursday, September 20th with no problems to speak of, which was fortunate since we headed down in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. We were lucky to get a site at the Raleigh State Fairgrounds as it was already packed with Coastal Evacuees, First Responders and Insurance Adjusters. 

This detour on our journey south is to get in some much-needed "Grand kid" Time with our North Carolina Crew. These kids are always doing fun and wonderful things with their family and friends, so I tried to think up some exciting things to do together with them. I chose two experiences I have never done, but have wanted to try. The first one is a visit to an "Escape Room." For those of you who don't know what that is, it's similar to the game, Clue, where you need to g a bunch of clues to solve the mystery that will get you the "Key" to get out. You get an allotted amount of time to accomplish the task in order to "Escape," or "Survive." They have done escape rooms before, so I feel quite confident that we will survive.

My beautiful inspirations. Cooper, Summer and Savannah.

The second adventure is  a trip to a zip lining - ropes course. This is a "pushing it" activity for me as I'm afraid of heights. I booked the "Junior" course that is geared for first-timers and kids figuring that if a 5-year old can do it, so can I.  George reminded me that 5-year-old kids have no fear, so I'm questioning my decision...but I will give it a try anyway. My three NC kids inspired me to go on a very high water slide on a Carnival Cruise Ship, so I'm depending upon them to help push me to new heights once again.  

I've started a new "bucket list." This one consist of things I want to do before I collect Medicare - things that I may regret not trying before I'm too old to do them. I did see where a man jumped out of an airplane for his 100th birthday, so I guess it's never too late to attempt fate, but I can guarantee you this - skydiving is NOT on my bucket list.

Here is a link to the places we will go...("Oh, the places you will go...")

Cipher Escape, we're doing the "North Carolina Photo Hunt Escape."

Go Ape, We're signed up for the Junior Course."

Here's a link to a YouTube video of the course.

So, let the fun begin with three kids who are growing up way too fast. Another item on my bucket list, "Do a third daring challenge with these three before they are all taller than me."

Deep thought for the day: This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. Whenever I read it, I get chills:

“Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, we're afraid!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, We will fall!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
And so they came.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.”

― Guillaume Apollinaire