Frandtastic!

Paul's cyclocross hopes and dreams were cut a bit short this year with a shoulder injury (re-injury of the shoulder he had surgery on for AC joint seperation). But, a few weeks post-crash he raced Indpendence Cross in South Jersey and I took pictures.

Before the race we had some time to explore the Cohanzick Zoo (New Jersey's first Zoo), best part it is free AND right next to the race course. 

We were one of the few people there and the zookeeper was kind enough to tell us he was about to feed the porcupine and that we should come see her. I loved this thing, it looked so sweet and I think her name was Dolly.

There were peacocks walking around all over the place (And warning signs that said that during mating season they might attack your car if it's shiny and they see their reflection). 


The very best part of this zoo was the white Bengal tiger. I literally watched it for an hour while Paul warmed up for his race. It started stalking me and definitely wanted to eat me. But I loved it so much so it was a slightly complicated relationship we formed in that hour. 




 Bears too! This guy was super lazy and not at all intimidating like the tiger.

This monkey was the tiniest (smaller than my hand) and had a few friends and they were mischievous and awesome. 


Race time finally came (2 hours late) and Paul was ready to go. 


The course was beautiful and fall colored and Paul did great! Top 10 in his new category!





 It was a fun fall day to be a cycling fan!
Hurricane Sandy came a few days later and our weekends haven't been the same since. :)

Our first stop was Arlington Cemetery. I loved these Vets and it is sad to me that our Word War II vets are not going to be with us for too many years longer. They were the sweetest.




These little elementary school boys got to present a new wreath. Their boy ties, combed hair, and overall sweetness got me good. 


After the Tomb of the Unknown Solider we explored more parts of Arlington. 


And my dad took a moment to finish the sale of their house.



I loved this guy and his sweet wife taking his throne picture.





We stopped by the Challenger memorial - my brother Eric was born that day.



These three were the best travel companions and were even pretty patient with my photo taking. 








After we stopped by our hotel we headed to the National Mall. 











The sun was hitting the capital just right and it was a pretty sight.






 At the Korean War memorial, someone had placed some bullet shells saved for many years and placed under the person's name.





Dinner at the weirdest restuarant that was actually pretty good!
 

Friday was my birthday! We started the day out with the Smithsonian American History Museum. And a REAL Harry Potter costume greeted me.

Looks like my dad was a little tired, so were some friends on the stairs.


Hope Diamond!


The Smithsonian Castle



And then off to the Air and Space Museum. 







And the Capi-Tal


 




Segway fun!

Sometimes your hair gets caught in your purse while your husband is taking a picture of you. 




I was thrilled to have these three with me on my special day. 

That evening we met up with Kurt and Julie (actually they saved us from the downpouring rain) and had dinner in Georgetown (Thai!) followed by Georgetown Cupcakes. 
I am so happy those two live so close and so sad that we can never figure out a nice time to get together so I was glad for those couple hours.





Back at the hotel I tried on my new running pants and enjoy the hotel lobby hot chocolate. I love those Fresh Vanilla creamers.

Saturday we went to the DC temple and then to Gettysburg!





Horseback riding tours! I need to go back asap.



We kept hearing cannons and we just wanted to find the source so bad.





At the top of the tower they had this little key where you could line up your eye with a landmark and learn about the battle or event that happened there. 



After Gettysburg, we were close by the Goates - so we called them and decided to meet up at a Harvest Festival they were attending that night. These apple orchards were too good to resist and I my dad helped me convince Paul to pull over so I could take some pictures. 



Everyone could bring their pumpkins and they placed them on this giant raft.


Before the Goates got there, we took a walk around the forest. 



There were also booths with food and merch.

Candlemaking!

Freshest Apple Cider.


Cream corned soup!

And Paul's fav, Apple Crisp.


It was getting dark, the Goates had arrive, and they lit these cute pumpkins then shared the legend of the Hairy Hand as they sent the pumpkins off into the middle of the lake. It was fantastic!




Sunday was nice church time, and Monday I had to work so I took my parents on my commute then sent them off to enjoy Princeton. Then, during lunch they picked me up and we had lunch and a walk in the Woods. Also on this day, Talksoft dedicated a soda machine to me for my one year anniversary. and my visiting teacher brought me the most delicious Argentinian cake. 



And my dad identified all the trees, which is really one of my favorite things about him. 
I loved spending time with my parents and was sad to see them leave the next day.