Kid Rock Concert

For our friend Paul's 30th birthday his wife got tickets to see Kid Rock at the Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK on January 26th.  We drove up that Friday afternoon to check in and get decked out for the concert.  We had never been to that casino and it was really awesome.  It is pretty much like a cruise ship on land with a ton of things to do other than gambling like the pool, bowling, and arcade, not to mention the 7 or 8 restaurants on site.  We ate dinner at the casino buffet which we all agreed wasn't that great for the price and then headed over to the concert hall to get our seats.  

Kid Rock put on an amazing show and we had so much fun singing along to our favorites and seeing just how white trash the outfits could get. LOL

After the concert Lauren spent a few dollars playing losing at blackjack and then we played a few games of bowling before turning in close to 2 am.  I sucked at bowling and Hendrik thought it was awesome that there was finally a sport I wasn't good at.  I took the coaching well and did improve by the end of the night.

This was a great night away with our best friends and much needed time just having fun with each other.  

Hiking in Oklahoma

I had been talking about going hiking in Oklahoma for months and hiking is always a bucket list item on my...well bucket lists LOL but we always find ourselves too busy or occupied with other activities.  We had an endless Summer this year and the weekend of November 4th was still warm but the Fall colors were finally showing themselves.  I really had a ton of to dos to do and a messy house but I left it all to another day.  Lesly and I loaded up and headed to Beaver Bend State Park in Oklahoma for a day of outdoor fun.  

We checked into the visitor center and put our names on the list for the longest and hardest hike in the park... the Skyline Trail.  6 + miles of rough terrain and it warned that experienced hikers should only proceed.  HA We are body builders and workout daily we thought.  I get punched in the face for the love of hiking...we can for sure do this.  Its OKLAHOMA how hard can it be!!!??? We parked the car at the entrance and started our hike on the Cedar Bluff trail that was filled with beautiful over looks and scenery of all the fall foliage before merging into the Skyline trail.  

After the pretty look out points the scenery was still so relaxing and pretty to look at but the hike got increasingly harder.  We had to really pay attention to the trail markers as we were on a trail that wasn't as heavily trafficked and so the path wasn't as beat down.  We didn't talk much just got lost in our own heads and enjoyed the outdoors and the challenge.  

All we had was our backpacks with water, toilet paper, and our park map so there was really no way to find out how far we had hiked but when we came across this STOP sign we learned that we had JUST BEGAN even though we had more than likely already hiked 2 miles.  And this is where all the thoughts on "how hard could it be"...gets thrown in our face and crammed down our throats.  

This rest of the hike was literally the most physically challenging and mentally challenging thing I have probably EVER done!  The unknowns killed you...how far have you been, how far do you have to go, where are you, and what if we can't finish.  

At the half way point, the power line road, we were enjoying being in the open and out of the woods and were taking a small breather.  We were about to head back into the the woods when I started back on the trail and almost stepped on this HUGE spider...OMG I jumped back...Lesly had walked right over it not even paying attention.  It was so fury and just gross omg I couldn't imagine having this thing crawling on me...we paid close attention to our steps and our surroundings back in the woods but didn't encounter any more spiders only a million daddy long legs.

Because of the unknowns we had to keep pushing forward and when we finished we were so glad to see people and get to the water fall.  But we weren't really finished...this trail doesn't loop so we had to walk over a mile back on the highway along the damn of the lake back to our car.  We were out of water, drenched in sweat, and so hungry.  We stunk, had blisters, and every part of our lower body from the belly button down was so sore and achy.  I felt like Reese Witherspoon in WILD!!!! LOL  We were so proud of the accomplishment!  Once we got back in the car we had more water and guzzled it down.

We made it back to the car around 4:30 and after catching our breath a minute headed back to the visitor center to let them know we were off the trail and to use the restroom to try and clean ourselves up a bit.  Our shirts were soaked in sweat so we decided to grab a souvenir in the form of a baseball-tee from the gift shop.  I changed into mine as I couldn't stand the smell of my current shirt or the cold sweat that clung to it.  We asked the ladies running the office how long does the Skyline Trail usually take and they said 5-6 hours.  Lesly and I completed it in 4 hours!!!!  This made us even more proud of ourselves.  

We left the park and immediately found somewhere to refuel...we stopped at a neat spot called Burgers and Blues right outside the park and the food was really good.  I would definitely go back and recommend this place if you are in the area.  The weather was still so nice and we still had daylight so we enjoyed our early supper outside and just couldn't get over the day we had.

Lesly and I were so proud of ourselves and felt so accomplished and emotionally energized after completing the grueling hike.  We definitely respect the statement that that hike is for experienced hikers and we pity the fools who are really not athletic people who decide to embark on that trek....it is killer for real.  We talked about it for the next week but not much on the way home as we were so exhausted.  We could barley stay away as our bodies were spent and all our energy was completely gone.  We got home around 7:30 that night and my bed was calling my name after a hot shower!  

More info on the state park and to plan your own visit check out there website HERE!  I will be getting some hiking shoes before our next trip!

6 Weekend or Day Trips for the Summer

I've been bit by the travel bug and it is itching so bad!! LOL  Not that my travel bug bites ever stop itching but I took so many big, amazing trips last year IRELAND, LONDON, DOMINICAN, BALI, DUBAI, THAILAND!  (Click for details)  This year we had our HONEYMOON and a recent family trip to Florida but I want more.  My travel wants are always big but next year I have some big travel plans so I think for the remainder of this year I want to focus on small day and weekend trips.  I have compiled a little list of trips that I've been wanting to take and I hope to mark a lot of these off the list from now through the Fall months.  

Waco, Texas

The main reason I want to make a trip out to Waco is to of course visit the Fixer Upper complex Magnolia EVERYTHING. They have a bakery, store, and tons more that I'm dying to see.  I'm sure it is a major tourist trap at this point because they are so popular but I just need and want to experience it for myself.  This would make an awesome girls day trip as Waco is around 200 miles away and if we leave early one morning we can make an entire day out of the drive and visit.  Check out what all Magnolia has to offer at their website HERE!  I would also like to sight see and window shop around downtown.  The Waco area has a ton of new business that are booming due to all the publicity that the Magnolia projects and Fixer Upper has brought to Waco.  

Pawhuska, Oklahoma

The Pioneer Woman is someone who I started watching years ago and over the past few years have almost forgotten about her.  That was until my mother in law mentioned that the little town of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, gets a whopping 6000 visitors, I believe, daily when the general population of the entire town is only 3000.  Much like Waco it seems that Ree Drummond (the Pioneer Woman) has revitalized a town by putting in deli and general store the Mercantile.  I love Ree's cookbooks and after Roelie told me about this little gem I immediately looked up the town.  Pawhuska is almost 5 hours drive north of my home but would make a great little overnight weekend trip with a stop over in Tulsa to meet an Instagram friend. Plan your visit HERE!

Louisiana Plantation Tour

Being from the South I love all things Southern...although I don't drink sweet tea any longer I still love a good drive and I would love to see and tour some of the restored, grand plantations from back in the day.  I would make the long weekend driving and touring different plantations on my way to a bigger stop or maybe just make a little route of plantations and circle back home.  THIS website is a great way to plan the trip!  

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has been on my must visit for a weekend list literally for YEARS!  I still haven't made it down there for a walk around and indulgence of Cajun food but this year is the year...hopefully! LOL Either way it will continue to be on the list.  To me NOLA is one of the most cultural cities in the US with it's music, food, and history and it is a must visit.  Kayak Explore makes me want to visit the city even more as right now flights from DFW to New Orleans are as cheap as $89!!! How can I not plan a visit soon!  This would be a definite long weekend trip with a nice and cheap flight in and out of the Big Easy.  A trip like this would make for a nice couple get-a-way or a girls trip.  A tight planned itinerary would be a must to see all the sights but you could also just wing the entire thing and I think you would turn out just fine discovering hidden gems throughout the French Quarter and throughout the rest of the city. 

Palm Springs, California

The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs has been on my radar ever since I saw a fellow blogger go to a bachelorette party there several years back.  It is a bit pricey, both flight and this hotel, but would make the perfect long weekend get-a-way in the Fall to catch some final rays and unwind before Winter hits.  All the colors just screams mid century modern and cool pool floats.  The surrounding desert area would make for some fun drives as well.  Palm Springs just seems like one of those places that is a fun, out of the ordinary escape that isn't over populated with everyone else that is trying to escape LOL.  They also have a hotel in Scottsdale, AZ that would also be up for a visit! 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Back when I was 19 my best friend and I spend a whirlwind couple days in Vegas going to the PBR finals.  We were too young to really experience Vegas and I would love to go back for a weekend of fun now that I'm "of age".  I would like to do all the cool amusement rides, go to the old light museum, and just stroll around the strip people watching and soaking up that Vegas sun.  Kayak Explore again shows me how affordable this little weekend could be with flights from DFW only $116!!!  Also would love to go to some of the awesome gyms in Vegas that I see some of my favorite Instagram accounts frequent.  

So there's my little list of places I'm loving right now that I think would be awesome little drives or long weekend flying get-a-ways.  I hope I've made your travel bites itch and you can also experience some of these neat places!  I'm off to a bodybuilding competition today to support a couple girlfriends  and a little learning experience before I POSSIBLY set off on a new fitness journey.  

Keep tuning in!  I plan on keeping this space updated and have a lot of variety!

(all images via Pinterest) 

Hiking in Beaver Bend State Park

We had a great weekend this weekend.  A weekend that Lincoln and I don't have often mainly because of his work schedule always changing and being hectic.  Since Lincoln is at apprentice school during the week he had this past weekend off and also the next 3.  We took full advantage of the beautiful weather this weekend.  I'm on a kick about not wanting to do the same thing all the time.  It seems over the past 6 months or so that we do stuff on the weekends but its the same oh same oh so I'm trying to think of things for us to do together that are different, fun, and inexpensive.

 

Friday was low key.  We enjoyed cooking together at home and then spent the evening outside by a fire listening to music and just talking.

 

Saturday we got up and going and headed to Oklahoma to hike in Beaver Bend State Park.  I had been secretly planning this little day adventure in my head all week and I pitched it to Lincoln on Thursday. He was game and I was happy.  We packed a back pack with water, a lunch of sandwiches, some TP in case of emergencies and there was one. :)

 

You might remember we visited the state park back in October when we went on our little Beaver Bend Getaway.  This was only my second or third time to be at the park and the first time hiking. We had a great time and it was some much needed exercise.  We stopped at the visitor center to get a map and then headed off on our first small/easy trail.  We came to a crossing that pointed to the Look Out Mt trail which I really wanted to go on.  It was a mile UP and it was a hike let me tell you.  

check out this cool tree and how it grew

so of course I had to take a picture

 

We were both a little disappointed once we got to the top because it was called Look Out Mt....which would lead one to believe we were going to make the trek and have a fantastic view of the park....NOT!  There were too many trees, all we could do was see through the trees and then make our way down the other side. 

 

 

Once to the bottom we had to go right back up and we thought we might have been lost but Lincoln consulted the map and discovered we weren't lost just had a ways to go.  We finally made it back to civilization, found a nice spot to eat lunch, and did a bit more exploring before driving to view the lake and dam.   

 

 

 

We finished our little park adventure around 4 o'clock and on the way home stopped at some friend's house for a fish fry.

 

We had a great weekend and I can't wait for all the adventures Lincoln and I have ahead of us over the next few months and years!

Beavers Bend Getaway

You might have remembered me talking HERE a couple months back about a cabin getaway....

 

Well this past weekend we went to Hochatown, OK to stay in a cabin for a little nature getaway. 

 

Hochatown is pretty much Beavers Bend/Broken Bow but who knows because you know those Okie's are crazy. 

Casey & Kaylynn rented the Blue Moon cabin through Beavers Bend Getaways and it was everything the website showed plus more. 

Day 1

We left MV around noon and were on our way on a mini road trip for about an hour 1/2 that was complete with pretty pastures, a few changing leaves, and Arby's.  We got to the cabin after a few wrong turns and were so excited to be there.

The cabin was so awesome!  Lincoln and I took the blue bedroom pictured in the top left.  Everything was there that we could need and we immediately started saying this has to be a tradition from now on!

 The boys relaxing right after arriving.

 

Handsome boyfriend

The first night Casey, Kaylynn, Lincoln and I just hung around the house.  Colby and Lara were supposed to come up with on Friday also but Colby couldn't get off work so they came up on Saturday.  We cooked hamburgers, sat in the HOT tub for hours, visited, laughed, and drank some refreshing but weak Oklahoma grade adult beverages. 

 

FACT:  It is illegal to take any sort of alcohol from Texas into Oklahoma, like get tickets and possibly go to jail for bootlegging illegal.  Their percentage of alcohol that is in beer and stuff is weaker than in Texas.  One more reason why Texas is the best. LOL

I saw this Shock Top beer in the store and decided I would try it.  I didn't have any fresh sliced orange to put with it like recommended but that was ok. It was a nice drink and I for sure want to try it again with the orange.

Friday night was chilly and so I had to put a jacket on to make my way too and from the hot tub. LOL Nothing better than a neon bikini, camo jacket, and moccasins.

me and Kaylynn getting all wrinkly in the hot water



probably my new favorite picture of us

After several relaxing hours in the hot tub we headed inside to go upstairs in the little media area and watch a movie on the projector with surround sound.  There weren't a lot of movies to choose from so we ended up putting on an older movie called Proof of Life with Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe.  EVERYONE fell asleep but ME and I watched the entire movie.  It was a really really good movie but a tink sad because Meg and Russell didn't end up together.... :(

Day 2

After breakfast on Saturday morning we headed to Beavers Bend State Park.  I was dying to go hiking and wonder around. We mainly drove through as Casey was the tour guide but we did stop at a few areas.

 

One of the areas we stopped at there was a pretty much straight up and down hill/mountain thing and of course I was going to get some hiking in so Lincoln, Casey, and I headed up. Kaylynn stayed on a lower rock and relaxed a few minutes by the river while we were gone. It was fun and the views at the top were great!

After our little adventure around the park we headed back to the house because Colby and Lara were on there way.  They arrived right round lunch and the rest of the afternoon consisted of old school music, singing, debating, and visiting.  We headed to town for dinner at Abendigo's. Casey and Kaylynn had eaten there a few years back on their honeymoon and wanted to revisit the place.  We waited for almost an hour and when there was no table in sight so we decided to find a different restaurant.  We ended up at a little diner across the road and we all had good country meals of chicken fried steak and catfish plates. 

 

After dinner we headed back to enjoy the hot tub!

Sunday was check out day!  After we got up and going around 7:30 we had breakfast and sat in the living room in a PJs enjoying each other's company.  Colby and Lara left around 11:15 because Lara had several test to study for on Monday and we were right behind them.  Lincoln and I were back at our humble abode around 1:30. 

 

All in all it was a great weekend, thanks Casey and Kaylynn! 

 

I can see us doing this every year for a long weekend because even though it isn't packed full of activities it was something out of the norm and we got to spend time with friends and family. 

 

 I'm SO grateful that I have people around me that are my close friends and then I also have my real family around and we are all so close we just make ONE HAPPY FAMILY!