Rounding Out Vacation

So I've been back a few days now and have been looking back on how last weeks vacation went. It really was awesome! You saw my yoga beach trip and my kayaking trip with hubs. The last bit to share was our trip to the aquarium.

I LOVE aquariums. I spend a lot of my summer working on the beach with sea turtles helping them to get to the sea. Well, hubs took me to the Virginia Beach Aquarium. It was so amazing!

First, the size of the aquarium is huge. It is two buildings with about a 10 minute walk between them. The first building had all kinds of awesome animals and learning. We saw sharks and my favorite sea turtles. Sadly, we missed the sea turtle tour they had. But they were so active and friendly. I absolutely fell in love all over again with these beautiful creatures! They even came over for pics with me!

The walk to the second building was through a wooded area with paths. There were some stop and overlooks over the inlet. We got to see all kinds of butterflies, birds, and bird nests. As we got closer to the second building, there was an adventure course in the trees. Ropes, ladders, and bridges looped across the trees at different heights. It will definitely be on my to do list next time I go.

Building two had river and inlet animals. It had river otters. They are so personable and funny! I loved watching them play and swim. We also checked out the snakes and turtles. Unfortunately, the aviary was closed. They also had a dinosaur exhibit. We all know how much I LOVE dinosaurs. So of course I had to ham it up with them.

In addition to the aquarium, there was a lot of beach time and pool time. The weather was awesome. Nights were filled with laughing, stories, a wild game of cards against humanity, and a song challenge to the house a block over behind us. We also took a trip to downtown Virginia Beach for some video game fun. Nothing like playing like kids in an arcade.

Since it was vacation, I was a bit more loose with my meals. OK, I was very loose with foods and ate things that I normally won't eat (read ice cream, donuts, and fudge). Needless to say, I found some extra pounds that will be worked off. I have to admit, I am happy to be back to eating clean again!

Overall, vacation was a success! Can't wait for the next one!

Kayaking Adventure

Hubs and I decided to go on an adventure in Virginia Beach. I initially wanted to SUP, or stand up paddle boarding. After researching the information, we decided that wouldn't work. We needed to take lessons and it was a lot of work. We were looking for an adventure but not lessons and something great would be equally as fun. We decided to go kayaking. I've only gone once and in a single person kayak. This time, we did a double kayak.

Hubs and I got to the location and paid, put on life preservers (mine was way too big!) and climbed into  the double sport kayak. Hubs sat in back and I sat in the front. They pushed us off and down the canal we went. 

The wind was with us. While it was hard to move out there, we did some floating and took some pictures of what was around us. 

A pirate ship passed us and we enjoyed watching their show. We paddled out to the aquarium and turned around.

The wind back was crazy. Small waves splashed up over the front of the kayak as we paddled back. We looked at the pretty houses and picked out ones we liked. Then it was back to the launch where we got pulled in. 

We had a great time. We decided that we need single person kayaks. I wonder if they make purple ones.....

Vacation is Coming!

I am heading on vacation to Sandbridge, VA on Saturday (outside of Virginia Beach). I'm excited but am trying to keep in mind balance. It is vacation so I know there will be some drinks and high fat foods. That means it is up to ME to balance it. Here are some ideas that I will use on vacation. They may also help you when you go.

1. I'm bringing precooked steel cut oats. I'm cooking them and putting them in a large Tupperware. Also bringing apples and cinnamon. Healthy breakfast for me!
2. I'm bringing my tablet. There will be wifi at the house and I can use Beachbody On Demand to get my work outs in. I am not bringing weights so I can do P90x3 or Cize, and yoga (there are many others but those top my list right now)
3. Tracking my food. Yup, food journal is coming. This way I can track my healthy and unhealthy options. I'm real. I will have small amounts of some things. I won't deprive myself, but keep it in balance.
4. I will continue to keep up with my challenge group. Why? Because just because I'm on vacation does not mean I can't be accountable. Besides, by using my challenge group, I can ensure I'm not falling off the wagon completely and eating the wagon!
5. Have something green with every meal. Not just green, but colorful. Any kind of veggies will do. But don't forget to eat them on your trip. I won't!
6. Have fun! It is vacation!!!

I will do my best to keep you updated on my awesome adventures!!