Rock Springs and Boo Things

Erin and Jon came to Florida last month for her cousin's high school graduation festivities, but first we had a beautiful boo day. We started the day at Rock Springs, which neither of us had been to in 10ish years. The last time we were both there we were together. Ok, I got curious and looked back through my blog archive and we were last there in June 2012. TIME, man. Look at these cute little 20-somethings. 

   

Jon had never been to the springs, at least the Florida kind, and Erin was all excited for him to experience it with us. Dustin usually doesn't skimp out on a spring day but since we went on a Friday, he had a work meeting he had to go to; so it was just the three of us. We got there early because if you know you know. 

Erin and I excitedly claimed a spot and then Jon said "Is this it?" and we both gave him the death stare. No sir it is not.

 

We made our way down to the natural lazy river portion of the springs. SO MANY ROCKS. Hence the name of the springs. I knew this. I've been coming here since I was a child. But there I was, a geriatric millennial, cursing myself for not bringing those dumb little water shoes like Erin and Jon had. I always thought I was too cool for them but I've completely changed my tune. Next springs trip catch me in water shoes. But you'll never catch me in crocs. Like never. 

It's always freezing upon that first entry but that water felt REAL GOOD. Maybe all the laughing warmed me up because getting into a tube from a rock is hilarious in every aspect. There is simply no graceful way to do it. You kind of just hope for the best. Erin almost flipped over in hers and in doing so lost her sunglasses. It's the risk you take living that spring life. 

Once in, you better grab onto a rock, or a friend, because you will be propelled by mother nature immediately. But that is all part of the fun; just spinning around in the water - bumping into strangers, getting stuck on rocks, or trapped under a low hanging branch. We giggled. We cackled annoyingly! Sorry not sorry. It was just such a wonderful moment to be in such a refreshing environment with one of my favorite people ever to exist. 

     

We came back to my place to shower, change, and pick up Dustin for lunch. A new restaurant opened about a month prior to them visiting that Dustin and I were excited to try. We went there once before a few weeks prior and couldn't get a table so this time around I reserved one weeks in advance for the four of us. 

I liked my meal but Dustin wasn't a fan of his. Win some, lose some. We still had a fun time as usual. 

   

We headed over to East End Market to walk around and do a little local biz shopping. I also treated the Adams to their first Gideon's cookie! It was so nice to see my boo in person. We both become completely unhinged around one another and it just feels like home. 

 

Her sweet family, which are basically my distant family at this point, invited me to the grad party that Sunday. Of course I went and was so excited to see Erin and all her our family again. I really appreciated being included. 

Some sweet Erin Zings moments...

The smell of ketchup really send me over the edge these days. 

I'm the chillest! Chill as a CUKE. 

Until next time boo thang. 

Happily Ever Adams

Dustin dropped me off around 9:30 at the hotel Erin was staying at with her mom, Meagan, and Sienna. It was built in the 1800s and apparently is very haunted. Like guests have left in the middle of the night crying kind of haunted. I was glad I was there in non-spooky hours. 

We ate leftover brunch from the previous day since there was still so much. I even partook in a little mimosa action. Shit is good. I do love anything juice based though. The hair lady came and started with Sienna while Meagan did her makeup. We were planning on switching to a suite (the one Erin and Jon would spend the night in) but the front desk told us the guests "wouldn't leave". I'm honestly not sure what the final excuse was but long story short we never got that suite and had to get ready in a cramped room with limited outlets and mirrors. We were eventually given access to the room across the hall that was the exact same size. We all made it work but it was a bit chaotic between so many of us ladies trying to put finishing touches on our makeup, taking our turn in the hair chair, steaming dresses, and tending to the bride. We were running SO ON TIME until we weren't. I swear time just started speeding up like crazy. 

We were laking direction as far as where to go and when to be there. Everyone arrived at different times and it was a bit stressful. We took photos in the ballroom of the haunted hotel which had gorgeous exposed brick and the bomb dot com lighting. We were once again confused about where to go and finally met Erin and her photographer outside to take some more pics. The venue was close by but not close enough to walk with heels and all of our shit. So someone picked up Erin and some bridesmaids while the rest of us just hung out on the sidewalk waiting to see if anyone was coming for us. Then Erin's uncle swooped in and gave us a ride. 

The venue wasn't ready AT ALL and we were all very nervous about it. All of the decor was just in bins on the tables and we all asked the staff if they needed help which they declined. They somehow managed to knock it out in time but it was close. It was also hot as hell inside. So Erin had that A/C cranked down and stole a box fan that I made sure blew right at her at all times. Her dress had like 20 layers so I know she was getting sticky because I certainly was. We hung out in the bridal party room until it was go time. This is when Erin started to freak her freak. She was cool as a cucumber up until this point. 

We lined up in order and were told when to make our entrance down the aisle. The ceremony was short and super sweet. We all took more photos and sadly the bridal party were the last to get food and finally take a seat. It's all part of the job. Ha! 

The rest of the night was spent videoing their loved ones and dancing to Back That Ass Up and Hot In Herre. We kept it classy. There was even a moment when Sienna got the DJ to play Mariah's All I Want For Christmas even though that was surely NOT on the approved playlist. I thought it was great and gladly sang along 2 months early. 

The night went by in a blink. One minute we were watching them shove cake in each other's faces and the next we were blowing bubbles for their send off. That was the last time I was going to see Erin so I ran to their car real quick before they took off and hugged my married boo bye. I really wasn't sure if we'd get here with them being engaged during peak covid but we all made it happen. I'm so thankful for Dolly and Moderna for helping me feel safe enough to travel and be in groups of strangers for this and various other events I've been to since April. These are the moments I want to not only be able to attend but to look back on fondly. 

Thank you Erin for such a good time and giving me VIP access to your big day. Your family has always been wonderful to me but I felt truly at home with everyone. Cheers to you and Jon on this new chapter! I love you so much!

 

 

 

My wedding in 2010

 

 

Wedding Eve

Dustin had to catch a 7am flight which meant we were up by 3 except Dustin struggled a bit with that and we ended up later than usual. My anxiety was through the roof because if you aren't early you're late. Ha! It worked out fine and not only did we make the flight with plenty of time but we YOLO'd into a first class upgrade (that we paid extra for). Can't take money to the grave so why the hell not. Neither of us had ever flown first class so it was quite a treat. The seats were of course so much more spacious and we only had to sit next to each other so no awkward stranger interactions! We also got a full on meal. Dustin didn't want his because he was still in the process of waking up but I took mine because when in first class... There were slices of cheese, grapes, a turkey sandwich, nuts, etc. Honestly it was TOO much food for one person and I didn't finish it. I did however finish the new documentary Britney vs. Spears which was heartbreakingly necessary. I also got some reading in. So it was a very productive morning to say the least. 

We gained an hour when we landed at 8:30. We had plenty of time to get our rental and head on over to the brunch. The problem with our rental (an new Ford Escape) is it didn't have Apple CarPlay and the navigation system that came with the Escape was straight out of 2010. It was hard to use and looked so dated. We just ended up using our phones which was annoying but it did the trick. 

We arrived at Erin's sister's house for the brunch she was throwing for the bridal party and some close family that were also in town already for the festivities. 

When I walked into her house I was blown away by her decor. The front sitting room is a VOIBE. It's so my jam with it's pops of color, plants, and eclectic grouping of art. The rest of her house was just as stunning. I loved the black wall in her living room! Erin and Meagan can decorate a house like it's no one's business.I'm always blown away with their talent. 

We said some hellos and then Meagan let us go into her bedroom where all the keeties were hanging out. They have THREE orange cats (Pico, Chip, and Queso). You know I'm a sucker for a food named cat! They all were drawn to Dustin's shoes which Cheeto lays on quite frequently. 

I was excited to see Erin's Aunt Ali (whom I used to work with when I was in high school at a law firm and is how Erin and I met!). It had been so long! I also got her sweet new mother-in-law and her sweet cousin Mia. I pretty much knew everyone else. It was a really sweet and welcoming group of people. 

 

We followed Erin and Jon through the pot-holed first roads of middle-of-nowehre Texas to their house. They moved in earlier this year and we hadn't seen it in person yet. We pulled up to their Halloween decorated lawn. I've of course seen their house via FaceTime but it was so nice to see it in real life! The whole place screams ERIN with it's cozy, classic, brightness except for Jon's room which is floor to ceiling sports memorabilia and honestly cool as hell. I could totally see Dustin doing something like that but we just do not have the room. 

We also got to see their babies Sadie, Charlie, and our old friend Peach! I love those three so damn much. They are basically my own fur-children. Ha!

Dustin and I went to our hotel to check in and to take a nap. We'd been up since 3am and were dragging. But once again Dustin wouldn't wake up from his nap and we ended up being 15 minutes late to the rehearsal dinner. I was really upset about this because I hate being late to anything but especially important things. Also, I didn't want to let Erin and Jon down. I apologized and we got on with it. 

The dinner was at Maggiano's which I didn't realize was a chain that even exists in Orlando. Who knew. Not me, apparently. Erin and I were practically twinning in our very similar navy blue dresses. So much changes and so much stays exactly the same. 

The night was filled with Italian food, funny speeches, and lots of drunk girls in the bathroom (a wedding party and apparently some homecoming high schoolers). Meagan found an unopened bottle of champagne in the bathroom and didn't want it to go to waste so... Maggiano's was hoppin' to say the least.

We ended the night with a walk-down-the-aisle-run-through and called it. Only one more sleep and Erin would be a married woman!