Spektakalar

 

If you have ever seen the movie Larry Crowne,  with Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks (my two favorites of all time), you know that he says the word “spektakalar” rather than spectacular.

Well, if I had one word to describe our weekend getaway down south it would be that: SPEKTAKALAR.

Our labor free Labor Day Weekend trip started right after work on Friday afternoon.  Mike and I met up with our friends Jenny and Jeremy and were headed out of town by 4:20 – we couldn’t wait to hit the road!  Our other two friends, Lynn and Tuller, made their way down a bit later.

 

 

We stayed with Jenny’s parents and have made this an annual event.  Last year was our first experience at the Cox Hacienda and we loved it so much that we couldn’t wait to go back!

 

 

Upon arriving we were treated not only to a gorgeous view, but lots of apps and drinks.  Mr. Cox even bought Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider and O’Douls for me to feel festive.  So sweet!

 

 

We opted for a pizza dinner and started planning our events for Saturday. Our after dinner activities included catching up with the ‘rents and lounging in the hot tub (feet only for me).

 

Saturday:

 

 

Saturday started off with a gorgeous view and some delicious breakfast including: coffee, bagels with cream cheese, fruit and a spread of apple and key lime pies along with shortbread cookies. 

 

 

Mrs. Cox says she always needs something sweet with her coffee; so why not have pie for breakfast!?  We were on vacation you know (that means calories don’t count)!  Mike chose the two pies, while I feasted on a cinnamon raisin bagel – perfect fuel for snorkeling!

 

 

 

After breakfast we fed the turtles near the house and headed out to the Blue Heron Bridge for a bit of snorkeling.  We had high hopes, but were sad to see the murky water – not ideal for snorkeling. 

 

 

 

 

 

TS Isaac did a number on the waters last weekend and they still weren’t clear.  We swam for a bit and then decided to head home to get ready for some college football!

However, before eating and football watching started; the girls were pretty productive…we worked out!  Gillian Michael’s Ripped in 30 video kicked our you know what.  We were sweaty and sore, but it felt good!

 

 

After working out we headed directly into the pool to cool down; and then ate lunch and played around a bit more before the Gator game started.  We even tested out Mr. Cox’s new diving equipment in the pool – so neat!

 

Lunch:  Turkey, Ham and Swiss on an everything bagel with an array of salads and chips – it definitely hit the “post workout” spot!

 

Apple Pie for dessert!

 

It wasn’t long before kayaking and water golf ensued.  It doesn’t take much to make us happy – we love coming up with fun things to do.

 

 

Mike set the target with the kayak and had the first duty of “ball retriever”.  Luckily, there weren’t very many accurate shots – so no hits to the head!

 

 

Wooden Golf Balls – they float!

 

After a bit more kayaking, chilling and relaxing – we headed to the pool for some diving.  I loved it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After drying off we noshed on some Summer Salsa and Edemame while watching football the rest of the day (my favorite pastime!).

 

 

Although the Gator game wasn’t too thrilling (at least they won), the after party was awesome.  Since Jenny is an Auburn grad, her parents put up the big “screen” and projected the game on the porch.  It was like watching the Clemson vs. Auburn game in the movie theater, although we had a better view…with palm trees! 

 

The view was even better as the darkness set in!

 

The girls opted for front row seating; my spot was the empty space – an amazing night even though Auburn couldn’t pull out the win. 

Sorry Jenny .

 

Sunday:

We were up and at ‘em early Sunday morning for a day of boating.  After eating breakfast, making sandwiches and packing the cooler we were loaded up and ready to go by 8:30 am.  That’s pretty impressive for a group of 8 after a night of football watching!

 

 

 

 

 

The weather was gorgeous and we couldn’t wait to get on the water!

 

 

 

My view.

 

After docking the boat – it was Mimosa time!!!

 

Martinelli’s for me!

 

 

Snorkeling, diving, relaxing and chatting ensued before we headed back to the homestead for more fun.

 

 

 

After returning home, the rest of the day consisted of more kayaking, the 2nd Annual Cox Regatta and the usual shenanigans. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner consisted of delicious chicken kebabs and Jenny’s secret family recipe salad followed by pie and an intense case of Cards Against Humanity (an “adult” version of Apples to Apples).

 

 

Monday-

We ended our stay with a yummy breakfast, of course with more mimosas and then said good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Cox. 

 

 

 

We  can’t thank them enough for their warm hearts and hospitality and can’t wait until next year (baby and all)!!!