20 Places Every American Should Visit

In light of our new series we started yesterday, I am carrying on with the travel theme.  Daniel and I have been discussing on a regular basis where we would like to take a family vacation to next year hopefully.  See, with the exception of our honeymoon, we have never been on a vacation together with just the two of us.  Its a little overwhelming thinking about narrowing down the five million choices that we have come up with.  Some are realistic... some not so much.  Here are some ideas we have been throwing around.... Disney, Europe, the Outer Banks, Washington, D.C., New York City.  I guess we will have to wait and see what happens!

I was recently searching a travel site and came across the "Twenty Places Every American Should Visit."  I found this really interesting.  As much as I love international travel, I think sometimes I should really concentrate more on seeing more of our own country.  American is the home of some truly beautiful sites.  Check out the list below and see which one's have made your list.
(I have traveled to the one's in pink!)

20 Places every American Should Visit

Highway 1, Calif.

French Quarter, New Orleans, La.

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, Nev.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.

Times Square, New York City

Nashville, Tenn.

Grand Canyon, Ariz. (Flew over on the way to Las Vegas)

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles, Calif.

Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Flordia

Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Penn.

Taos Pueblo, N.M.

Fenway Park, Boston, Mass.

South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Civil Rights District, Atlanta, Ga. (I have been to Atlanta, but never the CR district)

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pa.

Architecture in Chicago, Ill.

Ellis Island, N.J. (I have seen it on the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, but I have never been inside)

Pearl Harbor, O'ahu, Hawaii

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, N.Y. (Only the outside)

Question of the Day: If you could choose any place in the world to vacation, where would it be?

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/07/28/20-places-every-american-should-see/

Traveling Tuesday- Disney World (Part Two)

Over the weekend, I started brainstorming some ideas for trends that I could try to start on my blog.  Since traveling is on the top of my list, I thought why not start "Traveling Tuesday."  I am by no means a world traveler, but I think its awesome to share travel stories, because insider tips are the best to have when traveling to new places.

Each week I will feature information on trips I have taken in the past.  Once I run out of travel stories, I guess I will have to convince Mr. Pennington to take me somewhere new.  I would absolutely love to include some guest post on here, so if your interested in sharing information about traveling and great tips please let me know!  Also, if you want to participate on your own blog just post the link to your blog post about your travel experience in the comment section below!  Happy Traveling!

This week we will resume with recapping our Disney World vacation from last summer.  If you missed part one, check it out here.  Today, we will be going to the Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and Downtown Disney.

Day Three- Animal Kingdom

So if your really just not into the Disney-thing, but find yourself there on vacation, Animal Kingdom is a great place to be!  Of course there is Disney-themed memorabilia everywhere, but its also an accredited animal conservatory.  It's the largest of all the Disney theme parks around the world and you can spend days exploring the wilds of Africa, Asia, and the Americas from the comforts of central Florida.

Every guest begins their journey through the Animal Kingdom at the Tree of Life, it is truly a spectacular piece.  We spent the day seeing some amazing shows (The Lion King), animal watching, and riding the best ride Disney has to offer... Expedition Everest.  We rode it 6 times!

The roller coaster is in the mountain!

The Safari is absolutely amazing.  They load you up on a "jeep" and set out to capture some animal poachers.  Along the way you see zebras, elephants, giraffes, flamingos, gazelle, hippos, and much more.  The way Disney has create a wildlife perserve for these animals, yet still allowed the public to experience the wild of nature is truly breathtaking.

The Nemo show, A Bug's Life (in the Tree of Life), and Mickey's Jungle Parade are all must sees as well.  In case you have never been to Disney, when you arrive each day at a park they have maps for the park with times listed for all the events going on at the park that day.  Its a good idea to find the more popular attractions (the one's listed above) and make a plan for when you are going to see each one.  For the shows, arrive early and take that time to rest.  The seating area fills up fast and in August air conditioning is much needed.

We rounded out our day at the Animal Kingdom with dinner at the Yak and the Yeti.  Its a great restaurant  especially if you like Asian inspired food.  It was not my favorite place we ate, simple because Asian cuisine is not at the top of my list, but it truly was delicious.

The very last ride of the night was the Dinosaur ride.  I knew something scary was in store for me when Daniel and Mr. Rex nearly broke my hip trying to jump on the ride before me so I could have a certain seat.  I won't spoil the ride for you, but just know that its not for the faint of heart.

Day Four- Blizzard Beach/Downtown Disney

Water parks at Disney World can go one of two ways- you love them or you hate them.  I enjoyed a brief love affair with Blizzard Beach on the day that we went, but that only lasted for about an hour.  Water parks in Disney World in August are some of the most crowded places that you will ever go.  My tip for Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon is GO EARLY!  The only way that you will enjoy the rides at the park without waiting in line for over an hour is to get there when the gates open.

We arrived at Blizzard Beach as early as possible and moved from slide to slide as quickly as possible.  By lunchtime the lines were so long and the beach chairs were completely full so we decided to call it a day and head back to the resort.  I don't have any pictures to share, because we didn't take our camera to the park.  Using the Disney Photo Pass though is a great way to get pictures all around the park without having to worry about your camera, especially at a water park.  But just remember, much like everything else at Disney the photos are not cheap.

After a short nap and showers, we were ready to head out again.  The agenda for the evening was dinner and shopping at Downtown Disney.  Now if you are not familiar with Disney World, you may be surprised to find out that Disney is way more than an amusement park.  One of the most common questions that I get asked is, "What is there to do there besides ride a few rides?"  Oh how much you have to learn about Disney World!  Downtown Disney is a restaurant and shopping center created by Disney that caters to kids of all ages.  At nighttime it becomes the scene of Orlando nightlife with bars, clubs, and shows like Cirque du Soleil.  There are more restaurants than you can imagine with almost every type of cuisine being represented.  Stores range from Disney themed merchandise to ESPN, Lego, Little Miss Matches, and so much more.

Florida in August... Hot!

Ahoy! The Pennington's own the Black Pearl now!

Dinner that evening was at Raglan Road.  This is an Irish pub style restaurant, but it is very nice.  They have very authentic decor including Irish brews and dancers!  I had the Shepard's pie and it was to die for.  The star of the meal however was dessert.  Bread pudding is without a doubt the most delicious dessert in all of Disney!

(Sorry for lack of pictures... Blogger is being funny... tune back in later for more pics)

BEST DESSERT EVER!
Bread Pudding at Raglan Road

 That wraps up day 3 and 4!  See you guys next week on Traveling Tuesday for the Magic Kingdom and Epcot!  Feel free to join in next week with a travel post and link it in the comment section below!

Happy Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day!  Thank you to all the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the freedom of this wonderful nation!  My prayer recently has been for a revival in patriotism for our nation and a greater appreciation for those who serve.  So many take for granted the freedom that they have and are so far removed from the idea that there are those who sacrifice not only their time, but their lives for America.

US Cemetery in Normandy, France

I am off to spend my day with my mom.  National holidays = a break from school.  Maybe I can actually get some Christmas shopping accomplished today!  Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow for a new series I am starting... Traveling Tuesday!

High Five For Friday

It’s Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody’s lookin’ forward to the weekend, weekend

I told you last week that Fridays are quickly becoming my favorite day of the week.  This week is no exception... 3:00, I've got my eye on you!

Today, I'm participating in High Five For Friday with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk.  I've followed her sister's blog, The Small Things Blog for some time now and I have just decided to try it out.  So here we go.

Here are my top 5 things of the week:

1. Election Day 2012

It's not quite what your thinking.  The students in my Civics class have been running their campaigns for the last week and it all culminated on Election Day!  They were so awesome and I cannot resist bragging a little.  There was debating, presidential speeches, and most importantly... SWEETS!  Don't you just love when students take your ideas and run with them!

2. Meatloaf

My love affair with meatloaf is long and serious.  The word "loaf" may gross some people out, but my mom's homemade meatloaf recipe will always hold a special place in my heart and stomach.  Daniel and I tag teamed in the kitchen Tuesday night to create a steller meal which left both of us saying "I wish I hadn't ate that third second serving."  Look for a recipe post next week!

3. Everyday with Rachael Ray

The magazine fairy placed the new Everyday magazine in my mailbox and its just in time for the holiday season!!  Yum-O is all I have to say about this little treat!

4. Colorful Skinny Jeans

I got the cutest pair of red skinny jeans this week.  Not only am I pumped because who doesn't loved a good pair of colorful skinny jeans, but they are just in time for Christmas!!  I have a feeling I am going to be super festive this holiday season!

5. Election Day 2012

While the big excitement for the week was happening in my classroom, I cannot miss the opportunity to say that a highlight of my week was exercising my right to vote.  Democracy can only work it the people support it, so to all of you who voted thanks for perserving the sacred tradition of our country.  

Happy Friday!

Embrace The Camera

Good Morning!

Today, I am linking up over at The Anderson Family Crew for Embrace the Camera.  Its a great challenge to all of us to get out from behind the camera and snap some shots of ourselves with our family and friends.  Today's picture is from a recent football game Daniel and I attended.  We had a great time, got super spoiled sitting at the "club" level, and watched the Pirates bring home another victory.

Go Pirates! Arrgghhhhhh!

So take the challenge!  Grab your camera, snap a shot, and link up with Emily and the rest of the blogging world!

Disney World (Part One)

There has been a lot of talk about Disney World in the Pennington house lately... there always is.  In August 2011, Daniel and I were able to spend a magnificent week at Disney with his parents and I have been asking to go back almost daily!  I know its such a popular vacation spot for families, so I wanted to share a little about our wonderful week there.  I am not a Disney "expert," but if you have any questions or want some suggestions of places to eat or stay then please leave a comment!


Day One

We started our trip bright and early, hitting the road at 3:30 a.m!  Our plane left at 6:30/7, so we wanted plenty of time to get to the airport, park, and find a little breakfast.  I know this is silly, but nothing makes me feel more alive and excited that going to an airport!  I mean the possibilities are endless at an airport and its so thrilling to head out for a new adventure.  This was my first full vacation to Disney so I was pumped.  We hit the parks for a day and a half when I went on a field trip in 8th grade, but you can't do Disney in a day and a half!

We arrived in Orlando shortly before 10 am and hopped on the Disney Magical Express.  Guys, this is the only way to do the Disney experience!  You feel so taken care of immediately and its so wonderful, because your transportation to the hotel is pre-arranged and they take care of your baggage as well.  We were checking in to Disney's All Star Movies Resort by 10:30 and ready to hit the parks soon after!  I wasn't sure of the schedule for the day, but Mr. Rex and Mrs. Jan told me they wanted to start out at the park they thought I would love--- The Magic Kingdom!!  It's best place to start for a princess!

We're Here!

The day was absolutely wonderful.  We had lunch at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, watched the parade, and rode the Buzz Light-year ride.  It was nice to walk slowly through the park and take our time. Later in the afternoon we visited the Hall of Presidents, rode the Haunted Mansion ride, and had a character dining experience at the Crystal Palace.

Once we arrived back at the hotel, I had the lovely ordeal of handling the situation known as "the damaged luggage affair."  We received a call over lunch saying that my luggage and my mother-in-law's had been damaged at the airport.  Who knew that would mean I would have to say goodbye to my beautiful pink luggage.  I loved that luggage... it travelled to Europe and back with me, so disappointment doesn't even cover it!  Also, my favorite hot air curling iron was destroyed.  The lovely people at Southwest agreed to replace my luggage though and reimbursed me for my curling iron.    

Day Two

Day two was an adventure at Hollywood Studios!  What fun!  Daniel's parents had given us a wedding gift basket the night before at the hotel and so we rocked our bride and groom ears for the day.  Hollywood Studios is such a neat park, because this is the place to see all the movies that you never think about being "Disney."  Day two also happened to coincide with the celebration of the 23rd year of life for one Mr. Daniel Pennington.  We celebrated hard by riding rides, eating lots of food, and goofing off the whole day!  The Honey, I Shrunk The Kids playground was awesome!

The birthday boy chose Pizza Planet for lunch that day and it was just as exciting at Buzz and Woody promised it would be!  Okay, it wasn't quite as cool as the movie made it out to be, but the food was really good.  The Cars and Beauty and the Beast show rounded out our evening.  They are both great shows to see and I highly recommend getting to each show early, because the seats fill up fast.  If you have ever been to Disney, then you know that getting a place to sit, in the shade is a rarity so take advantage of it when you can.  

For dinner we had probably what I would consider to be the best meal of the trip.  Minus the fact that we had to wait an hour plus (past our reservation time), Mamma Melrose is the place to be in Hollywood Studios.  The food was incredible and I will go back there ever time, hands down my favorite!  I had a pasta dish (no surprises there) and homemade pound cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for dessert.  They even sang to the birthday boy!!

 

Check out the rest of our vacay in the days to come!  My mother-in-law and father-in-law are headed down to Disney later this week to celebrate 30 years of marriage!!  Super excited for them (but a little jealous, because I want to go)!

I Voted...

Today, is the day I look forward to every four years.
The day I get to exercise one of the greatest rights I will ever have.
A right that many people around the world do not get.
A right that thousands of women before me fought so hard to achieve.
A right that could and will change the course of American history, time after time.
A right so many take for granted.

I'm not here to tell you who to vote for, I'm just here to say educate yourself on the issues and vote.

So do your thing America!  Rock the Vote!

Stuffed Jalapeños Poppers

Taste of Home Original Recipe

Stuffed Jalapeños Poppers

what you need

• 1 pound Jimmy Dean Mild Country Sausage
• 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
• 25 jalapeños, sliced in half and seeds removed

how to make it

• In a large skilled, cook the sausage until no longer pink; drain.
• In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and Mexican cheese; fold in sausage.
• Spoon about 1 tablespoonful into each jalapeño half and place in ungreased baking dish
• Bake, uncovered at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes

Yield: 50 appetizers

Daniel and I made these Friday night and they were a huge hit with our friends!!  They are super easy to make and they were so good that I didn't even get a chance to snap a picture of them.  Enjoy!

My two favorite "F" words....

Well, now that I have your attention and hopefully a few more readers I can get to my post.

My two favorite "F" words.... Fall and Fridays!!

Let's just start with the fact that I LOVE a Friday like no other day of the week.  It's the day of the week that every teacher in America looks forward to... the quick pace of the day, the jubilation of 3:00 and the sound of the bell, and the finally the promise of a night with friends (adult interaction!) to bring you out of that teenage cloud you've been living in for the last five days. 

The second "F" is a given for anyone living in the South, with our Summers being so hot and humid.  They leave you thinking "Why did a I even bother to shower today?" the second you walk out the door.  So when the cool breeze of fall finally strikes our faces, we are the first the declare that is time for boots, scarves, and hot chocolate.  With the first frost of the season on the horizon though, Fall may not be here for long.  But that is okay by me, winter=snuggle time ;)

Happy Fall from (some) of The Penningtons!

I have to admit that I was missing the blogging world like crazy, but the demands of being a new teacher is more than I can bare most days.  I have finally started carving out some "me time" in my day by joining the gym about a month ago.  Its been a great way to wrap up my afternoons and feel better about myself.  I think I'm back in bloggerville though and hopefully to stay, but unlike the unwise politicians of the day I will not make any promises that I know I may not be able to keep!

So to keep with the "F" word theme of this post I am super excited to say that its First Friday at church tonight!  We get together with the other cool "young adults" of our Sunday school class to hang out, stuff our faces with pizza and grow in fellowship. I hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you guys real soon!

Summer :)

13.1

13.1, miles that is.  Yes, I am crazy and I have taken on the task of training for a Half-Marathon.

Now that Daniel and I are settling into our lives back near our hometowns I began to check out some 5k races in the area and I stumbled upon the Heart & Sole Half-Marathon sponsored by the YMCA.  I looked at Daniel, said "I'm going to run a half-marathon."  He replied, "Oh really?"  That is his usual response to the many great ideas that I come up with on a regular basis.  So naturally I had to prove him wrong and I begin training today!  I have even convinced him to run with me!!

The race is not until early next year, however I noticed that most of the training programs have you running 3-5 miles the first week, so I decided to start training immediately.  It might take me some time.  I haven't ran too much since I conquered my first 5k last December.  You may remember my desire to simply finish the race and how I surprised myself with running a pretty decent time considering I didn't train at all.  A half-marathon might be a little different.  Like 10 miles different.  So I am sticking with just completing the race this time... still breathing.

I'm not sure what it is about running, but it just makes me feel so much better.  I think its the fresh air and the pounding of the pavement.  Getting the frustration of the world out one step at the time.  I have been really looking at training plans, blogs, and running gear since I have been more and more interested in running.  Peanut Butter Fingers is one of my all time favorite blogs and she has some great advice on training for a half and for fitness in general.  She also gives great tips on running gear and convinced me to invest in some good running shoes.  I got this beauties for my birthday :)

Mizuno Wave Rider

I am currently drooling over a Garmin Forerunner 405.  These watches are seriously amazing for outdoor running, because they are GPS-enabled and can be programmed with multiple running programs.  They track heart rate, calories burned, average mile pace, distance, and much more. 

Finally, a run isn't complete without some awesome tunes.  I think Ipods are amazing and I am particularly fond of my very old, but incredible Ipod Shuffle.  I love how they clip on to your clothes and the songs are easy to change.  A good playlist is just as important.  I have used a great site called Rock My Run for a while now and they make running playlist that vary in length and bpm in order to get the most out of the type of run you want.  

So have any of you guys every ran a half-marathon?  I am looking for advice on the best training plans.  I know Hal Higdon has a good basic program, but I am looking for information from anyone who has actually tried a program.

Daniel and I are off for a Happy Anniversary Day Date... so excited to see where we are going