Parent's Weekend {round 2}

I've been on such a blogging hiatus. I moved back to Santa Barbara for school and I've been so busy with recruitment for Alpha Phi and school starting that I've had no time to blog (that's the excuse I'm going with right now, anyways. I know I was pretty absent all summer but don't worry, that's about to change). Anyways, I finally want to tell y'all about Parent's Weekend at the Academy that happened oh you know, over a month ago, before I get to see him again this weekend! Better late than never right? ;)

The sunset from DIA on Thursday 

I flew in with Steven's mom and sister on Thursday night. It's always the worst when I know I won't get to see him until the next day! Friday morning finally arrived though. As excited as I was to see him, I didn't get the same crazy emotional feeling driving into the Academy like I did the first time around but I liked that I didn't. Everything felt familiar which was comforting. I didn't feel anxious and nervous and I knew that I would be seeing my man in just a few minutes and I was so happy about that. We met Bubs at the chapel, the same spot as last year, although we were a little bit late this time around. While we were waiting for Steven to come get us, Steven's mom, sister, and I talked about how different and relaxed it felt this time and we all agreed that it was a much more enjoyable feeling. Since we were running late to Steven's first class, when we first saw him we exchanged quick hugs and kisses and power walked to his first class. I was so happy to be holding his arm again. I always forget how much I miss that.

Classes are always fun to go to. The professor tries to explain the class to the parents/siblings/girlfriends but to be honest I was always too busy staring at my hunk of a boyfriend or doodling on Steven's computer to really pay attention. I mean can you blame me? He's so cute. After classes, we went to the parade. It's not a parade that most of you would expect, they all just march around with their flags. It's not really my favorite part of the day and I know that it's not Steven's either. Then, we ate lunch with Steven's squadron. I love all of the friends Steven has in his squad so it was fun to see them and their families too. After lunch, we stopped by the cadet store before we headed down to the baseball field. We visited with Steven's baseball team and I met some of the other baseball girlfriends. We made plans with a few of the sophomore pitchers on the team to go out to dinner that night. When we left the Academy, we realized that we were all starving and there was no way that we were going to be able make it until dinner without getting hangry (angry because of hunger, of course). So, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and shopped around for things that Steven needed for his room. I really love just doing normal things with Bubs when I go to see him. It's nice to feel like a normal couple who takes a quick trip to Target to get some new socks.

After that, we went back to the hotel and went in the jacuzzi before we went to dinner. We relaxed and watched half a movie, it was really nice to just cuddle and unwind before we met up with everyone else. We went to Texas Roadhouse around 9 with the team. I'd never been before and it was so much fun. I ate probably 87 rolls with cinnamon butter that was absolutely to die for. So when the meal arrived I ate about 2 bites of it. Luckily there were 6 baseball playing men who finished it off easily for me, so none went to waste. I had a blast getting to know Steven's teammates a little more. They're all sweet and funny and such good friends with each other. I secretly want to set all my friends up with them, but that's between y'all and me. We went back to the hotel after dinner and watched a movie. Well Steven, his mom and sister watched a movie. I cannot stay awake in a movie if I'm tired or laying down, so I was out in 2 seconds.

Saturday was the football game. Everyone at the Academy tailgates before the game so it's like a giant party in the parking lot. We went to Steven's squad tailgate and the baseball tailgate. We had a blast. The game was insanely hot and I may or may not have had a giant tan on my chest from the necklace I was wearing, but AF won and it was a good day. True to Colorado weather, the game started off blazing hot with the sun beating down, and by the end of the game we were all running to our cars because it was raining. You never know what you're going to get when it comes to weather in Colorado. After the game, we went out to a fun burger place with Steven's friend and his family and the rest of the night we did basically the same thing as the night before. It was perfect.

Sunday we went white water rafting in the Royal Gorge. I had never been before so I was a little nervous when we were on our way there, but we had an absolute blast. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip for me. The rapids weren't too high because it was late in the season, but they were definitely high enough to have a few scary we're-going-to-flip moments. The weather was also hot in the morning and then a thunderstorm hit and we were rafting in the rain. It didn't matter much though because we were all already wet. The only things that got absolutely freezing were my fingers. So, when we stopped for a little break, I warmed them up on Steven's neck. He's like my personal heater, how sweet of him. My favorite part was when we say a mama deer and her baby on the side of the river. It was so cool to see and they just hung out there as we passed them. I loved it. That night we were all exhausted! We went out to a fun dinner and came back and fell right asleep. It was a really fun day. 

I don't have any pictures from our trip, but this is what it looked like most of the time!  Absolutely beautiful, right? 

We spent our last day with Steven getting things that he needed for his upcoming year. He got a new refrigerator and we stocked him up right before we left. It was a nice and relaxing last day. Although our last day is usually a little bit sad, we tried to keep our spirits high and enjoy every second up until the last with each other. We went to the visitor center before we headed out and Bubs bought me the cutest long sleeved AF shirt. I wear it all the time already. After that, we said our goodbyes, always with tears in my eyes. I hate leaving him, but knowing that I would get to see him in only a month made the goodbye a little bit easier. All around it was an amazing weekend spent with some of my favorite people! 

(Because everyone needs frozen yogurt to cheer them up after leaving their boyfriend.)