Maine-tastic

This last weekend, I had the opportunity to run a marathon relay in gorgeous Bar Harbor/Mount Desert Island, Maine.

It wouldn't have happened without my sweet friends Sarah and Danielle. We had an out of control great time in Boston, and I knew this trip would be no different.

I was right--it was a blast! We had super yum food, an amazing course, too much laughter, lots of singing, and lots of fun!
The bridge crossing onto the Island.
Tourist ahoy!

As promised, I led us in a sing along that consisted of Les Mis, Phantom, The Sound of Music and Brigadoon.
"Christine, that's all I ask of youuuuuuu!"/"One day moooorrrrrree!"/"Do re mi"/"Go home with bonnie Jean".
I have mad curling iron singing skillz, yo.


The Royal Sisters! I don't know if you can really see, but, the shirts have crowns on them. Brought them back from Buckingham Palace. Oh yes I did.
Oh ya know, Danielle's just painting her nails before the race. Team Green!
What up, mile 7. Supposedly, there is nothing between me and Europe at this point, except water. Which brings me to: GET ME A BOAT!
Danielle and I ready to run.
My Maine Girls! Love them so much!
Mmmhmm. I ran 13.1 miles with THIS as my scenery. And by "ran" I mean stopped every five seconds to take pictures, duh.
Start line!
Danielle's hot legs.
Look, fall!
View from the top of Cadillac Mountain--the first place in the continental U.S to see the sunrise.
Bar Harbor view from Cadillac Mountain.
Duh.
Somes Sound, the only fjord in the northeast U.S. You know I love me a good fjord.
Bar Harbor sunset.



I know!
If this doesn't scream New England fall, I don't know what does!
Driving the course--AFTER the race! It was hilly as all get out, so, uh, probably a good thing that I didn't know what I was getting into.
Traditional post race ice cream.
Danielle basking in her 26.2 glow.


Pre dinner photos.
Standard.
Clearly, I think I'm still in London.
That's my girl, Sarah KILLING IT. She had an amazing race and I'm so proud of her.

I can't tell you how good the salt air was. Therapeutic for this beach baby for sure!


Our first post race photo. I had the best time and would never had the chance if it wasn't for these two. Love you both to the moon and back!
I had an amazing time and can't wait for next year! Thank you, Maine for being so.much.fun!

Hands down, best Abbey I've ever seen

(Why yes, I am going to quote Friends as much as humanly possible. You're welcome)
On Saturday of our trip, we headed to Ben Big, Westminster Abbey and the Imperial War Museum before jetting off to get in a few hours of ABBA that night.Even though we got to the Abbey fairly early, there was still a massive line, but, that was for credit card purchase--we had cash and basically walked right in. So, lesson: cash!

There are no photos allowed in the Abbey, but, I think we all remember what it looked like from the Royal Wedding, yes?

Semi illegal photo taken from inside the Abbey.
My feetsies in the same place where Kate stood before becoming a Princess (listen, I know she's technically a Duchess or whatever, but, I'm just gonna call her Princess Kate and we're all going to be ok with it)
Yeah, I don't look so good here. Just, imagine me in an Alexander McQueen gown and trust me, the image is much better.

Seriously, I could watch that damn wedding every single day and not get tired of it. It's like the best movie ever, only it's REAL.
Don't worry, I know I have problems. I'm aware.
My dad proceeded to get into an argument about me regarding the location of the Royal Wedding. Seriously? We don't argue with me about these things. I WILL WIN.

It's such an impressive building, there is so much history. I know we saw a ton of the tombs of former Monarchs, but, the ones that stood out were that of Mary and Elizabeth I, since they are entombed next to each other--it's rather sweet.

"You know, they're thinking of changing the name of this place."

"Oh yeah? To what?"

"To Put The Camera Away!"

"You are Westminster Crabby!"

(SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!)
I've been to the Abbey several times before, but, I still can't get over it. It's so intricate and ornate and beautiful. I could have stayed there all day, seriously.

It is open to the public for Sunday services, which I actually really wanted to go to, but, I uh, ended up sleeping in and then going on a (unsuccessful) hunt for my Pippa bag on Sunday instead. Ooops.
Anyways, my dad wanted to go see tanks and airplanes and whatever, so, we didn't stay the whole day.

However, before we left, I lit a candle at the Abbey--for myself and for my mom. I figure that can't hurt right? We shall see....

Gah. I'm having major withdrawals. I want to go back. NOW.

(Kate photos from here and here)