A Balcony Downs Halloween

Halloween was so fun!  I randomly got invited to some girl's home in southern Virginia for the weekend, and it used to be a PLANTATION.  WHAT.  Her name is Celeste, she's awesome, and her home is called Balcony Downs, and it is stunning.  There were about 25 of us, I would say, just shacked up all over the house, a trailer outside, and a couple of cottages that were all on the grounds.  Great food, good company, and we just had a great time.  

 

Of course, being in a new relationship, going down with Danny made it even better!  The weekend was awesome, both with Danny and in getting to know some of the others down there.  I loved every minute.  

Daya

View from the top of the mountain

Danny and I drove down Friday evening, arriving late Friday night.  Saturday we went hiking, rode some 4-wheelers, ate, and ate some more.  

Bryana, Derek, Jack, Celeste

There were horses to be ridden, kittens to play with, and the BEST- rocking chairs on a long porch facing the mountain.  I was never out there at a good time with the lighting to get a really great picture, but if that isn't contentment, I don't know what is. 

Great people!

Of course, there was a costume party on Saturday night, which isn't my favorite thing.  Many people are surprised by this with my being an actor and all, but I don't really enjoy dressing up on Halloween.  I love Halloween!  So it's not that.  It's the effort and ingenuity required, or money to rent, or creativity and effort needed to create a good costume that deters me.  I also don't want to be uncomfortable all night.  When I'm doing a show, I don't have to think about it or make it myself.  I just wear what I'm told.  

My roommate Eleesha as a silent film star, and Bryana in her birthday suit. :-)

So, as far as Halloween costumes go, they really aren't my thing.  HOWEVER. When your roommate has a Star Wars Stormtrooper costume just laying around, and available, you take that costume opportunity and run!  And even better, when you show up to the party and your friend Tiffany is dressed as Princess Leia with her dog as a wookie, your night is made!  

Tiffany and Bear

 

The party was really fun, and Danny even figured out a costume, thanks to an article I sent him, titled "10 Easy Halloween Costumes For Men."  :-) #yourewelcomebabe

The shirt says: "404 Error: Costume Not Found"

Right after one of these kittens peed on Danny.  It was a good moment.

Sunday we went to church, relaxed a bit, mostly on the back porch or the porch swing under this AMAZING tree, and headed home.  It was pretty much a perfect fall a weekend. 

Heaven

And then there is the moment I got this text from Becca, featuring Lucy, dressed an adorable Belle.   The caption said this: "I told Lucy to smile for Aunt Nicole.  This is what I got."  #favoriteaunt

This girl.