Despite my best efforts, it easy to say I started of the weekend in a major funk. It wasn’t the best week at work, I had some other issues that were causing some anxiety, and I was majorly disappointed that none of our weekend plans seemed to be panning out (hiking!). So Friday night I was irritated. That’s all I kept saying, and I’m sure John was oh so glad to have such a pleasant wife to deal with.
Enter Saturday. We finally came up with a plan to take the bikes to a large park about thirty minutes away, take in a movie, eat a nice meal, and just spend the day out and about. So yesterday morning we loaded up the bikes,packed a change of clothes, and we were off!
I had been to Ben Geren Park a few times, but John and I hadn’t explored it all that much before yesterday. Let me just tell you, I have a new favorite place to ride. It was so nice! We took one big loop around the park, and then we hit up the paved 5 mile bike path.
The leaves are finally starting to change, and it was a beautiful day to be out in the park. The wind was a little intense so we were grateful for the trees on the path that protected us a bit.
We even found a neat overlook that allowed us to look out over the entire city. It was great view, and gave us a good look at all the different colors that are starting to pop up. I hope the leaves last two more weeks when we’re going to try backpacking again!
I had to throw in this picture. Sexy bike shorts, huh? You should see him without the jersey. Here’s a hint: those shorts are actually suspenders. Oh yeah, it’s a great look 
After about 15 miles, we were both getting hungry and decided to have a big lunch instead of waiting until dinner. We went to our favorite Italian restaurant in town, Joe’s.
Check out this goodness! It was the chicken primavera, and it was so good. Italian food is high on my list of favorites and it had been too long!
After lunch, we headed over to the mall to take in the afternoon’s feature film. The new Ben Affleck film, Argo, appealed to the history buff in me, and I have been really excited for it. Let me tell you guys-this film did not disappointed. It was great! I think you’ll really like it even if you’re not into history. It was pretty suspenseful, and, despite the fact that I already knew the outcome, it kept me on the edge of my seat.
No trip to Ft. Smith is complete without a trip to our favorite outdoor store, so after the movie we hit up The Woodsman. They sell all kinds of outdoor apparel and routinely feed my North Face obsession.
I did make a purchase last night, but I have to keep it a secret. It’s a Christmas present for a certain somebody 
To end the evening, we headed over to Sip-N-Dippity so I could employ the three rules of ice cream (<—so glad you guys enjoyed that yesterday!)
This was so delicious, and my out of control sweet tooth was more than satisfied. Do you guys noticed anything familiar on top of my head? I guess you’ve all probably realized me and that headband have a serious thing going on
All in all, this was a pretty perfect Saturday, and it was just what I needed to pull me out of my funk. Now I’m off to enjoy the rest of Sunday and gear up for a new week!
What made your Saturday perfect?
Ohmygoodness — this post warmed my heart SOOO much. I’m over the moon with joy that you had such a great weekend!! And you literally had me laughing out loud when you mentioned the suspenders. Fabulous!! And I love the fact that you knew the outcome of the movie. You’re super fab.
Long email on its way, but know that you’re on my mind tonight and that YOU’RE the rockstar.
Gorgeous biking pictures, Natalie! Glad you and John had lots of fun!
My bike ride was a ton of fun yesterday, too. Winter will be here before we know it, so I want to ride outside as much as possible. Hope you’re having a great Sunday!
It has been gorgeous this weekend. I kept saying that fall had crept up on us when we weren’t looking! Winter is coming though so we do have to make the most of it. Of course, your winter will definitely be a different experience than mine
oh gosh that view was amazing. Hope you have a relaxing night
It was incredible! We’ve been exploring that town for years and never knew it was there. Love it when that happens!
Natalie, this seems like my ideal weekend: outdoor activity, followed by a good movie and some ice cream
I have heard nothing but good things about Argo, and I can’t wait to see it. Ben Affleck is really hitting ‘em out of the park lately. That view of town is gorgeous with the fall foliage!
The leaves were incredible this weekend! I couldn’t stop talking about it because it just seemed like it happened all of the sudden. You must go see Argo! It really was fantastic. You’re right about Ben Affleck. I kept telling John if he doesn’t get an Oscar for Best Actor than he needs one for Best Director for this film.
Your Saturday was perfect! And I really want to see Argo. My Saturday was perfect because I was with my whole fam (minus my pup
). Also, I nominated you for teh sunshine award!
Congratulations! That’s awesome
And being with the whole family is definitely a good way to spend a weekend. I get to see all of mine this coming weekend so I’m super excited!
Those views are gorgeous! the ice cream looks breathtaking too
It was so good. I’m already trying to decide on my flavor combination for next time
Pingback: Just Another Manic Monday « Free Range Human
What a wonderful trip! I’m so glad you two were able to enjoy yourselves
Thanks, Alex! It was a pretty perfect Saturday!