strawberries and alpacas

we went to luray on saturday for a dear friend's wedding.

the festivities took place on a local goat farm on the sunniest day we've had in weeks.

the chef was an old friend of the couple who prepared culinary delights, including a caramelized onion and goat cheese tart, braised brisket, homemade barbeque sauce,collared greens and mouth watering carrot cake and cotton candy.

another good night for spanx you say?

why yes:)

the next day, we enjoyed a leisurely drive home to alexandria where we made a few stops along the way.

the first was to pick some bright and beautiful strawberries at a local farm.

i've only ever picked strawberries once when i was just a grasshopper's height.

there is something strangely satisfying about picking two pints of fresh, bright red berries right off the vine.

after the berry picking excitement, nelson spotted a sign for an alpaca farm and three miles later we happened upon the strangest animal i have ever seen up close.

as we walked up to the gated area of alpacas, they all crowded around each other and stared at us with the most withering stare i've ever experienced. 

i do believe these guys were just sheared, as the last time i saw alpacas, they looked more like big, fluffy muppets.
perhaps we'll try to visit again pre-shearing season.

stay tuned for a strawberry muffin recipe tomorrow!