back to basics

After a long work week, the beginning of my three day weekend started here, with something sweet. And sweet it was. Golden graham cereal on a donut?! That's just crazy talk...but oh so good.

Then I took a stroll around. I love it when beautiful houses are businesses. Who wouldn't love to come visit their attorney in a lovely pink house?

Take's the edge off, doesn't it?

Today, we decided to take in some greenery.

It landed us at a local botanical garden, where an afternoon stroll led to picturesque walkways nestled in the towering trees.

They greeted us with open, loving arms and we took them.

We took them and we danced.

Who would pass up a waltz within the tree-hood?

And this is our new friend. We're still picking out a name, but he's always coming by to say hello when we're out adventure-ing. We're fond of his electric blue, green and purple colors. He's a sly guy, that one.

We love taking in the weekend. It's all about family time and finding new ways to enjoy our time together. Can it get much better than this? Well, except if we had all of you here with us.

We have come to terms with the fact that some journeys are just meant to be done on your own. So we go forward, every day. Learning more about who we are and why we're here. Our journey, our purpose. It is our northern star.

But we keep our dear family and friends back at home close. Just because home is a transitional word, it doesn't take away our roots and where we came from.

We wish you all could be here with us. I think that's a no-brainer. But we really do. Sometimes, especially at times like this, I go back to my memory bank and think of our last conversations. I laugh and cry at the same time because it is so bittersweet. 

I suppose every journey is like that though. You go along and always wonder three things. One, where are you going. Two, how will you get there. And three, where you came from. The first two weren't easy for us. In fact, I still wake up amazed by our accomplishment. But the third resonates with me. I will never take for granted where we came from. And all those who love us. Thank you. The roots are deep, and we love you for that. 

And much, much more. 

weekend-ing

With a busy and taxing week behind us, we greeted the weekend with warm welcoming arms. We had the chance to show off our new little discoveries around home, when my sister decided to come visit us. And boy did we show off.

Greensboro is about 30 minutes south of Athens. As you get into town, a local favorite-Holcomb's-greets you. We stopped in for some Carolina-style BBQ, and tasty Brunswick stew.

Down the street a roadside produce market catches your eye. What? A waving tomato doesn't flag you down?

We stopped in for homegrown peaches and their famous Hibiscus tea. This stuff screams flavor all while lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and providing many more health benefits. Lend an ear as the owner will divulge hidden secrets of the hibiscus plant.

 A tour of a traditional sleepy southern town wouldn't be complete without looking into the past. This cemetery was the burial site of several unknown Confederate soldiers. It doesn't take long living in the South, to realize that these men are still being celebrated for their efforts to protect this land. A great debate could be fought of the purpose and efforts behind the war that ended almost 150 years ago. But the heroes that were born and now buried, are far from forgotten.

We traveled on and crossed one of the last covered bridge's in Georgia. Elder Mill.

She is supported by wooden planks, beams and pegs. Amazingly no steel beams are used in her structure. Pretty good for being built in 1897.

It's presence brought feelings of going back in time. You couldn't help but wonder how many had crossed her wooden planks.

Next, we meandered toward the middle of Athens. We found nature trails with animals that made up a small zoo. We saw bears, alligators and bobcats among many others.

On Sunday we decided it was good to get outside again. This time we picked up a few Frisbee's to try our hand at Disc Golf. We all had fun trying...

The best part...our course led us into the forest which wrapped around a small lake at Sandy Creek Park. We enjoyed hiking and climbing the elevations, staying under the shade of the forest trees.

We were sad to see the weekend go, but happy for a week of new beginnings. Katelynn started her first day of preschool this morning. I cannot believe my baby is in school!! Talk about a new chapter. Both kids in school...amazing how fast they grow!

Happy week all! We hope you stay cool out there!

newness

This past week has been very busy for this household. Caleb started his first day of 2nd grade at his new school here in Georgia. He had such a great first week, and loved his teacher and says he's making new friends. I was at first apprehensive about this week, hoping our transition to a new state, new school wouldn't be too much for him. But I always knew, he's a stellar little boy who can make friends with anyone. Look at this smile, who could resist?

The weekend brought new adventures. Katelynn and I went shopping in a few nearby areas on Saturday, with a girl I've met from work. She introduced us to roadside antiquing and fried green tomato sandwiches. Afterwards we took a family trip to the Mall of Georgia. You could tell we were newcomers, gawking at the three story giant of a shopping center. It blew my mind how many stores we saw there. I will definitely be making a return trip soon!

Then, we set out today to get Caleb's homework assignment done: play outside.

Well, we played.

Hiking around Tallulah Falls, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains- a little over an hour away from our cozy home.

We took in all the spectacular views from the many overlooks along several hiking trails.

We found a quaint roadside lookout with extra things to look at.

Even a nice refreshing drink.

Back on the trail, we trekked over 700 total steps to cross this bridge.

We descended and ascended around 400 feet this afternoon.

Yeah, we played hard.

But it was SO worth it. I mean how else are you going to see this...

...and learn that it once held the weight of a tightrope walker who dared to walk on tightrope across the Tallulah Gorge in 1970, who also did two headstands in transit.

And catch a little glimmer of red crossing on the ground beneath you...

...well, hello red beetle. How are you today?

We hope you also enjoyed your weekend. Taking the time to see your surroundings, find something new within, and give thanks for the beautiful world we get to play in.

G'night ya'll!