a quiet getaway

This week we're trading Georgia peaches for sandy beaches. Oh my goodness that was incredibly cheesy. And incredibly false...you can't even compare the two. Let's just say we're changing up the scenery for one last hoorah before our lives take a chaotic turn otherwise known as 'back to school'.

And we're mixing it up, folks. Instead of hunting around for buried treasure we're the ones conspiring and burying our own. Look out pirates...arrgh.

Just another day at the beach.

It's so much fun slowing down, kicking back, enjoying each other's company.

cuddling up for movies on this rainy afternoon

I'm trying my best to be present, be grateful, be appreciative of this slower pace. So much of our effort goes into being rushed, being scheduled, taking simple glances at beauty around us instead of long gazes. Here's to keeping our eyes open this week, taking it all in.

Have a great day all!

Go Team USA!!

thoughts

I've been thinking.

I'm not going to list out names, political topics or even personal issues here. I just don't do that publicly, it's not in my nature. Actually that's a lie. It is in my nature says my teenage self who lettered in debate. But I've grown. I've learned when and where I'm comfortable getting all vocal on opinions and matters that get my blood boiling. Nothing wrong with growing filters, right?

Well I recently came across a conversation that got me thinking about something we can all work on, no matter what your beliefs and opinions are.

Open mindedness.

Two words. Five syllables.

We all have it in us. We're even born with it. Think about all the things you probably stuck in your mouth as a toddler. Be it a rattle or a stick you gave each a fair share of your perception.

When we get a little older we hit a rebellion stage and the world constricts us to the point that we become a little more open to things. Especially the one's that are the exact opposite of what society and our parents are jamming down our throats.

Then we hit that final and stagnant stage of adulthood. We're supposed to have it all figured out. What our beliefs are, how we take our coffee, our contribution to 401k. Oh yeah and if you believe in UFO's, you should definitely have that one figured out.

Well I figure we lose some sense of acceptance and welcoming of those different or even same but slightly not, than us. Maybe it's this tunnel vision that clouds or distorts this for us. Our world becomes smaller and smaller instead of bigger and better.

If we were able to love all, accept all, no matter if they are alike or different, no matter what. Just a genuine attempt to be open. We don't even have to understand it, or explain it. Just be okay with it. Because, after all, we are all in this quest to have a fulfilling and meaningful life. It doesn't matter if the person I'm sitting next to is going in a different direction or has a similar path. The fact that we can all live and let live is a lesson we should keep learning throughout our lives.

"One already wet does not feel the rain."
-Turkish proverb

coming along

Just wanted to update...we have settled into our new home, and some people have been asking for pictures. So naturally I'll oblige.

Downstairs...

Upstairs...

I apologize, the photos are not great quality. But you get the idea...we're getting settled in. Almost no boxes! 

I'll soon have a very entertaining story on what's been coming along on the outside of our house. But that's for another post :)

Next stop...beachy skies ahead!

and yet another quick post

We really didn't do much this weekend, so this'll be yet another quick post...we really need to get on the ball! We went into "town" this weekend, as my sister came to visit and this is what we do.

I also am seriously excited about reading this book that Mark's mom sent me. Lots of southern sayin's to come y'all!

Hope everyone had a nice, relaxing weekend. I know we did, and what better way to start off the week...

And on a more serious note, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of those involved in the horrific Colorado shooting.  We are thinking of you...

quick post

On Monday we had an itch to go north and into the Georgia mountains. It had been a while since we had this in our view.

We decided to take our time, drive around, and soak in the wilderness.

We also found a long winding road up to the "valley in the clouds" as one of the highest elevations in the state. And let me tell you, the trip down the mountain was a lot more nauseating than the trip up.

We had a great day, and enjoyed being outdoors and taking in the scenery.

low key

This weekend has been what one may call "low key."

Saturday, the boys set out for some father-son time. They fished, they hiked, they geocached. They had a really great time.

Us girls focused on spending the weekend getting better. This week proved to be taxing on our immune systems. And what better way to heal, than with the best known medicine.

Then we did some baking.

Sunday is always our traditional "breakfast for dinner."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Other joys this week:

Friday night=movie night.

Grillin' peach kabobs.

Introducing new word: vesting-when you as a family go to an outdoors store and just try on vests.

We really are fond of this one. My sister could tell you why. Something about this bright orange color on your father when you're a teenager...may provide some embarrassing moments. I don't know, maybe we'll have to save this one for Katelynn...

Have a great week y'all!!

last few days

The best part about vacation: the last few days. It seems like when you know the end is coming, you soak up the salty waves a little bit longer, you dig your toes in the sand a little bit deeper, you let the smile on your face get a little bit wider. 

Family pictures on the beach...

Thanks to the awesome photographer that took these fun beachy photos-a lot of great memories.


On the last day we were there we decided to try our luck at fishing in the nearby tidal pond.

The best part about fishing: waiting.

Waiting.

And waiting.

And what do you know, we actually had some luck! Caleb and Mark both caught fish this time.

Although the rest of us got a lot of bites, there's always next time :)

We had a great time and feel very fortunate to have been able to spend time with loved ones.

Now back to reality...