Anniversary Vacation

For our 2nd anniversary, we both were able to take the whole week off of work and take a little vacation. We thought about cruising again, but were trying to think of something a little less expensive (even though I think a cruise is generally the most-value filled getaway). The parent's of one of my closest friends offered us a condo they own down in Vero Beach for the week, at no cost to us!!! What an amazing blessing!! We were able to cook some meals at the condo, have some time to ourselves, and explore the area.

We visited the Navy Seal Museum. It was really interesting and we probably could've hung there a lot longer than we did, but we had a lunch date.

We also visited the McLarty Treasure Museum, which was really neat.

This tree was out front, and I thought it was so different. It looks like 2 people embracing.

The museum is on the beach, at the precise location of a shipwreck during a hurricane.

No hurricane weather here though....a simply beautiful day...

with this handsome fella all to myself!

Our view from our "free" condo....the backside is on the Indian River Lagoon, and we were able to see amazing sunsets each evening.

And the frontside faces this!! Picture perfect.

We had such a great time, and it was such a blessing to be able to have this vacation without spending a ton of money!

The Grand Canyon

Yesterday we decided to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Ok ok....it's a little far for a day trip, so we compromised and went to Providence Canyon State Park, also known as "Georgia's Little Grand Canyon".

It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there, and we couldn't get over some of the hills we encountered on our drive as we got closer....it almost felt like we were actually in the mountains!! My ears even popped a couple of times. The park is near Lumpkin, GA, just South of Columbus. We paid our entrance fee, and started exploring.

Apparently in the early 1800"s. the early settlers' poor farming practices caused erosion to create little ditches. In the 1850's, the ditches were only 3-5 feet deep. They are now up to 150 feet deep....extremely shallow in comparison to the real Grand Canyon, but we'll take what we can get, for a day trip.

 

There was a trail that you can hike down to the bottom and back up, but it takes a couple of hours, so we decided to save that for next time. Or maybe we'll just wait to ride mules down into the real Grand Canyon. We hit Cracker Barrel for an early dinner on the way home, and overall had an AWESOME day!

Maddie's Photo Session

Once we returned from the Ken-ducky Derby, Q was wiped out and went down for nap, but Little Miss was wide awake and alert, and told me she wanted some photos done. I agreed to do them, and next thing I know, girl has stripped off all of her little clothes (that are all too big because she's so skinny)! We proceeded to have a little photo shoot, and as much as we tried to get that little smile, Little Miss was going for the serious look. Here is a sampling of what we got.

Maybe I'm biased, but I think she's perfect.

 

My First Photo Shoot

While my sister and her family were here visiting, they asked me if I would take some family pictures of them. Of course, I said yes, and I was so excited! I knew I would be limited with my little point & shoot camera, but I was willing to see what I could pull off. Despite some nasty cold & wet weather, we were able to get in a short little session. Here are some of my favorites:

I have to say, it helps make good pictures when the subjects are so good looking. My sister is beautiful, my nephew is precious, my brother-in-law is handsome, and I just KNOW my niece is gorgeous, even if I can't see her yet! I'm so blessed to have them in my life!