Azalea Festival

Back in April we took a mini vacation to Wilmington for the Azalea Festival. One of my friends from Vermont was visiting so it was a perfect excuse to go! It was mostly just a street fair but at night Widespread Panic played, which was fun! After the festival was over Austin and I stuck around and played tourist. Unfortunately most of the old homes were closed for touring but we did a bit of our own exploring and got to check out the battleship. We ended the day with oysters and tasty drinks! Overall it was a successful weekend!

Quick trip to Vermont

We went home for a quick trip to get some wedding planning accomplished and to see family and friends! It was fun to see snow- we went for an afternoon show shoe in the woods by my parents house. We also ate out at as many of our favorite restaurants that we could fit in. It was nice to be home and relax for a few days. Photo credit goes to my uncle! Thanks for the great pics :)

Saying Goodbye...

My sweet Grandfather passed away yesterday. He went peacefully in his bed surrounded by his wife and children. It is how I imagine anyone would hope to leave this earth after 94 years. He lived a long and happy life and was loved by so many. While it is hard to say goodbye, I'd like to think right now he is in heaven judging a horse race or two.... yes, I think he might be doing just that :)

Obituary

Better Late Than Never...

We went to Ohio to visit my family for Thanksgiving! We had been checking the weather wondering if we would get stranded in the big snow storm that had been pummeling the east. We packed up all of the best road trip snacks and prepared for a long and possibly treacherous drive. Luck was on our side and we only ran into a small snow/wind storm through Virginia. The drive was actually quite nice scenery wise. If we had pulled over at all of the pretty scenes to take pictures (like I wanted to) we would still be driving! Of course I made Austin double checked that we had packed the camera and of course did not use it once.... We were too busy spending time with family... meeting the newest little additions and admiring the diamond rings (I'm prepared for THREE weddings next summer- mine included). We did get to check out the Pierman homestead (distant relatives of mine) which is the only time I snapped photos... with my iphone no less. 

Hanging out with the ponies at my Grandparents :)

A huge thanks to my fiancé for being a rockstar at driving- LOVE YOU

Falls Lake, NC

Last weekend Austin and I were able to get away for a weekend and camp! We LOVE camping and had been wanting to go for a while but our schedules never seemed to match up. Another couple joined us also! It was nice getting to know them better and just relax around the campfire with a big pot of chili and s'mores. Its so important to step back from the hectic everyday responsibilities and get some perspective. I feel like being out in nature with just the bare necessities reminds me of what really matters in life. I may not have everything I want but I certainly have everything I need... I am so grateful for my warm home, my loving fiancé, and tasty food to fill my belly with. There will definitely be more camping trips in our near future :)