tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744744254108366002024-02-19T05:41:45.929-05:00from Grits to Gloryfinding Glory in the everyday...Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-13460836734191482652019-12-28T10:23:00.000-05:002019-12-28T10:23:09.500-05:0039th birthday goalsI haven’t posted on here in forever. It’s amazing to look back on these posts and see how much has changed since starting this blog. God is good. All the time. No matter what.<br />
<br />
Today is my 39th birthday. I want to go into my 40th strong; solid in my relationship with Christ and feeling healthy. So I have some daily goals for this year.<br />
<br />
Daily quiet time goals: Reading in God’s Word/Biblestudy<br />
<br />
Improving my prayer life/ living a Spirit filled life: daily prayer steps<br />
1. Adoration- Acknowledging God’s character and attributes. Praising Him for His love, power, majesty, gift of Christ.<br />
2. Confession- Exhale. Acknowledge personal sin specifically. Then acknowledge Christ has already forgiven you. Repent, asking God to give you strength to go against sinful desires.<br />
3. Inhale- Surrender control of life to God. Trust Him to direct and empower you.<br />
4. Ask to be filled with the Spirit.<br />
5. Thanksgiving- Tell God how grateful you are for everything, even in the midst of unpleasant things. Thankfulness will help you see His purposes.<br />
6. Supplication- Pray for others and for yourself making specific requests.<br />
<br />
After quiet time, Exercise!! Let’s see if I can do this every day for the next year;) I want to hit my 40th birthday feeling young.<br />
<br />
For those of you reading this, thank you for joining me on this journey:)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxqsspbGjCMlEzgz07DBwsUAaNE45QournaRXArV4Ysw1_R1q32MFRMLTk_eP_Wvbz6wHjCbXwNtcXsn4I340qW8g2tKnoe1jW-emDkA7i4I3YZ0jKXHL-YulExbp6ytOzYLtoMU0VhU/s1600/76448382-89ED-403D-98E8-E966810EC942.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxqsspbGjCMlEzgz07DBwsUAaNE45QournaRXArV4Ysw1_R1q32MFRMLTk_eP_Wvbz6wHjCbXwNtcXsn4I340qW8g2tKnoe1jW-emDkA7i4I3YZ0jKXHL-YulExbp6ytOzYLtoMU0VhU/s320/76448382-89ED-403D-98E8-E966810EC942.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet time and workout #1 DONE!:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-57752624370256616542016-08-24T23:34:00.000-04:002016-08-24T23:34:46.897-04:00My Second Baby Story AdventureThis time was so different. The pregnancy was similar; healthy but battling dehydration with intense nausea throughout. Sadie was two weeks late, and I had to be induced. Mia was just two days past her due date, and I went into labor naturally! Which is exactly what I wanted. On my due date I went and walked the track for about 30 minutes to see if I could get things moving. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOpRSMt5oxsLJpnPuQVnKCFu93-VHKpYe-2F4K4QlrkjQxynC5ZqufHoqUpAJ3-xo-qbKiZWyhWjlfz-WsanQY_kmUy_XrX2cg93SyTuB_euOyCoekfy1VH154kqdp1b1Q-wWyQnEdvw/s1600/40weeks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOpRSMt5oxsLJpnPuQVnKCFu93-VHKpYe-2F4K4QlrkjQxynC5ZqufHoqUpAJ3-xo-qbKiZWyhWjlfz-WsanQY_kmUy_XrX2cg93SyTuB_euOyCoekfy1VH154kqdp1b1Q-wWyQnEdvw/s320/40weeks1.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
Then two days later on Saturday March 26, I woke up at 1:30am with weird cramping kind of coming and going every few minutes. I wondered if it was something I ate, but then I noticed the bleeding. Immediately woke up Hank and called my doctor. To my relief she said it was just the early stage of labor and could last for hours. So Hank went back to sleep. I of course took a shower, did my nails, watched a movie, checked and rechecked my suitcase, looked at pictures from Sadie's birth, did some last minute work for IU and Miracle House..;) When nothing more was happening, I finally fell back asleep around 4:30. I started waking up with mild contractions. I'd breathe through them and fall back asleep. Hank came in around 6:30 to get ready for work(he'd gone out to the couch amid my middle of the night party;), assuming nothing more was happening. Well he walks in, and I'm breathing super hard through an intense contraction. He's like, how far apart are they? I'm like, I don't know. ??? So he lies down and times a couple. Um, Michelle, 5 minutes apart lasting a minute each... We need to call the doctor. Of course by that point I couldn't even talk through them, so we call and start rushing around to get out the door and get Sadie out the door. Hank did so great as I was completely useless by that point. We leave, drop Sadie off at a friend's, and head to the hospital. And it was just like the movies! Hank driving fast, me in a lot of pain at this point and breathing hard. Fortunately the hospital is only about a 15 minute drive. Through walking in, checking in, and getting settled in our room, I had about 5 more contractions. They were just coming so fast. I kept saying as soon as you can get me that epidural the better! The nursing staff was great. They worked so fast to get me situated and checked and order the epidural. About an hour after we arrived, that angelic nurse came and quickly put in the epidural. By that point I was already 7cm. With Sadie I barely made it to 4 before getting one. I really liked going into labor naturally as opposed to being induced with pitocin. I was just handling the contractions much better. Anyways, got the epidural and everything was great. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHAhuDEmG_6mJZZSNprwiSL3w_McaGIKiskhuq0ozDf5rp78my7vZ2jnXCZQ5a7kt5eaybjUfozkLq50LaRDX-5ZGOWVKn5JtPNj-iX7rIfY_kI5J6Nt5bVdJuAaCYVaL7o4n2bF8wIU/s1600/IMG_4550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHAhuDEmG_6mJZZSNprwiSL3w_McaGIKiskhuq0ozDf5rp78my7vZ2jnXCZQ5a7kt5eaybjUfozkLq50LaRDX-5ZGOWVKn5JtPNj-iX7rIfY_kI5J6Nt5bVdJuAaCYVaL7o4n2bF8wIU/s320/IMG_4550.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Hank and I were joking around with the nurses, texting family and friends with updates. My sister got there about 30 minutes after the epidural to pick up the keys so she could stay with Sadie that night. Hank went down to give her keys and carseat. About 5 minutes after he walked out, I heard baby girl's heart rate drop suddenly. The next 15 minutes are kind of a blur. Nurses ran in, had me flip over, heart rate stops, had me get on my hands and knees, they're pushing around, back on my back, then "Push!" I push as hard as I can, finally a heart beat, but a slow one. "Push one more time, Michelle!" I push with all I had. "Ok Stop!! There's the head." What??? "Michelle, I need you to lay really still now. No pushing. Somebody go find the husband. Call the doctor..." Hank comes back in and just freezes for a second as he sees what's happening. Comes and takes my hand, and we both just look at eachother like WOW. My doctor walks in and is like WOW when she sees what she about missed. Pulls up a chair, "Ok, Michelle, push." And there she was. Baby girl came out with the most beautiful little cries, and everything was perfect. Turns out her heart rate dropped because she dive bombed the birthing canal. Went through it in like a second. Apparently baby's have a hard time when that happens. But she was just fine:) Our beautiful Mia Grace was born at 11:30am on March 26 at St.Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco, CO, which is the highest elevation maternity center in the country.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOoQjRt1-qpmn-up8fJdX-XxoigaxlXWTEqK0Hwv2TG1DjHadO6-0f8Xgoe9S9P5HM8Vt9Rhv4HVitsPCG1yI4bn9-W7IZCSMTUxjHNnptoD7-vh_5nV-XbJoUx2SlLYOBLbSDLaL61c/s1600/IMG_4563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOoQjRt1-qpmn-up8fJdX-XxoigaxlXWTEqK0Hwv2TG1DjHadO6-0f8Xgoe9S9P5HM8Vt9Rhv4HVitsPCG1yI4bn9-W7IZCSMTUxjHNnptoD7-vh_5nV-XbJoUx2SlLYOBLbSDLaL61c/s320/IMG_4563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Most babies born up here have to be on oxygen for a period of time after birth. Mia fortunately had great oxygen levels, and we went home after two days happy and healthy. Sadie grew up real quick and proudly adopted her new role as big sister. The first month was a rough transition, but she settled down pretty quickly as soon as we got back into a routine and I was able to play with her more. Each month gets easier and more fun, and we are adoring having two little girls now. They are just the sweetest together. We feel extremely blessed and are so thankful! Here are some more pictures:)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4b0xLuhks4vhFHPCIPSr2OgXmXnSap_AU3KDTTJxOTp0cQfsmnZYnPlA9s0hiYTmCp3Cm60GVejBVx-Q-liMhx-kW3VPfSyLjo08BZ4Pakv47F1RPtGpY4duIYUY-Ln1O23tsxKp8ws/s1600/IMG_4571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4b0xLuhks4vhFHPCIPSr2OgXmXnSap_AU3KDTTJxOTp0cQfsmnZYnPlA9s0hiYTmCp3Cm60GVejBVx-Q-liMhx-kW3VPfSyLjo08BZ4Pakv47F1RPtGpY4duIYUY-Ln1O23tsxKp8ws/s320/IMG_4571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk8cieOUD1BTRINLkrszbRF5jw1Eh4FFI7CzXpgjf9IAmmxLIKY9PvnGSuJUFrUxNq-9iC_zofTH3Gf_UYN99kVOwSwqi4RyT0OTqB3318-rdNMyzDAfrVW2UhaZTWogangtY5KkxTd4/s1600/IMG_4567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGk8cieOUD1BTRINLkrszbRF5jw1Eh4FFI7CzXpgjf9IAmmxLIKY9PvnGSuJUFrUxNq-9iC_zofTH3Gf_UYN99kVOwSwqi4RyT0OTqB3318-rdNMyzDAfrVW2UhaZTWogangtY5KkxTd4/s320/IMG_4567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhdtB8eIzGx-6pSazax1FJq0fMMBSrIp10kPJo4XzJ9a5XBOY6a4ObOWnLzDJaZ_nVqk3S6OxpoSp5_d8O4GeWzGhe2yNHIeppaQRDbWH86ABVci6qyc1mNFVCR2r3wt0dWc7xNuJrig/s1600/IMG_4570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhdtB8eIzGx-6pSazax1FJq0fMMBSrIp10kPJo4XzJ9a5XBOY6a4ObOWnLzDJaZ_nVqk3S6OxpoSp5_d8O4GeWzGhe2yNHIeppaQRDbWH86ABVci6qyc1mNFVCR2r3wt0dWc7xNuJrig/s320/IMG_4570.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbgbyKJbi_30Uu4SSnjTmjNhRjI-O8Vx15QbYwiT15XbSGIRUSNC7-mp0qTPuQtW6nW334s215mTxCevUJN3iCGx4d1y0_eEeGh3LWrCX1FD0Qh2HaREoaLpezVUZqqd9cxiUIBCo_5g/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbgbyKJbi_30Uu4SSnjTmjNhRjI-O8Vx15QbYwiT15XbSGIRUSNC7-mp0qTPuQtW6nW334s215mTxCevUJN3iCGx4d1y0_eEeGh3LWrCX1FD0Qh2HaREoaLpezVUZqqd9cxiUIBCo_5g/s320/7.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie's first look at Mia:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPbQO2OkUQ7DCAKtYNQ_12g4EBh9zPCCArMZ0n6QXPf4Ay7hiY_PsIpp85ncA6GSJ-iFUijdfvO5ueVZqBfP3oAaQfSHiMd5sybzBTKgeUmtAWBYv4-srxJ6T9scJeuqU1F_9VcEpzrM/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPbQO2OkUQ7DCAKtYNQ_12g4EBh9zPCCArMZ0n6QXPf4Ay7hiY_PsIpp85ncA6GSJ-iFUijdfvO5ueVZqBfP3oAaQfSHiMd5sybzBTKgeUmtAWBYv4-srxJ6T9scJeuqU1F_9VcEpzrM/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPs6pPAqQbgQisxSozoBt2F2DOPyM_w-IN1q9SjcR4u4edM7_7wrvdEuT18QpU5zOXrcjO8SX2FB9H5PxfUMfEUd-fyh8hKkdlTJ7UMYQf5XzBM1xMNIpEZB3TTttF-Dlv6EBeZEVGGSY/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPs6pPAqQbgQisxSozoBt2F2DOPyM_w-IN1q9SjcR4u4edM7_7wrvdEuT18QpU5zOXrcjO8SX2FB9H5PxfUMfEUd-fyh8hKkdlTJ7UMYQf5XzBM1xMNIpEZB3TTttF-Dlv6EBeZEVGGSY/s320/14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpPeh24gqf3NJ83dNbq3mY3lojyO1kcA8lMczyUoiUFeIanXcvdugqaYLBK2kFWYYNUH6kraNyhtb0MEgXLVAnnytlGjqtR7ozwS8gZuC_UAe6KEFSvkmdqEzNdZFrRtGO5MmKdZF9dM/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpPeh24gqf3NJ83dNbq3mY3lojyO1kcA8lMczyUoiUFeIanXcvdugqaYLBK2kFWYYNUH6kraNyhtb0MEgXLVAnnytlGjqtR7ozwS8gZuC_UAe6KEFSvkmdqEzNdZFrRtGO5MmKdZF9dM/s320/17.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to go home:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGK4L0Wd_tH71G7Zy4elTnCEcarPtS0uD-q7sOFIKzwo_Ir7u1lmNmkLjUO1o2ZRySEyttFZ_xYyXxoxrG6WAciQmq4hnJqJJJ4HgiIPSb6SRYo-x-6U6vJ3Mm9Tb0tkh6FD2FlvnnrQ/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGK4L0Wd_tH71G7Zy4elTnCEcarPtS0uD-q7sOFIKzwo_Ir7u1lmNmkLjUO1o2ZRySEyttFZ_xYyXxoxrG6WAciQmq4hnJqJJJ4HgiIPSb6SRYo-x-6U6vJ3Mm9Tb0tkh6FD2FlvnnrQ/s320/18.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiux0kmUxn3GCkgHrfNYOBgi8SUpavNzQRsGWG919_k7PbM8X-CnfVKSE7WQjvDgYvxVENAAbCg2N3k802KQpLLAY8kOZ0WfSD0Uv-L48ZD4pDP5C-d0R4yi43ZiU-fEXYGv6_tIF_bdSE/s1600/22.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiux0kmUxn3GCkgHrfNYOBgi8SUpavNzQRsGWG919_k7PbM8X-CnfVKSE7WQjvDgYvxVENAAbCg2N3k802KQpLLAY8kOZ0WfSD0Uv-L48ZD4pDP5C-d0R4yi43ZiU-fEXYGv6_tIF_bdSE/s320/22.5.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfxU3R23JtoyIk00Yjt578hSb7L5-l4ANPgWXkMLsuAM5cnDXc1KhxNff2_W1CsWsT2JqmsvaCwen2oO0IOWgirs0SOSmJieZagp6mCxrBAuYfplJa9BNIRXXjmgJjiJ5rfqKy1V0JKo/s1600/25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfxU3R23JtoyIk00Yjt578hSb7L5-l4ANPgWXkMLsuAM5cnDXc1KhxNff2_W1CsWsT2JqmsvaCwen2oO0IOWgirs0SOSmJieZagp6mCxrBAuYfplJa9BNIRXXjmgJjiJ5rfqKy1V0JKo/s320/25.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpbmvpRRJp8JxB5EDEJMADvVweW2OfwtJJeGp3TVMqA03FhGf2p5qhEedXlVYMiB9NtlRCTVco1lSwN8ga6tSzumJI1U1kD421fo7LPbIxIJufTB-E-IXgGAoVuVZVHTP2puj7KmpTmw/s1600/Father%2527s+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpbmvpRRJp8JxB5EDEJMADvVweW2OfwtJJeGp3TVMqA03FhGf2p5qhEedXlVYMiB9NtlRCTVco1lSwN8ga6tSzumJI1U1kD421fo7LPbIxIJufTB-E-IXgGAoVuVZVHTP2puj7KmpTmw/s640/Father%2527s+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 139:14 "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."</div>
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-61187353307027842952016-07-10T23:14:00.000-04:002016-07-11T00:36:54.406-04:00Estes Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWJwKPyil0xlNqHDN0hKz-VRy5Bj1eNoiAvf5CFqrQ0DpMYxg66QgWgxQBUkvTGAwtNNAika6K5wtrGbXvXkSbur3HDlpbJm1EOzZ9RWgrRnLcKLjAhoB0UjAr0bSJ6gUcTlQQpKJnd4/s1600/IMG_3986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWJwKPyil0xlNqHDN0hKz-VRy5Bj1eNoiAvf5CFqrQ0DpMYxg66QgWgxQBUkvTGAwtNNAika6K5wtrGbXvXkSbur3HDlpbJm1EOzZ9RWgrRnLcKLjAhoB0UjAr0bSJ6gUcTlQQpKJnd4/s400/IMG_3986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hank and I spent our honeymoon in <a href="http://www.visitestespark.com/" target="_blank">Estes Park, Colorado</a>. That was about 7 years ago. When we moved back to Colorado, we knew we wanted to go back there for an anniversary. So this year, for our 7th anniversary/2nd babymoon, we took Sadie and went to Estes for a long weekend to celebrate:) We love that town so much, so I wanted to make sure I included it on the travel blog with our favorite places there.<br />
<br />
<u>Accomodations</u><br />
For our honeymoon, a friend of ours gifted us with using her family's cabin for the week. There are so many gorgeous cabins tucked away in the mountains by rivers there. This time we wanted to make sure we got a 2 bedroom place, and we found a lot of options on <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/?k_clickid=20690c28-9a1f-46d4-8af5-0cc196a61e05&ksid=20690c28-9a1f-46d4-8af5-0cc196a61e05&ksprof_id=213&ksaffcode=739429&ksdevice=c&gclid=Cj0KEQjw5Ie8BRCJ9fHlr_bH24cBEiQAkoDQcbKZCl9H_kO0hLvacX5DSMdmCz6kFaaMKP4xhYyXdn4aAgKI8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Vacation Rentals By Owner</a>. We got a beautiful condo within walking distance of the main street. It was located at Lofts at Estes. We went in January, so it was really affordable. The peak season for Estes is summer and fall.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQNrLWSEcLf5YaCP5g7fVmFT0Za9gnNVUCK4A0t8FLetg4meVeCS7rIo1qIdtQEQ3X0PUR__JMKIDovXKGSI4ZgnOeV67m8IlhUCZhYYKuPBOYZGgJWdXSdlhSktMxESwtxc4lwHRB7Y/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQNrLWSEcLf5YaCP5g7fVmFT0Za9gnNVUCK4A0t8FLetg4meVeCS7rIo1qIdtQEQ3X0PUR__JMKIDovXKGSI4ZgnOeV67m8IlhUCZhYYKuPBOYZGgJWdXSdlhSktMxESwtxc4lwHRB7Y/s320/IMG_3903.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite part of the condo;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Restaurants</u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_jde0gaJWO_J7YGIOhwr9Fe38cOL0NLDfvwR-0BWCPtINg_P4Mmwg-NLsKs9pVmH50Vhue0L4MCDbkCijKmAcL0eSVQsixp6KcFZMB6AVAVE5VuBQOvlomNtefYAhorHFgMkxy8lc54/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_jde0gaJWO_J7YGIOhwr9Fe38cOL0NLDfvwR-0BWCPtINg_P4Mmwg-NLsKs9pVmH50Vhue0L4MCDbkCijKmAcL0eSVQsixp6KcFZMB6AVAVE5VuBQOvlomNtefYAhorHFgMkxy8lc54/s200/IMG_3906.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Breakfast: <a href="http://clairesonthepark.com/" target="_blank">Claire's On The Park </a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0drN7Yy4JvJ9Adg5sBA7wCC6Ha5F5eI8yStBCO93rXEJthl785jEgXYnlgYSU2h7a9df2M8jtQZnW2smjNc54kymj1UE-wkiA2eKfI_Ff4jNiXt1_QdJnC3PiRDBku3LlBtN-yM9vyw/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0drN7Yy4JvJ9Adg5sBA7wCC6Ha5F5eI8yStBCO93rXEJthl785jEgXYnlgYSU2h7a9df2M8jtQZnW2smjNc54kymj1UE-wkiA2eKfI_Ff4jNiXt1_QdJnC3PiRDBku3LlBtN-yM9vyw/s200/083.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAahE8Hr61w5z-At_NWe-tjCQGG3O7pEMSrDUQTnRinZG5o8GgOpLK57q7n-N_frMXSxrczE-oZS71PQfB8hQidubKXmlnByuQjlf1b-hnGly526dAM9fQ5aGjFxTFgqsEujqBNehi-w/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAahE8Hr61w5z-At_NWe-tjCQGG3O7pEMSrDUQTnRinZG5o8GgOpLK57q7n-N_frMXSxrczE-oZS71PQfB8hQidubKXmlnByuQjlf1b-hnGly526dAM9fQ5aGjFxTFgqsEujqBNehi-w/s320/084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Dinner: <a href="http://rockinnestes.com/" target="_blank">The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern</a> (Best food, coffee, atmosphere, and dessert EVER! Plus live music!)<br />
<br />
Then if you drive a little outside of town to Lyons, Colorado: <a href="https://www.oskarblues.com/" target="_blank">Oskar Blues</a>!! By far one of our favorite restaurants ever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorHkEnhApAyCLJ0_leRHoXf5f81YRWi9WJBDG7-IMr6VCbCnjzOTtaWInI0krhED6Ke2OycpNw7qmo4a_AbSW58N0rkwIzD5I6RZlbojE0cylamZxtRzPH4PW5aXq4aku8zsk07zRHeM/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorHkEnhApAyCLJ0_leRHoXf5f81YRWi9WJBDG7-IMr6VCbCnjzOTtaWInI0krhED6Ke2OycpNw7qmo4a_AbSW58N0rkwIzD5I6RZlbojE0cylamZxtRzPH4PW5aXq4aku8zsk07zRHeM/s320/092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiImyWFo2AHzVA6YFyXEi17CadmemhxgXcmE-gh26OCAY-4nC75DAGJAZLFRxTcVjqcIWX6yMfWaVHOnlBx7JuhimpdBDTlp9_2aJaw1Lb9eX82wL_OZRmG-8EcUdibBQ7n3J9nLp7m4/s1600/IMG_3951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiImyWFo2AHzVA6YFyXEi17CadmemhxgXcmE-gh26OCAY-4nC75DAGJAZLFRxTcVjqcIWX6yMfWaVHOnlBx7JuhimpdBDTlp9_2aJaw1Lb9eX82wL_OZRmG-8EcUdibBQ7n3J9nLp7m4/s320/IMG_3951.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WEMRZO4wwdtczG4_wAC57A_bNhK56tlpzWw-nbBbCF4MWBrGz2_HYpBXTql-U05WBborjbDWO9EuffmeFIChYAxNzgYEZ5KjfK33Uhw8_C4uUhAG22l3wQayIiShCmsaOEw0eYiRjZA/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WEMRZO4wwdtczG4_wAC57A_bNhK56tlpzWw-nbBbCF4MWBrGz2_HYpBXTql-U05WBborjbDWO9EuffmeFIChYAxNzgYEZ5KjfK33Uhw8_C4uUhAG22l3wQayIiShCmsaOEw0eYiRjZA/s320/093.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then with my many beverages;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGbAmqFc8uLiABxPqdG7H4bI5-mL4sL-2QMlA8QDEenhxvuLrvhv_Ha_99qQOZj_V4rvsbVSR3yKM5jnLjatNrlCC-2It1SiOYBOj3fMEXbcNahyphenhyphentwHMG04Hp9khh9aVy3YbFN6IHQV0/s1600/IMG_3949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGbAmqFc8uLiABxPqdG7H4bI5-mL4sL-2QMlA8QDEenhxvuLrvhv_Ha_99qQOZj_V4rvsbVSR3yKM5jnLjatNrlCC-2It1SiOYBOj3fMEXbcNahyphenhyphentwHMG04Hp9khh9aVy3YbFN6IHQV0/s320/IMG_3949.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1670118772"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_1670118758"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Dessert: <a href="http://www.estesparkpieshop.com/" target="_blank">Estes Park Pie Shop- You Need Pie! </a>- Amazing Pie! And a really good breakfast too with quiche! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl32BlcWMw0VpX-RYqK0zlkFvadzZjoeDfaMXSupPnUAJxL1UXwvj9YQK7vcQmmaUNGKM37cBVXIrNEsRjYtHp7MjzDaUSf_ur-WF9fNq50J6kvht1Kt8zDieqj_61FqfSBOK5TlWB9ic/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl32BlcWMw0VpX-RYqK0zlkFvadzZjoeDfaMXSupPnUAJxL1UXwvj9YQK7vcQmmaUNGKM37cBVXIrNEsRjYtHp7MjzDaUSf_ur-WF9fNq50J6kvht1Kt8zDieqj_61FqfSBOK5TlWB9ic/s320/097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Local Area Attractions</u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stanleyhotel.com/?&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Branded%20%3E%20Exact&utm_content=General%20%3E%20Exact" target="_blank">The Stanley Hotel</a>: The hotel featured in the movie The Shining. Eek! But it is beautiful and really fun to walk around. Also in Dumb and Dumber;) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAw7nANSqIu8nme3-2XrbPKZHhKUa7BNOFgYTpghIMfNnC0l9AQTpVE3XyOJ8naSJwSb2da-g725DcOQfe7YbOTDNf7YfD-_qYeTOYUaw4Pl374oMuJu1Khj7gmr4NqSc17JH53-2rKs/s1600/IMG_3982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAw7nANSqIu8nme3-2XrbPKZHhKUa7BNOFgYTpghIMfNnC0l9AQTpVE3XyOJ8naSJwSb2da-g725DcOQfe7YbOTDNf7YfD-_qYeTOYUaw4Pl374oMuJu1Khj7gmr4NqSc17JH53-2rKs/s640/IMG_3982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hiking: There is a hill across from The Stanley that has old cabin ruins at the top. So beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVXjscFpV30pEy-rMCJT4S4VIegcweVOJqUXcd-QxxBh6i-7YntCDAQsNJWiG8H0KYrDgVSKz3SucdPGM4oSqDEMyKEcJUeRzCFtFBs-x0n1Mu5Gvd6__p0GFjlY_sy8OpQzab62CCA4/s1600/112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVXjscFpV30pEy-rMCJT4S4VIegcweVOJqUXcd-QxxBh6i-7YntCDAQsNJWiG8H0KYrDgVSKz3SucdPGM4oSqDEMyKEcJUeRzCFtFBs-x0n1Mu5Gvd6__p0GFjlY_sy8OpQzab62CCA4/s400/112.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
The hiking everywhere is pretty incredible...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTy7t0foh8ROZxItsGAvdRyE75xG_zy2L4m_B6jzr7vVhuoXBrH2K0uc2wnJNbtZiQ5UxjnN4YIOFNYmi-RtcixKw8P0s-rn5CEVQ4uS84luuWkLkgJ6lBIRAzVfky9yahS1rpnXqEfPs/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTy7t0foh8ROZxItsGAvdRyE75xG_zy2L4m_B6jzr7vVhuoXBrH2K0uc2wnJNbtZiQ5UxjnN4YIOFNYmi-RtcixKw8P0s-rn5CEVQ4uS84luuWkLkgJ6lBIRAzVfky9yahS1rpnXqEfPs/s400/114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Walking around town across the many bridges along the river... Gorgeous!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJDWY87bBmPSSnI5NkFwEjjJFNf9Uu6uj6rsy45JF1smBppTD64bB6SkwWm6sxVUy8W4mDjNu1hwrqrXGow71cWPLZExGM6VTzJuV4ZdeWJkbau9dwfZ_7ujI0pS-MSa5-kfX7X-Y6c0/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJDWY87bBmPSSnI5NkFwEjjJFNf9Uu6uj6rsy45JF1smBppTD64bB6SkwWm6sxVUy8W4mDjNu1hwrqrXGow71cWPLZExGM6VTzJuV4ZdeWJkbau9dwfZ_7ujI0pS-MSa5-kfX7X-Y6c0/s320/094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i9V5qj7p977ZI7Sc40v_Axp5f_XKxE_VBFxrrwqw6UT4xNQwjRt09hMYSCFjbhV6tSV8blfuxzNFyqWfcO9XTlD9_k3Vl0mA2nVHjREvKs_1ISZKGEIoEiIFihZs-4QXIngzHVAhEh4/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i9V5qj7p977ZI7Sc40v_Axp5f_XKxE_VBFxrrwqw6UT4xNQwjRt09hMYSCFjbhV6tSV8blfuxzNFyqWfcO9XTlD9_k3Vl0mA2nVHjREvKs_1ISZKGEIoEiIFihZs-4QXIngzHVAhEh4/s320/IMG_3907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now (I was 7 months pregnant;)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elk everywhere:) This is near downtown Estes, which is so super cute to walk around! We love all of the shops. There is a glass blowing store with amazing things and daily demonstrations that we've really enjoyed.<span id="goog_1670118821"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZkOC6YmBCk3cVuKtuP8GptZFttzIn6ZX7wP9-03jckxl09Ba4ilVJJI94zGvka3zUSjgT6ZNNF8Ew-LxlFxbIfswL64NMo82feUcwpY1ffdakm-HMotAeRumB0zcoWARQxfE4S1x_tk/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZkOC6YmBCk3cVuKtuP8GptZFttzIn6ZX7wP9-03jckxl09Ba4ilVJJI94zGvka3zUSjgT6ZNNF8Ew-LxlFxbIfswL64NMo82feUcwpY1ffdakm-HMotAeRumB0zcoWARQxfE4S1x_tk/s400/105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1670118820"></span>
So that is my very quick review of Estes Park from our two trips there. We LOVE it and recommend it to absolutely everyone we know. We've only ever been there in January, so we really want to go back one summer! :)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-33337671725795839742016-01-15T19:11:00.002-05:002016-01-15T19:13:49.509-05:00Clueless MomRight now, I feel like a completely clueless mom. Sadie started throwing temper tantrums a few weeks ago, and I have no idea how to handle them. She needs to be potty trained, but she's not. She needs to eat more/healthier, but she won't. She needs to keep taking naps, she's resisting. Bedtime's 7:30, last night she wouldn't settle in until 9. She needs/wants to be active and play, but I'm 7 months pregnant, tired, and dealing with too cold/snow days every.single.day. People are very quick to give advice, but it just stresses me out. Trust me, I have asked for advice in every single one of these areas, but I ask people who have known me for years, who have kids older than mine that have turned out great. Today, I'm struggling. I feel like I'm not good enough for my family; a failure. Thankfully, my mom gave me the movie Moms Night Out for Christmas, and that scene towards the end came to my mind this afternoon when I finally had to set everything aside and pray. Here's the scene: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_aY2M5hxyw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_aY2M5hxyw</a>. So I'm not posting this for advice, but hoping I can maybe encourage another mom who is struggling like me today. You're not alone in this. And I hope this scene encourages you as it did me:)<br />
<br />
Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)<br />
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29)<br />
Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-74269596345226274002015-07-16T23:18:00.000-04:002015-07-16T23:18:52.159-04:00AspenI finally got to go check out Aspen, Colorado today. It's been on my bucket list for years. I went for work, so I didn't get to sight see too much, but I have a few recommendations.<br />
<br />
1. There are two ways to get to Aspen from Denver and Summit County. My favorite way is through Copper, Leadville, and Independence Pass. This drive is literally the most beautiful drive I've ever done in my life. Independence Pass is closed for the winter, so you can only take this drive between Memorial Day and the beginning of November.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv9j50YWWLJJDw4XEG-AH6_SIhiGdOIO3B3xHCTQPAs-6aiMkMF0wa6JyqZMV-3u0H5fjLsGr80wCJFRoSj9E7ab9Xl-syrPZdhyphenhypheniO1-af3-MS3J-BjNkzgkrrdTDze9xXoYuhzdOdI8/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv9j50YWWLJJDw4XEG-AH6_SIhiGdOIO3B3xHCTQPAs-6aiMkMF0wa6JyqZMV-3u0H5fjLsGr80wCJFRoSj9E7ab9Xl-syrPZdhyphenhypheniO1-af3-MS3J-BjNkzgkrrdTDze9xXoYuhzdOdI8/s400/IMG_1539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq8lz6HPbzvOGqAexGxN1WL8q457Gttds5oolDsaueQ_ryxgbq-Fhppdc-KMZg_DkmM5bo2tD2CAAkuHEjjmaMpFEXfIkNFMigEGPNbCpuSpmU8ao_Ily0gfBxIc0ckeaaAs1qjRid40/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq8lz6HPbzvOGqAexGxN1WL8q457Gttds5oolDsaueQ_ryxgbq-Fhppdc-KMZg_DkmM5bo2tD2CAAkuHEjjmaMpFEXfIkNFMigEGPNbCpuSpmU8ao_Ily0gfBxIc0ckeaaAs1qjRid40/s400/IMG_1542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHHGPO9q2GrRITDFxXnQUtcfLcLu2DLl-eTCEtsz3XEOrhZ5cPddVJVhOOf_QwCi5xSqioK-bp8NWtsUz7lobLJ8IdJdzFIpdxAYjI6RuG0iAeOljSRwDiqp7dg1q7QeJAynRLTauxd0/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHHGPO9q2GrRITDFxXnQUtcfLcLu2DLl-eTCEtsz3XEOrhZ5cPddVJVhOOf_QwCi5xSqioK-bp8NWtsUz7lobLJ8IdJdzFIpdxAYjI6RuG0iAeOljSRwDiqp7dg1q7QeJAynRLTauxd0/s400/IMG_1543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28WGzHV0pIYe_-FQh0NuNMLuXK8xeM4RwTASh6c1w7wWLDgRPEFErgdQhod5mlX1Nyntg5aTw3F8zbMCFMhi_gOpBBzfIsS2-ltc_QG9icrFnt2qVKSH47mumCrUV64ECSD0njhSNL7s/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28WGzHV0pIYe_-FQh0NuNMLuXK8xeM4RwTASh6c1w7wWLDgRPEFErgdQhod5mlX1Nyntg5aTw3F8zbMCFMhi_gOpBBzfIsS2-ltc_QG9icrFnt2qVKSH47mumCrUV64ECSD0njhSNL7s/s400/IMG_1544.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYMTyiwJcaOMEKEjmsFHowHP-50GmcWFMKek9StHUmHtPosCkuUkK4fQgJR_S-RcfrHqS6nm57CuUBufq7RxfGBa_82q6f8EeKq1Z4scvDIoSVUlfpJfSqbDfoA5E15xWentGVK9bff8/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYMTyiwJcaOMEKEjmsFHowHP-50GmcWFMKek9StHUmHtPosCkuUkK4fQgJR_S-RcfrHqS6nm57CuUBufq7RxfGBa_82q6f8EeKq1Z4scvDIoSVUlfpJfSqbDfoA5E15xWentGVK9bff8/s400/IMG_1550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwd8kNlvPbxwbBzNQjadaD25lVDjF0wogxbXYUxtVzkn239C0_Mivl5UN_rkWAZro0A9pzNm2dxDkF7jbBJl2WDrNo4pBxRnfJUCviRbddQxqxJzGZ12rTC4H6d8ecbQW-2eVSVn2KVA/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwd8kNlvPbxwbBzNQjadaD25lVDjF0wogxbXYUxtVzkn239C0_Mivl5UN_rkWAZro0A9pzNm2dxDkF7jbBJl2WDrNo4pBxRnfJUCviRbddQxqxJzGZ12rTC4H6d8ecbQW-2eVSVn2KVA/s400/IMG_1551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCak4w5utA8UK_tDazyFupSxejHD6xLHgYQxNB6Tn1OpbL3oGvFgxwJPdWNWv4YkY30Qegpfw0zdpN0YjRwkW8h6AqCIh4kMrdqk547Vizmigxyje4XymeERPnUILmpm8au4rSL7fCvQ/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCak4w5utA8UK_tDazyFupSxejHD6xLHgYQxNB6Tn1OpbL3oGvFgxwJPdWNWv4YkY30Qegpfw0zdpN0YjRwkW8h6AqCIh4kMrdqk547Vizmigxyje4XymeERPnUILmpm8au4rSL7fCvQ/s400/IMG_1557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On the way back I drove through Glenwood Springs and then I-70. The landscape through there was really unique; kind of desert like. Reminded me of a Western movie;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XLqAPR1ZxaLDLuXtmDg_O52qulaFacmGqSPrBzWpPdxdXQP8GPXwpVse5J5z5ZsxdA4mPc19HHgE-O4i_vxgV0iNFaKyVK7ATvFVcnbq1QCfomfMRlgCNh0538VTqskG_KI_iPfkgZM/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XLqAPR1ZxaLDLuXtmDg_O52qulaFacmGqSPrBzWpPdxdXQP8GPXwpVse5J5z5ZsxdA4mPc19HHgE-O4i_vxgV0iNFaKyVK7ATvFVcnbq1QCfomfMRlgCNh0538VTqskG_KI_iPfkgZM/s400/IMG_1585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. I recommend <a href="http://peachscornercafe.com/" target="_blank">Peach's Corner Cafe</a> for breakfast. It is located in beautiful downtown Aspen, and the food is awesome! Afterwards I loved walking around downtown, taking pictures of the slopes, and window shopping:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigANMrprkW8JVXWropSqhFgzjBSX3PZksm2BSga3iqgHBM8BHkCyuvNDbjWk0s8J4nW0pjVUeFLhmB2wjTAf-NDaOlYhyphenhyphenw9wcHngafrqyQblOcVkRymzNisfmV_lot1lWhAvT88pyLsX8/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigANMrprkW8JVXWropSqhFgzjBSX3PZksm2BSga3iqgHBM8BHkCyuvNDbjWk0s8J4nW0pjVUeFLhmB2wjTAf-NDaOlYhyphenhyphenw9wcHngafrqyQblOcVkRymzNisfmV_lot1lWhAvT88pyLsX8/s400/IMG_1558.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggR86Z61q1S76rVcfpUL9l_UHbIQI4-VjiS0oW9uBSoXV5TeGab8yBaB_Yr7-mcM-NJAfs8KInGT-NUUS3vykPgais98YWIjf7A_buM9cqECf8Aa7fdCAHKV4Aw8cfOqIEqWTroWe_SXo/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggR86Z61q1S76rVcfpUL9l_UHbIQI4-VjiS0oW9uBSoXV5TeGab8yBaB_Yr7-mcM-NJAfs8KInGT-NUUS3vykPgais98YWIjf7A_buM9cqECf8Aa7fdCAHKV4Aw8cfOqIEqWTroWe_SXo/s400/IMG_1560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgdsxz1xNisdYWKJQdIxNZ1vIoNmZt-M93hEQpqXAyCFEScYD9E1rdnT8mQaPGa4U2mf73BKYLykMx_97xRn54jG-KJ7K9n6TKogIKcRbW8XEctcHsypI2FmGnjRbnzNW5JZxBFz2S8Q/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgdsxz1xNisdYWKJQdIxNZ1vIoNmZt-M93hEQpqXAyCFEScYD9E1rdnT8mQaPGa4U2mf73BKYLykMx_97xRn54jG-KJ7K9n6TKogIKcRbW8XEctcHsypI2FmGnjRbnzNW5JZxBFz2S8Q/s400/IMG_1570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. If you are visiting Aspen in the summer time, be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/" target="_blank">Aspen Music Festival</a>. Awesome classical musicians around the world come here to study and perform every summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's it for now! Hoping to make it back sometime soon:) </div>
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-10403278370276503402015-04-28T23:56:00.000-04:002015-04-28T23:56:02.735-04:00Everyday ViewsWherever we go around Summit County, I'm always floored by how beautiful it is here. This post will take you around Silverthorne, Dillon, and Frisco to the views from all of our regular stops.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Post Office </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfgQuRuDTAqHacKfhPSZSsTxktPbY0O7ZuG_eiH4g0Lcx06fGzbG_J3wg3fAETDOnJpo1ZNONNrswVMQ1KyYhwAvleE41kDRl2LyPLrchg-DKf3DeP7JneU1LNWsDpEdVgh6jx1O2R0c/s1600/post+office.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfgQuRuDTAqHacKfhPSZSsTxktPbY0O7ZuG_eiH4g0Lcx06fGzbG_J3wg3fAETDOnJpo1ZNONNrswVMQ1KyYhwAvleE41kDRl2LyPLrchg-DKf3DeP7JneU1LNWsDpEdVgh6jx1O2R0c/s1600/post+office.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grocery Store </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQwGYhWCUKg2z5dps7p_iAlnC2qL5NDonckZOPQ9G8zulq2_0oqBa2bjl80UIRcEqjgks3ZOGzzrkr6d8pKzIFDh0qOBn92fJ8CmhzTYXWAJLBJ_F_ItQekJ-APmKvKV0ou3cEp1COkU/s1600/grocery+store.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQwGYhWCUKg2z5dps7p_iAlnC2qL5NDonckZOPQ9G8zulq2_0oqBa2bjl80UIRcEqjgks3ZOGzzrkr6d8pKzIFDh0qOBn92fJ8CmhzTYXWAJLBJ_F_ItQekJ-APmKvKV0ou3cEp1COkU/s1600/grocery+store.JPG" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Target </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSanguODvjKEiqa-7Omg1YA1cksv21PCU78FsbqcH-Lq8rFFCbSlGEcquzfVJKa70kMUsyn-VeZGVxff01UKgxP2OJxjgxx3fuDLcUxB_yMLWXACayJpSnlRZluFfemCdSyej9ZDLUq0/s1600/Target.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSanguODvjKEiqa-7Omg1YA1cksv21PCU78FsbqcH-Lq8rFFCbSlGEcquzfVJKa70kMUsyn-VeZGVxff01UKgxP2OJxjgxx3fuDLcUxB_yMLWXACayJpSnlRZluFfemCdSyej9ZDLUq0/s1600/Target.JPG" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Library </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ4IjYqWYaja2g8T670gZjvd3m0W0lUp1FkBi3TetVGzdAb_RF3v4U6k_KiyPH6nEQxbFctqFkZpB9IiIO16WodioppUhjoOvRQyjiOVnTCNUn7t_c0u-hQvsiiTjJsLff8M23D2FXyY/s1600/Library.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ4IjYqWYaja2g8T670gZjvd3m0W0lUp1FkBi3TetVGzdAb_RF3v4U6k_KiyPH6nEQxbFctqFkZpB9IiIO16WodioppUhjoOvRQyjiOVnTCNUn7t_c0u-hQvsiiTjJsLff8M23D2FXyY/s1600/Library.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the park</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sDKd6_Jgss3MK_k0u7fk0w0LO1UsBULZu58fKTyDllzv5kdl9XZZBXquYQw8W_wQhBTaOgcUaY0cFJWrXVQzVu_Dxac6sFkNPUaQiAx6a6wrgMYdg-yZ1FXeHoORdGZxU2Y435k1zJI/s1600/Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sDKd6_Jgss3MK_k0u7fk0w0LO1UsBULZu58fKTyDllzv5kdl9XZZBXquYQw8W_wQhBTaOgcUaY0cFJWrXVQzVu_Dxac6sFkNPUaQiAx6a6wrgMYdg-yZ1FXeHoORdGZxU2Y435k1zJI/s1600/Park.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioGemBxhUb-D-uOBhcGeBmYRDhRDy0seSJKcAcQ6eM0cdYSE4QBfBsUSBLLmfSYid9uB401vdo0Llb200q6jOdaSWrKO7VzcqJiMTy8LniK6vzC6Aw38AF69flcee1YSAOKWHlYUwEUU/s1600/Park2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioGemBxhUb-D-uOBhcGeBmYRDhRDy0seSJKcAcQ6eM0cdYSE4QBfBsUSBLLmfSYid9uB401vdo0Llb200q6jOdaSWrKO7VzcqJiMTy8LniK6vzC6Aw38AF69flcee1YSAOKWHlYUwEUU/s1600/Park2.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recreation Center</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs4YWV-bDZ7VQFELubeFt2dGaJJqWmbpypSOPjgbfoW2CfnG0kr13c1WyWwiW-t0fZNPvBtsdbmoHohMxcvBtsH56Mad9F2rDlamrdClTBFJTE0hBJs3cPJYGwV5fprGhSCQmk5oKWNs/s1600/Rec+Center.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs4YWV-bDZ7VQFELubeFt2dGaJJqWmbpypSOPjgbfoW2CfnG0kr13c1WyWwiW-t0fZNPvBtsdbmoHohMxcvBtsH56Mad9F2rDlamrdClTBFJTE0hBJs3cPJYGwV5fprGhSCQmk5oKWNs/s1600/Rec+Center.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Medical building </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X-pVJssD3EOJT4d-3OWpBnzM97pO7-FKHKtcoU3pqe9RI8tDWsGhFy7OUewWx-NEj3qfOT1uufTCOwiY4tHtayYAiisJLNAOCC4klcs49aeruPqfJIMATfj61T0rv9sPWQKmCNRkowA/s1600/dr's+office.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X-pVJssD3EOJT4d-3OWpBnzM97pO7-FKHKtcoU3pqe9RI8tDWsGhFy7OUewWx-NEj3qfOT1uufTCOwiY4tHtayYAiisJLNAOCC4klcs49aeruPqfJIMATfj61T0rv9sPWQKmCNRkowA/s1600/dr's%2Boffice.JPG" height="318" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Church </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9hCxKheVYRPC3WTqqiXbHB4DJuuOpN6-2D_QCSNbE7LI1WM5nnpnz9oqngNKBLgH_-82WuPlo0sIbgE2Pbu0G5qdcY7nCMP2jHw_-B077uG4d01L1mbe7I6_GjBmkvOm9QiFHqvvlrk/s1600/church.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9hCxKheVYRPC3WTqqiXbHB4DJuuOpN6-2D_QCSNbE7LI1WM5nnpnz9oqngNKBLgH_-82WuPlo0sIbgE2Pbu0G5qdcY7nCMP2jHw_-B077uG4d01L1mbe7I6_GjBmkvOm9QiFHqvvlrk/s1600/church.JPG" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love running errands:)</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-60089148642817260182015-04-18T23:14:00.000-04:002015-04-18T23:14:01.225-04:00Buffalo Bill Memorial MuseumI am so happy to be posting on here again! Now that we've moved to Colorado, we are starting to explore our new home with little day trips. So here's a new post for the travel blog:) <br />
<br />
This past week on our way home from Denver, we decided to stop at Lookout Mountain in Golden and visit the <a href="http://www.buffalobill.org/" target="_blank">Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum</a>. It was so fun! We love finding these little hole in the wall places. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIgobcG6BPKYWSJzJ2yyG7ai3ekXVfQGMy6am0hb-RT02-rji1lX1QwfSuENHuqC5e6iOnAEU3FJcXg1-2pZF-_XjMKrQGoIsl1fWdUUJsgvnj2kXyLHWW8Czr4EK0W_D1NJ5lu30F88/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIgobcG6BPKYWSJzJ2yyG7ai3ekXVfQGMy6am0hb-RT02-rji1lX1QwfSuENHuqC5e6iOnAEU3FJcXg1-2pZF-_XjMKrQGoIsl1fWdUUJsgvnj2kXyLHWW8Czr4EK0W_D1NJ5lu30F88/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXMWr-Vcn4vFhBiJQSw_G_X38iJflEFxzj4E8s9f_w8JCNR3R7FGNE42v_mIsZp5C1pxD31RrgDfCQqL1Fp-a34uWXTAiph9OASpipNk7babuxUowKp-MsXdpuvPb01vnJPVjOe1eCe0/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXMWr-Vcn4vFhBiJQSw_G_X38iJflEFxzj4E8s9f_w8JCNR3R7FGNE42v_mIsZp5C1pxD31RrgDfCQqL1Fp-a34uWXTAiph9OASpipNk7babuxUowKp-MsXdpuvPb01vnJPVjOe1eCe0/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4t-GUgpzH-ah1YlqUuxN2-q1PoaOQFLTCFzmrywScWbLAuUPoCKCPBpT7W6kOM8SfuNDulDpoEaQhbmo4zQC2xKooSP6nRwk7Cf5b1ZiriHJMXyFW0TSpMcZ1jEyROFKxmFtbAcZ3vA/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4t-GUgpzH-ah1YlqUuxN2-q1PoaOQFLTCFzmrywScWbLAuUPoCKCPBpT7W6kOM8SfuNDulDpoEaQhbmo4zQC2xKooSP6nRwk7Cf5b1ZiriHJMXyFW0TSpMcZ1jEyROFKxmFtbAcZ3vA/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNfdTB8DcXhmX2r01cFMEKAW9Psg_PD4-ln_YJFlZgrovi48_Yu-uO9F-VPMALJ5EmCJkcVPAeKK_IbNBhs1TOXQEGlnPa9-Sp72Nh0ZzN0wQyMC61Xp1DVcEI0-XZGRXtod6XpLoe48/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNfdTB8DcXhmX2r01cFMEKAW9Psg_PD4-ln_YJFlZgrovi48_Yu-uO9F-VPMALJ5EmCJkcVPAeKK_IbNBhs1TOXQEGlnPa9-Sp72Nh0ZzN0wQyMC61Xp1DVcEI0-XZGRXtod6XpLoe48/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annie Oakley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprPzmZXc4apbvOksmxdLHTCQMk71si3lyvbq5ExTjIITKxO4pD4KnLSHbAuM1wYNzEXt7s5SZIJTOcAkuHJYsI1ncxFy6WaX5cbR5v0ks33pygJNe-xEjErQUuK0BqWqEcS0ZB-aPoVA/s1600/IMG_20150414_125436859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprPzmZXc4apbvOksmxdLHTCQMk71si3lyvbq5ExTjIITKxO4pD4KnLSHbAuM1wYNzEXt7s5SZIJTOcAkuHJYsI1ncxFy6WaX5cbR5v0ks33pygJNe-xEjErQUuK0BqWqEcS0ZB-aPoVA/s1600/IMG_20150414_125436859.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWepTTyUYFEFWQA2T2NfeS81CgKo7ECf5PCcSQArrGphLwEm7k2SGicpyMxy4KnlcKKwV6ji7CicKtmXJcBBSQFBgKXtDDHns6YCXh9qi1LsRZ7ClqyW_hDbWIAV0BbM-kp7quDug650/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWepTTyUYFEFWQA2T2NfeS81CgKo7ECf5PCcSQArrGphLwEm7k2SGicpyMxy4KnlcKKwV6ji7CicKtmXJcBBSQFBgKXtDDHns6YCXh9qi1LsRZ7ClqyW_hDbWIAV0BbM-kp7quDug650/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATakzd9v1lkZ_Cc1JXZoN1otOQJlCjXteFEm8w4VbZeS_JqMXwKfbW5dZYiOHyblnMzRvjOHJZOEFNkKJ99LGYe-8hyphenhyphensrrMz-S50O-XA3zDtmQdWcBF2AlnFK1HY8ogKy9V4qqqJoAKc/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATakzd9v1lkZ_Cc1JXZoN1otOQJlCjXteFEm8w4VbZeS_JqMXwKfbW5dZYiOHyblnMzRvjOHJZOEFNkKJ99LGYe-8hyphenhyphensrrMz-S50O-XA3zDtmQdWcBF2AlnFK1HY8ogKy9V4qqqJoAKc/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie had a blast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m2S2R4GEBOmsp6f6QsdypArKfYe5C0yULDZ2IitIOS-9QuVfetkx8oLJN_AWV8Hwnb9JlF5sUlDW-g0ba3Lznsg98zFQVFyLMHFmXa7J2NICw2Z5uC5CVk2aggR72vidQ5lO4qZMjMQ/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m2S2R4GEBOmsp6f6QsdypArKfYe5C0yULDZ2IitIOS-9QuVfetkx8oLJN_AWV8Hwnb9JlF5sUlDW-g0ba3Lznsg98zFQVFyLMHFmXa7J2NICw2Z5uC5CVk2aggR72vidQ5lO4qZMjMQ/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha60zEcw-v1f_1i_Ei_HxCXzVBEqgVtDJHberBISadf6qeqol65KHJWz6J0d7xnJN3y5fV4cq-DsnHBDOIawVji8AileU971MWhstpCyvdMgmqLj-lKq7uZCL9s7iv2WbOV-2_n3wyiKc/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha60zEcw-v1f_1i_Ei_HxCXzVBEqgVtDJHberBISadf6qeqol65KHJWz6J0d7xnJN3y5fV4cq-DsnHBDOIawVji8AileU971MWhstpCyvdMgmqLj-lKq7uZCL9s7iv2WbOV-2_n3wyiKc/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNY-ILajd9FaQYNlzMBT0KotAuwl5XQ6zn_slHoGbUAxBzwlfJMsctPwyTQM2i77SlGrZkjhA_KPNlzADYp3djXBBFyyBySC4sapOPUFclHuiYus4V-3OeZVZkIMuZuUQaKJqfJ6K5_U/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNY-ILajd9FaQYNlzMBT0KotAuwl5XQ6zn_slHoGbUAxBzwlfJMsctPwyTQM2i77SlGrZkjhA_KPNlzADYp3djXBBFyyBySC4sapOPUFclHuiYus4V-3OeZVZkIMuZuUQaKJqfJ6K5_U/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKaQX50rfpj7fKFWNVto7bouWE8YujDhpIjaJzXId3ufmuvZpsCESfF_TW0qQJ4aN8hdAzF-aHu-fjpYosG6oWr6xiWLuCXQlXnUXA-IEYEXehKXrvcC6Bj_GGq-evbK89i2Wd5lnMbw/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKaQX50rfpj7fKFWNVto7bouWE8YujDhpIjaJzXId3ufmuvZpsCESfF_TW0qQJ4aN8hdAzF-aHu-fjpYosG6oWr6xiWLuCXQlXnUXA-IEYEXehKXrvcC6Bj_GGq-evbK89i2Wd5lnMbw/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Bill's grave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KYFV7BnP4jHTTs4CnAc-7Y0aL1Mf-NupyhQtg2xZpt9IvyXnLc5GaRk-IG_NKPNWs3k3E4x2lVf0EwcUjfVTCWNirwtbkgVthchn0tiHs6rf6ZFqGZ-j17HBodchrUTTgW8J7KrOhfc/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KYFV7BnP4jHTTs4CnAc-7Y0aL1Mf-NupyhQtg2xZpt9IvyXnLc5GaRk-IG_NKPNWs3k3E4x2lVf0EwcUjfVTCWNirwtbkgVthchn0tiHs6rf6ZFqGZ-j17HBodchrUTTgW8J7KrOhfc/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome gift shop and soda fountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0nLwBlWqjfZFoz6pzLOtsc4riE7TswyTlsFGH5PVFQ9y0n90FeE2-JjCVuvZ8VRwzKFFvE1BEbmOSJIxMUjQZbCkjWbLyV9LsnEmM7jkJZcNiom3KhMdogRFr9dvl8HxtjPcafb50LM/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0nLwBlWqjfZFoz6pzLOtsc4riE7TswyTlsFGH5PVFQ9y0n90FeE2-JjCVuvZ8VRwzKFFvE1BEbmOSJIxMUjQZbCkjWbLyV9LsnEmM7jkJZcNiom3KhMdogRFr9dvl8HxtjPcafb50LM/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views from Lookout Mountain are so beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QUuPjHnoTHM9vFUJUZlWhc0xv9NdOQCbfkhN3M-tYceLIf2aArcWwlMiadlGP9xhbMLGx8kfLE_qLB70nBCywSpydogN9fkpSLcnNLV1WyFBCgsV6ub-QEusgkbPWRdx3LTljsC7uYU/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QUuPjHnoTHM9vFUJUZlWhc0xv9NdOQCbfkhN3M-tYceLIf2aArcWwlMiadlGP9xhbMLGx8kfLE_qLB70nBCywSpydogN9fkpSLcnNLV1WyFBCgsV6ub-QEusgkbPWRdx3LTljsC7uYU/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So excited to be traveling again and adding to the blog! There are so many possible day trips from Summit County, so stay tuned:)</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-86036728877667810082014-09-05T11:34:00.000-04:002014-09-05T13:35:27.852-04:00French Lick, Indiana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Travel blog entry! For our 5th anniversary this year, we crossed French Lick off of our Indiana bucket list. There are two historic grand hotels there: <a href="http://www.frenchlick.com/hotels/frenchlick" target="_blank">French Lick Springs Hotel</a> and <a href="http://www.frenchlick.com/hotels/westbaden" target="_blank">West Baden Springs Hotel</a>. Hank, Sadie, and I packed up and drove about an hour south from Bloomington down Hwy 37 through beautiful farm land and small Indiana towns, past <a href="http://www.paolipeaks.com/" target="_blank">Paoli Peaks</a>, until we could spy the huge dome of the West Baden Resort peaking out through the trees. I didn't expect the sheer magnificence of seeing this hotel after driving through such small towns. It's crazy big!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYJeN3GPkjS3f2zD_WhbjOdp2y33n_FQ2U4D6J-Nnnf_AdWegdbrHl4L0Aq77MtFzIX569a4I6uHp2c-UJD3MrsmjxyPqFK8DvqQQSCVX4fu0tSxCG9E0eqHyhKI0k1hpSoDSdvt5kFc/s1600/West_Baden_Springs_Hotel_dome_at_dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYJeN3GPkjS3f2zD_WhbjOdp2y33n_FQ2U4D6J-Nnnf_AdWegdbrHl4L0Aq77MtFzIX569a4I6uHp2c-UJD3MrsmjxyPqFK8DvqQQSCVX4fu0tSxCG9E0eqHyhKI0k1hpSoDSdvt5kFc/s1600/West_Baden_Springs_Hotel_dome_at_dawn.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We drove past West Baden on to the elegant French Lick Springs Hotel, and I think elegant is the best way to describe this resort. It was beautiful and just gorgeous with all of their Christmas decorations still up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Q_9h3XMvTPftY1qstTe4RVcaAwPhykiRwBZ6JEQcjcvkcFUIAXUhPlrO9AG1tXm1ZXel7RdPaSNgGAW3NcoyJN6kyCEPQnZl1gtGryXH08micmQu_DB5kghDmA-grqiqcQaZCaQt7MQ/s1600/P1100317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Q_9h3XMvTPftY1qstTe4RVcaAwPhykiRwBZ6JEQcjcvkcFUIAXUhPlrO9AG1tXm1ZXel7RdPaSNgGAW3NcoyJN6kyCEPQnZl1gtGryXH08micmQu_DB5kghDmA-grqiqcQaZCaQt7MQ/s1600/P1100317.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQG8VJsR6PKz221HzMAtXubf91ej_gWa1m5o89lMUMhR6xWa51p0FrtBCsApqTBWPpyG7oKzdfj-ZtaxCDXHzf9G3sNoO3uamvGxJuKkGYproPkULiUyqMNhwj5HIP6HcR4gkYRMt4vc/s1600/P1110353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQG8VJsR6PKz221HzMAtXubf91ej_gWa1m5o89lMUMhR6xWa51p0FrtBCsApqTBWPpyG7oKzdfj-ZtaxCDXHzf9G3sNoO3uamvGxJuKkGYproPkULiUyqMNhwj5HIP6HcR4gkYRMt4vc/s1600/P1110353.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6lqfZPPlRpg8jA_IUIvogY8H1vGPEk1Nsw5pZxxndU7kkpXNE8b5mIhPiBwCA91-RWvyi-b3yY5C9CewQeN5Tu8HxAjoRY7sKhjjoePsFTBrEefyTwGv92xthHYJtg7AF7CHe4Me0u4/s1600/P1100307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6lqfZPPlRpg8jA_IUIvogY8H1vGPEk1Nsw5pZxxndU7kkpXNE8b5mIhPiBwCA91-RWvyi-b3yY5C9CewQeN5Tu8HxAjoRY7sKhjjoePsFTBrEefyTwGv92xthHYJtg7AF7CHe4Me0u4/s1600/P1100307.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4kvKKwsdgZ6JQxvi6uwc6dcqvaB9zZx2lBVg2gM2vOLQCm3KrTTpjhmVM6kDXAHAneCnUyqLk1VbebQPEopmACgeQdnUIzuawsyE2OeuHI9XXc_ZUKI6APZtiYIebDnjYMLHTr2xVyA/s1600/P1100314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4kvKKwsdgZ6JQxvi6uwc6dcqvaB9zZx2lBVg2gM2vOLQCm3KrTTpjhmVM6kDXAHAneCnUyqLk1VbebQPEopmACgeQdnUIzuawsyE2OeuHI9XXc_ZUKI6APZtiYIebDnjYMLHTr2xVyA/s1600/P1100314.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are mineral springs that run through this area, and these resorts were first founded back in 1845 as health spas.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwNUzGQcCJm29K93KAtxVVdCQnzdZ8UDBcF2pIq6w8j_JL4MRswAZvr496TPmV0r-JITpvnG9E03Ydb0Bv0q0z4c4je3w0d1_jeVuTZjE0o0q8pI-JI96O0t4nTIpIu9mePQIMkg5TB8/s1600/P1100316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwNUzGQcCJm29K93KAtxVVdCQnzdZ8UDBcF2pIq6w8j_JL4MRswAZvr496TPmV0r-JITpvnG9E03Ydb0Bv0q0z4c4je3w0d1_jeVuTZjE0o0q8pI-JI96O0t4nTIpIu9mePQIMkg5TB8/s1600/P1100316.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, the pond is totally frozen. January 2014 was a super cold one!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0tvoAdNXMtfcyyoCM2grsc6-ARtFha9-ZArsdSqnsUhT3A0e8hHI2t0uY070hMtnx7vkmKn6mBi6unUXMWeWIRPPfKaivpCB1x9oNqZKxRdUSTuXL3oSt81V04tz1E7w45IHjvLWOUg/s1600/P1110351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0tvoAdNXMtfcyyoCM2grsc6-ARtFha9-ZArsdSqnsUhT3A0e8hHI2t0uY070hMtnx7vkmKn6mBi6unUXMWeWIRPPfKaivpCB1x9oNqZKxRdUSTuXL3oSt81V04tz1E7w45IHjvLWOUg/s1600/P1110351.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgw1FQa9zLO_4UHf958FWylYiEK4KuLTF7vGiIzzC-wY8yXwnonptV_R07k12jDtIwS5LsW0-jyl9AyyxhfFsinPzVixoNZbdNpnmof71Ih1-bqATtAYSnm72Glx3QpNf3kRAwEORqXA/s1600/P1110354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgw1FQa9zLO_4UHf958FWylYiEK4KuLTF7vGiIzzC-wY8yXwnonptV_R07k12jDtIwS5LsW0-jyl9AyyxhfFsinPzVixoNZbdNpnmof71Ih1-bqATtAYSnm72Glx3QpNf3kRAwEORqXA/s1600/P1110354.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Located in the Hoosier National Forest.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8R211HPiw8wnZwyn6DL0PjTg8dy0tgSoevPNL4tMvozT9o61Q5JSSqX-DJlu_2Tj5w_pqPyHMak2bthjxMgYF_9k2Xl2E3yxqTfiIc5cXootyhE4FJuFOY9wC4QGPnO8H5-wPf6coPg/s1600/P1100318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8R211HPiw8wnZwyn6DL0PjTg8dy0tgSoevPNL4tMvozT9o61Q5JSSqX-DJlu_2Tj5w_pqPyHMak2bthjxMgYF_9k2Xl2E3yxqTfiIc5cXootyhE4FJuFOY9wC4QGPnO8H5-wPf6coPg/s1600/P1100318.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Indiana limestone tunnel they used in the construction of the hotel.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-0VJl4XW3eWqRoN6hjCXoCaJFGwpwxa9aNse8lJpjG5WG2uNdFDqsq2rpq3ic5HPhbLbXtXuxWhwnc95rNiGHEm_x4EfJUHtTkSHi7askWO3TQjYqthoJyFuaY5PSSoJH_V6xKACTEU/s1600/P1100325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-0VJl4XW3eWqRoN6hjCXoCaJFGwpwxa9aNse8lJpjG5WG2uNdFDqsq2rpq3ic5HPhbLbXtXuxWhwnc95rNiGHEm_x4EfJUHtTkSHi7askWO3TQjYqthoJyFuaY5PSSoJH_V6xKACTEU/s1600/P1100325.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA3bpQb_MZzaXA3CM821pCusMxr9_27U2XMqioJNMDEvrxczV1OYAvngf5FOZTRzirmZrKejxiwo4jnQDKvWAhgMrq0j4RcwXMkzPkSCZJ1u0FJlE2t8CKvVzdRI1wFtrxhU6V16d9TM/s1600/P1100328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEA3bpQb_MZzaXA3CM821pCusMxr9_27U2XMqioJNMDEvrxczV1OYAvngf5FOZTRzirmZrKejxiwo4jnQDKvWAhgMrq0j4RcwXMkzPkSCZJ1u0FJlE2t8CKvVzdRI1wFtrxhU6V16d9TM/s1600/P1100328.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh9ug7auLfek2yNXWo33gdLjZ84XbdDJpYAt5kln6IAaUp5fy29Yv_C8g3OjD5uWHwCgTSN1LpW0ZCLVqOONMRSaIMw0RoRWaGt0AcrUXTorxeT_RdCkiaTrhezSQfCIpUF_2DDHVAT8/s1600/P1100327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh9ug7auLfek2yNXWo33gdLjZ84XbdDJpYAt5kln6IAaUp5fy29Yv_C8g3OjD5uWHwCgTSN1LpW0ZCLVqOONMRSaIMw0RoRWaGt0AcrUXTorxeT_RdCkiaTrhezSQfCIpUF_2DDHVAT8/s1600/P1100327.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The ceilings were incredible!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlq-sRHvoOJBvChnldZxP9dj5D2gyvonDJZRlbx5CB7v5cphGMhwQitAdQIBoI32CeQy0wHtdvvrY-PNhT2d9AGvoRRbiW_WJqT-ytW65BNGKDUhyphenhyphenJY5CLSFfTkeJfnYfYaBsIXNnTNU/s1600/P1100331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlq-sRHvoOJBvChnldZxP9dj5D2gyvonDJZRlbx5CB7v5cphGMhwQitAdQIBoI32CeQy0wHtdvvrY-PNhT2d9AGvoRRbiW_WJqT-ytW65BNGKDUhyphenhyphenJY5CLSFfTkeJfnYfYaBsIXNnTNU/s1600/P1100331.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJws_yQC_vy8S5Mj6IaHyrc44D8fhZsgBYLG8cKC67lS7r3hyt12fdDLoPVj45Z1Wek4Yrni36YkZk4SxVn5TPFu6GDSQWCAzTI4vrThehSTuWdpQmouLkoVwTiEuVqgz3Dauwo7AjRVE/s1600/P1100332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJws_yQC_vy8S5Mj6IaHyrc44D8fhZsgBYLG8cKC67lS7r3hyt12fdDLoPVj45Z1Wek4Yrni36YkZk4SxVn5TPFu6GDSQWCAzTI4vrThehSTuWdpQmouLkoVwTiEuVqgz3Dauwo7AjRVE/s1600/P1100332.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfpkMzN0j0bz52e-fTQ_wplAQqOYNENVcM0tDWKkQ4dkt4TtVgak-lC-rGL92S77WUhCW2MYZseJPS7-RrXNEoXKIblICgeafNyAZ83oJh92E3zK1nU7nb5lW0Qspv5LxLaQjqK4vSEw/s1600/P1100340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfpkMzN0j0bz52e-fTQ_wplAQqOYNENVcM0tDWKkQ4dkt4TtVgak-lC-rGL92S77WUhCW2MYZseJPS7-RrXNEoXKIblICgeafNyAZ83oJh92E3zK1nU7nb5lW0Qspv5LxLaQjqK4vSEw/s1600/P1100340.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sadie was so tiny here! She's twice as big now. That's what I get for taking months to post this;)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOs0xRtRLi9PAfbb2ZQca3GlLguU_VCsWba_8z0RGMPCn70tgyJhxVIr5-6eQWQmw1aTro4JmVm471nQOPqYLplnG1ti4IjtfyzQRktiRA80A0Dtjzf_abR8fgvwbqYznowQoTQEEzAg/s1600/P1110350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOs0xRtRLi9PAfbb2ZQca3GlLguU_VCsWba_8z0RGMPCn70tgyJhxVIr5-6eQWQmw1aTro4JmVm471nQOPqYLplnG1ti4IjtfyzQRktiRA80A0Dtjzf_abR8fgvwbqYznowQoTQEEzAg/s1600/P1110350.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">French Lick has such an awesome candy store!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwKDv1bYh8IYTRkIEsX0MLC-vR76khUUZ00MRAVtK0sJ1ZtyvTy4rjV2XopW7rS-17DpkNldfmZV9O44XJWT2wO69b5PiDb7dvGUXhkC7nrf-lujsXhkFKx4co4ELn1lJhqEX0-cZaN8/s1600/P1100330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwKDv1bYh8IYTRkIEsX0MLC-vR76khUUZ00MRAVtK0sJ1ZtyvTy4rjV2XopW7rS-17DpkNldfmZV9O44XJWT2wO69b5PiDb7dvGUXhkC7nrf-lujsXhkFKx4co4ELn1lJhqEX0-cZaN8/s1600/P1100330.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The pool:)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0asqOVvJvYJhfwH34r6D3LkMFFw99B9xULahiXwQX6mhUwG0fK-8Ri84M_-uykMkdneSXv-6nl1hbtZwv_Rx2fsiYmUuRPuzbPGS-VXRUwDIgKb-LLbcRtyybjKtwmDoUabSGafaTKD0/s1600/P1100305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0asqOVvJvYJhfwH34r6D3LkMFFw99B9xULahiXwQX6mhUwG0fK-8Ri84M_-uykMkdneSXv-6nl1hbtZwv_Rx2fsiYmUuRPuzbPGS-VXRUwDIgKb-LLbcRtyybjKtwmDoUabSGafaTKD0/s1600/P1100305.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A beautiful anniversary gift in our room from the hotel:) </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The hotel also has some amazing restaurants. We ate at
the famous 1875:The Steakhouse for our anniversary dinner. It was so
fancy and delicious. Then we had an awesome breakfast at The Grand
Colonnade Family Restaurant</span><span style="font-size: small;">, which is the former ballroom where FDR
received the nomination to run for President in 1932!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vXa58bWBaNRPokGOois5aen-LmyoUroO-t7Aa1sYRx1ouAoMdhFN_Ckp4YCQjKYS0gOqtQMblrBAdSmijq7cY-G-MD5h50_5vbyYGzug01bdFyWbg_fg8NnM6NU9Rn5BTIgTn16iih4/s1600/the-grand-colonnade-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vXa58bWBaNRPokGOois5aen-LmyoUroO-t7Aa1sYRx1ouAoMdhFN_Ckp4YCQjKYS0gOqtQMblrBAdSmijq7cY-G-MD5h50_5vbyYGzug01bdFyWbg_fg8NnM6NU9Rn5BTIgTn16iih4/s1600/the-grand-colonnade-family.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DeDUWV1eR755Tq5cXxeimhBeVOfJjZP1nJvyHMJFChPyJfHqCxUlx78aKqDw3ZrSVr5g6qskEGjTEw7paS67YzfuJAmEoc758sT0QYw4lLkYmZ1eb8Si7oiKLJd4S8-WtYlmyqUXehQ/s1600/P1100344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DeDUWV1eR755Tq5cXxeimhBeVOfJjZP1nJvyHMJFChPyJfHqCxUlx78aKqDw3ZrSVr5g6qskEGjTEw7paS67YzfuJAmEoc758sT0QYw4lLkYmZ1eb8Si7oiKLJd4S8-WtYlmyqUXehQ/s1600/P1100344.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a great way to celebrate 5 years married to my dream cowboy:)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-53950647728634773762014-06-09T15:37:00.000-04:002014-06-09T15:37:00.142-04:00Our Year:)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ86WWjFzKqOLhQVa9yKRXifvCK_53gyX4L67nWegyX02hmqW7wCkJCi3BlGa_lfpGtuILC4cL6Lt6OZyaff3Z-CTyBShyrLJ5to7enWOGS7OuhXAFbU7vs2Kh1o4KeDis_MgkBX-1Opo/s1600/Sadie's+First+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ86WWjFzKqOLhQVa9yKRXifvCK_53gyX4L67nWegyX02hmqW7wCkJCi3BlGa_lfpGtuILC4cL6Lt6OZyaff3Z-CTyBShyrLJ5to7enWOGS7OuhXAFbU7vs2Kh1o4KeDis_MgkBX-1Opo/s1600/Sadie's+First+Year.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What an amazing year. Full of ups and downs, laughs and tears, lots of sleep deprivation. But the one consistent this year has been the above ray of sunshine! It has been pure joy watching her grow into the beautiful little girl she is. Each month has brought a whole new level of fun to our household! Sadie is full of energy; quick to laugh, always chatting away about something adorable;) She loves books, loves "reading" to us, playing peek a boo, "walking" around outside, being the center of attention, playing with other kids, cuddling with us. My favorite part of this year has been watching her heart for other people develop. She loves people. Her heart is huge, sympathetic, and sensitive to others' emotions. She is concerned when someone is hurt, sad when they cry, happy when they smile, and quick to hug no matter what. I'm so impressed by the little person she's become, and I learn so much about Christ's love from her every day. Excited to see her grow even more over this next year! Happy one year, baby girl:) We love you more than we can express.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-62733190492170987272013-07-20T11:44:00.000-04:002014-06-16T09:21:45.203-04:00My Baby Story AdventureI was beginning to think my due date would never arrive. It was the middle of May as I stared at my calendar, thinking about all the things the Lord had brought me through over the past 9 months. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Early contractions, shingles(that left me with a nice scar on my forehead), 9 months of nausea... I just didn't know pregnancy could be like this. But here I was, finally due... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpxDLjgVWYsEVeDBsHPn1hj8WioTyFO_HwnkK0LdGNWA9kV_M0KVP8AB8UVHVAeglogLHnRFq9LQkGV4cnzDo620AJFQBlX0TikEKWPvnpAqJHP3007gck6aVGX3fEJT9c88R0pDURs/s1600/40+weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpxDLjgVWYsEVeDBsHPn1hj8WioTyFO_HwnkK0LdGNWA9kV_M0KVP8AB8UVHVAeglogLHnRFq9LQkGV4cnzDo620AJFQBlX0TikEKWPvnpAqJHP3007gck6aVGX3fEJT9c88R0pDURs/s320/40+weeks.JPG" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
...and thinking of any and every way I could help jump start this thing! Let's do this! So I tried Zumba! (Had to have been hilarious to watch this big belly shake her thang;) Annnd...nothing. Spicy food, eggplant parm, daily walks, "running" stairs... I watched the days tick by. After two weeks of this, the doctor said those beautiful words, "No matter what, you're having a baby tomorrow!" Thank goodness. It was Thursday morning, May 30. I went back to work after the doctor because, well, why not. Our bags were packed. We were as ready as we'd ever be. Finished out the work day, went home, turned on Parks and Recreation(love that show!), and waited. Finally 8pm and time to check into the hospital. They monitored me overnight to see if I'd start labor on my own. Silly doctors, of course not. Between me and Hank, our baby is waaay to chill to come on her own;) 7am Friday morning May 31, a seriously angelic nurse comes in and starts me on pitocin. And labor starts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGqcVXUYz6D7_HazjONH6bleTjp334RulWkZf2onMpXf5nLCzeTOlgpEPIOOVvA16aRw6dTbHRvsMcCBDREYKoye2qm2Mbc-7M82chJoqQOSMhZaUwZC-O9mTxFjisFhPadT_jli0hfc/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGqcVXUYz6D7_HazjONH6bleTjp334RulWkZf2onMpXf5nLCzeTOlgpEPIOOVvA16aRw6dTbHRvsMcCBDREYKoye2qm2Mbc-7M82chJoqQOSMhZaUwZC-O9mTxFjisFhPadT_jli0hfc/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
I now have to give a shout out to my most amazing coach ever, Hank. Walking with me, rubbing my back, best foot massages of all time!, breathing with me, running and getting me water, ice chips, yoga ball(which I stayed on until...), epidural. Now y'all, seriously, I believe epidurals are the Lord's greatest gift to modern woman! Holy night! If you haven't been through this, imagine the most intense pain coming in and out every minute, and then all of a sudden it starts coming in less and less. My eyes opened, cold washcloth on the face, Hank brushed my hair(I guess I'd been grabbing at it, and it looked like a bird's nest. Literally.), laughter coming from me, and then the most peaceful sleep. Doctor comes in, I'm almost there. Baby's heart rate starts to drop a little, nurses turn me on my side, heart rate comes back up and is just fine. Hank holds my hand and reads me scripture. Sleep. Doctor comes in, time to push. Say what?? Hank's eyes get huge and a smile creeps on his face. I tell him, "It's time for the "Push It" mix!" I think he's a little embarrassed, but I made this CD myself just for this moment.(Thank you to everyone who suggested songs on Facebook:) First song, Push It by Salt 'n Pepa. My doctor and the nurses start laughing and continue to laugh at my extremely diverse choice of songs. But it was doing its job, keeping me awake and as energized as possible. After 12 hours of labor, with one hour of pushing, it was time to meet our baby girl. This is where I take a more serious note. Baby girl came into this world perfectly, with 10 fingers and 10 toes and a head full of beautiful dark hair. They laid her on my stomach to let Hank cut the umbilical cord. Silence. Our wonderful doctor quickly cuts the umbilical cord and rushes her to the side table. What? I look at Hank and look over at the table. I can't see past the nurses surrounding her. I hear one nurse start counting the minutes while another starts giving oxygen. I can't tell what's happening. "Why isn't she crying?" No answer. My heart stops. "Is she okay?" Still no answer. Hank tells me it's okay, but his eyes are questioning right along with me. 2 minutes. I grab Hank's hand and start praying, "Lord, help our baby girl cry. Give me a scream. Anything." 3 minutes, and I reached a point I thought I'd never reach. Praying, trembling, I remember saying, "Lord, she's Yours and not ours. You gave her to us. You give and You take away, may Your name be praised." I cry just thinking about that moment. 4 minutes. . . A little whimper. The tiniest most beautiful sound I've ever heard in my life. Then another and another. Still so quiet and so incredibly beautiful. Praise Jesus, maker of all things. I used to ask people what was one thing they wish they'd known before they got pregnant. Well, this is mine. Sometimes it takes some babies a little longer to take that first breath. Even 4 minutes longer. As long as they're moving, their PH levels are good, the oxygen in their blood never drops... they are just fine. Yes it's scary and the medical staff won't talk to you because they're focused on getting the baby breathing, but the baby is just fine. I had gotten to the point of thinking she'd be brain dead when there was absolutely nothing wrong. Sooo, yeah. I wish I'd known that. So our cute little thing quickly got pink and started singing a beautiful cry, and then I finally got to hold her. Talk about surreal and singing endless praises to the Lord in my head.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTrVhO2-r9HDFbZssFPk7NIQMVqeTJn36U1HVwmn8ZFqm_tLdrdt1IhUtBk2fvuJ1KIWwBWI3QW9k21437vL6zQ3Fw3wX9fn15kOGWjnl7KNRqcaH51R_qJUnxtbPOXBIFdEEzG0hqQg/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTrVhO2-r9HDFbZssFPk7NIQMVqeTJn36U1HVwmn8ZFqm_tLdrdt1IhUtBk2fvuJ1KIWwBWI3QW9k21437vL6zQ3Fw3wX9fn15kOGWjnl7KNRqcaH51R_qJUnxtbPOXBIFdEEzG0hqQg/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
God is good. All the time. Even when things seem darkest, He's in control. And now we have the most healthy, smiley, bright eyed baby girl. We named her Sadie Ann after her great great grandmother. She is 7 weeks old and growing up so quickly. She brings unspeakable joy to our hearts on a daily basis. The Lord brought me through a hell of a pregnancy and gave me the most healthy and beautiful baby girl, and I will forever be grateful. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LYxzcG3f-ynK6bMAu5-7WaBVpSErA4UQKZ8KauiXU3dxxyRPy3NWLc4HLkSnVHk1o1J8a65r7kQBlnYpVfv4IPlloNVBPXj9Mw8BNMFC1ad8Z0Ohv0QHZ-NH3R665ezFanXgK0Zud-A/s1600/steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LYxzcG3f-ynK6bMAu5-7WaBVpSErA4UQKZ8KauiXU3dxxyRPy3NWLc4HLkSnVHk1o1J8a65r7kQBlnYpVfv4IPlloNVBPXj9Mw8BNMFC1ad8Z0Ohv0QHZ-NH3R665ezFanXgK0Zud-A/s640/steph.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are some more pictures:) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5Lx9g58xmcRH0NcrfP-2KIF70aaIxfSDkEcut1ofD9QYPtsDo-4QAFWpNU4YDCFUC9WWi3kSDZxohkORMRfExPu8guCvHh6zn2ImoAUbLtvi9D3WlmAhhHBVUIQiaz3rl016HMLWFCo/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5Lx9g58xmcRH0NcrfP-2KIF70aaIxfSDkEcut1ofD9QYPtsDo-4QAFWpNU4YDCFUC9WWi3kSDZxohkORMRfExPu8guCvHh6zn2ImoAUbLtvi9D3WlmAhhHBVUIQiaz3rl016HMLWFCo/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X9uLQwA1pD7ol16FaEZADbFSdnhBrUveIDfnxCw25Stz-vvn-UMmzF3CP8iWbUz_hbfYkpLPoSPd6ZN32cQvxKWNZ3ke4NssppyaIvvOHRMqDh9-V3qTgr1Fphu2b32g7WiaTgV1Xuk/s1600/The+Roll+Family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X9uLQwA1pD7ol16FaEZADbFSdnhBrUveIDfnxCw25Stz-vvn-UMmzF3CP8iWbUz_hbfYkpLPoSPd6ZN32cQvxKWNZ3ke4NssppyaIvvOHRMqDh9-V3qTgr1Fphu2b32g7WiaTgV1Xuk/s320/The+Roll+Family.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2hXxuC7FnOTUcWUeLvIqogvNgwV1pBsEoutf1YsIZ2hoIhWdQQht896Hk6UFZWkfn9Rb0f2kjre_ODj17-fltF11OsJmZkQCrMDaaASXj6jH8Qyc_krRy_AgQPU8TaXUwZDYsyu8l2U/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2hXxuC7FnOTUcWUeLvIqogvNgwV1pBsEoutf1YsIZ2hoIhWdQQht896Hk6UFZWkfn9Rb0f2kjre_ODj17-fltF11OsJmZkQCrMDaaASXj6jH8Qyc_krRy_AgQPU8TaXUwZDYsyu8l2U/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTNJ4VLdH4cfsl6g9zvv6-WLXLW48eSDO5IrGkelMjcmBogdg90362Ls7q7lAoriK2dxGmbtomGc2m_J1EUEJw1b8pWidxjltvAtTTprvnIy4mdX_JHhMesyxVDLG1710GDLgVvosZIA/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTNJ4VLdH4cfsl6g9zvv6-WLXLW48eSDO5IrGkelMjcmBogdg90362Ls7q7lAoriK2dxGmbtomGc2m_J1EUEJw1b8pWidxjltvAtTTprvnIy4mdX_JHhMesyxVDLG1710GDLgVvosZIA/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPLG-j9kKhza_Mb97ijXt7LVEbwy4LvzwI0y5W3zmYUh9FZJp8rdVE7CBvh3dYb_ZB0ArERAJXGfut7FQzGbh2GBb5EqB3kLqBAverDUuyBd-CSs1V_irBqwTiT8pTlN2DbovDaBA4G8/s1600/P6020167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPLG-j9kKhza_Mb97ijXt7LVEbwy4LvzwI0y5W3zmYUh9FZJp8rdVE7CBvh3dYb_ZB0ArERAJXGfut7FQzGbh2GBb5EqB3kLqBAverDUuyBd-CSs1V_irBqwTiT8pTlN2DbovDaBA4G8/s320/P6020167.JPG" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu94k36hz6mQAIe6h4dhGCZ6U1gkt35Irs6BG-YQOmIAtzpLXoLpJH6OQ_nKJNtDsAxuY3SFRCzkzdF37Sex_oSOTJU7xdeoPOvr_V5GDiYP3StV0Ep794HWoQQXQJmkxSiouhnDaU98/s1600/P6020170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu94k36hz6mQAIe6h4dhGCZ6U1gkt35Irs6BG-YQOmIAtzpLXoLpJH6OQ_nKJNtDsAxuY3SFRCzkzdF37Sex_oSOTJU7xdeoPOvr_V5GDiYP3StV0Ep794HWoQQXQJmkxSiouhnDaU98/s320/P6020170.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See how Sadie has grown. From the size of a lentil...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpE5LMgfTghNW7GC5L2hcx_-xQKwqy1Au5pJSufLPPX7yw3eOqNLKOSYfCho-Qmj5NcFxHCdUd_G7j_AxlMvZhiZ3Jr8OWR8G_xDg6VjFiY268Ky4MR6_kkjBFExWK_FHqgvVkPHLNKw/s1600/Larry+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpE5LMgfTghNW7GC5L2hcx_-xQKwqy1Au5pJSufLPPX7yw3eOqNLKOSYfCho-Qmj5NcFxHCdUd_G7j_AxlMvZhiZ3Jr8OWR8G_xDg6VjFiY268Ky4MR6_kkjBFExWK_FHqgvVkPHLNKw/s320/Larry+-+Copy.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to this beautiful baby girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NVp2-DUm2Mr0iXPauKs8yWM9SleeaetgSZeHt0upnbpSyIU-vZpKk-YpA-ljL4TMZP5_dUWi8IH-5V2PNjyJ4mm5uHWIuxm_QSskKPy5DHJSWzSC_dlqaNvUhExtvbbjAB0vTsgD26s/s1600/steph4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NVp2-DUm2Mr0iXPauKs8yWM9SleeaetgSZeHt0upnbpSyIU-vZpKk-YpA-ljL4TMZP5_dUWi8IH-5V2PNjyJ4mm5uHWIuxm_QSskKPy5DHJSWzSC_dlqaNvUhExtvbbjAB0vTsgD26s/s320/steph4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">"Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." Job 37:14</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-24390092272346484882013-05-23T11:53:00.000-04:002013-05-24T09:12:44.999-04:00Lost Valley RanchThis post for the Travel Blog is about one of my favorite spots of all time. It's a place very close to my heart because it is where the Lord led Hank and I from different backgrounds and locations to meet. It's a special place filled with wild west adventure, hospitality, music, food, and good friends. And if you've ever had the dream of being a cowboy or cowgirl, it's a place where you will quickly feel right at home. So if you're looking for a dude ranch experience of a lifetime, you have to take a trip to <a href="http://www.lostvalleyranch.com/" target="_blank">Lost Valley Ranch</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lost Valley Ranch, Colorado's premier dude ranch, is tucked back in the Pike National Forest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRJs_olFz3C-j9Eki3CSo-bYlVVgROt3Sinj3iBA2oECjqEFe-RQXLZbj5z-gNf0eb4nuXulsAF2Om_jp9eGn-8etRsh_fDBPQTHIOqlcMlt_qsprVWzgIctcH5Ncbh7_PF1gAlupCXA/s1600/lvl4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRJs_olFz3C-j9Eki3CSo-bYlVVgROt3Sinj3iBA2oECjqEFe-RQXLZbj5z-gNf0eb4nuXulsAF2Om_jp9eGn-8etRsh_fDBPQTHIOqlcMlt_qsprVWzgIctcH5Ncbh7_PF1gAlupCXA/s640/lvl4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc2JhqSW0IA13EEdFwK0mBDsGalhR7L73dJ3jaMfaWGhwK1n0RIrunalWJHlbxW2E8m920IpUM9idwJvOifZFjfdox6R_hED0xLv2Ya3TLLFKMHgxYL1v_fv4SQiNkCtiW4ObEUjrYqA/s1600/lostvalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoc2JhqSW0IA13EEdFwK0mBDsGalhR7L73dJ3jaMfaWGhwK1n0RIrunalWJHlbxW2E8m920IpUM9idwJvOifZFjfdox6R_hED0xLv2Ya3TLLFKMHgxYL1v_fv4SQiNkCtiW4ObEUjrYqA/s640/lostvalley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lost Valley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholZa2Ww4e4J4nBfNAJaONw9u7RTUKjYMX2TMrDYL5i20uEIx873x4K43doEPw7bgymE3FNx2hGwGa36d6vfKax9AYYWElDog7371KAlTZYR09PF6QgZYJeM73ixqk-gC4KZx9mRYbkls/s1600/God%2527s+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholZa2Ww4e4J4nBfNAJaONw9u7RTUKjYMX2TMrDYL5i20uEIx873x4K43doEPw7bgymE3FNx2hGwGa36d6vfKax9AYYWElDog7371KAlTZYR09PF6QgZYJeM73ixqk-gC4KZx9mRYbkls/s640/God%2527s+hand.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Hayman Fire passed through here back in 2002, and you can literally see where the Lord's hand just covered and protected the valley from that fire. Because of the fire, you now have uninhibited and gorgeous views of the Colorado Rockies.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to the ranch...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeaptgtMBaVgIv9dVvdIksp49ROo_uNHRyjsgSK39nqlNUc_LoVDuMpyJ9Y5N59-M0eQCzp0vROW0ZU6jptAcgp06pSFvJe31j6k1v7XiICly0XjQgXIkETOrtTRAKnEOMH4l7OvWHJY/s1600/ranch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeaptgtMBaVgIv9dVvdIksp49ROo_uNHRyjsgSK39nqlNUc_LoVDuMpyJ9Y5N59-M0eQCzp0vROW0ZU6jptAcgp06pSFvJe31j6k1v7XiICly0XjQgXIkETOrtTRAKnEOMH4l7OvWHJY/s640/ranch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
where every morning you are met with a view like this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j78AzZQ2g8ThIgo6clntEZm64izr65wLciTFd-05qPzFoxVU_X7vxDPWOn2aYVJ7wMmAdvcd4g6A0rHhrHVIxNynTipKyN_4q8nTX3Jn9w4JO7ALYwQ4nTv0Kwqdr-EiEBOnnCc-Uao/s1600/morning+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j78AzZQ2g8ThIgo6clntEZm64izr65wLciTFd-05qPzFoxVU_X7vxDPWOn2aYVJ7wMmAdvcd4g6A0rHhrHVIxNynTipKyN_4q8nTX3Jn9w4JO7ALYwQ4nTv0Kwqdr-EiEBOnnCc-Uao/s640/morning+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And every day you have so many activities to choose from:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Hiking</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-IS2Dvh9hWryfJwa8W_EtloW1BOn4wMnkMyXu-0NN2YALLagoNLlP707qWD8YxQATq64REAT2ch3Ac-YmLxRZFUgrkug_67IQD-6s3FC0alvFQjB3nnrOt94xSDtCMw8vcqZx-yBx5U/s1600/hiking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-IS2Dvh9hWryfJwa8W_EtloW1BOn4wMnkMyXu-0NN2YALLagoNLlP707qWD8YxQATq64REAT2ch3Ac-YmLxRZFUgrkug_67IQD-6s3FC0alvFQjB3nnrOt94xSDtCMw8vcqZx-yBx5U/s640/hiking.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxQuAHX-lr1gJvCg9-2H86lrFrNymHHjQiXu-wH1clnKwADs8O_cIBMmD6iObf0UF1dL4-lqWDiR2ihDxDSMCBG5mtjYmKbEKb5rmpBPaDwTPXHW7TNaIzB7kYXV3lewgW26i_vQNepA/s1600/hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxQuAHX-lr1gJvCg9-2H86lrFrNymHHjQiXu-wH1clnKwADs8O_cIBMmD6iObf0UF1dL4-lqWDiR2ihDxDSMCBG5mtjYmKbEKb5rmpBPaDwTPXHW7TNaIzB7kYXV3lewgW26i_vQNepA/s640/hike.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QKL7Z5iUrCHoCpcQDWjdaQG9AY_RdQX2lRqxApFhHHdZrJFLzpw_8mmQXTeweaAPxL_PpkpyNl03ZAbU15nx4_nRP-PYdONi68evEa5Xcq2dtN7PkAvlK99R2FfIKNx6zPv-TJAXivg/s1600/Pikes+Peak+hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QKL7Z5iUrCHoCpcQDWjdaQG9AY_RdQX2lRqxApFhHHdZrJFLzpw_8mmQXTeweaAPxL_PpkpyNl03ZAbU15nx4_nRP-PYdONi68evEa5Xcq2dtN7PkAvlK99R2FfIKNx6zPv-TJAXivg/s640/Pikes+Peak+hike.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see Pikes Peak in the background.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Horseback Riding</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDFseqYZFkmoO321o0lM7sHozWCGH_PUyVxugNmBVgBFiArDL5mHvXxvbu6aMsGAhyphenhyphen7vLH78M7VwG3knLsrkWOslTgdgO4xK-hsRR4rH6ViQdfnFgkTb6NFmimuCOhmKG7ulFbvR5sdk/s1600/horse+riding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDFseqYZFkmoO321o0lM7sHozWCGH_PUyVxugNmBVgBFiArDL5mHvXxvbu6aMsGAhyphenhyphen7vLH78M7VwG3knLsrkWOslTgdgO4xK-hsRR4rH6ViQdfnFgkTb6NFmimuCOhmKG7ulFbvR5sdk/s640/horse+riding.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhFRcWs_fD0aLRL8i8V_M5qcilApYt_2A86h88KsPeeiCqWgp-lW2fQ3FobjgHh-8xj6Po1X1QZrzOBCotv85QVroifb3MIjSeMs77noPO-meizc_OsTCJqqtg7-u50Akl1XO2Cr5_nM/s1600/horseriding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhFRcWs_fD0aLRL8i8V_M5qcilApYt_2A86h88KsPeeiCqWgp-lW2fQ3FobjgHh-8xj6Po1X1QZrzOBCotv85QVroifb3MIjSeMs77noPO-meizc_OsTCJqqtg7-u50Akl1XO2Cr5_nM/s640/horseriding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawdtdyZKGhrqB1DlZxDFKJQzaJtMoZcxNbChRS9xtkzA_ZnXvav8RQBri7HOSzcyFCb6aOt4NdcYsizXwOqrKlJBbEkIa4yLv5brNsiNcb1jmwtJrposiZhXNHnU_IXW-QjzEtTXOP3s/s1600/horseriding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawdtdyZKGhrqB1DlZxDFKJQzaJtMoZcxNbChRS9xtkzA_ZnXvav8RQBri7HOSzcyFCb6aOt4NdcYsizXwOqrKlJBbEkIa4yLv5brNsiNcb1jmwtJrposiZhXNHnU_IXW-QjzEtTXOP3s/s640/horseriding1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiHK7Sd2yVjBYcM-4vp2_fa0oXG7wqhzqKw5_BINGMylBkFezJQCnUo62VCbdFk3N3MtveRhreoeAlJ3ZNKnYwMti2WOGN_GgJF8zDbo0CcIkeRTG96rb3hOR4DP0aYiPGoxvawqzyEU/s1600/views.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiHK7Sd2yVjBYcM-4vp2_fa0oXG7wqhzqKw5_BINGMylBkFezJQCnUo62VCbdFk3N3MtveRhreoeAlJ3ZNKnYwMti2WOGN_GgJF8zDbo0CcIkeRTG96rb3hOR4DP0aYiPGoxvawqzyEU/s640/views.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Horseback riding will take you to some amazing views like this. This spot always reminds me of a John Wayne film:)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Tubing</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OupwvUPfNMEHqDENKRiBXy5MZrw0UnxGL-CRNbF-yRWPbxHyFJVJGrVvNbL9plOGUefdqg_jL5d9_dnE9D8ip1C9nkjpQzFr5I_QY_JxnCmT9XXFxHreMsAOPBRE9uhhe_dKG3UVEMU/s1600/tubing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OupwvUPfNMEHqDENKRiBXy5MZrw0UnxGL-CRNbF-yRWPbxHyFJVJGrVvNbL9plOGUefdqg_jL5d9_dnE9D8ip1C9nkjpQzFr5I_QY_JxnCmT9XXFxHreMsAOPBRE9uhhe_dKG3UVEMU/s640/tubing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhzc3BjSWj-tG9w5wj1FV4uj-k1crlSZAHY1cPRvZr8NjTxcqdc32TSpoqlWJKwKTQTCxRcuTxzNZ9hPIi_ENUZoTCzGyZNvclIevhGQhSQ16kA4UTp-csDYOtUi7TZV9WovogrzCJ18/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhzc3BjSWj-tG9w5wj1FV4uj-k1crlSZAHY1cPRvZr8NjTxcqdc32TSpoqlWJKwKTQTCxRcuTxzNZ9hPIi_ENUZoTCzGyZNvclIevhGQhSQ16kA4UTp-csDYOtUi7TZV9WovogrzCJ18/s640/water.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">except I don't think Hank meant to end up in the water here;)hehe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Cookouts</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhRXS1xvbx90UuWD4-cS46rQnAgsiXycV194OrmEDMe0Ggy4EtaPGIj5mWVdCH1ESohBYy2UKlGb45QPFI7gQnW62vPg-U1QLBHokNX2Hp-KVftOxeNbSnT3O5zpqVTXHMOOtZ_RznCA/s1600/cookout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhRXS1xvbx90UuWD4-cS46rQnAgsiXycV194OrmEDMe0Ggy4EtaPGIj5mWVdCH1ESohBYy2UKlGb45QPFI7gQnW62vPg-U1QLBHokNX2Hp-KVftOxeNbSnT3O5zpqVTXHMOOtZ_RznCA/s640/cookout.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">with our awesome chefs! haha</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Entertainment</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_2T7KRHh9Jc8BjfNJNaBESehc0kCDAl02mv6OkAW1ZXfp-a58pN0LxYEKNlGqBeK7s8QBvVFCLFHNOtbsz1ta5QZehmBORdVUlsPP4cgZUlXtHqrBWjqLLG_GgSxXhH-0WwJ7HMMgzI/s1600/music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_2T7KRHh9Jc8BjfNJNaBESehc0kCDAl02mv6OkAW1ZXfp-a58pN0LxYEKNlGqBeK7s8QBvVFCLFHNOtbsz1ta5QZehmBORdVUlsPP4cgZUlXtHqrBWjqLLG_GgSxXhH-0WwJ7HMMgzI/s640/music.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">my cowboy:)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SnyvTlsDWKk2q7rPMcSdU4urGSl9a_laaPzVdYvpGcJPb8iZUyxSHGD0TEKuemuUXDnecAt90slAlVl8dLfwIQPadzkVk06yzME7UxC1wkqW2wBMSQnsmXW7zPmq1KVhf5LBT4Cgy0Y/s1600/music3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SnyvTlsDWKk2q7rPMcSdU4urGSl9a_laaPzVdYvpGcJPb8iZUyxSHGD0TEKuemuUXDnecAt90slAlVl8dLfwIQPadzkVk06yzME7UxC1wkqW2wBMSQnsmXW7zPmq1KVhf5LBT4Cgy0Y/s640/music3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">me and my cowboy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Fine Dining</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKDtwdi3Qk4JIrhKoPNOrW6_l_uulRn2BO2AFROWVM8n86cu0ND-7ihNMEyErbqzxqtmdEo4UvLiXdD0vL4sMfbsxNdT1XtjegTo2-sVsaZp9Og0JRUMW-kQ6jTKq4QlIHt-E25lwlDc/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKDtwdi3Qk4JIrhKoPNOrW6_l_uulRn2BO2AFROWVM8n86cu0ND-7ihNMEyErbqzxqtmdEo4UvLiXdD0vL4sMfbsxNdT1XtjegTo2-sVsaZp9Og0JRUMW-kQ6jTKq4QlIHt-E25lwlDc/s640/food.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">with other guests who quickly become friends</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ranch is great for <u>seeing wildlife</u>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hI3mT8d-NfgDqAbHe2UiI4WQtPDDnOV0JcXLqvGwdcz1BvjtckHSWjEYitjRQdL6kNW8e3PdDdtmO_xlqnKSKDm6MVhZmQr_hsnGXFguAKBdAJOkOi_FZaUBc99R_2o18XTG-JfHpdU/s1600/wildlife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hI3mT8d-NfgDqAbHe2UiI4WQtPDDnOV0JcXLqvGwdcz1BvjtckHSWjEYitjRQdL6kNW8e3PdDdtmO_xlqnKSKDm6MVhZmQr_hsnGXFguAKBdAJOkOi_FZaUBc99R_2o18XTG-JfHpdU/s640/wildlife.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All while being served and hanging out with the most fun and loving staff:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Cg0vs7M6S0Gq3Z5MZl9fMfwmo8OeWziJ2Z8H0JspW7PjQou9PSPaqXmXHveciwzY3FlLRom4i-R9_W75gwkcsmC-NWs3WNxPFy6KRfzB6JOGJyltTXAIHVgHhxoi42qZ_FltSqmz0wM/s1600/staff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Cg0vs7M6S0Gq3Z5MZl9fMfwmo8OeWziJ2Z8H0JspW7PjQou9PSPaqXmXHveciwzY3FlLRom4i-R9_W75gwkcsmC-NWs3WNxPFy6KRfzB6JOGJyltTXAIHVgHhxoi42qZ_FltSqmz0wM/s640/staff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT96LXB_P-ui4-qZrmA9mlcyvikLvUg1wJ4JfQ6N09yMD6yD3LoAXwcBAhtLBTEeals9lUwvXJeHGWoaINz5z2IjLTo0AN_WRpSm-mwg9Vgz_4Qhj28QmEdIB7eby5vwDYEE-vPxoPvrE/s1600/cowboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT96LXB_P-ui4-qZrmA9mlcyvikLvUg1wJ4JfQ6N09yMD6yD3LoAXwcBAhtLBTEeals9lUwvXJeHGWoaINz5z2IjLTo0AN_WRpSm-mwg9Vgz_4Qhj28QmEdIB7eby5vwDYEE-vPxoPvrE/s640/cowboys.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wranglers assigning horses for the day. (Hank's on the left:) Did I mention the cute cowboys??hehe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So if you are in need of a break from the city or just looking for an unforgettable vacation for you and your family, you have got to check out Lost Valley Ranch. Their website lists even more activities for adults and kids. Hank and I loved working there, and it will forever hold a special place in our hearts. As I sit here waiting on our baby girl to be born(she was due yesterday), I thought it was fitting to write about where our little family first got its start. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-90240921236999475722013-04-25T15:36:00.002-04:002013-04-25T15:37:11.299-04:00Chicago<div style="text-align: center;">
We took a spring break trip this year! We wanted to make sure we got to Chicago while we still live fairly close, so we hit up the windy city. Here is how we did it...</div>
<br />
<u>Where to stay</u><br />
<br />
The Silversmith Hotel (I got a great Groupon deal.) Great location. Just two blocks from Millenium Park and the Art Institute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXyQw3YdiVrp-M0ORKnQVRrEMiyTfR6d1T7ztA0zR-g-0yMz5rjJakkFxr547O1sBTxatN3WQkZQASdg-41w7C2PFsOfYsrzBSgLrYh7Y3ZOZzvAmYhv8MMMnQbEBDHQK7fV59EULSo/s1600/P3120082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXyQw3YdiVrp-M0ORKnQVRrEMiyTfR6d1T7ztA0zR-g-0yMz5rjJakkFxr547O1sBTxatN3WQkZQASdg-41w7C2PFsOfYsrzBSgLrYh7Y3ZOZzvAmYhv8MMMnQbEBDHQK7fV59EULSo/s320/P3120082.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Where to eat</u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.millerspub.com/" target="_blank">Miller's Pub</a>- Just one block from The Silversmith Hotel. Old Chicago family owned restaurant. Has an awesome and historic Chicago feel.<br />
<br />
Hank and I wanted to find the best Chicago style hot dog and the best Chicago pizza! The best Chicago dog we found was at a little stand by the lake outside of the Field museum...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1PYytcZ-B8m3W9Sg4gHuq3tW9Y4wa4UxgGNylT6R6ViN8XvNlxJonEKEERbwT0F6T0nPTNzR5yWmnmLGm0vf1TyJC-CgtOylDTiGknLU-HZ14KD6D0umYiNALRiqEyK3Sv3YnjXZBfc/s1600/P3120080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1PYytcZ-B8m3W9Sg4gHuq3tW9Y4wa4UxgGNylT6R6ViN8XvNlxJonEKEERbwT0F6T0nPTNzR5yWmnmLGm0vf1TyJC-CgtOylDTiGknLU-HZ14KD6D0umYiNALRiqEyK3Sv3YnjXZBfc/s320/P3120080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Now there are a lot of awesome Chicago style pizza places, and we only tried two: Uno's and Gino's. Both soooo so good. I think our favorite was Gino's at the original location off of Michigan and Superior.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLldue-ZIIgZuYRM53pc0UJH92hr5eMqwlgJLHJLV_i7lgfRXsbhXXJPvueQ4-qjdDMKd0bH2MOSUcAQ-PQ5m9jxO4HgtJ8WYwZKU19iqUc_NuUg7XAq8jBImT9CGhKWxM2FP2Pzy2YQ/s1600/P3130087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLldue-ZIIgZuYRM53pc0UJH92hr5eMqwlgJLHJLV_i7lgfRXsbhXXJPvueQ4-qjdDMKd0bH2MOSUcAQ-PQ5m9jxO4HgtJ8WYwZKU19iqUc_NuUg7XAq8jBImT9CGhKWxM2FP2Pzy2YQ/s320/P3130087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Places to see</u><br />
<br />
The Art Institute of Chicago- They had so many famous paintings there. I've never seen so many in one place! Recognize any of these??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpE3yGJ8jyKgT9aq06S6H7UieLozbs_26kGnGufOJaAqvP-C4pP06Kb-t9HK_e6CcUm1HndFcrAjajpWnQ37Kri3MJhoaBHjtKqPZFsMNS66K3FS6c6yrbvFt3GsVf7D1pIdRGUrL6qk/s1600/P3100049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpE3yGJ8jyKgT9aq06S6H7UieLozbs_26kGnGufOJaAqvP-C4pP06Kb-t9HK_e6CcUm1HndFcrAjajpWnQ37Kri3MJhoaBHjtKqPZFsMNS66K3FS6c6yrbvFt3GsVf7D1pIdRGUrL6qk/s320/P3100049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzqCL7wuduiA5fkZ_QMaW70L2pyaQBqdanPAnfAiecJt4sM-fIetYmKp-0R2-qbFr66b_Sizaa2o4lWbewX7u90Y-hyNCgEPNb-5W5HTfPSZcy44szcQNNQP1sQb6NHNC3stO9NErwMc/s1600/P3100050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzqCL7wuduiA5fkZ_QMaW70L2pyaQBqdanPAnfAiecJt4sM-fIetYmKp-0R2-qbFr66b_Sizaa2o4lWbewX7u90Y-hyNCgEPNb-5W5HTfPSZcy44szcQNNQP1sQb6NHNC3stO9NErwMc/s320/P3100050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMMeRDlUsOH5-pOx4ssTVcsyvZT0Pq9BXaN07e1afYZ0T1TPhvI4uUb5zp0PDcsp4QHsw0mYfj_y0BCfvshUh6ZD5Xf-CgLZv-TIasNTzZt3c82z00oeZW3BcvQmpSsxGY_ZcIbryB6A/s1600/P3110053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMMeRDlUsOH5-pOx4ssTVcsyvZT0Pq9BXaN07e1afYZ0T1TPhvI4uUb5zp0PDcsp4QHsw0mYfj_y0BCfvshUh6ZD5Xf-CgLZv-TIasNTzZt3c82z00oeZW3BcvQmpSsxGY_ZcIbryB6A/s320/P3110053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT97I5dgazZWsdqGdJd41vT1_3yRttL7ZgHmI1JUh6mPa7Lkt3adz9Ycybwxb4I4YeM_DAtOoSa5ZsPik-hJkUlgr4eVbQ2PbMRhihODWuNCh6RHVAH8SEyqzsFKfNNrcRzHKSXUqTZQ/s1600/P3110054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT97I5dgazZWsdqGdJd41vT1_3yRttL7ZgHmI1JUh6mPa7Lkt3adz9Ycybwxb4I4YeM_DAtOoSa5ZsPik-hJkUlgr4eVbQ2PbMRhihODWuNCh6RHVAH8SEyqzsFKfNNrcRzHKSXUqTZQ/s320/P3110054.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYzGHfrG_Fm-BRUFsAjqZTKBgjUlWQyQkTWHhKNQPAm8bZV1aljIjA-0X-_ba6RLI9nI_mX5V8-qdkEJVWQGzh1G8wY9Y_WGhcCUsPT3jrPDQAyBzqJ_96UAoV5YEByDh2wYTrzUwwps/s1600/P3110055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYzGHfrG_Fm-BRUFsAjqZTKBgjUlWQyQkTWHhKNQPAm8bZV1aljIjA-0X-_ba6RLI9nI_mX5V8-qdkEJVWQGzh1G8wY9Y_WGhcCUsPT3jrPDQAyBzqJ_96UAoV5YEByDh2wYTrzUwwps/s320/P3110055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Field Museum:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BpdLE7iTCw5M63sissx6OdJpokxsYF9MMLHBS6ja3ASE_5tw90C5XsBjAfrjtIK2jqYGx0vEPWwxBGmlPD3dqsNzGwdmT5drQB_lNwnEqbh4yK4MbxOAf-9Gr-Ms_wha3q6D4OvRMIs/s1600/P3120075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BpdLE7iTCw5M63sissx6OdJpokxsYF9MMLHBS6ja3ASE_5tw90C5XsBjAfrjtIK2jqYGx0vEPWwxBGmlPD3dqsNzGwdmT5drQB_lNwnEqbh4yK4MbxOAf-9Gr-Ms_wha3q6D4OvRMIs/s320/P3120075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dJkYhejZi_1b4pwzckj2bRh7Pjgu2RC0t_SVcOEB0regbXSLxpFqgJajno0riH8ZsAqzQnheg3WB2hSVGJlNbLKtnVHDlI83AWy-Gd4VUXSEosK7QsttdpgA0-YgBsffEpaoVGsWsvM/s1600/P3120078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dJkYhejZi_1b4pwzckj2bRh7Pjgu2RC0t_SVcOEB0regbXSLxpFqgJajno0riH8ZsAqzQnheg3WB2hSVGJlNbLKtnVHDlI83AWy-Gd4VUXSEosK7QsttdpgA0-YgBsffEpaoVGsWsvM/s320/P3120078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with the infamous T-Rex "Sue"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wrigley Field:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQOJSh34NJGaBRDQdF8jevy6HhXMg_PVxbckDJN79eNG5i28qbNiXicGvL9v9Wqf1aSvn0MLFnax_H87GV9I44dqgjLAVk3Kzax0mS1Ng6aWInBoto2UeFC5NVHfliiM_TRptSLA6dAY/s1600/P3120083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQOJSh34NJGaBRDQdF8jevy6HhXMg_PVxbckDJN79eNG5i28qbNiXicGvL9v9Wqf1aSvn0MLFnax_H87GV9I44dqgjLAVk3Kzax0mS1Ng6aWInBoto2UeFC5NVHfliiM_TRptSLA6dAY/s320/P3120083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Millenium Park:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj68vYN1ZnYXN8jKDjxTiovoum2tidETmRjcTqbX3hvslJJ27rkexpjwgidZat4kt4HzO-WI69MqNMuDGqtJi8WMhjWw9Z021UEXS3o0vSCuXUm70tocbJ6NORFh13EV8kola6o1KaFA/s1600/P3130101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj68vYN1ZnYXN8jKDjxTiovoum2tidETmRjcTqbX3hvslJJ27rkexpjwgidZat4kt4HzO-WI69MqNMuDGqtJi8WMhjWw9Z021UEXS3o0vSCuXUm70tocbJ6NORFh13EV8kola6o1KaFA/s320/P3130101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshcRjcn6X7FPqb7K-HXTyIfFsdrifZddRF_XAhRwLc1FdMpHthZF57OFRTX7PBoNQoVGcVEGgmnID4e6rb9h7Pslm1Z5FJHs0in5zWmBSBhG2kYS4AUyd8cy6zRR4xKOgX6EAtPC11i8/s1600/P3130095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshcRjcn6X7FPqb7K-HXTyIfFsdrifZddRF_XAhRwLc1FdMpHthZF57OFRTX7PBoNQoVGcVEGgmnID4e6rb9h7Pslm1Z5FJHs0in5zWmBSBhG2kYS4AUyd8cy6zRR4xKOgX6EAtPC11i8/s320/P3130095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o33sGxoS9DozL30M7Yft9A1OGvLrYKJLoTzlFVLVNJqGndrWFaLVWEFIV-LTmo3y_LPv3BYD-lN5FBQrnHOmIwWcNj7sTOT-SaSgm_K41HLSniL5s_9DYM0UKtk09wA-b2H9ERkzz6I/s1600/P3130112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o33sGxoS9DozL30M7Yft9A1OGvLrYKJLoTzlFVLVNJqGndrWFaLVWEFIV-LTmo3y_LPv3BYD-lN5FBQrnHOmIwWcNj7sTOT-SaSgm_K41HLSniL5s_9DYM0UKtk09wA-b2H9ERkzz6I/s320/P3130112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktfTNlfD2If1sUGDStJnMbwKDN1T1QmEXf5AGFugL5MJgEZ9mvkDKlhSeg3q_vzQlxO_wNmef2Y6NXm9k2J-Wwe9X3eImuFKj2F89CWl2iBP4G77O0HlNYpR35R1OntAqIHZ191u_jq4/s1600/P3130102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktfTNlfD2If1sUGDStJnMbwKDN1T1QmEXf5AGFugL5MJgEZ9mvkDKlhSeg3q_vzQlxO_wNmef2Y6NXm9k2J-Wwe9X3eImuFKj2F89CWl2iBP4G77O0HlNYpR35R1OntAqIHZ191u_jq4/s320/P3130102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will have to come back in the summer sometime to see a concert here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lake Michigan and Navy Pier:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZcAloK0ANNPjOCI2P2b77gVg12mH_n9U81gpJjos2uJ8iOL6dIWrNsHvupncfhwVRermSgyo6tkifBmdyXg8x0rz1jcQ8f9UWumlPT2bBm8IgpQ46rXaQzTbWToGZMNpLUwytOMXELQ/s1600/P3110065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZcAloK0ANNPjOCI2P2b77gVg12mH_n9U81gpJjos2uJ8iOL6dIWrNsHvupncfhwVRermSgyo6tkifBmdyXg8x0rz1jcQ8f9UWumlPT2bBm8IgpQ46rXaQzTbWToGZMNpLUwytOMXELQ/s320/P3110065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.blueman.com/?camefrom=CFC_BMGNAT_paidsearch&gclid=CIeT7bLB5rYCFbFAMgodpWkAbQ" target="_blank">Blue Man Group</a>: Such a fun and awesome show!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had such an awesome week, and it definitely did not seem long enough. We'd love to come back one summer when I'm not preggers;) Between all of the above and walking the Magnificent Mile(awesome shopping), my feet couldn't take another museum. But we really want to come back and see the Museum of Science and Industry along with lots more of the city. What are your favorite Chicago spots?</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-57125816199048135432013-03-01T15:39:00.000-05:002013-03-01T15:54:43.251-05:00Empire QuarryEver since I saw the movie "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1jzs6dk4bs" target="_blank">Breaking Away</a>", I have wanted to visit one of Indiana's old limestone quarries. It looked so beautiful in the movie with the clear aqua blue water and smooth rocks... A couple of weeks ago, one of Hank's professors gave them a map and an assignment to explore some of these quarries. I was so excited. It was on my Indiana bucket list to see one of these before we left. The map was hand drawn, reminding me of a treasure map. And to my surprise, it totally was. We drove from Bloomington down towards Bedford, which is a pretty drive...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN9r_hwetwf0-2eMMP2M2gMOkjTVHhuWmMprpPon8F2_PEMnszGEwHCo4B1-OHqcbfUqXAmR_IJpoNEgjebX-0SroywnNk_TJ0ybV3r3GObIy69xM9s2n05LUmIlcfNCI990GFGNXYPI/s1600/P2170031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN9r_hwetwf0-2eMMP2M2gMOkjTVHhuWmMprpPon8F2_PEMnszGEwHCo4B1-OHqcbfUqXAmR_IJpoNEgjebX-0SroywnNk_TJ0ybV3r3GObIy69xM9s2n05LUmIlcfNCI990GFGNXYPI/s320/P2170031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then the map said to turn into an old cemetary. It is illegal now to trespass onto quarries, so the cemetary was supposed to have the best view of what is called the Empire Quarry. I asked Hank where it got its name. He smiled and said it's where the Empire State Building came from! I couldn't believe it. We walked past some beautiful old headstones in the cemetary towards what looked like a cliff. As we got closer to the edge, I saw the most beautiful aqua blue water. No wonder people trespass to swim here...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Iq2GzQ5b96HQwvzeH1_SmUWX6LjnbZ3B-b-xDOhxhZrJJ6QJ8fvz0-kNtExvXd3dspIaLr9pCs3XOCgAx0tUDgZ69cZ96o_Uvw3neYJ1DLdfyXiOrbD3zpYIo-0aHAqB9ZL6YKcKCY/s1600/P2170018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Iq2GzQ5b96HQwvzeH1_SmUWX6LjnbZ3B-b-xDOhxhZrJJ6QJ8fvz0-kNtExvXd3dspIaLr9pCs3XOCgAx0tUDgZ69cZ96o_Uvw3neYJ1DLdfyXiOrbD3zpYIo-0aHAqB9ZL6YKcKCY/s320/P2170018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ28xE1_-Tzocq_hhaQvELr4-fMWzxqoc4m17nBp1q_GzQCfqSE_fFKc7zhdIHUVUYXAqY8NDi7rPiDs1JxEvI5klaqxwJoLq2ukYx5btJ8jqwfnm0XMk2gxXVQg7I3gRxji5o_3tGvkk/s1600/P2170016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ28xE1_-Tzocq_hhaQvELr4-fMWzxqoc4m17nBp1q_GzQCfqSE_fFKc7zhdIHUVUYXAqY8NDi7rPiDs1JxEvI5klaqxwJoLq2ukYx5btJ8jqwfnm0XMk2gxXVQg7I3gRxji5o_3tGvkk/s320/P2170016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFPcxa6N6m_UPrxa7cPEPrLn2l0F_Ws-uLVDwPJZRgLoYX8uaIiMP6kWae1G2a4ofxhF1HJxv7LCj61iKviz5f3ym_pYnm8VD8vUkqlMXSkX_EDr3-JAe-BP6rVd47pLqNNN7baHctME/s1600/P2170021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFPcxa6N6m_UPrxa7cPEPrLn2l0F_Ws-uLVDwPJZRgLoYX8uaIiMP6kWae1G2a4ofxhF1HJxv7LCj61iKviz5f3ym_pYnm8VD8vUkqlMXSkX_EDr3-JAe-BP6rVd47pLqNNN7baHctME/s320/P2170021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I'm 6 months along now:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is amazing to think that this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9Dst5FX95tIYItEVLYuR1steZvXSCpn-sZ14P_6-9t7t4ZX4IeyIOEN7_uU4Qz8LLeKFgQUF2TeVgs2cpencImdgQTryS7QDQevrTuirw-_9gzPstViprpcF9d-BZ5ixu60lTkZjLWs/s1600/empire-state-building-1136-beckermanphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9Dst5FX95tIYItEVLYuR1steZvXSCpn-sZ14P_6-9t7t4ZX4IeyIOEN7_uU4Qz8LLeKFgQUF2TeVgs2cpencImdgQTryS7QDQevrTuirw-_9gzPstViprpcF9d-BZ5ixu60lTkZjLWs/s320/empire-state-building-1136-beckermanphoto.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
came from this...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7erUAk9zpyIw_dx_V_4uRx7KwdzjIFv9zoNZM1Mm4nDlqxkIqeNghE9PawbCx48T8yA1AOpyx0VC939dYi7I_p8b8YMMr2V2G24jHNgNwFEQYXboe5uBU_h2ivIJLqSxtz4SI61aHSWw/s1600/P2170020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7erUAk9zpyIw_dx_V_4uRx7KwdzjIFv9zoNZM1Mm4nDlqxkIqeNghE9PawbCx48T8yA1AOpyx0VC939dYi7I_p8b8YMMr2V2G24jHNgNwFEQYXboe5uBU_h2ivIJLqSxtz4SI61aHSWw/s320/P2170020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I definitely consider this one of Indiana's hidden gems:)</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-5613685873291571012013-02-08T16:17:00.000-05:002013-02-08T16:27:58.523-05:00Touring ScotlandDuring the semester that Lyd and I spent abroad in Edinburgh, we had the opportunity to travel all over Scotland. This is another post for the Travel blog covering some other must-see places in this beautiful country...<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<u>The Highlands</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaMxcB32qdU6W290FtXLZ3msmuWNfZoPzUqfxWOiaBuyyuhyg_gCPMKnXCB6EPebJWayP2Y1A0y7An6f46R1DSEusyDShDS2HM0xeZg4It5Gn-QAmr_sogFtU9evmzzX50LLWt7put2M/s1600/The+Highlands.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaMxcB32qdU6W290FtXLZ3msmuWNfZoPzUqfxWOiaBuyyuhyg_gCPMKnXCB6EPebJWayP2Y1A0y7An6f46R1DSEusyDShDS2HM0xeZg4It5Gn-QAmr_sogFtU9evmzzX50LLWt7put2M/s320/The+Highlands.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you visit Scotland, you have to take a drive up through the Highlands. This picture does not do it justice. I think I was so captivated by it all, I really didn't take too many pictures. It is a vast mountainous landscape of pure beauty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<u>Dingwall</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg03NwcOnRxBRZk43QL4kkoL3ryiK_kBX8G60CY26ydwpVCaKVG4gaTMoKi64w6SdyBTGp_cCzckBicAN7Qg0VTZMTvEo5X9AGZ6z1qQLtcWGv7ytz7QxMdYIA6eJpIBQEhfIjD8NWcQ/s1600/Dingwal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg03NwcOnRxBRZk43QL4kkoL3ryiK_kBX8G60CY26ydwpVCaKVG4gaTMoKi64w6SdyBTGp_cCzckBicAN7Qg0VTZMTvEo5X9AGZ6z1qQLtcWGv7ytz7QxMdYIA6eJpIBQEhfIjD8NWcQ/s320/Dingwal.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucked away in the Highlands is a small town called Dingwall. This is a perfect place to stop for a peaceful evening surrounded by true local Scottish life. In a word, adorable:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfFV0uP-5M0qP9SytwsTE0At2xgCMKmwVyiWAXFXX-yjKaic9iFQMmQd7fvseOC3DxNLnEL78BU20ONhUn4qVPP8XQahsom9tCH6vKMnIdLOrj7otOOSh5FEu_XkWa7cI9f-RhwfW_Zs/s1600/Dingwalsheep.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfFV0uP-5M0qP9SytwsTE0At2xgCMKmwVyiWAXFXX-yjKaic9iFQMmQd7fvseOC3DxNLnEL78BU20ONhUn4qVPP8XQahsom9tCH6vKMnIdLOrj7otOOSh5FEu_XkWa7cI9f-RhwfW_Zs/s320/Dingwalsheep.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we walked around this cute town, we saw a black sheep!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<u>Loch Ness</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuZmQBVz1LmTEWAAwSi0B6aBDw1NhYWZ10LicEHRnN3vbfvQLXtSPGwEzmDRtPQGQ4wKTE4sfSIAvEB4dtHVtj7lymIfNim2ayhNeW6F0j7zqyU1-F6Aej2S67NtC_969NR0A-OWlBJQ/s1600/Urquart+Castle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuZmQBVz1LmTEWAAwSi0B6aBDw1NhYWZ10LicEHRnN3vbfvQLXtSPGwEzmDRtPQGQ4wKTE4sfSIAvEB4dtHVtj7lymIfNim2ayhNeW6F0j7zqyU1-F6Aej2S67NtC_969NR0A-OWlBJQ/s320/Urquart+Castle.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course if you're all the way up in the Highlands, you have to stop and see the famous Loch Ness! This is a picture of Urquhart Castle on the loch. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1zye9_59ceBkkVk1GSIbdoYhT0TaQvCJr1Tri2_YTUGizSLxphvjaFC_O72vPGElUNLMwd1pW8WaAddX5___e-eMs5TTNqF6AWcD6oeB32DcHgw-BkWWoGR7ju0PridOsjL-rkaUYiI/s1600/Loch+Ness.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1zye9_59ceBkkVk1GSIbdoYhT0TaQvCJr1Tri2_YTUGizSLxphvjaFC_O72vPGElUNLMwd1pW8WaAddX5___e-eMs5TTNqF6AWcD6oeB32DcHgw-BkWWoGR7ju0PridOsjL-rkaUYiI/s320/Loch+Ness.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun place to stay is The Loch Ness Inn, located in the cute village of Drumnadrochit. The village is close to the castle, loch, and has a little museum dedicated to the Loch Ness Monster. So cool to see! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GD03bwj3hypnOrrcbzz8XCMF71makvDGyym14b_9uioAgJFff_BSfH_7-xpStBaHyEpWN6VxzmI0SoU1rK_u3Xhr6dSf5m99HIFYqAHQwfz9RPvhHBHmw0ZYm_D5PSVnYxSqTsUKZng/s1600/Loch+Ness+Monster.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GD03bwj3hypnOrrcbzz8XCMF71makvDGyym14b_9uioAgJFff_BSfH_7-xpStBaHyEpWN6VxzmI0SoU1rK_u3Xhr6dSf5m99HIFYqAHQwfz9RPvhHBHmw0ZYm_D5PSVnYxSqTsUKZng/s320/Loch+Ness+Monster.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Ness... monster? ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<u>Dundee</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuLlIFp9NomY6VzAvawpALm8Jrg9XUa2n2G8adUrICsQAbGFEGCBWonJaJWkOR1MJD7r766Bk4Bni0HC3Uxdymn55UDQ0SIRNlNvVVj60OcadaTbUGtRhl-K1yh7Z-NwuSRxLYZkA0iE/s1600/The+North+Sea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuLlIFp9NomY6VzAvawpALm8Jrg9XUa2n2G8adUrICsQAbGFEGCBWonJaJWkOR1MJD7r766Bk4Bni0HC3Uxdymn55UDQ0SIRNlNvVVj60OcadaTbUGtRhl-K1yh7Z-NwuSRxLYZkA0iE/s320/The+North+Sea.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dundee is a fun city, a quick train trip from Edinburgh, home of the University of Dundee, and is located right on the North Sea (seen above).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhXOTLQQQFJdOa5u4VCYeP2O6xuWdXmXwnOAm4TEapH9q6ky27s65757c5akENHVLIK9NEVn6gUzcZbqH3UksrmRyxaiC9obMtK6ipX_zr3zViSdh-yE2O1J9Bzxsc8CbMLKLTf-RJgI/s1600/The+Discovery+Ship.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhXOTLQQQFJdOa5u4VCYeP2O6xuWdXmXwnOAm4TEapH9q6ky27s65757c5akENHVLIK9NEVn6gUzcZbqH3UksrmRyxaiC9obMtK6ipX_zr3zViSdh-yE2O1J9Bzxsc8CbMLKLTf-RJgI/s320/The+Discovery+Ship.jpeg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The RRS Discovery ship in Dundee is a must-see.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<u>St. Andrews</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG0hBvY-JfPpJrNIAXeupjes6u1f7pLeUanRLLqwqJZVCDCXo-gubG9oug-Bk6NLrC0ogW2iVewXW9pGR2X_fdbtyVYHAAQCYVWnFVEqSE8Wh5XGep99i6DC55OgD6O1iAAPyxSyPg9A/s1600/St_Andrews_Castle_Scotland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigG0hBvY-JfPpJrNIAXeupjes6u1f7pLeUanRLLqwqJZVCDCXo-gubG9oug-Bk6NLrC0ogW2iVewXW9pGR2X_fdbtyVYHAAQCYVWnFVEqSE8Wh5XGep99i6DC55OgD6O1iAAPyxSyPg9A/s320/St_Andrews_Castle_Scotland.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Andrews is home of the University of St. Andrews where Prince William attended. We loved getting to walk around campus with high hopes of seeing him;) The old golf course is really beautiful to see, as is St. Andrews Castle shown above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>The Southern Borders of Scotland</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9ppAymsR57H46PjIGVxRGfzj4GhGx2Ud5yZGIk1PWc87cD5RGydfu0c5OHNGq8bR967jQQLBOG2iH1BEVsD4dQxfeJyVTebwSKvtd8ksEhzi5_97cm_tkbB3z61rLwoUBAQKk7N4xIA/s1600/Southern+Scotland.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9ppAymsR57H46PjIGVxRGfzj4GhGx2Ud5yZGIk1PWc87cD5RGydfu0c5OHNGq8bR967jQQLBOG2iH1BEVsD4dQxfeJyVTebwSKvtd8ksEhzi5_97cm_tkbB3z61rLwoUBAQKk7N4xIA/s320/Southern+Scotland.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You cannot leave Scotland without visiting the southern areas like <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ayrshire and Arran, and Dumfries and Galloway. There are endless small villages just filled with images like above. It was beautiful and so peaceful with rolling green hills full of sheep farms and ancient rock walls. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next time I go to Scotland, I plan on seeing the Isle of Skye. I ran out of time on this trip, but it is definitely on my bucket list. What are some of your favorite places or dream destinations in Scotland?</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-41417785098189352252013-02-07T13:56:00.003-05:002013-02-07T13:56:22.703-05:00Edinburgh, ScotlandIn college I was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad with one of my best friends, and we were swept away for an adventurous semester in beautiful Scotland. We lived, studied, and worked in the magical city of Edinburgh. It always seemed so magical to me because no matter where you are in the city, you can look up and see Edinburgh Castle staring down in all its majesty. On top of that, you are surrounded by ancient old stone buildings, bag pipes on corners, rolling green hills encircling the city, and the coolest accent transporting you to scenes from movies like Braveheart. I loved every second of my time in that city; every shortbread filled second. Here are some of my favorite and must-see places in Edinburgh...<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<u>Edinburgh Castle</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmhCuwWsJuUZGJU_3pB3kvFcq-6aOWQ8pe8592thaaQ-bww2os3DO_xVZZD0PVbmeSbdHmlk_oFcLYeqKFNlbkTQayqbuAzPu9OtWQ-HshB8l56McGBzYbR6WmJXMhDSEc_5IUkZdofg/s1600/Ed.Castle+and+Art+Galleries.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmhCuwWsJuUZGJU_3pB3kvFcq-6aOWQ8pe8592thaaQ-bww2os3DO_xVZZD0PVbmeSbdHmlk_oFcLYeqKFNlbkTQayqbuAzPu9OtWQ-HshB8l56McGBzYbR6WmJXMhDSEc_5IUkZdofg/s320/Ed.Castle+and+Art+Galleries.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken by a very special man who became like a grandfather to Lyd and I while we were there. We fell in love with the Scottish people, who are so kind, welcoming and friendly. In the picture you can see the castle towering over the city, and in the forefront are the Edinburgh art galleries. Touring the castle is a must.<br />
<u></u> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Greyfriars Kirkyard</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXWknwu9uQ-hzUyI2rhWj_HJXtAJAeg3Y8NntmNSHq1dc4pv4nZk6aiowHKuJL0TszAyjJP0z-38uCgeVzhdTsTolLNrXOji8hsIp4sqEBQBzEVvQCMIP3z6KsN7-caFezvSkjnBSiIE/s1600/Edinburgh+Castle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXWknwu9uQ-hzUyI2rhWj_HJXtAJAeg3Y8NntmNSHq1dc4pv4nZk6aiowHKuJL0TszAyjJP0z-38uCgeVzhdTsTolLNrXOji8hsIp4sqEBQBzEVvQCMIP3z6KsN7-caFezvSkjnBSiIE/s320/Edinburgh+Castle.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a view of the castle from the Greyfriars cemetary. We loved hearing the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog who was said to have guarded his masters grave for 13 years after he died. There is a statue there in honor of the dog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>The Fringe Festival</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO3a5P_uzWuz5SHst0zWnxHoLNocjoBSRUc-8CGQWLgbG9FGM8UoE4ANICqRDAy-B6mU0qWhW2bbPOvou0GTozT49pHazHDVHMgE8YuMaKuquP5bTEPh9ToGU2IiRZmhgG8cN7c-nMQo/s1600/fringe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO3a5P_uzWuz5SHst0zWnxHoLNocjoBSRUc-8CGQWLgbG9FGM8UoE4ANICqRDAy-B6mU0qWhW2bbPOvou0GTozT49pHazHDVHMgE8YuMaKuquP5bTEPh9ToGU2IiRZmhgG8cN7c-nMQo/s320/fringe.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you have the chance to travel to Edinburgh in August, you will be surrounded by this annual monstrous festival. You can kind of compare it to Mardi Gras. There are costumes, tons of color, music, food, and concludes with an amazing fireworks display at the castle. You also cannot miss the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is an awesome show of Scottish bagpipes and drums performed by an enormous military band that make their way up the royal mile and into the Castle courtyard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>The Royal Mile</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIcYrk-WjWBWUWkM2o1bQGImNdsx2U2YEjmkW8fplTclsvm6tqp-s4mBzPSlH0BOMqBmXa3gm8tGVP4miI7dkFyPTpSmlTbIyBL0s8ECNz6W3O_bH3OrtWEGv5dmO4X1GrH-c9BNXN8c/s1600/The+Royal+Mile.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIcYrk-WjWBWUWkM2o1bQGImNdsx2U2YEjmkW8fplTclsvm6tqp-s4mBzPSlH0BOMqBmXa3gm8tGVP4miI7dkFyPTpSmlTbIyBL0s8ECNz6W3O_bH3OrtWEGv5dmO4X1GrH-c9BNXN8c/s320/The+Royal+Mile.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the old brick street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace, which is the queen's official residence in Scotland. This street is so much fun and full of ancient history. You will find the home of John Knox, St Giles Cathedral, lots of historical statues... and then you have your Scottish pubs, coffee shops, souvenir shops... you name it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Lff__Xb8eeLhGbbi-LwUQsEETnBh4c4SOkkH5L42xkCpfZNNAQevXxUwZm6zeabw_QdRQtGQkgPfm1r0wzYzCDWQdd3YBpJVBk3yRAZ6baUiTLnz-6ha5v4Lh6wElQnO2ld1J-1Of40/s1600/6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Lff__Xb8eeLhGbbi-LwUQsEETnBh4c4SOkkH5L42xkCpfZNNAQevXxUwZm6zeabw_QdRQtGQkgPfm1r0wzYzCDWQdd3YBpJVBk3yRAZ6baUiTLnz-6ha5v4Lh6wElQnO2ld1J-1Of40/s320/6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And you always see something fun going on... band playing for this couple that just got married. That big guy playing bagpipes on the left was in the movie Gladiator! He was the guy at the beginning that threw the head onto the battle field...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>St.Giles Cathedral</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tev8GK98Fkm0REA-BA5O9x5yCwwhBBrNe340CZPw0j_vkn0Jju-shD7qJGYEM8LMST2SBuhVIe2-87kKF6NLfNeoO_TZ_daGUSk0pIjoUPUJQcVOBJLu3gSigsQxLlHeX8IXT2mFeM8/s1600/St.+Giles+Cathedral.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tev8GK98Fkm0REA-BA5O9x5yCwwhBBrNe340CZPw0j_vkn0Jju-shD7qJGYEM8LMST2SBuhVIe2-87kKF6NLfNeoO_TZ_daGUSk0pIjoUPUJQcVOBJLu3gSigsQxLlHeX8IXT2mFeM8/s320/St.+Giles+Cathedral.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful to tour. Lots of Reformation history here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfLYdvuKFz0JfDgROfhT6DN92XxU9LYfJI9ZKyf8KbJI5Gt36TmKghkRExD8aICw-Xce-eyR_npUjyOKq4fiQJY5kXTEQ5zyH1qC7li84hwMFY4P_X_WdYu91_YnBfkHOIoBKocglWt8/s1600/St.Giles+Carolo+Secundo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfLYdvuKFz0JfDgROfhT6DN92XxU9LYfJI9ZKyf8KbJI5Gt36TmKghkRExD8aICw-Xce-eyR_npUjyOKq4fiQJY5kXTEQ5zyH1qC7li84hwMFY4P_X_WdYu91_YnBfkHOIoBKocglWt8/s320/St.Giles+Carolo+Secundo.jpeg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolo Secundo statue behind St.Giles, located close to the hidden burial spot of John Knox.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Buccleuch Free Church of Scotland</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJFrHH9L87_xKo5wE2eIf_eMvJk37sNRgzuwG0UQIh7JPxe0E5ccQ7A5gkqmJVkNvG2ZRKUx0lTvYudNpMB2d5Hjtdoh-XkrAbeP00rzzVowem3_qPK6IQqkig6u10hkX2Ltxp_o4JmE/s1600/Buccleuch+Church.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJFrHH9L87_xKo5wE2eIf_eMvJk37sNRgzuwG0UQIh7JPxe0E5ccQ7A5gkqmJVkNvG2ZRKUx0lTvYudNpMB2d5Hjtdoh-XkrAbeP00rzzVowem3_qPK6IQqkig6u10hkX2Ltxp_o4JmE/s320/Buccleuch+Church.jpeg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the steeple. Beautiful, old, traditional Scottish church where Lyd and I "worked":)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Edinburgh Botanic Gardens</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzbZxndKL-PPUdJBdjOwHjoWkhKZQ_9TwKu8LqKkQsuvreqHkIQBcHkENJIp29qZwkc0SJ8ez2t0aCu5Aq7XtuR6vBLDOrXK55zn8YtUo-Vn4bJRXs8Mk6tL7cjMvIkn7bh47iS7F-FQ/s1600/Botanic+Gardens.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzbZxndKL-PPUdJBdjOwHjoWkhKZQ_9TwKu8LqKkQsuvreqHkIQBcHkENJIp29qZwkc0SJ8ez2t0aCu5Aq7XtuR6vBLDOrXK55zn8YtUo-Vn4bJRXs8Mk6tL7cjMvIkn7bh47iS7F-FQ/s320/Botanic+Gardens.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwLo9exyZgN7xq1GdveOhe3rEwwTF4TEG8N7Ga6YSP3idtEdtmbZ6qWoXG1ELuPPqT9cqj5IKFHxTpeuP2siZkB7gEEMBoDCakUXL0A-ID8Ngd5Gw0bcNIECUTTbfvpIMyknhzT86q68/s1600/BotanicGarden.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwLo9exyZgN7xq1GdveOhe3rEwwTF4TEG8N7Ga6YSP3idtEdtmbZ6qWoXG1ELuPPqT9cqj5IKFHxTpeuP2siZkB7gEEMBoDCakUXL0A-ID8Ngd5Gw0bcNIECUTTbfvpIMyknhzT86q68/s320/BotanicGarden.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
Now we get into some good hiking spots around Edinburgh....<br />
<u>Arthur's Seat</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZdNwALPWecW_q9gjTWU3aD25TA_G1FrWUDAzYAmoHLbVxH8iRjGqoE6G3xG8aqXd4TrxRgvTHjtxeVWkvzk_XjJNTBHnJ8_RkrTqrnB5RtPq9rFCHxc2hcN_rlKWDHuWUdDH_Pmdp-Y/s1600/Arthur's+Seat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZdNwALPWecW_q9gjTWU3aD25TA_G1FrWUDAzYAmoHLbVxH8iRjGqoE6G3xG8aqXd4TrxRgvTHjtxeVWkvzk_XjJNTBHnJ8_RkrTqrnB5RtPq9rFCHxc2hcN_rlKWDHuWUdDH_Pmdp-Y/s320/Arthur's+Seat.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlgkWMGCux8ZEb3C6M8I2nUIuw3L9tQR8dZa18IWPtbDYMBrV8oYBbR_7kzTpC0iQ0jpy_ndPDk8LloLD9VElYd4FWxG45BX_jAgZsVsh2VVl8DUiV0y7sPjv-RoRzlMDfunsexVmAw8/s1600/Arthur+hike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlgkWMGCux8ZEb3C6M8I2nUIuw3L9tQR8dZa18IWPtbDYMBrV8oYBbR_7kzTpC0iQ0jpy_ndPDk8LloLD9VElYd4FWxG45BX_jAgZsVsh2VVl8DUiV0y7sPjv-RoRzlMDfunsexVmAw8/s320/Arthur+hike.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>The Craigs</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4f3W765NTw1AWzogFxjnex-i7Qwd4WUSFML4xTWKgdoxdo4O-OJcwcy6QRefyZG2DEM5F-adniAZHG9QgqjvYxWBUIMUmV5zqfUS6Jhq5OWp9Is-9_IOIWHLs40XCsuprlNtzN6YUGE/s1600/The+Craigs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4f3W765NTw1AWzogFxjnex-i7Qwd4WUSFML4xTWKgdoxdo4O-OJcwcy6QRefyZG2DEM5F-adniAZHG9QgqjvYxWBUIMUmV5zqfUS6Jhq5OWp9Is-9_IOIWHLs40XCsuprlNtzN6YUGE/s320/The+Craigs.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH4QCdtVY5OvB_za5UaImXZIK8vxTDEuydiqruIGfVu3m6DPm6BkI9voYyfZn4V5py9cw99XbThs_ythvFzOigdGIf5Ytyds_whw_I7os30axUsFF-PggosfIvJfDU8SpdjScnCKIcnw/s1600/Arthur's+hike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYH4QCdtVY5OvB_za5UaImXZIK8vxTDEuydiqruIGfVu3m6DPm6BkI9voYyfZn4V5py9cw99XbThs_ythvFzOigdGIf5Ytyds_whw_I7os30axUsFF-PggosfIvJfDU8SpdjScnCKIcnw/s320/Arthur's+hike.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Calton Hill</u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O6vX0NCTKkAm35uFXKXv7R9GanZfXlFp0KXlvQrfmT_0DKh6U-laMCPVUEpGY15bLutVz1Pqg_KynDwshCW8Q4dByZV2fISJartmKsQhShHb-xPyrw8RkTtErbXh-Ase3kZxIGsYKpM/s1600/Calton+Hill.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O6vX0NCTKkAm35uFXKXv7R9GanZfXlFp0KXlvQrfmT_0DKh6U-laMCPVUEpGY15bLutVz1Pqg_KynDwshCW8Q4dByZV2fISJartmKsQhShHb-xPyrw8RkTtErbXh-Ase3kZxIGsYKpM/s320/Calton+Hill.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Monument is here along with lots of other monuments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Blackfoot Hill</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEvrq0iY_DxiBbsWCANEbz8OoLoT_S-SeE55DNSjNI2LLQYfm1GRycliNp4WhWv_TyJHdf4WkBwbkCz0zEx4wSY1WLxkel1XYXY7fJbHtXJh8aafTXu9M2DYG5vGx68k9WzLhnrV5Pic/s1600/Blackfoot+Hill.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEvrq0iY_DxiBbsWCANEbz8OoLoT_S-SeE55DNSjNI2LLQYfm1GRycliNp4WhWv_TyJHdf4WkBwbkCz0zEx4wSY1WLxkel1XYXY7fJbHtXJh8aafTXu9M2DYG5vGx68k9WzLhnrV5Pic/s320/Blackfoot+Hill.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ZtO1WEafL2GxXtndrEd-jud32Tor78PVbRvUEb7vUpxsMkdpUaLQFsiGVIxe1MsydK6ymrLEWpfQXAzaWAW2yY7x_QabenLHtmGytKtPUwF9BOODAaItv1VQ3JIaID7dSCiggrMa84/s1600/Blackfoot+hike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ZtO1WEafL2GxXtndrEd-jud32Tor78PVbRvUEb7vUpxsMkdpUaLQFsiGVIxe1MsydK6ymrLEWpfQXAzaWAW2yY7x_QabenLHtmGytKtPUwF9BOODAaItv1VQ3JIaID7dSCiggrMa84/s320/Blackfoot+hike.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeBs3Id6jY-XryNIp3N43IGJ8pOTRP2EEzqyru8_0IOkp0lSP5SI5MYDoF9SOytXaLUweKO558Ag8bHGc-H6ZSO410z4td1GZAtnNIh7S2Vz3zyewTU_Sy1fuGPCTEG3dKKvlLPeV_tE/s1600/Blackfoot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeBs3Id6jY-XryNIp3N43IGJ8pOTRP2EEzqyru8_0IOkp0lSP5SI5MYDoF9SOytXaLUweKO558Ag8bHGc-H6ZSO410z4td1GZAtnNIh7S2Vz3zyewTU_Sy1fuGPCTEG3dKKvlLPeV_tE/s320/Blackfoot.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Princess Street</u></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKDZDtV4vFTjMVlPyetca-QRXZCZBppeOhosSDH34cvMbc_O1HSaGvTHDRdwTLiorvIsV4oiCOGBcYJ1VsOxC5oQ64TgD5VRh4OI8HSXcHPjZjsjV_g-fWoB5PyRNVCP9T10DglHegPc/s1600/Princess+Street.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKDZDtV4vFTjMVlPyetca-QRXZCZBppeOhosSDH34cvMbc_O1HSaGvTHDRdwTLiorvIsV4oiCOGBcYJ1VsOxC5oQ64TgD5VRh4OI8HSXcHPjZjsjV_g-fWoB5PyRNVCP9T10DglHegPc/s320/Princess+Street.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To this day, Princess Street has some of the best shopping I've ever seen. Full of fun modern stores mixed with history, like the rest of the city. You can see Scott Monument towards the right, which is the gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you all have the chance to visit Edinburgh if you haven't already. If you haven't, put it on your Bucket List! You will fall in love with this city:)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqONywqbAA_kx7QBhFDOfvgqrIcBlOkWDNGZgj_V596aYgUNq6HSD-xbAeUbvjoPPGpHsDVu71zPsbuUiE4iNuhCnBnrusY5lj_lN4jndrhnOpf0ynJg5OyuDunP8vBQBINSaeWQgZ6YI/s1600/view.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqONywqbAA_kx7QBhFDOfvgqrIcBlOkWDNGZgj_V596aYgUNq6HSD-xbAeUbvjoPPGpHsDVu71zPsbuUiE4iNuhCnBnrusY5lj_lN4jndrhnOpf0ynJg5OyuDunP8vBQBINSaeWQgZ6YI/s320/view.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View behind are house:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleNIzl08MZPa9ntJYBNbPHp8KKs2p7RWdkj110V9_LArfXLBfKdxAi-VX7DW10jnJ2PBzs8SJCfOnpU3t7Fnz__PBXh_EjoAZceIm2kdj8fR_fengvOUcq3fCTixdfWqyN2FX8PM2YJc/s1600/Highland+Cows.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleNIzl08MZPa9ntJYBNbPHp8KKs2p7RWdkj110V9_LArfXLBfKdxAi-VX7DW10jnJ2PBzs8SJCfOnpU3t7Fnz__PBXh_EjoAZceIm2kdj8fR_fengvOUcq3fCTixdfWqyN2FX8PM2YJc/s320/Highland+Cows.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highland cows (or as the Scottish say, Highland coo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center">
<u></u></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-3052357919046919162013-01-17T15:06:00.000-05:002013-01-17T15:06:45.752-05:00The Adventure in Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I've been thinking about this topic for about the past 5 months; ever since I found out I was pregnant. I didn't expect to get pregnant so quickly, so I was caught a little off guard when it happened. I was excited, especially when I saw the beautiful joy in my husband's eyes. But once it sank in, I wasn't quite sure how I felt or how to react. I always dreamed about meeting my best friend and getting married, and I prayed so fervently for that to happen. My heart would ache to meet my true love, but I never really ached to have a baby or dreamed about being a mom. I've actually felt pretty awkward and unsure around infants. I'm always the person that wants to hold the baby, but then quickly passes it off after about 30 seconds. I can count on one hand the amount of diapers I've changed. So when I started thinking about Hank and I having a little boy or girl of our own, I started to feel almost dread. If you read my <a href="http://grits2glory.blogspot.com/search/label/About%20This%20Blog" target="_blank">Introduction</a> to this blog, you can see that my heart lies in having adventures both at home and around the world. I started this blog because I began a time in my life when I couldn't just pick up my suitcase and travel to my heart's content. It hit me that a child could add another aspect to my life that limits my freedom to just pick up and go. It was around this time of confusing thought that I began to feel pretty nauseous. I remember the first morning I actually looked at Hank with this huge smile and said, "Hey! I think this is morning sickness!" haha Well, it wasn't long after that that I realized my morning sickness wasn't all that exciting. We were calling the baby "Larry the lentil" at the time, and we would just say light heartedly that Larry was just saying hello each time I threw up. Well, two and three times a day turned into not being able to keep anything down. I tried everything. The doctor finally prescribed me an anti-nausea that helped prevent me from getting too dehydrated. I was really sick for about 4 months straight. I'd be sick in the morning, go to work all day, and then come home for an evening of paralyzing nausea. I would count down the minutes until I could take another anti-nausea pill. Hank really carried the load during that time, doing all the dishes and laundry between school and work. He kept such a positive attitude, but he really struggled when he started noticing that I just didn't smile anymore. I felt like a robot just getting up, throwing up, going to work, feeling no emotion... except guilt. Guilt for not being more joyful. Guilt for not thanking the Lord every minute of the day for this incredible miracle. Finally, I broke down one day on the phone with one of my best friends and told her all that was weighing so heavily on my heart. This was a turning point for me. She had actually struggled in the past with trying to get pregnant, and she encouraged me... assuring me that anyone as sick as I was would feel the same way. She said that I would, even though I couldn't imagine it now, begin to feel an emotional connection with "Larry the lentil". So I started praying specifically for the Lord to help me love "Larry", and I started asking friends and family for prayers regarding my health and attitude. I was still really sick, but I felt like I could see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Spending time with family and seeing their excitement over the baby really helped my heart open up to the idea. Hearing my husband speak about how the Lord has everything taken care of and seeing his joy and excitement started to break down the walls in my heart. When I started to feel the baby move, I started to smile again. It was so weird and freaky, and fun! Two weeks ago we found out that we're having a girl. It came as a surprise because we were kind of thinking a boy, hence "Larry". But we quickly warmed up to the idea. I just figured the Lord knew we needed a big sister for hopefully all the boys we're going to have! And Hank is already wrapped around her little finger:) Before I knew it, I was having fun being pregnant. Once 22 weeks hit, I started feeling better. And then I realized something. This is one of the biggest changes I will ever face in my life. Bigger than Africa, maybe even bigger than getting married... and I'm getting excited because it is going to be an adventure! Not knowing what to expect, having to plan and make preparations, feeling excited and nervous at the same time. I haven't had a lot of change in my life over the past 3 years, and I never realized how much I like change. I mean, I'd never stayed in the same job for more than two years because I like to try new things. After graduating from high school, I'd never even lived in the same state for more than two years at a time because I love to move around. The thought of change is scary at first, but then you start to realize the adventure that is just around the corner. Well, this is an adventure that is coming to my own doorstep, one that I don't have to go looking for. And it's coming to us in a beautiful little pink package:) So here's to embracing change and a new adventure!! (And if I could drink, I'd totally raise a frozen margarita to this one;) Love y'all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF9brJw408PuYHvIDKbz4Z7SG4pVX3is1a8leqm1SYFWFbvphPcNq4Ym0ha7kJIxyqkz-vgIauA0BwaKAlDWr9hE698TgsAC7z3AXCLTdG_f5qbi4UvOxAsQVdZbuCIGZ0S4YjRbjnS8/s1600/Baby+Roll+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF9brJw408PuYHvIDKbz4Z7SG4pVX3is1a8leqm1SYFWFbvphPcNq4Ym0ha7kJIxyqkz-vgIauA0BwaKAlDWr9hE698TgsAC7z3AXCLTdG_f5qbi4UvOxAsQVdZbuCIGZ0S4YjRbjnS8/s320/Baby+Roll+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-15840359769613435612012-12-08T12:50:00.000-05:002012-12-08T12:50:37.710-05:00The Kentucky Bourbon TrailFor Lydia's birthday, we decided to drive down to Lexington and take her on the <a href="http://kybourbontrail.com/" target="_blank">Kentucky Bourbon Trail</a>. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this hidden gem in Kentucky (like I was), this is a series of 7 bourbon distilleries all within a 70 mile radius in the heart of Kentucky. We've been planning this trip since before I knew I was pregnant, so I went along as the PDD (pregnant designated driver;).hehe I didn't mind at all because the drive is through some of the most beautiful horse farm territory I've ever seen. We had a blast. We decided to take it easy this trip, so we took a day and went to our first two distilleries: Four Roses and Woodford Reserve. The tours were fun; full of cool engineering and mouth-watering smells...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fourroses.us/" target="_blank">Four Roses</a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED6m15sXHrlPZPWFLf9Uo3gRIU9LfSkCAWheibm5YGkVARegF5FZPBPca21Vr72wdYh54et2iDe9v4sE0F1uhjwWnMKBWPhr6US3OfOyOhtVPt7S9AMAUCDI9CLhKcmafzoSD-PqqHjM/s1600/PB300289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED6m15sXHrlPZPWFLf9Uo3gRIU9LfSkCAWheibm5YGkVARegF5FZPBPca21Vr72wdYh54et2iDe9v4sE0F1uhjwWnMKBWPhr6US3OfOyOhtVPt7S9AMAUCDI9CLhKcmafzoSD-PqqHjM/s320/PB300289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hank and Lydia excited to start our first bourbon trail tour!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcRPZRvj0iBsFOjzopLzjVSLgvneHdJEhhCi2tmu-MxTpbENsbvAL_d44ulVWbJ9cTwfgjGSOx5k-1Cq-NsTD7QH-5dXXLmUcJfTdX2oKFjWWy_cz9AMdTO7F1_8Fq3gv14OZ7OlfOWY/s1600/PB300292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcRPZRvj0iBsFOjzopLzjVSLgvneHdJEhhCi2tmu-MxTpbENsbvAL_d44ulVWbJ9cTwfgjGSOx5k-1Cq-NsTD7QH-5dXXLmUcJfTdX2oKFjWWy_cz9AMdTO7F1_8Fq3gv14OZ7OlfOWY/s320/PB300292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOZNKrCs1OEEl0-66DmyN4VRjQtrhg_9ZcvfATZPRTK8_OpvDbMFXB832hHOtcr9QUIB_uv65G2NJ2-h80OHLFvExwCM_5iveQWIYEBJ04_TWG1wJKYHIJbse2ThwwWeBuyLr5d6p3u4/s1600/PB300303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOZNKrCs1OEEl0-66DmyN4VRjQtrhg_9ZcvfATZPRTK8_OpvDbMFXB832hHOtcr9QUIB_uv65G2NJ2-h80OHLFvExwCM_5iveQWIYEBJ04_TWG1wJKYHIJbse2ThwwWeBuyLr5d6p3u4/s320/PB300303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrOOwy9CDdvurlFqt9ShK0UUmdpRsNtAkkKMctMVrQQFk-SRCPNeW41G-a1Bwyc2X_fze7b72A6yPYPo5Cczrn83u4jOBfLh8BZplW5HCCr8IWl0XOA6KsHLfy5X0DstF0OTXlLpFfg0/s1600/PB300308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrOOwy9CDdvurlFqt9ShK0UUmdpRsNtAkkKMctMVrQQFk-SRCPNeW41G-a1Bwyc2X_fze7b72A6yPYPo5Cczrn83u4jOBfLh8BZplW5HCCr8IWl0XOA6KsHLfy5X0DstF0OTXlLpFfg0/s320/PB300308.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7pNsXkUcT0XZLQtnhIYgkWO1VIJVMBibNjWBekABu6Y_rIa66CsLb8ncCNWhkB28rnzvqSqlcMjVw-5j7HPS2N5votYFGwfZwCoz1R74Zxjsf6T7p7vvHUcHTMNzaDM7plmmBWVpHdo/s1600/PB300296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7pNsXkUcT0XZLQtnhIYgkWO1VIJVMBibNjWBekABu6Y_rIa66CsLb8ncCNWhkB28rnzvqSqlcMjVw-5j7HPS2N5votYFGwfZwCoz1R74Zxjsf6T7p7vvHUcHTMNzaDM7plmmBWVpHdo/s320/PB300296.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DkaxDlTZAgJ5Vmr1pPj_K-eodNt-MFb4rXuD8ylI0g8pGBAcQFEDeSvDyTs3-qFaLGW1Hm5Mlc75GFzK9Wkb-xrsbsWQ9dKoDrnDZA_sBABUs8DhBwLs0vQqPOOCM999vgnUXHJIx3s/s1600/PB300313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DkaxDlTZAgJ5Vmr1pPj_K-eodNt-MFb4rXuD8ylI0g8pGBAcQFEDeSvDyTs3-qFaLGW1Hm5Mlc75GFzK9Wkb-xrsbsWQ9dKoDrnDZA_sBABUs8DhBwLs0vQqPOOCM999vgnUXHJIx3s/s320/PB300313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPy2cXYLO5bbc_EcGfQ0amNtgZ9oQ2cZs6phwfQL0SInm6112Bq3LVaP5eKMja7rPityzkUAtlNj2mtxXBlMhfU7gBFOWLqnAXjL00Kkdr15ajW5CmsrxBccSodEmeytuR9l48Fpy9ZY/s1600/PB300310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPy2cXYLO5bbc_EcGfQ0amNtgZ9oQ2cZs6phwfQL0SInm6112Bq3LVaP5eKMja7rPityzkUAtlNj2mtxXBlMhfU7gBFOWLqnAXjL00Kkdr15ajW5CmsrxBccSodEmeytuR9l48Fpy9ZY/s320/PB300310.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxzXOz92As4YI7TaM2KBVV8hi0THTZrFQW-DzUSUSsbmJI3T9M26eZagtF1ZglVwz9lDhpolUNN4MtAdHfQ8d3gDzhFXc9AlxJeFVNC6icUGOZiUtrNb2DWJ5OUh1y43INwwBvuqIAVk/s1600/PB300314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxzXOz92As4YI7TaM2KBVV8hi0THTZrFQW-DzUSUSsbmJI3T9M26eZagtF1ZglVwz9lDhpolUNN4MtAdHfQ8d3gDzhFXc9AlxJeFVNC6icUGOZiUtrNb2DWJ5OUh1y43INwwBvuqIAVk/s320/PB300314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRovRupuxacp7CZcc8Klc0A3dmYLN17IWXIQHJAqhQDrHmGyfncgRJQtw3ggDQ8AbjOYseyni-OsIQPuYql4aXdjG_vnEfWruLKAM04Gn6OYF_ocVhHjypbjj_VNtA0lW-NakP5RLtQw/s1600/PB300315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRovRupuxacp7CZcc8Klc0A3dmYLN17IWXIQHJAqhQDrHmGyfncgRJQtw3ggDQ8AbjOYseyni-OsIQPuYql4aXdjG_vnEfWruLKAM04Gn6OYF_ocVhHjypbjj_VNtA0lW-NakP5RLtQw/s320/PB300315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaABy_DEuhyphenhyphen9xHEvSiMk_g7GqUU_g7uyuJWQsJ23ptcmj8WZua0rUTJ91sx0zcYnLQBMz6auLisPgfxVRwmKeehFwnD2suGWRmYefLcD5FvHruXpyQlVanOUkzC3Yg80Ubc9yIUrK8P0/s1600/PC010317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaABy_DEuhyphenhyphen9xHEvSiMk_g7GqUU_g7uyuJWQsJ23ptcmj8WZua0rUTJ91sx0zcYnLQBMz6auLisPgfxVRwmKeehFwnD2suGWRmYefLcD5FvHruXpyQlVanOUkzC3Yg80Ubc9yIUrK8P0/s320/PC010317.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And... Gift Shop:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.woodfordreserve.com/AgeScreener?ReturnUrl=%2f" target="_blank">Woodford Reserve</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJSiPwwUmYxoF56XZJ6yiwep0bqy80xVQxhyphenhyphenR7cRUM6DZXwNx39SZjWiLcMgeI3Xau-01c1bnt1avM8nDiJuJLAXh-_zdaxa2mwfHIFKfpQuwoq_3CCr_tSzv_VPQxka1mCnbsdjLfPI/s1600/PC010320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJSiPwwUmYxoF56XZJ6yiwep0bqy80xVQxhyphenhyphenR7cRUM6DZXwNx39SZjWiLcMgeI3Xau-01c1bnt1avM8nDiJuJLAXh-_zdaxa2mwfHIFKfpQuwoq_3CCr_tSzv_VPQxka1mCnbsdjLfPI/s320/PC010320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNfXm7M5afkpbSTn_QHkqVwXv2D7_H23NdQXlKoSKcFJmzojnJxoCxpcuiSI83Tl5B3irNJ2UDsTHagEuL_oT9i8wvp6kh4tToH8dx2vuEcIQHFEs8Ew099QkG_0vrMqwxVFURk-G-WM/s1600/PC010323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNfXm7M5afkpbSTn_QHkqVwXv2D7_H23NdQXlKoSKcFJmzojnJxoCxpcuiSI83Tl5B3irNJ2UDsTHagEuL_oT9i8wvp6kh4tToH8dx2vuEcIQHFEs8Ew099QkG_0vrMqwxVFURk-G-WM/s320/PC010323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF-B0Iq5ttKDn1m6VU8HUc8V6d_lSKgRx8oU3Mf12ToEC4FOIjaQXjScr0lhMxeHqs15IAMrYJL49icual_iQAMoxntnpak0RJUPlPNs9BfcY4IAgfJpkRZqH3M7dT_INng_3glsLVxM/s1600/PC010325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF-B0Iq5ttKDn1m6VU8HUc8V6d_lSKgRx8oU3Mf12ToEC4FOIjaQXjScr0lhMxeHqs15IAMrYJL49icual_iQAMoxntnpak0RJUPlPNs9BfcY4IAgfJpkRZqH3M7dT_INng_3glsLVxM/s320/PC010325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiDtLW13K8yc6qTMStzrA7RjmIhU66cN57-EIXw1q-P10C3p71NTMnQYWNf5emJGbvx41DAMU_EyDcxbCwXiHC_Qq52k1B9jrWNpBIqBXp7Kn5JGjq4iVfSw3QpiW4-nPBcbzfyYbCbA/s1600/PC010326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiDtLW13K8yc6qTMStzrA7RjmIhU66cN57-EIXw1q-P10C3p71NTMnQYWNf5emJGbvx41DAMU_EyDcxbCwXiHC_Qq52k1B9jrWNpBIqBXp7Kn5JGjq4iVfSw3QpiW4-nPBcbzfyYbCbA/s320/PC010326.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G2MkkBrMZhggwRqWyMUy37RekGV9QZY6r49P3gEfQgC9Gse_xXxm20XXdmk9_7Z6Zq3fR1rpjLfpRMqBOigI_ai6k43FO_Ndnl7BJvLk69YppbiMMQTULI_FcFnlEZwfe5ZgrzJHvYs/s1600/PC010328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G2MkkBrMZhggwRqWyMUy37RekGV9QZY6r49P3gEfQgC9Gse_xXxm20XXdmk9_7Z6Zq3fR1rpjLfpRMqBOigI_ai6k43FO_Ndnl7BJvLk69YppbiMMQTULI_FcFnlEZwfe5ZgrzJHvYs/s320/PC010328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDNc6bm_hrellbJCOzM9HXE3VlLvIm0Qc9fhMvfjGyIjV7I7GwOaXvtP4Fdt3Wml83A45FLMgVkgL2mFhZm13KwsvVQMpb2iOyT3oVBmgWqIFhGNds9K8yBYTeNbvgzR_oDKv01waXLM/s1600/PC010330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDNc6bm_hrellbJCOzM9HXE3VlLvIm0Qc9fhMvfjGyIjV7I7GwOaXvtP4Fdt3Wml83A45FLMgVkgL2mFhZm13KwsvVQMpb2iOyT3oVBmgWqIFhGNds9K8yBYTeNbvgzR_oDKv01waXLM/s320/PC010330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikytgAFwKeE_brHQGhxY0CuY-pAsiQZHfeSfTAzEiXTpNbdh_d6COAYOtSrIjeovnKiKWbZw5ydqv8voQYChhB8hHfpBLYhxc4l9L2XbTexIbXTe6F9mi5BNZngl_D_mCZaSX0isa_pNg/s1600/PC010337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikytgAFwKeE_brHQGhxY0CuY-pAsiQZHfeSfTAzEiXTpNbdh_d6COAYOtSrIjeovnKiKWbZw5ydqv8voQYChhB8hHfpBLYhxc4l9L2XbTexIbXTe6F9mi5BNZngl_D_mCZaSX0isa_pNg/s320/PC010337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFON1CkB787iGfMgd1Acoa_FHb39FU54qgrCpP9AXKecOLoayl-jYrUyZIhMBXOV6JXX8Tqw0UxfHoTohvADFQQaMpyILLx2oVTVoe4nzj3oXpWX0lZyBoMZO8Ljl0yu1WAb5NlEcbdso/s1600/PC010342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFON1CkB787iGfMgd1Acoa_FHb39FU54qgrCpP9AXKecOLoayl-jYrUyZIhMBXOV6JXX8Tqw0UxfHoTohvADFQQaMpyILLx2oVTVoe4nzj3oXpWX0lZyBoMZO8Ljl0yu1WAb5NlEcbdso/s320/PC010342.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Woodford Reserve's 17 year old cat:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MwCdZR3XhV0Hyx1kbCSQr-Not31kZr4JZYofO6iYh5mo1fqaVFTkgxW5Y56EwFKKllCoAVpf8-xeMbJDNTfMX8PTxr5qou9v5d7oBVQQjUOovs_mu1gMqyU2ffkIqLYgcRSns9Uwzuw/s1600/PC010343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MwCdZR3XhV0Hyx1kbCSQr-Not31kZr4JZYofO6iYh5mo1fqaVFTkgxW5Y56EwFKKllCoAVpf8-xeMbJDNTfMX8PTxr5qou9v5d7oBVQQjUOovs_mu1gMqyU2ffkIqLYgcRSns9Uwzuw/s320/PC010343.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smell in this place...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4Gw5r84_KrcWEUr7uTV-iF4a0E0zZfXg0I2x7CCmvBR0TpSGeJ9-fIINAWbtg1ciM9NKMaf12cyZzy7mDMRLiiXKtuKPuDbVwqPYzuQw6gNs7wqAoms0I79ZuptsXgCSJ19EG9CPNAs/s1600/PC010345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4Gw5r84_KrcWEUr7uTV-iF4a0E0zZfXg0I2x7CCmvBR0TpSGeJ9-fIINAWbtg1ciM9NKMaf12cyZzy7mDMRLiiXKtuKPuDbVwqPYzuQw6gNs7wqAoms0I79ZuptsXgCSJ19EG9CPNAs/s320/PC010345.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsIojc1JpUY15TPTYvYhu-8lfGkeRiKkh3VfM6tUMRL2h3lov6D4-8ytPS7eiNDWub2UkTt0kVgTtiuT3TLBRWLYSpaQFNNM_C9W4mdNaN7NkHqcq8H8NeknypuxfzNbOTeWPifH-Y34/s1600/PC010346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsIojc1JpUY15TPTYvYhu-8lfGkeRiKkh3VfM6tUMRL2h3lov6D4-8ytPS7eiNDWub2UkTt0kVgTtiuT3TLBRWLYSpaQFNNM_C9W4mdNaN7NkHqcq8H8NeknypuxfzNbOTeWPifH-Y34/s320/PC010346.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow..... Best smell ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYftkiQpx1EhemZlFzXESyjViO6TX0dQTC7izSTzz6K2Y5SoBEereRIunccWnazVeTWMYhOFt8h5ZK-RE48VvzSRX9T2DOy0dsU4h3qCtE1pp0nwxsx_5nGUgpGzKPQqXV9XloilE6cA/s1600/PC010351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYftkiQpx1EhemZlFzXESyjViO6TX0dQTC7izSTzz6K2Y5SoBEereRIunccWnazVeTWMYhOFt8h5ZK-RE48VvzSRX9T2DOy0dsU4h3qCtE1pp0nwxsx_5nGUgpGzKPQqXV9XloilE6cA/s320/PC010351.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Such a fun start to our Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour. I'll post about the rest of the trail as we check off some more distilleries in the future. Until then, go check it out! :)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-44809458825413401962012-12-08T11:41:00.000-05:002012-12-08T11:41:55.987-05:00Florida KayakingWe went to beautiful, sunny Florida for Thanksgiving this year. It was a great break from the cold, grey start to our Indiana winter. Our first stop was to visit my favorite hotel in Florida: <a href="http://www.loewshotels.com/Don-CeSar-Hotel" target="_blank">the Don Cesar</a> in St.Petersburg. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyd9XC0-OJ9nCZgkqck3o0T6JlCoGydzolvAlWsbu5dMKxsWtErh7za4wXjMEfF9bwWJIPPFn-1nmRPoTEsyENQryGctUdvF6589NB3EnLLeYRZ95mlLnkWiVhmVghVO1YXxATHXNKpU/s1600/PB190248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyd9XC0-OJ9nCZgkqck3o0T6JlCoGydzolvAlWsbu5dMKxsWtErh7za4wXjMEfF9bwWJIPPFn-1nmRPoTEsyENQryGctUdvF6589NB3EnLLeYRZ95mlLnkWiVhmVghVO1YXxATHXNKpU/s320/PB190248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I grew up coming here every few years, and it holds some awesome memories of a kid in paradise:) I loved exploring the different ballrooms and restaurants, shops and balconies. I loved sitting in the hot tub, sipping on a virgin strawberry daiquiri... ah, paradise... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKa5GNu4oifRQSN-vSvWo_kwXuBS1w0zo3fLvbpzJZsvVVF3JuhJGAbSh0KLT-uJ6myV2a9dBqyBrVFg1XBtawNFv5ZMXWF5LZgYrHP3-jbTZKei269m37KrnO47TskOX_jOaehnyTjQ/s1600/PB190249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKa5GNu4oifRQSN-vSvWo_kwXuBS1w0zo3fLvbpzJZsvVVF3JuhJGAbSh0KLT-uJ6myV2a9dBqyBrVFg1XBtawNFv5ZMXWF5LZgYrHP3-jbTZKei269m37KrnO47TskOX_jOaehnyTjQ/s320/PB190249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It also has an awesome old fashioned ice cream shop. Of course, my dad and I had to get some chocolate ice cream;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JOlgm6aWgTLbdik2ahzEnyJuhZjTe83jHtYiRtAOv1xnki-RsuzuhFr1PrWhOt4TGgFyCbOjQO-UpImxBJXUjRtVO0EfLnmTUQtdtuciO4a9Ys5LDs6jOGHcosexkCpFwEy_MIHJJcg/s1600/PB190253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JOlgm6aWgTLbdik2ahzEnyJuhZjTe83jHtYiRtAOv1xnki-RsuzuhFr1PrWhOt4TGgFyCbOjQO-UpImxBJXUjRtVO0EfLnmTUQtdtuciO4a9Ys5LDs6jOGHcosexkCpFwEy_MIHJJcg/s320/PB190253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pardon my pale face in these pictures... I'm actually pregnant and going through a bad case of "morning sickness". But nothing like the Florida sunshine and a little ice cream to make you feel better!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn5lBuTya0cozAG4oZHp7Zm_fqxr4g0agacWB1lPol-Eawh7JR2Pc1bgMkgP3AlXnnDXP4m9fzpWpJgwkfwxNWxDKlTZzDxQJbQV6VfGkDdPGXVj5HA-PkbLAtBbIxVBGEpyl9Er3GxQ/s1600/PB190264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn5lBuTya0cozAG4oZHp7Zm_fqxr4g0agacWB1lPol-Eawh7JR2Pc1bgMkgP3AlXnnDXP4m9fzpWpJgwkfwxNWxDKlTZzDxQJbQV6VfGkDdPGXVj5HA-PkbLAtBbIxVBGEpyl9Er3GxQ/s320/PB190264.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Gators!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a Thanksgiving treat, Dad and Sandy took us kayaking in the mangrove tunnels of Bradenton. We went with a group called <a href="http://www.shantkayaks.com/" target="_blank">Shan-T Native Kayak Tours</a>, and they were great! It was so beautiful...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZqhhetIMGD5UEX8utLecWMgEpe6LWvpnP4wenhUjQPf9JKCukdKrdtINMrI-2S0-hKSC0qUA0yddIUHOx9kJfA02PRazo8ZoIl8gtOP3PGhQSME-tlM1GFT7d9bseRJC1W4mi_NSDtQ/s1600/PB190265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZqhhetIMGD5UEX8utLecWMgEpe6LWvpnP4wenhUjQPf9JKCukdKrdtINMrI-2S0-hKSC0qUA0yddIUHOx9kJfA02PRazo8ZoIl8gtOP3PGhQSME-tlM1GFT7d9bseRJC1W4mi_NSDtQ/s320/PB190265.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXtfQcm1cnPx7cikya_-J4jx9-6Z0w1KDtiy13deTlRDUE9uAK5o5NRK-QkCBu9iV28o4PCz3pZ54_Ymet_RmwP0Zt889-F4nn-BaSBK4-LK3139gtOISCvj7GCRUQDiFZVlwman5GWY/s1600/PB190269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXtfQcm1cnPx7cikya_-J4jx9-6Z0w1KDtiy13deTlRDUE9uAK5o5NRK-QkCBu9iV28o4PCz3pZ54_Ymet_RmwP0Zt889-F4nn-BaSBK4-LK3139gtOISCvj7GCRUQDiFZVlwman5GWY/s320/PB190269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUFpB8M_z7gCuVWgugx-oCcWe6PgoiPy1FYt4nGTfeH7-GerHOqeOYWDGLtOlDcCegpMQNimLqOfS0CMTM5UyUwDv-LGxqpMZJ_vBGBT_rQsvS5S0WgbchkalazzKbh9yVRKw5QQ1TCg/s1600/PB190267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUFpB8M_z7gCuVWgugx-oCcWe6PgoiPy1FYt4nGTfeH7-GerHOqeOYWDGLtOlDcCegpMQNimLqOfS0CMTM5UyUwDv-LGxqpMZJ_vBGBT_rQsvS5S0WgbchkalazzKbh9yVRKw5QQ1TCg/s320/PB190267.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKaja_ZZfy1zvi4T8cvRrFxAD35bJFDu0fcC4RcUqm8APiuIMseDaXIYu9uNij_OGWmb9VyyhJk8vqEbkCWGzbljPJEKBHvUyTBr83PurpRsrpqqkuH5riQ9jPHreeVLdTzmsBd5FLj0/s1600/PB190270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKaja_ZZfy1zvi4T8cvRrFxAD35bJFDu0fcC4RcUqm8APiuIMseDaXIYu9uNij_OGWmb9VyyhJk8vqEbkCWGzbljPJEKBHvUyTBr83PurpRsrpqqkuH5riQ9jPHreeVLdTzmsBd5FLj0/s320/PB190270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlAFlStL3uPbGF1bLseozgeqj9gf2YZhyphenhyphenkzfbhQGLBJhaUDgsUkKn2Ze6mmXjfpTNyi2RgedsTR9cyDCJbEHsRtKOYkPN66JdYQjUpMZtAy64ufsPuN7vkcBlSQrLP4_zlIGJq0_4v74/s1600/PB190275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlAFlStL3uPbGF1bLseozgeqj9gf2YZhyphenhyphenkzfbhQGLBJhaUDgsUkKn2Ze6mmXjfpTNyi2RgedsTR9cyDCJbEHsRtKOYkPN66JdYQjUpMZtAy64ufsPuN7vkcBlSQrLP4_zlIGJq0_4v74/s320/PB190275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1k6ZsKD54qkd8To1MHoSKImnbOBsXraTOv2CRfdzSfG9w4-dt47AVS9OfI_WuURfATUjyCAW7A4FcCF079D4Ku-smYUl3SVIzU5vTi1PlDbntiU_PQHDC1PET9535oEMS9AlwCvV_nA/s1600/PB190286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1k6ZsKD54qkd8To1MHoSKImnbOBsXraTOv2CRfdzSfG9w4-dt47AVS9OfI_WuURfATUjyCAW7A4FcCF079D4Ku-smYUl3SVIzU5vTi1PlDbntiU_PQHDC1PET9535oEMS9AlwCvV_nA/s320/PB190286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was awesome bird watching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I highly recommend this group for kayaking. They were super friendly and really knowledgeable about everything we were seeing. It made for a fun Thanksgiving! You can see more of our pictures on Shan-T's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.555434974473137.146964.219338931416078&type=3" target="_blank">facebook page</a>. I hope you all had a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-1241150292191559432012-10-15T16:52:00.000-04:002012-10-16T09:21:10.594-04:00BBQ and BluesFall is my favorite time of year here in Indiana, and one of the best ways to kick off the season in Bloomington is the annual BBQ and Blues festival at <a href="http://www.mccormickscreekstatepark.com/" target="_blank">McCormick's Creek State Park</a>. The park is beautiful, full of Indiana woods and wildlife, cliffs and waterfalls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6F-xbeV4E16OTsK-xLqFRv5GpeYe2MPqBx5mhthGTBV5xsoy9GpS-dp-gPs13z4vwtxwFJxQBzzakBuJUDJE1v8nYKpiOdOxZGEra7VUIfvvG2aCDxuDJ1xQKACWlsX6Hltp8Rdkwjo/s1600/P9080197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6F-xbeV4E16OTsK-xLqFRv5GpeYe2MPqBx5mhthGTBV5xsoy9GpS-dp-gPs13z4vwtxwFJxQBzzakBuJUDJE1v8nYKpiOdOxZGEra7VUIfvvG2aCDxuDJ1xQKACWlsX6Hltp8Rdkwjo/s320/P9080197.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxyvA0nSWk7gH_ocAKg3AqueC5wKMSE_i_wSP6Rm5Y0R83mmj_vCkT5BwFTMITjhiMvpMLDg2YDoK581HU4vknXpmhFpvp6AYtaWVkZiOd4ujgMb3apRCVjfWWSAiEvXgYbSwVffIIoc/s1600/P9080195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxyvA0nSWk7gH_ocAKg3AqueC5wKMSE_i_wSP6Rm5Y0R83mmj_vCkT5BwFTMITjhiMvpMLDg2YDoK581HU4vknXpmhFpvp6AYtaWVkZiOd4ujgMb3apRCVjfWWSAiEvXgYbSwVffIIoc/s320/P9080195.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzI1qUGE6CpQyzwFQn0WlcBBf6R3yeNI-CSjL0tSwRgI8KRIpaW0Q8Fp6zedEv4ljPhZcl-sVoJmQJfcxPQyzLRjOFAx7D1KeliKXXn4hJpyCHyari9YNIgH_QKXXcKxNDpaSBeadbY8/s1600/P9080181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzI1qUGE6CpQyzwFQn0WlcBBf6R3yeNI-CSjL0tSwRgI8KRIpaW0Q8Fp6zedEv4ljPhZcl-sVoJmQJfcxPQyzLRjOFAx7D1KeliKXXn4hJpyCHyari9YNIgH_QKXXcKxNDpaSBeadbY8/s320/P9080181.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4856lXZ3Y5992qR3eV4bSVi7fzcWZG1c5yONdQhna7bRLP13o39BJ6h0jNeKw8IBpz5ofAEF20zv_0waht31bKHBidHtS-yohI_-OWfL-2wYyi5ckwZPN8C0h7D-7ejvAOww2ChlU0s/s1600/P9080194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4856lXZ3Y5992qR3eV4bSVi7fzcWZG1c5yONdQhna7bRLP13o39BJ6h0jNeKw8IBpz5ofAEF20zv_0waht31bKHBidHtS-yohI_-OWfL-2wYyi5ckwZPN8C0h7D-7ejvAOww2ChlU0s/s320/P9080194.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The festival was catered by two of our favorite bbq places in Bloomington: <a href="http://www.smokinjacksribshack.com/" target="_blank">Smokin Jacks Rib Shack</a> and <a href="http://www.shortstopfoodmart.com/about/" target="_blank">Shortstop</a>. So we just sat back with some awesome bbq and listened to some of Bloomington's finest blues bands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr_iCwEnO8IjkK6Ndq7ftjhThJdrOZtvWOlMtz4Cprrz-PMsnETT6KnOiF7amYrL4_lk9uNn9BgDjsqQPOqD6_h_uXSRzfZSMChkxiLHYfS577wUuLf4BoZ_MtcSOldcwxofRmk1Nqi0/s1600/P9080172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr_iCwEnO8IjkK6Ndq7ftjhThJdrOZtvWOlMtz4Cprrz-PMsnETT6KnOiF7amYrL4_lk9uNn9BgDjsqQPOqD6_h_uXSRzfZSMChkxiLHYfS577wUuLf4BoZ_MtcSOldcwxofRmk1Nqi0/s320/P9080172.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a classic car show at the festival too...</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu0QEVcoXf-CqIuMhBWYJQATzgYHJaLf3cFKXaBGCAd-NIP31XMO1CYzncX5FmlzzLOj9sB116Lii9hqmBhjXE00eVs3c9gdPDka9uGHmzvU8cNsW4gnB0etmRvt5um40t_A4kGHeugQ/s1600/P9080175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicu0QEVcoXf-CqIuMhBWYJQATzgYHJaLf3cFKXaBGCAd-NIP31XMO1CYzncX5FmlzzLOj9sB116Lii9hqmBhjXE00eVs3c9gdPDka9uGHmzvU8cNsW4gnB0etmRvt5um40t_A4kGHeugQ/s320/P9080175.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is my Driving Miss Daisy pic :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThcq0RnrLTSL6ervX2tRtrNiml-wqqEw0mjUjLRdaP2AkXEfHu_G2RfXOgoArBwCk7jWuzYJQxdasBTDbBa3rd8srJbXw_qtuII3p7c2n_BSkf1kYJhjMAH_IP36U_pou1khu0qqsGIU/s1600/P9080179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThcq0RnrLTSL6ervX2tRtrNiml-wqqEw0mjUjLRdaP2AkXEfHu_G2RfXOgoArBwCk7jWuzYJQxdasBTDbBa3rd8srJbXw_qtuII3p7c2n_BSkf1kYJhjMAH_IP36U_pou1khu0qqsGIU/s320/P9080179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So if you're ever in the Bloomington area around the beginning of September, I highly recommend checking out the BBQ and Blues festival for some good mid-West fun:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-70557666403737164482012-09-19T09:58:00.000-04:002012-09-19T09:58:03.202-04:00Chapter 22: (Not)The End<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
My cowboy swept me off my feet and carried me back to Colorado, where we spent our first few months of married life in the Rockies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We traveled all over Colorado and fell even more in love with the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After praying hard about our future, Hank decided to go back to school to finish his degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is how this Georgia peach ended up in the mid-West, which are Hank’s old stomping grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYaTxeUqUx0-RM4bvvXoUiprmTJ3bhmx-9n3utpzl5b5GADqxz0alIW4fx0pFDRhLxlZ9THVGnxY21t4y-2k5NjgHDmZeJlTfLVXDfLUI9jf1sAhrRwuFrDLAlz4mb_QzHQaKVzMT0EY/s1600/indiana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYaTxeUqUx0-RM4bvvXoUiprmTJ3bhmx-9n3utpzl5b5GADqxz0alIW4fx0pFDRhLxlZ9THVGnxY21t4y-2k5NjgHDmZeJlTfLVXDfLUI9jf1sAhrRwuFrDLAlz4mb_QzHQaKVzMT0EY/s320/indiana1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It has been amazing getting to know the place where he grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been even more amazing getting to know his absolutely awesome family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he graduates, we would love to move back to the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we are willing and excited to go wherever the Lord can use us for His glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that just about catches you up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be sure to keep you updated through the blog;)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, I’ll leave you with my favorite Psalm…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Psalm 100</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>Worship the Lord with gladness;</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>come before him with joyful songs.</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>Know that the Lord is God.</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>It is he who made us, and we are his;</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>Enter his gates with thanksgiving</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>and his courts with praise;</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>give thanks to him and praise his name.</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em>his faithfulness continues through all generations.</em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-5130872891598499402012-09-18T11:43:00.000-04:002012-09-18T11:43:39.012-04:00Chapter 21: A Love Story<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read Hank's letter about a billion times before the reality of it all sank in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He liked me as much as I liked him, and he was going to wait for me until our year at the ranch was finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me assurance of his feelings and encouraged me that Christ was in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was excited to get to know me through the good and the bad, happy and sad (direct quote;).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt such a flood of relief and pure joy, more than I’d ever experienced in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d never fallen this hard for a guy… and here he was falling for me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a total dream come true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on cloud nine for the rest of the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time Fall came, I could feel that the end of the year was near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work at the ranch was hard, and I was feeling pretty burnt out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But every once in a while, I would get the sweetest note in my mailbox filled with encouragement and assurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One time there was even a handmade hemp necklace in the envelope with the most beautiful glass piece attached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had used his free time for weeks to make me that necklace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore it to everything</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to know each other as friends through Bible studies, prayer time, worship, and letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t believe, and still can’t, how perfectly the Lord orchestrated everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He allowed me to meet my dream cowboy in such a safe and godly environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My guard began to fall, and it was replaced by trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8TXRoPtOGJH_sCOwE-h-6ApoJ3pKx6p82f7kvAyCwpZG1mDdfZp8yiHzMPaCdOXkcGItret_DlfAtlhTUVM41b0_a_76M6JYGTTtWDOn1ha__LDI-pCPxNUakjM1fu0xz6VNsAON4_8/s1600/engagement+photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8TXRoPtOGJH_sCOwE-h-6ApoJ3pKx6p82f7kvAyCwpZG1mDdfZp8yiHzMPaCdOXkcGItret_DlfAtlhTUVM41b0_a_76M6JYGTTtWDOn1ha__LDI-pCPxNUakjM1fu0xz6VNsAON4_8/s320/engagement+photo1.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That year at the ranch was fun and hard, filled with life-long friendships and lots of godly encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fell in love with ranch life and the vision behind using it for the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when December hit, I was ready to leave and start this exciting new phase of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as we finished the year, Hank asked me to be his girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And six months later, he proposed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that time he met all of my closest friends and family, and continually showed me his trustworthiness and faithfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pursued me with such integrity, always keeping marriage as the goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he proposed, there was no question in my mind that this was the man the Lord had chosen for me since before we were born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were married on a beautiful, warm, sunny winter day in Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is, and always will be, my greatest blessing.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3JH7GA2IKrKVYafbCoJTx5-TQ2qDs1pQfikXOUOR3l7RIFHBOpJ00Qt4w1qgmVkIK9oAb_2dJs3mDe7FIfVYR0HiA68aiPuFx2E1QZeXQSWbnG1X9kcAA2GuVQbJ1inERpqiTFJuaOA/s1600/our+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3JH7GA2IKrKVYafbCoJTx5-TQ2qDs1pQfikXOUOR3l7RIFHBOpJ00Qt4w1qgmVkIK9oAb_2dJs3mDe7FIfVYR0HiA68aiPuFx2E1QZeXQSWbnG1X9kcAA2GuVQbJ1inERpqiTFJuaOA/s320/our+wedding.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-49925918623291124782012-09-17T13:05:00.000-04:002012-09-17T13:05:14.928-04:00Chapter 20: Howdy, Cowboy! <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippsxB7VUUNSwgLpFNll4oAVLl5BDZcAM7tNkg2IJx39sTkTWyCLjWTb4DTIoxfBljbQA2A01oOtTFWPv8sNYEPyQ054AC5WiPp9eCvIM3qU-u4ULBeEGtu13V_FkWMfoZj1AMu4Vgvdk/s1600/ranch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippsxB7VUUNSwgLpFNll4oAVLl5BDZcAM7tNkg2IJx39sTkTWyCLjWTb4DTIoxfBljbQA2A01oOtTFWPv8sNYEPyQ054AC5WiPp9eCvIM3qU-u4ULBeEGtu13V_FkWMfoZj1AMu4Vgvdk/s320/ranch2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a cold and beautiful snowy night as I sat in the corner of the ranch staff room after dinner working on my laptop. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I wasn’t actually working… I was emailing a guy I’d met back in Mississippi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, I’d been praying since that first Beach Project in Daytona for the Lord to guard my heart for my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t do such a great job of guarding my heart that freshman year in college… so after the heartbreak of sophomore year, I became very guarded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny how the Lord works sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a while I actually would start to like a guy, but it was always right before I moved somewhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like right before I left for Africa, right before I left for the States, right before I moved to Colorado...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The timing was just never right, and I was always left lifting my eyes to the heavens and crying, “Seriously??”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I’d always wanted to meet someone and get married, and the wait was getting harder as friend after friend kept getting engaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this was my life, and I couldn’t see at the time that this was the Lord’s way of guarding my heart.;) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So once again I was emailing a guy I’d already said good-bye to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been at the ranch for two weeks, and new staff members were coming in every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was older than most, who were mainly right out of college or high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also a no dating policy for ranch staff, so I went into this knowing that nothing could happen in that department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was here to serve the Lord and have fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when the staff door opened and in walked the hottest, most handsome guy I’d ever seen in my life, I knew I was in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh Lord, guard my heart!” I thought as I watched him out of the corner of my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was tall, muscular, and seriously looked like one of those football players I’d always had a crush on from a distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He glanced my way, and I freaking melted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hi,” he said, “I’m Hank.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnxMig_tcnDoGhNCJAF3muIp9sZVU7xZRF0SlGugO6eD4rMu7dkDzvMu2QgdoX0SHEQVfxilAjsXnCIkcHBHxCT9FKjB7aJs80thhFsPD1vMoj9KuIXwQqcvbTmyO345h_aEp-dtl83s/s1600/Hank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnxMig_tcnDoGhNCJAF3muIp9sZVU7xZRF0SlGugO6eD4rMu7dkDzvMu2QgdoX0SHEQVfxilAjsXnCIkcHBHxCT9FKjB7aJs80thhFsPD1vMoj9KuIXwQqcvbTmyO345h_aEp-dtl83s/s320/Hank.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ranch life was really hard work and super busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked on cabins, and I feel like all I did was eat, sleep, and clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But twice a week I had the opportunity to pick up my guitar and help lead worship for the staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our worship team was small… normally only two guitar players; me… and Hank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ81wpB2bwyW7hy9yxuDf-jDYCtwaB5Z_PSA1NQ5-4CJyGpNZCtWE6UjPH4ga6eIzpmMAw5u7yjqGUPN7HvEaViMr9fhmqQUwqS6jitNmhSv0bHLIQuGh0bAZCRsd5JVekRKjMvg8NVEg/s1600/guitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ81wpB2bwyW7hy9yxuDf-jDYCtwaB5Z_PSA1NQ5-4CJyGpNZCtWE6UjPH4ga6eIzpmMAw5u7yjqGUPN7HvEaViMr9fhmqQUwqS6jitNmhSv0bHLIQuGh0bAZCRsd5JVekRKjMvg8NVEg/s320/guitar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was how we initially got to know each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would jam with whoever showed up for practice, play through different worship songs, and sometimes hang around afterwards to chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of these days that he shared with me his testimony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His story is absolutely amazing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was intrigued by this cowboy who had been through so much and had come out shining in a very unique way for Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to keep talking after he finished telling me his story, but we had to get back to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember walking with my guitar to the door while he walked out the other door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned to look back just as he did, and it was at that moment that I knew I’d fallen hard for this guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember thinking, “Ah well, if it doesn’t work out, he’ll be a really good friend.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That lasted all of like two days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to stay focused, but it’s hard when you work and basically live with someone in such close proximity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea how he felt, and I knew it had to stay that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wellll… that was before I realized my little high school graduate roommate was starting to pick up on some vibes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew what was happening, she had become our little go-between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Michelle, he totally likes you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said so himself!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, stuff like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that’s pretty addictive when you’re not allowed to talk with the other person alone or give in to your feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this went on for a couple of months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until one day, I saw an envelope in my mailbox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t brightly colored or cute and small, so I knew it wasn’t from any of my friends or family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a plain white envelope, with notebook paper inside, no stamp… My heart jumped up to my throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed it, ran up to my room, and ripped it open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was from Hank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-48447254844401627632012-09-14T10:34:00.000-04:002012-09-14T10:38:43.285-04:00Chapter 19: The next adventure…<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJulWUpoG2dzE6Wwd0rMU35dV2BJ_tP1FYHvP83OJxswVmvoVxnlg19T8YWxkdqB6jv96f_LBhRwhNm8aSh1ko6Q9rKCBpkk721p0DY6mrqu3LTv-Fj6nFfCJwGf6TRRd-N8DGb0VPt10/s1600/P9080170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJulWUpoG2dzE6Wwd0rMU35dV2BJ_tP1FYHvP83OJxswVmvoVxnlg19T8YWxkdqB6jv96f_LBhRwhNm8aSh1ko6Q9rKCBpkk721p0DY6mrqu3LTv-Fj6nFfCJwGf6TRRd-N8DGb0VPt10/s320/P9080170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a beautiful day as I drove back to Mississippi after a visit home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>White clouds rolled over a bright blue sky, and the sun bathed my face in warmth as I drove over bridge after bridge through Pensacola and Mobile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was praying, asking the Lord what He would have me do now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My whole life I’d worked towards Africa, and now that was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A verse started playing on my heart and mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it was time to move on from the comfort of Mississippi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the first time I’d ever worked a desk job, and I was starting to feel claustrophobic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember talking to my sister about it, and she asked me, “Well, what do you want to do?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I could picture was my little office, sitting at a desk looking longingly out the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to work at like a ranch or something!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The great outdoors, fresh air in my hair and face, yeah… that would be great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well that was all I had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next thing I knew, she had me on the phone with one of her friends who had worked for years at a ranch in Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aren’t sisters awesome? </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her friend told me about her ranch, and it sounded like a little piece of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tucked back in the Rocky Mountains, there’s a green valley filled with horses, cattle, and a group of people who love the Lord and want to share Him with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flew out, met with the staff, was offered a job, and accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was never a question in my mind if this was where the Lord was leading me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as clear as Africa and Scotland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was moving to Colorado! (insert Bonanza theme song;)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-19516880765993636172012-09-13T08:58:00.000-04:002012-09-13T08:58:07.212-04:00Chapter 18: Re-entry<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My two years in Africa were precious. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t trade them for the world and will always hold them close to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped define who I am and taught me more than I can ever express.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end, I knew that my time there was complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The women’s ministry was self-sustaining, and there was another intern lined up to come work after me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Health wise, I was pretty sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had struggled with things like parasites a lot while I was there, and then I came down with malaria just weeks before I was to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Safe to say, I was ready to get home to a clean house with clean food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already had a job lined up to work at Belhaven and a house to live in with some of my best friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oNteI4kiS_84iQto-mQy32WZltOYG63XRamK2Ufe2IDbDdwsB772r3yByitEEa9YvRft-PghYQVBl9pViM8H7P5yYYmcfFDyGSd3yiReOi53N95lo9YZrDcfz6N7707fstO8ytaeFkc/s1600/africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oNteI4kiS_84iQto-mQy32WZltOYG63XRamK2Ufe2IDbDdwsB772r3yByitEEa9YvRft-PghYQVBl9pViM8H7P5yYYmcfFDyGSd3yiReOi53N95lo9YZrDcfz6N7707fstO8ytaeFkc/s320/africa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I think back on that plane ride home, I think of the last couple pages of <u>The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe</u> by C.S. Lewis, “It will not go out of my mind that if we pass this post and lantern either we shall find strange adventures or else some great change of our fortunes… In the name of Aslan, let us go on and take the adventure that shall fall to us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they tumbled back out of the wardrobe, Lewis writes, “It was the same day and the same hour of the day on which they had all gone into the wardrobe to hide.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got home, it was like no time had passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was different, but home was exactly the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were still a billion choices of toothpaste, still debates about the most trivial things, but now all of these things were magnetized to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in culture shock as I began a really busy first two weeks back in the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all pretty much a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw a few doctors and had several tests done, my dad re-married, I packed up and moved back to Mississippi, and I started my first desk job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after I was settled in to my new job and house, I still felt like I was caught in some kind of a whirlwind where I couldn’t quite get my feet anchored to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so thankful for the safe and secure place the Lord provided for me to live and work during that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surrounded by supportive friends, awesome churches, and an amazing Christian counselor who really took me under her wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She helped me see things clearly, more objectively, and helped me work through my culture shock and the changes happening with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly I felt the shock of everything subside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In its place I began to feel joy, and the longing and excitement that normally come when there is another pending adventure just around the corner…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874474425410836600.post-68916706627789897592012-09-12T08:52:00.000-04:002012-09-12T08:54:39.688-04:00Chapter 17: Letting Go<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I started my life in Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I moved in with a local family who immediately accepted me as one of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living with them was the very best way to learn about the culture, religion, and language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved just sitting, listening to them talk, and soaking it all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that immersing myself in the language was really helpful, so most evenings I would just sit downstairs with the family and watch the news or soccer games on their little TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They fed me, took me shopping, taught me local music, and called me their daughter/sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared my heart with them, the Gospel, and they listened with love and respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they never moved from their own faith in Islam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This happened with so many people that I got to know and care about, and I can only pray that a seed was planted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The focus of my job was to help start a women’s ministry at the local University, so I enrolled as a student!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I studied French, the national language, at l’Institut de Francais pour Etrangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began visiting students I met in the dormitories and made an effort to meet all of their neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, I met a girl who decided she wanted to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed at me as I struggled to share the Gospel with her in French and said, “You know I speak English, right?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been so shocked in all my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out she was from an English speaking country in Africa, and she was there pursuing a medical degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We quickly became friends, and she began going with me to share the Gospel in the dorms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started teaching a weekly English class, a hilarious swim class, and before we knew it… we had a Bible study.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
My life and work in Africa became pretty routine after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, as routine as life can get in a third world country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would have spontaneous power cuts and water outages almost on a daily basis, especially during the hot season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I had to travel by myself to a part of the city I’d never been before to buy a book for school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a busy part of downtown, full of people and beggars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My taxi driver’s car stalled like 5 times getting there, and there was this big hole right where my feet should’ve been so I could see the dirty road flying past underneath the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I say hot, I mean like 115 degrees with 100% humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived, I got out and looked around only to find that he had brought me to the wrong location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So there I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lost, miserable, surrounded by beggars pulling at my clothes and purse, not understanding any of the village languages being spoken around me, and I realized right then and there that I’d never been so helpless in my entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a horrible feeling when you realize, for the first time, that you really have no control over your life or the situation you’re currently in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no control at all, and I felt broken inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hopelessly wandering around for about an hour, I finally hailed a taxi and went home empty handed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I curled up on my bed, cried, and then slept for like hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night I went over to the missionaries’ house for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had the exact book I was looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I learned two lessons that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) Be patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t jump into things before doing a little research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a breath and realize that life does not revolve around you or your time schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2) Let it go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let go of worry and trying to control your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaiah 41:10 says, <span class="text">“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that you have to actually let go of control and fall into the Lord’s arms in order for Him to uphold you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About a month after this crazy day, the truth of these lessons really took hold on my heart when the Lord opened my eyes to the fact that I had an eating disorder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d never actually acknowledged it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally realized how broken I was, and how I was still hanging on to parts of my life that I wanted to change or control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gave it to God, and I have had to daily give these things to the Lord ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still struggle with them, but I have assurance that the Lord will carry me through the day without worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span>No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After this, I was able to embrace the extreme laid back lifestyle of Africa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no time schedule; no deadlines that can’t be moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you’re invited to lunch, you could eat anywhere from noon to 5pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Classes never start on time, and people may not come back to work after lunch siesta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just go prepared for anything… </div>
</span></span><br /></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07954210174145495397noreply@blogger.com0