New York

If you didn't already know, I love fall!!! It's such a beautiful time of year! Unfortunately, living in the south, we don't get to experience fall. The leaves don't really change colors and it only cools off to a freezing 75 degrees. So, every year we try to head north to catch fall somewhere. We went  a little late this year because of scheduling so we didn't get to catch the colorful leaves, although we did see some, but we did get to enjoy some cooler temperatures. This year we went to visit my cousin and her family in New York. They live in a beautiful, quaint little town right on Lake Ontario.
We took a day trip to Watkins Glen State Park. It was amazing!!! If you are ever in the area it is a definite must. It has a beautiful trail through the gorge full of bridges and waterfalls.

We love this family!!!!

The next day we drove around the Thousand Islands area. It was beautiful!

We decided since we were in the area we should head over to Niagara Falls.  Jon had never been before and I hadn't been since I was a kid.  We decided to go a little off the beaten path and drive along Lake Ontario instead of the interstate. I'm so glad we did.  It was beautiful as we drove through the countryside and the farms were amazing! (I'm kinda a sucker for farms) We found a place to pull off to look at the lake. It was beautiful! (and freezing!)

We finally made it to Niagara Falls.  It was so cold. I think the high was 30 degrees that day which is pretty cold for us southerners.  If you have never been you need to.  It's pretty impressive.  We went to the Canadian side because it has a better view of the falls. The boats were not running this time of year, but we did take the elevator down so we could go behind the falls.  At night, the falls are lit up with beautiful colors. I was so glad we took the time to see the falls.

And since pictures don't come close to doing the falls justice, check out some video footage we took.  It's still not the same, but it gives you more of an idea of the power of the falls.

Disney World!

This year we celebrated our 10th anniversary! We decided to go somewhere close by since we are in the process of buying a house.  We ended up going to Disney World. We had so much fun!! 

The first night we got there, we headed to Downtown Disney for dinner and Cirque du Soleil. The last time we went to a Cirque du Soleil show was years ago in Vegas and Jon didn't remember much from that one (he fell asleep - I don't know how that is possible!) so we were so excited about going. It did not disappoint. So much fun! (I would have more pictures, but there was a strictly enforced no camera policy - something about distracting the acrobats flying through the air and causing injury.)

The next morning we got up bright and early and headed to the Animal Kingdom.  I'm glad we went there in the morning before the heat of the day because the animals were all very active.  We loved the Safari and Gorilla Falls. It was beautiful! 

We decided before we left Animal Kingdom we should try a roller coaster so we headed over to Expedition Everest.  Neither one of us had done a coaster since high school so let's just say this thing kicked our tails. 

That afternoon it was off to Magic Kingdom.  We got there right in the middle of a street party complete with a conga line! The energy and excitement of Magic Kingdom is unmatched by the other parks. It was fun to feel like a kid again!

 We walked around Magic Kingdom all afternoon until it was time for the parade.  I remember this parade from when I was a kid.  It was always so exciting! After the parade it was time for fireworks. It was so beautiful! Such a great way to end the day!

The next morning we headed over to Hollywood Studios.  It was another beautiful day! We walked around and rode a few rides and then headed over to the Indiana Jones show.  It was so much fun!

That afternoon we were off to Epcot.  We went straight to Soarin' and had to wait an hour to ride it because we got there to late to use the fast pass.  After Soarin' we spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the world showcase. 

 

For dinner we decided to go to the Restaurant Marrakesh at the Morroco Pavillion.  We had chicken bastillas and couscous. It was delicious and such a fun atmosphere.

After dinner we found a nice place by the water to watch the sunset and wait for the fireworks.  The fireworks were amazing.  It was a water show, laser show and fireworks show all in one! It was so beautiful over the water.

 

 To top off the evening, there was a beautiful full moon.  It was absolutely perfect!!!

We are so glad we went to Disney.  It was such a wonderful, fun way to celebrate our 10th anniversary!

Beach Day

It has been a while since I posted.  I took a small break, but now I am back.


There are four seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall.  I am the type of person that loves to enjoy each season.  Unfortunately, this year we did not get a winter.  I don't mean it was a short winter so it felt like no winter. I mean we seriously did not get a winter this year.  Thanksgiving came and it wasn't cold.  Then Christmas came around and, again, it wasn't cold.  New Year's Eve, January and February all went by and I kept looking for winter and it never came.  I love winter.  Living in the south, it's the one time of year I get a break from the suffocating humidity. I have to say I have been very disappointed. So, after a brief time of mourning, I decided it was time to just cut my losses and embrace spring!

This past weekend we decided to take a day trip to the beach with the dogs.  It was a perfect day and so relaxing.  This was the first time we had ever taken the dogs to the beach so we weren't sure what to expect.  Cassie is a pit bull, so we thought we would really have to keep an eye on her.  It wasn't too crowded so we were able to have the dogs off the leash for the most part.  Surprisingly, Molly, the black lab is the one we had to keep on the leash.  She would bark and lunge at every dog that came near us. Meanwhile, Cassie just sat there not bothered a bit by any person or dog and even made a friend.  It was such a fun time and we are planning a trip back very soon.

The Greatness of Our God

I love nature! Not in a weird we have to save the planet kind of way, but in a constant awe of God kinda way.  I was going through pictures of places I've been for my world map/travel wall (pictures coming soon) and when I started looking at the nature ones I was reminded of how in awe of God I was when I was there.  I don't know if everyone is like this, but I really feel His presence when I'm outside looking at His creation. I remember the first time I went to the Grand Canyon. We got there at sunset and I was having to fight back the tears! There's something about the beauty and majesty of creation that puts things in perspective and reminds me how awesome God really is! I love getting the window seat when we fly! I just sit there and stare at the clouds. God always speaks to me as I enjoy the beauty of creation.  And there's nothing like an early morning flight and getting to watch the sunrise from up in the clouds!!! I must drive Jon crazy getting him to look every five minutes while he's trying to read.  Here are pictures of a few of the places we have been where I felt an overwhelming sense of His presence.

Road Trip 2 - Pennsylvania/Virgina

We recently took a second road trip this year.  The first one was in May when we went to San Antonio.  This time we went to Pennsylvania and Virginia.  It was such a fun trip to take in the fall.  Our first stop was Gettysburg, PA.  We did not stay long because it was freezing cold (compared to what we are used to) and windy.  But, we did drive a little bit around the battlefield and the town.  It was fun reading about the history and sobering to imagine what it was like during the Civil War.

Our next stop was Amish country, Lancaster, PA.  We loved Lancaster.  It was beautiful.  With the covered bridges,  farms and beautiful rolling hills, it was a great place to spend the day.  We had so much  fun driving around the countryside.  The farms were amazing (I am a sucker for farms - love them).  And of course it was also fun to see all the horse and buggies.

Next, it was on to Philadelphia, PA.  We were so excited about Philly.  We recently watched the "John Adams" movie series (if you haven't seen it, you need to!!!) so, it was fun to see the all the historical places. We love American history so Independence Hall was definitely a highlight.  Seeing the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where so many brave men chose to stand up for freedom was incredible!!! We also saw the Liberty Bell and walked down the oldest residential street in North America. We also got to eat an authentic Philly steak and cheese!!! Yummy!!!

And of course we couldn't leave Philly without running up the "Rocky Steps".  Such an experience!

Next it was on to Virginia!!! It was so good visiting family.  My cousin had a baby this year so this was our first time meeting Caleb.  What a cutie!!!

While we were in Virginia, we decided to do a little sight-seeing.  We went to Mt Vernon.  I haven't been there since I was a kid so it was fun to see it now that I'm older and can appreciate it more.  It was literally the perfect day to go.  A beautiful blue sky, a cool day and colorful fall leaves!!!

After Mt. Vernon, we went to Alexandria, VA.  I was born in Alexandria, so it was fun to explore the town.  They have a historic district right on the water.  It was so much fun to walk around the town and look across the water to DC.

Our last stop on our way home was Colonial Williamsburg.  We had so much fun in Williamsburg.  It is such an experience. With all the horse and buggies and people dressed up, it's like taking a step back in history.

It was such a great trip.  We are so thankful for that opportunity!