Friday started off the weekend with a lovely fall wedding for two of our friends. It was a beautiful day and the bride was stunning! These are precious people who I met years ago when I worked at Athens Church. I loved them then, but I love them even more now. Literally, by the hand of God, we've ended up in what I term the "rockstar community group", and these two are a definite reason for the rockstar quality. Their ceremony was gorgeous and filled with so much love and support! They have a beautiful story of how they "found each other" and fell in love, and it is wonderful to be a part of the next chapter in that story.
The night continued with fun and festivities as we sat with several of our small group members and had time to chat with friends we haven't seen in years. The reception was perfect. The bride danced the night away in a whirlwind of friends and family and she looked beautiful even at the very, very end. Sam and I failed to take any pictures of ourselves as usual, despite the fact that there was the perfect set up. Adorable decoration idea: hang various picture frames from the ceiling over your tables and let the hilarity ensue. The photos I've seen thus far on Facebook have been hilarious and adorable.
Saturday morning came and we realized how old we are. Stinking exhausted after the late night of packing and preparing, but we were so excited to go camping! We went just outside of Brevard, NC to hike. This girl was way unprepared. I believe the 8 weeks of laziness and the additional "I'm depressed weight" didn't help, but man, I got my tail kicked. But it was awesome, and I truly loved every minute. We went with some dear friends that we met in Augusta, Kyle and Lesley Anne Fenton, and their awesome Weim, Doc. Needless to say, there were a lot of laughs on Saturday as the pups frolicked in the leaves. As if it's not hard to tell the two apart, Lesley Anne brought red bandanas and gave one to Sterling. Basically they looked like grey blurs with a flash of red as they streaked by. Keep an eye out at her blog for some additional photos, as I'm sure she will be posting soon.
Here are some lovely photos to document the trip:
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| PreHike: We're excited! |
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| Everyone blazing ahead. |
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| Lunch break at John's Rock |
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| Looking across the valley at Looking Glass Rock |
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| Post Hike: Sweaty but rejuvenated after lunch |
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| Stop at a photo opp on our way home |
Saturday night we had some scrumptious chili and s'mores. I may or may not have had two s'mores before the chili was ready. Yum! Camping with Sterling was a lot more successful than I thought it would be. I was worried that he would wander through the tent and cause destruction, but he slept like a sweetheart. It probably had to do with the 5+ miles we hiked, plus the additional miles he added as he looped us.
We woke up partially rested and sore to have some yummy pancakes and bacon for breakfast. There may or may not have been an additional s'more added after breakfast. I just felt bad for the fire. It looked lonely without my marshmallow in there.
I slept on the ride home, which my sweet husband decided to photograph and post to Facebook. He's such a sweetheart. I'll spare you the photo of sleepy, dirty, smoky Amanda. You're welcome.
I feel AMAZING after that beautiful weekend and truly thankful. I am so often concerned with the things that I don't have, the obvious, and the less talked about. It was wonderful to take some deep breaths this weekend and pause to recognize that I am truly blessed. I have an incredible husband, caring friends, and we are alive to witness another beautiful season that the Lord has given. Thankful.
I can "feel" the sense of peace that you project in this entry. May it stay with you for a LLLOOONNNGGG time--If it starts to fade, it's time for another outing!
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