So my husband planned a sponteous family getaway, in the mountains of the northern part of the state.

He googled ‘best state parks’ and this was the top in our state. It boasted beautiful scenery, great hiking trails, and waterfalls.

AND it had cottages, which was a huge plus for me. It’s not that I don’t do tent camping – it’s just that tent camping and three kids and six hours away and making all your own food seems extremely time consuming and a bit stressful, and I’d rather enjoy my vacation, please! And it said ‘cottage’ – not even ‘cabin’! I was sure we’d be enjoying nature in style.

So off we went, with excitement through the roof on all of our parts. We had never done a family holiday before! With my family living far away, and my extended family living far away in yet another state, all of our travels have been to see them. And I have loved that! But maybe it’s as our family grows older that it’s felt as though we need our very own little family times as well.

So the packing began, and I was beaming as I packed my cute vintage suitcases, and our ~~very old~~ vintage ice chest. Later, as Ben unloaded, I realized his true feelings on my charming finds. “I feel like a GRANDMA,” he announced, quite embarassed. And I do have to admit – maybe the idea of vintage luggage sounds better than the actual usage! :)

We checked in to our… cottage, which was really a rustic CABIN. Hello, just call it a cabin then! But hey, it had a [very teeny basic] kitchen, and a shower, and beds to sleep in, and air conditioning, so I guess it still was like camping in style. Just not in luxury – you can’t compare a State Park to a Hampton Inn!! :)

After getting settled in, and the girls running around shrieking in excitment, and Hudson running after them screaming just because it seemed to be the thing to do, we headed out for the trails.

It was then that we realized we had missed an important memo; actually, we had somehow missed the bold print title of Canyon. The whole state park was built around a deep canyon, and nearly all trails led straight down into the gorge! This was no leisurely stroll through the woods; this was considered ‘strenuous hiking’ even by the park map and ‘Warning: not intended for those with heart trouble’ on the big sign leading down the trail.

We’re used to flat land, pine trees, palm trees, and beaches. I had hardly realized that Georgia actually has mountains as well!

And for those of us who aren’t exactly in tip-top athletic shape and who had to piggy-back kiddos part of the way, we had a few things like shaking legs and heaving lungs by the time it was all completed. But, we did it, and completed it! All 1200 steps, all the while passing other heaving and puffing and sweating fellow hikers. I guess we weren’t the only ones not quite prepared for the strenuous part of it.

The view at the bottom was so worth the thousand steps and mile and a half tough hike – the 100 foot waterfall was so beautiful, and the kids were so wowed at the huge rocks everywhere.

The next day we did find a two-mile trail that was definitely more family-friendly. A rambling walk through the woods that was not life-threatening! Perfect.

All that hiking and outdoor activity made for some hungry folks. And what’s better than an old-fashioned supper on the grill? But I have to say, taking all your own food for even a weekend vacation is a lot of work!! At the end of it all I was calling it a “Family Weekend” rather than a “Vacation.” Somehow, as a kid, vacations like this didn’t seem like so much work!! :)

// typical Hudson face after a nap: big puffy Barkman lips and tousled hair. i could eat him alive. //

a family holiday 235

And we are left with a hundred fun and funny memories, and a few better-toned muscles besides. :) I love my little family SO much.

Hello on the first Monday in August!

How to even begin to catchup from the last few weeks, I have no idea. Our summer has been a good one, and a very rapid one. Whether it’s events of this season, or the mere fact of having three young children, I don’t know ~ but this year has been the fastest of my life. I wish there was some way I could slooooow it down.

Here are a few highlights of the past few weeks….

Inspiring Quotes.

My chalkboards are constantly changing with new quotes that speak to my soul. Some are for fun, some are to keep me on my toes. The two I have up now have been there for a while, and with reason: I want them to sink deep into my heart.

Swimming.

We are lucky to be right across the street from the public pool. Or maybe it’s not so lucky; it can be quite the loud ruckus every single afternoon in the summer. But the facts are clear: to be in water, in the very hot deep south, is a wonderful thing. And so we got a pool pass for our little family, and used it frequently.

Zoe learned to swim and swim quite well. I love the water too, so it’s delightful to see my children enjoying this form of exercising and relaxation.

Friendships.

The little loves enjoyed having friends over some days this summer. And I also like getting to know my children’s friends, even if they are little kiddos. I love to see their imaginations and delightful play, whether it’s in the form of making play dough or playing pirates or swimming or making cookies.

Sick Kiddos.

We’ve had a healthy summer, except for a small fever bout for Olivia and heavy teething for Hudson. One morning Zoe put together this little breakfast tray for Olivia, kiddo style. :) I love to see my kids care about each other. It’s a work in progress, for all of us! :)

Lovely Flowers.

The hydrangea bushes are still in full bloom, and I adore them. They brighten my home so much. And thanks to your tips, I am excited about next year and being able to determine the colors I would like! :)

My Faire Lady Designs

The last year this has really taken off, and I so enjoy it. It’s so neat to see how the Lord provides fresh inspiration and new ideas, even though I’ve made so many that I thought I’d run out of ideas.

I’ve added ribbon headbands in various designs to the flowers that are well known, inspired by the beautiful French ribbons. The chevron adds a trendy twist on the classic bow, and the lace is a more delicate look. The leather bow made eyebrows raise at the fabric store, so we’ll see how that one goes over. :)

The My Faire Bebe’ line has done very well; being in the business of new babies is a good thing, I suppose, for there are always new babies being born. :) I’m taking the month of August off, after a super busy summer of orders. I’m grateful. ♥

// burp cloths and onesies //

I’ve had some custom bridal orders as well, which I love! It is so special to be asked to be a part of someone’s wedding day in a behind-the-scenes way.

Girl Date

A new little coffee shop opened in town, and since it was Zoe’s birthday, it called for a date. Both are a big deal: dates, because little girls only have birthdays once a year; and coffee shops, because it’s the only one for an hour around, and it actually serves great coffee! [yes, i’m a coffee snob] Big deal, folks!