America the Beautiful

I was hoping Lily and I would be able to spend our holiday in Pennsylvania with family this year but unfortunately it didn't happen. I started off determined to make it work but after thinking about it, flying solo with a mobile 7 month old on three flights spanning 6+ hours just wouldn't work very well. The up side is we were able to be with Pat. He had to work so we traveled back to Georgia and spent most of the week together!

I love country towns, small town America as Pat says! The shops and restaurants always look  inviting when we pass through. I decided while Pat was working I was going to see what Clarkesville had to offer. We visited an antique mall, strolled the streets, ate some lunch and stopped in a few shops. As usual, the people were all very friendly, waving and smiling as we passed.

Testing out the merchandise!

My lunch date!

(Honestly, the only reason I included this picture is because her dress is so cute!)

Pat always wants to squeeze in as much fun as he possible can so when he was done working we bathed Lily and made it to the highest point in Georgia just in time for sunset.

Pat always has his nose in a brochure or map; when I walked in and saw this I couldn't help but laugh. I was hoping she would be a mommy's girl but she seems to be leaning more towards her daddy every week!

Once they had everything mapped out, our days were planned for adventure. We went to Secret Falls in Highlands, NC first. We prefer the hikes that lead to the base of the waterfall so we can cool off in the water. This one was perfect! There was a sandy beach where Lily and I sat to dip our toes and a large swimming area for Pat.

There's nothing like a good refreshment after a hike!

We spent our Independence Day enjoying our freedom and some of the beauty that America has to offer. We stopped by Goats on the Roof again to check on the babies, I can't believe they are a month old already! And so big!!

Pat chose Hemlock Falls because he read that the trail is lined with water and there are a number of swimming holes for the "adventurous swimmer". 

This waterfall didn't compare to Secret Falls but I liked the trail better because it was level (aka easy) and listening/seeing the water the entire way is very tranquil. This one got the best of our little sleep fighter and for the first time on a hike, Lily fell asleep!

That night we went into Helen, GA to watch the fireworks. Needless to say we put all nap and bedtimes aside for this trip. Lily got a little shut eye before the fireworks but was awake to experience her first real fireworks display!

I cannot believe the 4th of July has come and gone! Time has kicked into high gear since Lily arrived. When I put her in her crib and catch a glimpse of us in the mirror I cannot believe how big she is! Did I mention that she is crawling now? How can that be?! Every new milestone she reaches brings excitement but at the same time I am sad to think that time is slipping away. Thank goodness she is a little (but healthy and strong) lady, I don't think I could handle her being any bigger! 

With the sadness of losing my baby comes the thought of what kind of little girl she going to turn into. Pat and I are excited for the days of reliving the wonders of the world through her. She is so much fun and I have a feeling it's just beginning!