Husky Branch Falls

Today was an unexpected vacation day.  We were supposed to be headed home today but they offered us another night at a discount and we were not ready to go.  Our last hike was an easy one.  We hiked almost 5 miles but it was flat.  The fall was not magnificent but nice.  We hiked on a little further and were able to hang out in the river and play. 

We finished out the day by driving through Cades Cove.  The views were spectacular and we saw a mama bear and her 3 cubs.

Anakeesta

Today we stayed in Gatlinburg and enjoyed time with friends.  We took a visit to Anakeesta and enjoyed the views and the mountain coaster.

The kids watched this guy make candy through the window from start to finish.  Someone even ran them out a handful of candy for their perseverance. 

Ocala Visit

 We left Ocala in March to visit family and head to training.  We didn't think we would be able to return to Florida before we left for our new country BUT things did not go as WE planned and we are overjoyed we had more time to spend with our "family" here.  

A swampy evening at the park.

A gorgeous beach day while the guys played golf.

A sweet time of worship with our sending fellowship.

Time at the park with a school friend.

Lillian was able to surprise a friend on her bday!!

We were able to visit Montanna🥰

Scalloping

We have talked about scalloping since we moved to Florida five years ago but never went.  When we started this way to visit Bruce made a phone call and set up a charter for us.  It did not disappoint.  We had so much fun hunting and gathering scallops and the weather, it was gorgeous.  

NOLA

Our good friends from Florida came to Louisiana for their anniversary.  Bruce and I loved our time in NOLA so when they asked if we wanted to join them we jumped on the opportunity.

Food and music are our favorite things in this city so Bruce looked up who was playing while we were in town.  Bruce's favorite jazz musician was having a show that night.  We didn't have a clue what a special treat it would be.  When we arrived at the hotel we found a large parlor area with chairs and couches all around.  We picked a place in the back and were able to enjoy Kermit Ruffins play for a few hours.  Kermit even cooked and brought Red Beans and Rice to share with the audience.  ONLY IN NOLA :)

I think we ate every 3-4 hours in order to get in all the places we wanted eat!!








Camellia Grill🥰

WDW

Our first year in Central Florida we were passholders to Walt Disney World.  It was a lot of fun and the whole family enjoyed it.  The kids really wanted to go back one more time before we moved away.  They have heard of all the new "lands" and rides and wanted to check them out.  We didn't make it to Epcot but had a wonderful 4 day weekend at the parks.  

Christmas visit to NOLA

 Since two of the kids were born in NOLA we have tried to be more intentional about spending some time there when we can.  This Christmas as we traveled to NW Louisiana we took the time to make a stop.  We arrived right before dinner and walked over to Cafe Maspero.  We like to revisit this restaurant because it's where Bruce and I went on our first date.  The kids enjoyed it and it was quiet since the Saints were playing.  After dinner we headed to the Cafe du Monde and enjoyed some beignets and hot chocolate.  We enjoyed some Christmas lights on the walk back to the hotel.  In the morning we went to Camellia Grill and then headed on to Shreveport.  It was a quick stop in NOLA but a very yummy one.

Off to the Beach

We had an amazing week at the beach.  We visited three different beaches, the ancient city of Tlos, Saklikent Canyon and then did absolutely nothing on the last day!

Lillian had just read Archeologists Dig for Clues in homeschool so she was super excited to meet these guys.

Bruce grilled fish and shrimp.  It was delish!