Nashville Weekend

To celebrate Shaun's parent's 30th wedding anniversary they went to Nashville, TN. Gratefully it was only under four hours away from us so we met them there for the last few days. It was a fun little 3-day weekend getaway. We visited some plantations, went to a fun dinner and show on a river boat. We also went to the Grand Ole Opry house and saw Martina Mcbride. Oh and of course, ate and ate and ate. The highlight of the trip was probably the last night. After the concert, we went to this restaurant/bar that we loved called Puckets. They had live music playing, mostly from the 70-80's. We all danced the night away!

inside the Grand Ole Opry house

President Andrew Jackson's mansion 

I LOVE cemeteries. So awesome that his tomb is on the plantation. 

Tennessee recreated the Greek Pantheon in 1897 (built to scale). It was massive!

bittersweet--ness

Well the secret is out (even though I don't think it ever was a secret). Shaun and Nicole are moving away for 3 months starting at the end of September. We are so thrilled to finally reach the point of Shaun's work-training-process where he gets to go out and do his three month cover, but we have made such a life here that it does end up being so bittersweet. I'm so grateful for that feeling though because I think when we first moved here, we almost didn't think it was possible (or maybe that was just me). Once we return after the three months, we then will apply for permanent territories. Hopefully there will be some openings in the sweet, sweet west!

I think what we'll miss most besides our soft skin and the color green, are the callings that we both have with the INCREDIBLE youth who have stolen our hearts from day 1. Shaun has the laurels and priests for the second hour and I have the laurels for the third. We will always look back to the time in Georgia and link it with these amazing peeps! One of the things I love about teaching is how much the teacher gets taught. That always seems to be the case with teaching the youth. They blow me away with their testimonies. The church is going to be in great hands.

California Reunion

The original plan of Yosemite was cancelled due to Shaun's Grandpas health so we decided to gather in Sacramento for the week. It was still good to see everybody and do activities together. I flew to Utah and then made the drive with Shaun's family. Shaun flew in to Cali from Chicago (where he was for work) so it worked out well. My parents are also from Sacramento so it was so fun to be able to go and visit my Grandparents.

was so obsessed with this little tike all week, as always.

restaurant at Stinson Beach

looking through tide pools with Shaun's Marine Biologist uncle

Uncle Shaun is the best.

missing Kevin & Cameron

Shaun's Grandparents

And surprisingly one of the highlights was rafting down the American River. I had to be convinced by a few people and once I got in the boat I had to then quiz the guide on all of the worse case scenarios he had. It was such a blast though!