the land of the waterfalls-transylvania county

A couple of weekends ago, Daniel and I went camping with my family outside of Brevard, NC. Despite the hot weather, it was a blast! We ate hobos and smores over the campfire, went swimming in the waterfalls and even went blueberry pickin'! It was sweet time away from busy city life and very much needed!

sourwood inn...a pleasant respite from the city

sourwood inn garden

enjoying a relaxing weekend

hike up to craggy gardens on a cloudy day

dedication...even on vacation

If you are looking for a sweet, quiet and relaxing place to get away, I highly recommend the Sourwood Inn off the Blud Ridge Parkway ("thank you" to mom and dad mcnamee for the gift certificate!). Daniel and I visited this sanctuary for the first time this past weekend and it was wonderful! Despite yucky weather, we managed to thoroughly enjoy ourselves. The weekend included soaking in bubble baths, eating yummy food, reading, photography and exploring the Parkway...one of our favorite spots close by. I am more and more convinced that the average Amercian lifestyle is way too busy and taking time to be still for His Glory is really more of what God intends for His people.

sunflower transformation

it's bigger than me!

"Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!" Psalm 103:22

"They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made." Psalm 145:6-9

What an amazing Creator we have! The intricacy of this sunflower is such a testimony to God's imagination and sovereignty. Details are not forgotten, whether in the formation of a flower blossom or in our own lives. When I take a step back and remember this, it's easier to have an eternal perspective and unfading joy. Praise Him!

The Summer Sizzler trail run

It's official...my friend, Lauren, and I have signed up to run the Baltimore marathon in mid October. We started our training in June and are now underway. So far, all has gone well and we are enjoying these recent cool mornings. This past weekend we ran in a 7 mile trail run up at Lake Norman State Park. It was a beautiful, shady trail. Lauren came in first in her age group and I came in second in my age group...Baltimore marathoners better watch out!

Crossing the finish line


Virginia, Lauren, and Patrick...we made it!


And we're off!

Warming up

Catching up on our blog...Summer 2007

soccer camp


charlotte knights baseball





catherine soderberg's garden in salisbury

Grove Park Stay-Hmmm...Leave it or take it?

Daniel and I spent last weekend in Asheville at the Grove Park Inn. I had a veterinary conference and couldn't pass up an all expenses paid weekend in the mountains, especially at the Inn. To give my honest opinion, I didn't think it was actually all that great. Yes, it is a beautiful building and area, but the service and accommodations were not worth the steep fare for a night's stay. I'd just as much rather stay snuggled up in a tent next to my hubby out on a mountain peak. I did, though, go on a sweet morning run, Daniel and I visited the Asheville arboretum and Daniel photographed along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sounds like my kind of fun!

relaxing at the beach- Ponte Vedra, FL

Daniel and I traveled down to Ponte Vedra, FL to spend about 5 days with his side of the family-what a sweet time! In addition to relaxing, sunning and sleeping, we met our newest family member, Christopher (see below)...so adorable! Some of the other highlights included taking walks/runs on the beach, watching dolphins surf the waves and witnessing a lightning storm pass over the ocean. What a blessing to spend time being still and awing over God's beautiful and powerful creation! I need to do this more often!




the sun rises over the horizon




little christopher brings another generation to the beach




an evening on the beach






chef jeremy prepares his famous kabobs