.birth announcement

Y'all are gonna love me today. I'm about to start your week off in the best way possible.

Last week my two nieces came over to my apartment for a photoshoot for Elsie's birth announcement! It was great fun. I can't wait to someday show these to Addie and Elsie, and tell them about the one morning they came over to my tiny apartment and we laid on the floor by the window and took photos.

Here's what I saw last Friday morning:

Honestly, how could you not be in the best mood possible after looking at these sweet faces??

Have a great Monday, friends!

Carolyn

.not-so "professional" shots

A couple weeks ago, Emily and I decided we were going to take some "professional head shots" for our blogs. So we got all dressed and set out to one of the local parks. We both figured we'd find a pretty green area, pose for a few shots, and leave. 30 minutes tops.

One hour later, we were still at the park. Cranky and discouraged we had nothing to show for our efforts. It just wasn't our day. Feeling defeated we were about to call it a day, when we both spotted a side street with some beautiful leaves scattered on the ground.

So we gave it one more shot. And I'm so glad we did! These may not be the style of photos we were expecting to take, but they are definitely more fun.

Here's what I saw:

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Carolyn

.oregon.update

Hey friends!

On my first day in Oregon, Emily took me to some of the most breathtaking sights that Oregon has to offer - the Columbia Gorge.

We saw 3 different waterfalls! I don't think any words I attempt to write will even come close to giving this magnificent place the justice it deserves. So to put it simply, I felt very small and the world God felt very big.

Here's what I saw on a surprisingly sunny day in Oregon:

 Have a magnificent weekend,

Carolyn

PS We're headed to Seattle today!!

.thanksgiving recap

Holidays are always a big deal in my family. 

We have a pretty big clan, and everyone is always invited. Growing up every birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Fourth of July.. (you name it!) we had at least 25+ people. There were many years that I remember my Mom renting plates so we would have enough. 

But this year was a little different. Life happened, and a good chunk of the family was unable to make it. We only had 12 people, which was sad, but it did have its perks. One of them being Mom could use her own china! Less people also meant Mom had to spend less time preparing food, and more time fellowshipping with the rest of us. I was grateful for that. 

My sister and I decorated the two tables (we usually have 4-5!), and I thought they were beautiful and totally picture worthy... if I do say so myself. :)

Here's what I saw:

Hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, no matter who you spent it with. 

Carolyn

.speakeasy: athens, ga

While in Athens, we wandered into Speakeasy for a pre-dinner cocktail. 

Pale blue walls, tea light candles, and street lights streaming through the window created the dreamy atmosphere inside this quaint upstairs bar.

I have a soft spot for low lighting, so I left my martini for a few minutes to snap some photos of my lovely friends enjoying good conversation and rest from a long day of exploring. 

Here's what I saw:

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend! Can you believe Thanksgiving is this week??

-Carolyn

.an athens autumn

Last weekend some friends and I headed north for a long weekend in Athens, Georgia. It was a wonderful trip filled with cool weather, spontaneous adventures, fancy cuisine, and (a few) stiff drinks. 

Saturday afternoon we ventured over to the Georgia State Botanical Gardens, and I am convinced we couldn't have picked a better time of year to go if we tried. The color spectrum of the leaves were unlike any this Florida girl has ever seen- from lime green, to yellow, to bright orange, to deep red. 

Here's what I saw while wandering around beautiful Athens:

Happy Thursday, my friends!

-Carolyn