Weekday Adventures!

Since I just started my FULL-TIME JOB (I know how exciting?) George and I haven't had much time to go and do fun "middle of the day/ middle of the week" adventures. We had gotten use to dating at weird times of the week because we were both working part time jobs, and honestly it was kind of fun to date on a Tuesday morning!

So, this week I have been reminiscing about our recent dates and thought I would (finally) share a little bit about the last few days of July for us!

One week in July (sorry, I can't remember the date!) I decided to visit my favorite dating site, yet again, for a creative "day-date" for me and George. As always, the Dating Divas delivered a date idea I am sure I will use again and again. There is a small zoo located in the heart of Greenville, SC and with the help of some dating extraordinaires I planned a date for us that was both inexpensive and oh-so-memorable! I made my sweet hubby figure out (without the help of the answer key) where our adventure was going to take us! He did really well deciphering the clues but definitely needed help with the spelling of the animal names...lets hope our kiddos get my mediocre spelling ability! ;)

Since July is one HOT month we made sure we got up early to head to the Zoo. We arrived mid-morning and were thankful the sun showed mercy...it really wasn't too sweltering inside the facility. George decided to purchase the pack of graham crackers offered at the gate to feed and few of the animals without dietary restrictions, and it was quite possibly the best decision we made all day! He wowed all the other giraffe and elephant watchers with his ability to toss the crackers right in front of the animals! Later, when we were on the way home George admitted he felt pretty awesome when people kept saying "Let's give our crackers to that guy so he can actually get them to the animals!" I guess all those years of Frisbee paid off. ;)

Overall it was a pretty spectacular day. We learned the Greenville Zoo is very small, but for a short day-date it's just the right size. We also learned how a tasty snow cone is the perfect way to end a day at the zoo! :) I loved spending the morning going on an adventure with my husband and I can't wait to do it again! Here are some photos of our day...

The giraffe eating the cracker we threw him!

My flamingo! 

Photography has taken me many fun places but on the second to last Tuesday in July it took me somewhere extremely exciting (especially this season!), Turner Field! We have been planning to go to a Braves game for...oh I don't know...like...3 SUMMERS NOW! Thankfully, our wonderful friends from church, Leeann and Daniel invited us to a game. Now, that in and of itself is amazing, but they also asked me to take their engagement pictures before the game inside Turner Field! As you would imagine...we had the time of our lives AND the Braves won. It was so awesome to get to know Daniel and Leeann better, get some great shots, and renew my love for the Bravos!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from our day.....

I know, he's totally handsome! ;)

These two got engaged at Turner Field 9-1-12. How awesome? :)

I had a blast photographing Leann and Daniel! 

54 Years

Today, September 18th, 2013 my grandparents have been married for 54 years! It honestly seems like yesterday we all gathered to celebrate their 50th

In honor of their anniversary I decided to wear the necklace my Grandma gave me on my wedding day. It was made especially for me from one of her old wedding ring sets. She had the diamond placed in a setting for me to wear around my neck. I was absolutely blown away when I found out what she was doing for me, but one year later I am even more grateful for the gift.

You see, one year ago I knew basically nothing about marriage. I didn't know what it was like to wake up beside someone every morning. I had no idea the shear terror I would feel at the thought of my husband being harmed, injured, or taken from me. I couldn't even fathom how becoming "one" would effect every aspect of my life.

However, one year and many celebrations/trials later I know quite a bit more. No, I am under no misconception that I am done learning about marriage. There is still a lot me and my sweet spouse have to endure, but I know so much more about the representation of devotion that hangs around my neck today.

I am so thankful for a beautiful and personal picture of what it means to devote yourself fully to another person. My grandparents aren't perfect and neither is their marriage but I have never doubted their love for one another and the dependence on Christ that has seen them through 54 amazing years.

Happy Anniversary Hill and Barb I love you both with all that I have.

Here's to 54 more! ;)

Keeping up with The Clackums! (May-June)

Well, I know I promised previously that I would do a "Keeping up with The Clackums" post every month but I have been a little busy keeping up with the Clackums myself! ;)

May was our busiest and most tiring month as a married couple so far....by the end of May I had been in 2 weddings and photographed 2 and the hubs had been in 3! It's really exciting that so many of our friends and family wanted us to be a part of their big day so a little exhaustion was totally welcomed. :)

May also welcomed multiple car problems, but luckily we have some amazing parents/grandparents/friends who love and support us and a God who always knows all about provision. Hopefully our car problems have subsided for the time being! :)

In June we had the opportunity to be a part of Table Rock Youth Camp again as staff. As expected middle and high school teens grew closer to God and walked away different. We are continuing to pray that those changes are the kind that last a life time. We personally are excited to see some changed lives in our very own youth group. We were so proud of how awesome our teens did at camp! Please continue to pray that they only grow closer and more obedient to Christ.

Needless to say these past two months have been somewhat of a roller coaster. So, these next few weeks we will be working to get our home back in order! It's amazing how fast laundry can pile up ;)

Currently George and I are making lists and beginning to pack for the beach with Franklin and Lydia the first week of August!! We aren't super organized people so the fact that we are beginning to prepare a month in advance should bear witness to the fact that we are STOKED about vacation with our newly married brother and sister-in-law! 26 days until we are Florida bound....ahhh!

Be on the look out for a July update in a couple weeks :)