Back!

I can't believe it has been seven months since I last wrote a blog post! Time goes by so quickly these days and life has been pretty busy!

 Colorado was fabulous and loved being able to live there for a few months. It was nice having a normal relationship with Brandon for a change! I also met so many great people and was lucky to form some great relationships while living in Colorful Colorado! Huge shoutout to Megan and Jared and your amazing kids! Miss those energetic guys! : ) Also thanks, Allison, for being a great friend and it stinks that we didn't meet before April! 

Brandon and I took a few ski trips, went to Las Vegas, and spent spring break traveling around New Mexico. We got scuba certified at Blue Hole, which was freezing, and then Brandon had to go to the ER one night there because the pressure didn't release right when he was coming up from fifty feet. Such a fun night! :P Brandon and I also completed the Spartan Race in May, which also resulted in another trip for Brandon to the ER to get stitches from cutting his leg while rolling under barbed wire. In sickness and in health right?!

Practicing backpacking!

Grad week was another exciting time for us! Brandon's family and my parents came out to support Brandon. It was so nice having everyone there even though it was a stressful time back in New Kent since the wedding was so close! Luckily the weather held out for all of the graduation events because leading up to the commissioning ceremony and graduation it had been raining nonstop for quite a few weeks! The thunderbirds got to fly and I watched in awe the whole time. It is crazy what they can do and made me pretty excited about what I was to experience during Brandon's Air Force career.

Oh, also in Colorado, Brandon and I rescued a puppy. Kelby, which means "my dog" in Arabic, is a border collie mix (quite small) but such a great dog! :)

I'm very thankful for Jimmy, Janice, Charlie, Tammy, Trey, and Angela for helping me pack up my apartment the day after graduation because Brandon and I wouldn't had made it home without y'all! Thanks for road tripping with us, Trey and Angela! Made the trip not as bad! :) 

The next week was quite hectic and I don't remember everything that happened. O.o  I do remember it raining and my mom freaking out all week! The day of the wedding wasn't looking promising and even at 3:45 it looked pretty bad! I think I was the least worried of anyone. Whatever the weather I would still be getting married! I also misplaced lost my engagement ring a little before the ceremony! Whoops! Luckily, after the ceremony, Camden found it! Thank goodness for nieces! The wedding was everything I could have dreamt of and I am so happy to finally be married to my best friend!

On Monday, Brandon and I headed off to get my dependent I.D. and then realized we needed to take our space a flight to Europe the next day! We had to get home and pack our backpacks! Thanks to Rita and Linda for taking us that day! There is so much I could say about the honeymoon and I will have to write a post or two on that after I finish this one! :) It was a story for the books and thank you Brandon for letting me experience Europe with you! Short story is we weren't big fans of Paris, really liked Italy, and LOVED Slovenia! Slovenia was amazing and I could had probably spent the forty days just in that one country but just gives us more of a reason to go back. We made it to a total of 12 countries and 22 cities, I think, in 40 days. At the very end of the trip I lost the GoPro camera which I was pretty bummed about so we never got to see a few videos we took but I am just glad we made it mostly hassle free. I lost a few other things BUT we won't dwell on that fact! Now we know who needs to take the important things in their backpack! ;) Our backpacks worked great and we were even able to bring a turkish lamp back from Istanbul!

We got back to the states in the middle of July and then spent about a week and a half at home getting ready for our move. It was nice to have a few days to hang out with our families before moving to Mississippi. Brandon ended up driving a twenty foot U-Haul and pulled my car, while I drove Brandon's. We had it packed!

Beautiful morning fishing with Dad on the Pamunkey

It took us three days of driving and then we finally pulled into Columbus Air Force Base! The base is nice and Columbus (the city) is bigger than we expected. There's a Chick-Fil-A, Walmart,  Krispy Kreme factory, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Dick's, countless restaurants, and our new favorite: Lowes! We had to stay in a temporary house for about five days because the house we were assigned wouldn't be ready until then. The TLF was nice, but Brandon and I became pretty bored because there was nothing for us to do besides watch TV. I convinced Brandon to ride to Lowe's so we could start on a small project (the flower planter) before we do something big (the bed). We got the materials and I tried to get Brandon to buy a circular saw but he knew he had one (a baby one) and that did not cut 2x4! We had to ride back to Lowe's and at that point we were two power tools in: a circular saw and sander. It was my first time using any power tools and it is quite fun! I am enjoying it and now instead of the patio at the TLF, we are able to work in the garage!

We moved into our a day early and all I can say is that it is great! Although, I do have to say that lightly because our friends were assigned a house in a neighborhood that is older and not as nice but hopefully they will get a house in our neighborhood soon! :) There is so much space and we were able to find a spot for everything we had! Brandon was finally assigned a casual job where he will be working in an office helping out until February when UPT (undergraduate pilot training) starts. I have been working on the staining and restaining other furniture we brought with us. We haven't finished hanging our pictures, but the downstairs is mostly straight. Our bedroom and the others do not have much furniture either, hopefully soon though! Brandon and I are starting our bed this weekend and hopefully won't be sleeping on our mattress on the floor for much longer. Its still comfy but I am ready to see a bed in there. :)  If anyone is in Mississippi let us know! We have plenty of room! For now, we are staying pretty busy, but we are enjoying the married life and living down south (We do miss everyone at home, too!)!!

Love always!

Caroline

Twenty Seven Days In

I've been in Colorado for almost a month now, and still enjoying each day here! I am so glad to have this awesome opportunity to be here for the five months!! I am full with every happy adjective that you can think of! :)

The most important thing that has happened since I last blogged was that Brandon and I found out where we are heading to next: MISSISSIPPI (que: M-I Crooked Letter song). We are both very excited about getting Columbus AFB for UPT. We will be there for about a year and a half and then we will move again once he gets the plane he will fly for the Air Force! 

The night we found out was also the night we went up to the mountains with some friends to spent the weekend skiing. Saturday, we woke up and ate breakfast, then I started feeling nauseous. I wanted to ski so bad and I know Brandon did, too, but I just could not make it. I spent the day sick as a dog while Brandon did an awesome job taking care of me; it was the first time I have been sick away from home! Big milestone for me! The next day, we were able to get some skiing in at Keystone and the trails are fun, but for the blue (intermediate) runs, I feel like they were somewhat difficult. We went skiing two years ago at Breckenridge and I remember those runs being easier, so I wanted to go there the next day. They are only like 10 minutes apart and Breck is on the way home so we went there on Monday. Oh my goodness was this day fun! The weather was so nice and we went up to the top of a peak, above the tree line, and skied in wide open areas and some tree runs. There weren't too many people up there and we just skied right onto the lift to take us back up. I had a blast and kept telling Brandon how much fun that day of skiing was! 

At Keystone with Breck in the background

Top of the peak! Felt like we were in the clouds!

"Us"ie with the GoPro

My ski pole all the way down. At least fifty inches of snow!

 So much snow!

My job is still going great and feels less like a job each day. The kids are so much fun and really enjoying having a "family" out here to make it less lonely. Although I do miss everyone at home, and the pets, I think I surprised myself and Brandon for how well I am doing. Brandon did not think I would be going out and doing stuff on my own, but I am enjoying exploring and getting the most out of my time in Colorado. I am going to miss being here so much!! The scenery is just amazing!

This past weekend, Brandon and I relaxed on Saturday and did a few errands. I took my first trip to the commissary on base and it was neat to walk around and get a few deals. Brandon picked up a steak and I got a piece of salmon to cook for dinner from there. My salmon turned out great, but Brandon wanted steak with cheese on top (some recipe he found) and I don't think it turned out too great for him! We woke up Sunday and went to Breck again to ski for a bit, but Brandon started feeling bad and it was chilly, so we didn't ski very long. It was definitely not the best day and I fell quite a few times so I was wore out after a little while! haha We did a few runs in the trees and those are not traveled as much and there was a lot of powder so I would stop, get stuck, and then just fall, so the fall wasn't bad, but getting up is so hard! 

Fresh powder! 

Brandon had told me about a donut place in a little town, so instead of stopping at our usual for BBQ (After I ate it last time I felt sick, so I can't eat it quite yet cause it still makes me a bit nauseous thinking about it), we stopped there. We got there late so they didn't have many choices, but we got one huge glazed donut and then some cake batter ice-cream. I am trying to eat healthy, but boy was that donut tasty! Way better than Krispy Kreme and that is hard to beat!! 

I also started Crossfit while out here and I am only a week in and I am loving it. I always wanted to try it back home, but there wasn't a gym (or box, as they are referred as) close by. I am loving the challenge of the workouts and each day tests me in a different way. With the physical challenge, there is also one mentally, and that is where I see my real strength, when I complete something I didn't think I could. Everyone there is encouraging and friendly, so it makes the environment fun. I am looking forward to the challenge while I am here!! :) 

The sunrise this morning! 

I understand the term "Purple Mountain Majesties" now. I wish the pictures did the view justice, because they don't! There is Pike's Peak and to the right is the Incline, that teeny line of snow going straight up! 

Yesterday, the weather was beautiful and it is supposed to be the same today- sunny and 65 degrees! In a little while I am going to go for a walk around Garden of the Gods and hopefully enjoy the sunshine and warmth. I know ya'll back in the east are having snow so I hope you stay safe and warm!! Have a great day!! :)

Much love,

Caroline

Settling In

Tonight wraps up an awesome weekend and the start of a new week of fun! I am having a great time here in Colorado, if you can't tell by my Facebook pictures. I really wasn't expecting the move to go this well! I didn't expect myself to go out and try new things, but I am really enjoying doing new and exciting things! 

On Thursday, I started working with a family and I am really enjoying getting to know the dynamics and children. I think they remind me a lot of my own family, which is awesome and hopefully everything will go great! I am so lucky to have found this job and I hope they like me too! 

Yesterday, Saturday, was an awesome day! I really got to experience what living in Colorado is all about. I woke up pretty early, excited that it was a sunny day with an amazing temperature, so I decided to do the Incline while waiting for Brandon to get out of class. 

The view from the bottom.

A little background on the Incline: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitou_Incline

You should really read the Wikipedia article and walking up the Incline should definitely be put on your Colorado bucket list!  :D 

The Incline, if you didn't read the article, is a trail, a little more than 3/4 of a mile, with a 2,000 feet elevation gain! Takes my breath away just thinking about it! I was pumped for this because I loved getting on the stairmaster at Longwood's gym and this is pretty much the exact same, just 23557452 times harder! I finally make it to the trail and it is SO nice outside (and I forgot that I had a small lightweight backpack at my place to pack water but I wasn't too concerned). I start walking up and was really enjoying the challenge, until I got to ice covered steps....This part I had not thought through. I saw a bunch of people holding these chains in their hands and I had no idea what they were doing with them. I quickly learned! Those chains went around their shoes to help them get good traction on the ice. Okay, I thought in 55 degree weather I would not have to worry about ice. I was wrong. I felt like I needed to turn around because I was slipping up and just struggling A LOT. However, I would then get to a part where there was no ice so I kept going, then I felt the need to accomplish the Incline. Along the way, I met a nice army Chaplain, with a border collie (I miss Sydney) who was thoroughly enjoying the climb, and we talked a little bit along the way up. He said his wife and her friend most likely turned around a long time ago, so I was questioning my own self. He did not have the chains on so at least I didn't feel like the only crazy one out there! Luckily, on the way up, I didn't fall because if I did I would have slid a little ways down the mountain. At some points, I had to use my hands to help because we were practically climbing up. It was quite steep! I knew there was a false summit but had lost track of the climb and I asked the man if what I saw as the top was the false summit and he said "yes, it is the false summit" I almost wanted to lay down and never get up; I felt like I was dying! It would had been so much easier without the ice! However, what he told me was the false summit was actually the top and I was rejoicing when I knew I had completed the Incline! With a time of 55 minutes, I am pretty proud of myself and hopefully my time will get better when I try it again, when I am better prepared! 

Once I was at the top, I realized how thirsty I was and I couldn't wait to get down to my car where I had ice cold water. Barr trail is a four mile trail down to the base and I knew that would be a breeze. I started down it, grabbing snow to eat along the way (even though it take more energy than it's worth to melt the snow, I was really enjoying the refreshing coolness and water), then realized this would not be as easy as I thought. This trail was also covered in ice in some places!!! Just couldn't escape! I took my time and then realized two high schoolers were also taking their time so they stayed with me and helped me down the mountain. They didn't have chains on and they were locals, so that was comforting! I watched them fall a few times and get soaking wet, then I spoke up about how I hadn't completely fell yet, but I jinxed myself, and fell and slid six times. Ice is no joke! We passed a guy who had slipped and dislocated his shoulder so he and his friends were off the trail waiting for the search and rescue to arrive (Mom is loving this part if she is reading). The army chaplain had left the top before I did, but then he passed us, going up the mountain, and told us that it gets really bad and we should turn around and go down the Incline. I did not know who to listen to at this point, but I know I didn't really want to go up hill and face the ice that way, so we kept going the way we were. There were railings a lot of times to hold on to, which helped a lot! We passed the search and rescue crew and they didn't have chains/spikes on either (?). I was really shocked by this because I figured they would have known to carry those with them if they are from here! Finally, we reached a "1/2 mile" sign and knew I was so close! I made it down with 10 minutes to get to my car before my time ran out and I was feeling great! During the hike, I was definitely questioning myself and wondering why I wanted to do that, but then I was very proud I accomplished the Incline and Barr trail in my tennis shoes when so much was covered in ice. It was probably one of the hardest things I have done physically and now I am ready to put some screws into my tennis shoes so I will have some traction and be able to complete the Incline without worrying about slipping! I just stumbled along this (http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm) so it seems like a more cost effective solution! :)

I can't wait for Brandon and I to do this together! 

Just a small portion of the ice I faced! 

Brandon finished with class and then came over. We spent a little time watching American Horror Story, probably not the best series to watch when staying by yourself, but a good show nonetheless. We decided to go to Cityrock later on and try bouldering. Bouldering is different than rock climbing because you don't go very high (high enough) and do not where a harness. They have a soft mattress type pad if you do fall, which is somewhat comforting. Bouldering is no joke. I thought it looked pretty easy, but it wasn't. It was very difficult and scary. I knew I wasn't that high up, but I was still scared of falling. I stuck to the pretty easy ones and I felt like they weren't so easy, but hopefully we will get better! Brandon did pretty well and did some pretty impressive ones for someone's first time! We had a blast trying this and can't wait to do it again, but right now my arms and fingers are pretty sore! I was falling asleep last night while we were watching a movie and I kept jumping and then at one point I flew my arm up in the air and Brandon was a bit confused, but I was dreaming that I was grabbing for a place to hold on to while climbing the wall. It was pretty funny and I was worn out! 

I decided it would be best for us (me) to skip skiing today and just take it easy. I knew I was going to be sore and skiing wouldn't help. The mom, Megan, of the family I am working for, invited me to their church if we didn't go skiing, so Brandon and I went this morning and it was quite interesting. 

New Life Church is the second biggest church in Colorado, with a 12,000 weekly attendance! It is nondenominational and very contemporary, something I am not used to, with a lot of music, dancing, hand raising, and "Amens". I found it very interesting, though, and I thought the message was great. It is the church's 30th anniversary and they celebrated that today and I found it very inspiring that despite a few big, scary events, the church is still thriving; hey don't let that define the church, but instead they turn to worship. It was very touching.

Brandon and I spent the rest of the day watching football and American Horror Story before he had to leave. We didn't realize it was snowing until he opened the door. We have about two inches and Brandon said the roads were awful. Hoping they will be clear by the time I have to leave in the morning! If you thought Virginia weather was bipolar, well you have never been to Colorado!!! Shorts and a t-shirt to snow boots all in 24 hours! 

I am falling asleep as I am writing and I thought this was going to be relatively short! Whoops! 

Goodnight! 

Caroline

P.S. This is what came down last night and found it a winter wonderland this Monday morning! 

Colorado Living!

Today is Tuesday and it has been exactly one week since Brandon and I left and headed west. The trip was not as fun as the last road trip we did in August, but we made it to Colorado in three days. It was a long three days driving though, but the worst was the first day. It was my hardest leaving everything I knew home in Virginia. Now I have been gone for a week and I miss my family, but I am enjoying Colorado! As I write this post, I am drinking some coffee and keep looking out the door at the sun coming up. I am pretty sure some people think I am suspicious because I am always walking around looking at the views! 

I am finally getting all settled in at my apartment. It is very cozy and it feels more homey now that almost everything is put away. It is quaint and simple, but plenty of room for myself. Brandon was great at helping me put everything upstairs and then setting up the two TVs, although we are missing a remote so we don't know what happened to that! Once we got to Colorado, Brandon wanted to go skiing the next day, but he had a terrible cold so we didn't get to go until Sunday, which was okay since there was still so much to do around here still! Instead of unpacking, however, we decided to watch American Horror Story, so the unpacking took a bit longer. I finally finished putting my clothes away yesterday so my mom will be happy my room is SPOTLESS! :D  

Brandon and I went out a bit this weekend to do some exploring/shopping for groceries and it is pretty nice being so close to everything! I think my mom is jealous I can walk to a Starbucks if I wanted and get a skinny vanilla latte *extra hot* whenever!! I am also right near King Soopers, which is a Kroger, but supposedly Kroger has a few different names. Who knew?! 

Here is my birthday dinner Brandon and I cooked together! 

The wildlife here is also bountiful! Brandon and I had to go to USAFA the other day to get his skis and on the way out we saw a huge coyote. It was probably twenty yards away, but too quick for me to snap a picture. On Sunday, on the way to Keystone, we saw about 100 deer grazing in a field. There is definitely no shortage of them out here. Pulling into the complex that evening, we then saw a big elk! Brandon says the people around probably think I am crazy since its just a normal thing, but I think it is pretty cool so I will continue to be in awe at the wildlife and views! 

It is pretty hard coming to a place where you only know one person and you can't see that person daily so it does get a bit lonely. While Brandon has been gone, I have been binge watching Parenthood on Netflix or driving around to see what else Colorado Springs has to offer. As I was taking a picture of the sunset last night I did have a cat come up to me and let me pet it for awhile. She wasn't as cute as June, but did make me miss her and Sydney! I also met an elderly lady last night, who lives a few doors down, and talked to her for about half an hour. She seemed very sweet and gave me a lot of advice about living around here. Yay for two friends!

I also went to meet the family I am working for last night. They are so sweet!! I can't wait to get started tomorrow working for them!! :D 

So far everything is going great! I am really glad that Brandon and I are no longer long distance, although I wouldn't trade that experience either. The past three and a half years have been no walk in the ballpark, but I feel that both, Brandon and I, have grown and learned so much from the experiences we have shared separately or together. Now I am excited to start practicing my role as a future wife, which by the way, is in FIVE months! AHHH! We have so much fun when we are together and it is just easy. I know it is not always going to be paradise in a marriage, but I know whatever happens we will be there for each other 100 percent! 

As I am enjoying living out here, I do miss everyone back at home! It is nice for modern technology, like Skype, so I can still talk and see mom, dad, and the rest of the family! I also want to thank Brandon's parents for everything you have done for us and letting me become a house guest when Brandon is home and for always tagging along!! I really appreciate you and the whole clan for being so welcoming to me so long ago and taking me in as family too!! :) Talleysville Road is surely missed, but I know I will be back soon and everyone will still be there! Sitting here makes me realize how blessed I am to have such a loving family and such a great support system out there as I have new adventures with Brandon! 

Love to all! 

Caroline 

REI Garage Sale Tips

For the past few months, I have been wanting to write this post, but I haven't had the time. Now, with another REI Garage Sale coming up in just a few weeks I thought I would write what I learned from my first garage sale experience because it was like no other. I had a blast!

1. Get there early! Some people camp out, but I got there at 5:30 A.M and I was golden! I was 18th in line and could not have asked for a better time. At first, I spent my time surfing Facebook or trying to read, but I ended up putting that away to listen to the other people talking around me. There were two sets of friends in between me…all lonely. However, I started talking and I had a blast! Although I don't know their names now, we were pretty good friends for those few hours! Since I was alone, I was kind of screwed when I needed to go to the bathroom, but the nice men in front held my spot while I ran to the restroom. Everyone was so nice, and I have high expectations for the people I am around at my next one, IN COLORADO, with my lovely fiancé! Can't wait to go to the one on January 3rd!

2. DO NOT GRAB A CART! It just slowed me down and I had to abandon it. Grab a bag! It was AWFUL lugging around all the goodies I found. I am pretty sure I dropped a few things along the way.

3. Try not to be one of those people that grab everything, then go to a corner and sort through all of the stuff you find. This is just unfair to the rest of us. REI employees are usually trying to help keep this from happening, but I saw this happening. Go into the store expecting to find nothing, grab what you think is a great buy and leave the stuff you most likely won't get alone!

4. The store is most likely divided into sections like electronics, bikes, tents, backpacks, clothes, and shoes. Go to the section of your number one item first!

5. Those friends you met in line may come through for you! I talked to one group in front of me about GoPros and asked if they thought there would be any in there. They said no so I didn't even look for one. I was looking at the hiking shoes and then out of no where one of the guys had two GoPro 3+ Black editions in his hand and told me to take one so of course I did! It was my best find cause I love that thing, even though I don't know how to use it to its full capabilities. Brandon will be in charge of it once he gets home! It was such a steal! With electronics just make sure you test or ask the people working about it before you buy it. They will tell you what is wrong with it, if anything.

6. There is a color coding system assigned to each item. A green sticker means the item is in good shape, yellow means more use, and red means heavily used and bad condition. The best thing is just to examine each item,  read the label, then make your own call.

7. Lastly, have fun! Don't have an attitude because this store does so much for their shoppers and members and I would hate for them to let go of the excellent customer service and generous return policy.

I can't wait to use everything I have bought from their in Colorado and in Europe when we are backpacking! It is something I am looking forward to and I know that REI stands behind what they sell so it puts me at ease knowing they are trying their best for us!

Happy shopping!!!

Catching Up

Wow! I really can't believe how fast time goes by. So much has happened since September and big things are yet to come!

First, let's start with a real biggie- BRANDON GOT A PILOT SLOT! Say what?! He is on his way to becoming a pilot in the USAF and I couldn't be happier for him or for us. I am going to be a pilot's wife! He has worked so hard his whole life so I am glad he was able to get a slot!

Brandon is also wrapping up his semester abroad next week and I can't be more excited. We haven't gone this long without seeing each other since he left for the Academy back in 2011 so it has felt like a long time for me. However, I think it flew by for him. He visited London, the Sahara, and lots of other small trips within Morocco. Pretty jealous of all his adventures and hoping he will take me there one day! He has also branched out and ate snails and liver, but won't eat sushi with me. Come on now! Can't wait to see all the pictures once he gets back next Saturday.

As for me, I will be finished with student teaching in FOUR days. FOUR! The missing Brandon part of my life went by slowly, but student teaching flew by. I can't believe I will be graduating and finished with college come Saturday.

I finished student teaching in first grade at the end of October and I never thought I would be the one to miss the little ones, but I miss them so much! They were so much fun and I learned so much from them, as well as my cooperating teacher. Now, I am finishing up in the fourth grade and they were great as well. My cooperating teacher is amazing at what she does! The fourth graders are a little more attitude than the first graders, but were still very sweet! I am so excited to be a licensed teacher and can't wait until I have my own class one day!

Now I am working on packing (or not packing if you were to ask Mom), but it is getting bittersweet! I know it hasn't quite hit me yet, but I am going to be sad to leave home and move to Colorado in just a few short weeks. All of the children are just so cute and I love them so much! Emily Anne gave birth to Billy on November 24, 2014 and he is just the cutest! Everyone is growing so fast, especially Turner and Trent! I am going to have to set up a schedule to FaceTime everyone once a week!! However, I am excited to move as well! I have a condo, with two bedrooms, so if you want to visit let me know! The more the merrier! Also, I found a job and I can't wait to start! It is perfect!! I am going to be helping a mother homeschool/nanny their six children! They have four of their own and adopted two from Haiti and they are all adorable so I can't wait to meet them!! They look pretty sweet and the interview was so relaxed; I hope they will like me just the same in person! Getting a job was a pretty big concern of mine, so I am lucky to find this awesome family who will allow me to work with them for the five months I am out there.

Brandon and I are packing the cars and heading out on the 30th of December. Hopefully the weather will be good and we will make it to our destinations each day. We will arrive in Colorado Springs on my 22nd birthday, the first one I will be spending away from home! It is so much to be taking in right now. Graduating, moving, getting married, all within the next six months! Whew!!

Life is a little hectic here, but I am so full and can't imagine anything different!

Here is the link you Brandon and I singing Frozen's Love is an Open Door :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XQ00ubfj1g

ROAD TRIPPING! Part Two

After leaving Kansas City, we kept east on 70 towards St. Louis. St. Louis was very nice and we enjoyed our time there. Since we did not stay in the city, we had some time to kill and casinos are EVERYWHERE! Can you guess what we did? Well that did not end as well as the first night so it was a bit sad and the fact that One Republic was playing in this little field right beside us and we missed them! It looked like such a fun time!

We also went to a BBQ joint that has been on one of those restaurant shows and it was very good! When we arrived there was a very long line, but luckily there was a nice woman in front of us who told us it was fast and the turkey was to die for! We had a great time talking to her and getting some other recommendations. She was right! I ordered the turkey and it was delicious! Brandon's BBQ was pretty good too, but I think he liked my turkey!

On Saturday, we spent the day at the Gateway Arch. It was pretty packed and we had a few hours to kill before our time to go up so we were able to explore the museum and get some of those old lemon drop hard candies. My throat by this point was hurting pretty bad and we were both stuffy, so the hard candy helped a bunch! Once it was our time to go up, it really wasn't our time to go up. It was our time to watch a movie, look around another little museum, and then stand in line some more. All worth it though. Brandon and I are pretty good at knowing "worth the wait" as our whole relationship is based on this principle! We got in this little cart that took 4 minutes to get to the top and once we were up top the view was amazing. We got a few pictures and enjoyed the view, but it was a bit crowded and hot, so we didn't stay up there as long as we would had liked. A must though if in St. Louis.

    

View from the top!

   

Inside the elevator. 

I really liked St. Louis, but this was all before the Ferguson stuff happening. Glad we missed that whole ordeal!

Reaching St. Louis also meant the end of Interstate 70! Such a bittersweet moment! Now we weren't strictly going east, but we went south towards Louisville.

On route to Louisville, we found some caverns that were just a year open and had an underground boat ride. We were all about this and it was a great time to stop. We got there a bit late, but it happened to work out great because it was only us and another couple getting a tour. We had the whole cave to ourselves and it was great! We took our time, and spotted crawfish, salamanders, bones, fossils, stalagmites, stalactites, "bacon", and other cave formations. The boat ride was pretty nice and the reflections were crazy! Wish my camera could had captured them. The history about how Indiana Caverns was discovered was also neat since they are still caving and making the cave system longer. It was a very nice tour, so if ever get the chance, you should check it out!

We got to Louisville around dinnertime so we grabbed something to eat and called it a night. We did not really get to explore the city too much. One of the Man Vs. Food restaurants in Louisville was an ice cream shop and since we weren't near it we didn't get to go, but I looked up the menu and it featured ice cream with Old Forester. I thought that was very neat, since Old Forester is THE Evelyn drink! I really did not know that it was such a popular drink that it could be used with ice cream!! I think it would be quite disgusting!

After Louisville, we headed south to Nashville. We stopped at Mammoth Caves on the way and took a tour. They were amazing and really enjoyed going there and exploring a few trails. If you have never been then you really should go! It is an amazing cave system!

Entering the cave! It was a nice relief from the outside! 

In Nashville I was very excited to meet up with my cousins, the Remkes, for dinner. I hadn't seen them in awhile so it was nice to catch up with them at another BBQ place that was very good. Thank you Chris, Amy, Matt, and Meredith for dinner and for the tips! I especially enjoyed talking to Meredith about her summer and gymnastics! :)

Thanks for dinner, Amy!!! :)

We spent the next day near Opryland, but we (I, mostly) decided to shop! There was a nice outlet mall so I thought that it would be a great day to spend our day! I am pretty sure Brandon did not enjoy it very much, but I thought it was good!! Got a few great deals and snagged at 100 dollar dress for 17 dollars! Pretty awesome right?? That dress would be the blue navy one I wore in our engagement pictures!

The next morning we woke up and headed to one of the top water holes in the country, which also happened to be not too far off the interstate and it was probably the best part of our trip! It was GORGEOUS! The hike down was great and we had to go "slogging" through a creek. I had my camera with me so I had to be extra careful and almost fell a few times into the creek. When we got to the water hole it was a magnificent waterfall that flowed onto some rocks and then was a very deep swimming pool to jump into. We watched some young boys climb up about 30 feet, if not more, and then jump into the water. They were pretty brave and it sounded like it really hurt a few of them.

We stayed there for about two hours then decided to take a short cut up, which involved some rock climbing. At first I was pretty scared, but then actually enjoyed it. It was nothing too dangerous, but it looked like it when we were standing at the bottom. It was nice not having to "slog" our way back down the creek once more!

We got back on the road again and then stopped for the evening in Johnson City, TN (Wagon Wheel plays in the back of my head), and then headed home the next morning.

We made great time throughout the trip and it was surely a trip of a lifetime. I enjoyed every second I spent with Brandon and can't wait to make more memories with him. I remember calling his mom and telling her the engagement party was off because we were just sick of each other joking around! I don't know if she believed me or not, hope not, since I couldn't have asked for a better time. Brandon is an amazing man and perfect for me! I am so lucky (he is too ;)) to be able to spend my life with him and make a life with each other. It's a great feeling.