Our Honeymoon...

We just got back from our honeymoon, we had so much fun!! Marcus and I went to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and got a sweet little cabin in the mountains. We struggled a bit when it came time to pick a honeymoon location. My first idea was BEACH! I wanted to do a couples resort in the Caribbean somewhere...and then we got to looking at prices, which were a bit too high for us. The next idea was a cruise, but Marcus has never been on one and I could tell he didn't seem too thrilled about it. Then one day I was talking to my coworkers about cruises and fun vacations, and they mentioned Asheville or the mountains and how pretty it was. When I mentioned it to Marcus, his face lit up. I knew that we had to find something up there. I would still get some sun, and we could still do some outdoorsy stuff that I wanted to do on a cruise.

We chose Pigeon Forge, as Marcus had been there before and really liked it. We drove up to my sisters, who lives in North Georgia, on Thursday, and Friday morning we continued our trek to Tennessee. Along the way we saw some beautiful views in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

 Our first day there we enjoyed the Dixie Stampede, and then the next day we went to Dollywood Splash Park super cheap because of a chance run in with a Dollywood employee who gave us tickets for 10 dollars (normally 50 a piece!). We also went to a pretty little winery, explored the Forbidden Caverns, and kayaked down the river (SO FUN!). It was so beautiful in the mountains, we cannot wait to go back. Seriously, we are considering moving to North Georgia to be in all their glory. I am SO, SO glad we chose to go to the mountains instead of the beach, especially since we live so close to the beach anyway!

A pretty view of a mountain river

Pigeon Forge at night

Please check out these peoples sweet shirts

 Yummy ice cream

That ring means he's alll mine :)

So handsome

Opening the door for dinner

Yummy wine :)

And now, in two days, starts school. Ahhh back to work again!

The Powell's

Bachelorette Party

Photos of my bachelorette party! We went to dinner at Eclipse de Luna in Atlanta, and then went out to Hole in the Wall. I had a blast and I love all of these lovely ladies who came out!! Thanks for everything, I'm so lucky to have you!!

Renaissance festival

Sunday we went to the Renaissance festival! I told you, our weekend was jam PACKED of things to do! Marcus went with me last year on his first trip up to see my parents. So, this year we had to go again.

Buddy got his face painted

As did Morgan and Thomas ;)

The joust

The only thing Buddy asked for the whole time was a green sword! He was so excited!

Funny magician

Buddy told me to take pictures by the dragons because he wasn't scared. you can't tell in this picture but there are dragon fountains in the background.

Braves game

This past weekend Marcus, Buddy and I went to Snellville to visit my family and for my first Bridal shower. We had a ton of things planned, and first on the list was the Braves game! Marcus was dying to take Buddy to the Braves game because he has never been. My brother, his girlfriend Angie, my parents, my newly engaged friends Kayla and Connor, and Kendra came with!

Buddy had SO much fun, he enjoyed the fireworks and singing and FOOD most of all.

 Buddy sat with Kendra most of the game. He wuuuuuvs Kendra. This is after the game, and before the fireworks. Turner field does fireworks every Friday night, which is awesome! Buddy loves his leapster!

Buddy was so ready to go TO the game...

Father and son at the game :)

Kayla! I am so excited for her and Connor!

Watching the fireworks after the game. He LOVED them, even if they were loud :)

Love that little side smirk :)

The above and below pictures are my two favorites of the night. Buddy is so handsome, isnt he??

My love :)

Trip to Alabama

The previous post was actually written on the Friday we left for Alabama. Marcus had not been home to see his family in Alabama in several years, and many of them had not met Buddy (or me, clearly), so he was very excited to go. We originally wanted to go this summer but things got so busy we didn't end up getting a chance until Christmas. We left on the Friday I got out of school and stayed until the Thursday before Christmas. Marcus has a very large family, and they are all wonderful! I had so much fun meeting everyone, and Buddy went into everyone's arms like he'd known them his whole life. Many thanks to Marcus' Granny, who let us stay at her house.

One thing Marcus talks about most with his family is FOOD! The first place he wanted to go in Alabama was the Creek bank restaurant. We ended up going three times! He was also very excited to eat his Mama Pat's yellow rice and chicken. Now, I am not a yellow rice kinda girl, but let me tell you, it was awesome! His Aunt Lynn made us some mini pecan pies that day, too, and they were YUMMY. Mama Pat sent us home with a Pecan Pie, too, and I think I ate the whole thing (hmm...maybe thats where the extra pounds from this break came from...).

We also had a cookout with Marcus' Mom's family and it was great to meet all of them. Marcus' mom was so excited to see him and Buddy...it really brought tears to my eyes. We also spent a good bit of time with Marcus' sisters, Amber and Ashley. They are both very sweet, and Marcus is really really happy to be close with them.

Marcus really enjoyed letting Buddy play where he used to play as a child. It really made me want to move out to the country so Buddy can play outside in the woods more. We will be heading back to Alabama to watch his cousin Tyler and sister Ashley graduate from high school. Can't wait!!!