So, things were very hectic this summer.  It just worked out that I did not get a trip to the beach (Still a little sad over this) Nor did Jearmy or Starla.  So we decided it was time for a weekend road trip!  So, last Friday John and I both left work at lunch, picked the kids up and hit the road!  We drove up through KY and enjoyed the crazy, beautiful fall colors.  BEAUTIFUL!  We arrived at our hotel in plenty of time for dinner so we checked in and headed off to explore a little and find dinner.  We walked below Newport on the Levee and along theOhio River until we picked a place to eat.  Saturday morning we got up early, had breakfast overlooking the Ohio River and the headed out to the zoo.  It was such a gorgeous day for the zoo!  After wearing ourselves out there we decided to have dinner at this little place I came across on the internet.  It was called Maury's Tiny Cove. What an absolute hidden treasure they have there.(Founded in 1949, Maury's is one of the oldest, continuously operated restaurants in Cincinnati ) WOW.....what a find!  I mean a Filet &Chicken Combo for just $24 and it was excellent.  Everyone got bread baked in their own little bowls, (Starla loved that) and the service was great.  We'll go back next time we are in the area for sure. (LOTS More photos to be posted on FB soon!)

Sunday morning we got up early and had breakfast again overlooking the Ohio River and watching all of the rowers doing their morning training.  We took off for a little sight seeing, exploring a little of downtown and then on to the Levee where we took a ride on the Ducks.  For those unfamiliar they are WWII Amphibious Vehicles.  They drive you around and then straight into the water where they convert to a boat and then you finish your touch back on land and wheels as you started.  Neat to do if you haven't done before.  I rode them in Branson, MO back in 96.  It gives you a different look at things getting a touch on land and water while learning along the way.  After the Duck tour we headed down to Hooters on the River for lunch and then back down town for a little more exploring.  We checked out the Carew Tower.   Completed in 1930 and standing 49 stories high we took 2 different elevators and a flight of stairs to get to the observation deck.  The views are insane, you can see everything!  We then made our way down and strolled through Tiffany's & Co.  (why not? it was right there! LOL) and then on to Fountain Square where we made a stop at Graeter's Ice Cream (founded in 1870 and loved by Oprah) I am telling you I have never been an ice cream person but good lord, if I lived there I would be HUGE!  The mango ice cream was the most amazing ice cream I have ever had!  LOVE LOVE!  After that we took off to find the Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish.  It is a small church but one with a lot of history.  It was considered to be a beacon/watch tower for this in the underground railroad.  It is also the church that hold the splinter from THE cross.   Once we made our stop there it was back to the interstate.  I guess we dropped the kids in their driveway a little after 10:30 on Sunday night.  We had one very packed but very good weekend!  Road Trips are always great!

(not my photo)

“The world is a book 

and those who do not travel 

read only one page.”

~ St. Augustine

Funny Things.............

While organizing I discovered why the birthday card I got from my father this year sounded a bit familiar; turns out it was the same one I got from my mother the year before!  bawhahahahaha


So, mom's has black writing while dad's has raised purple writing but you will notice on the back that mom got the better deal!  She paid $2.99 while dad had to cough up $3.39 LMAO!  Just thought it was funny and I would share.

"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told,

 'I am with you kid Let's go!"

~ Maya Angelou

Everglades National Park - Simply Stunning!

Oh my goodness........It has been TOO long since I have posted.  I have had SO much going on though.  I will try and do a few posts to cover rather than one HUGE post.   LOL  August, well mid August John's Mom, Step Dad and Brother came from England for 2 weeks.  In the middle of their visit we all went to Florida.  It was great to get away for sure!  We went to the Everglades, enjoyed and Airboat ride, got to hold the little gators, explored the Miami Zoo and just enjoyed the time away and all getting to know one another.  Love the Everglades BUT I must warn you, if it is hot....DON'T GO!  The mosqitos will eat you alive!  Aside from that it was a lovely trip though.  The zoo was great.  It was beautiful all day!  We got to feed the giraffes which instantly turned me into a 4 year old!  ha ha ha I loved it!



We took them to Biltmore, Cades Cove and all sorts of places.  I think they enjoyed it and enjoyed the sun since they don't seem to get much of that in England.  I recall when my mother went there with my mamaw when I was in 5th grade that they said it was cold and rainy the entire time!  Anyway, lots more to update since I am clearly so behind but again, one thing at a time.  


Hope everyone has been doing well!

Everglades National Park (yep just at side of trail)

Everglades Alligator Farm

Everglades National Park

Everglades Alligator Farm

One of my favorite shots of the trip!

"My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others. That is nice but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success"

~Helen Hayes