Something about Fall...

Us Indiana girls thought we'd take a walk through time on confederate soil via the Monument Walk in Richmond. Thank goodness no one had anything against us Yankee girls! 

These monuments give reverence to the Confederates of the Civil War, both notable heroes and events. And whether we agree or disagree with what these men fought for, we must realize that they represent a part of our nation's past.

Thank you to this lovely couple who offered to take our photograph!

They too were traveling throughout the states...their goal? Every state capitol! Indianapolis was their second favorite! :)

 

"To be alive."

"To see something new!"

"Dan-22, Mike-20, Sam-18, Elisabeth-14"

(His kids!)

"To get up and face the day and get on with it!"

"To live my life."

"Because the sun comes up and that's what you're suppose to do...right?!"

"Because I'm alive."

Mandy also took us to the Japanese gardens in her area!

Even though we only had a few minutes before they closed we just couldn't resist getting a few pictures on this lovely bridge!

We enjoyed the grand scenery as we walked up the many steps and weaved in and out of the enormous plants.

Amid the gardens was a beautifully structured walkway surrounded by pillars.

It seemed to stretch on endlessly and then fade away into the layers of foliage.

"I get up early in the morning to go to work."

One of our favorite seasons has definitely got to be Fall.
There's just something about the way that the cool wind blows against your face...
...the boots and the scarves and the sweaters...
...apple cider...
...and good ole times around bonfires!

"To do what makes me happy."

"I get up each day to serve the Lord another day."

Thanks to our marvelous Virginia family for showing us around and chatting around a bonfire!

"Because I have to get up---I'd rather be sleeping."

Cheers to another incredible day in our great U.S.A.!

Love,
The Crew

One Crisp Fall Day in Virginia...

During our stay in the lovely state of Virginia we wandered around Williamsburg.

Inside of one of the buildings was an exhibit on a mental hospital from the 1700s.

 "Because I'm alive."

"To swim laps in a pool by 6:00. It's quiet, I'm usually alone, and the peacefulness set the tone of my day."

The exhibit included several artifacts from hospitals in that period, including straight jackets and decks of playing cards. Notice that the this deck doesn't have any numbers or letters to easily denote the card value.

The study of Phrenology is Greek in origin. "Phren" meaning "Mind", and "Logos" meaning "Knowledge".

Williamsburg is filled with historical landmarks and is the ideal place to walk around on a fall day.

The historic William and Mary College is located near the heart of the town.

Behind us is the statue that is in front of the college!

A half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., the moving exhibit Wall that Heals has visited more than 350 cities; Williamsburg was one of them!

We went to Mass that night at St. Bede.

The church was so enormous that the parking lot even had sidewalks and crosswalks!

 

 "I get up in the morning to take care of my kids and family".

To another beautiful fall day in Virginia!

Love,

The Crew

Inside of The Mystery Hole...

The Mystery Hole in West Virginia.
A retro designed, roadside attraction, seeping with the allure of suspense.
After hearing about it (well as much as anyone actually is able to talk about The Mystery Hole) we decided to go check it out for ourselves.

 

And all we have the courage to say is that we made it out alive!
Yes, Sarah made it out too!
(The only reason we don't have photographic proof is because someone had to make the picture)

A Hawk's nest view of the train tracks and beautiful rolling hills.

"I am looking at the overlook as part of my happiness and find it quite great."

"We get up everyday because work requires us to."

"I get up for my seven year old son and my mom."

We found a second overlook at the Hawk's Nest State Park and were able to enjoy the seemingly endless waters and bountiful trees of the land.

"I get up in the morning to travel to see rivers."

After a short hike on Long Point Trail we found that the trip was well worth the view of the
 New River Gorge Bridge!
We had seen pictures and even miniature replicas of this bridge, but much like our reason for going on this trip, there's nothing like the experience of being there to see it for yourself.

Well, somebody has to make sure the bridge doesn't fall down...

Us at Kanawha Falls!

"I get up because I have to pee so bad."

"I get up in the morning because I have to."

"Because sometimes dreams do come true."

"TO drink coffee. I stumble to the coffee pot, "to feel better" ha ha! But really-to plan my next adventure! Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you RICHER."

"Unlike my family, I am a morning person. I enjoy watching the sunrise over my back hill. It peeks through the trees. Listening to the world wake up. God is amazing and his days are glorious each new day brings adventure."

"I get up for coffee and to enjoy family, friends and the tasks of the day and plan the meals to come. Yum! Yum!

"I jump out of bed early to take care of two little girls Nala and Averie! What a blessing and joy."

Thanks a million to our fabulous West Virginia family! You all are the greatest!

Thanks for the popcorn, movies, introducing us to pepperoni rolls, and helping us visit all the interesting places during our visit!

As the sun sets on another day we are reminded what a blessing it is to be able to get up each morning!

Love,

The Crew