Yesterday was my birthday

and I spent half the day in a health class that I need for my Virginia teaching license.  But... after class I spent the day with Ben.  We hung out, went for a walk around the neighborhood, opened presents, and went to the Melting Pot for dinner.  After dinner we went back to our apartment and watched a movie that Ben gave me for my birthday (The Hangover).

Ben brought me birthday gifts one-by-one and took pictures.  Here is the first thing I had to open.

This box came from my family in Atlanta! 

Inside I had presents from Mom, Andy, Anna, and Lucy (the dog).

Reading the birthday card my mom sent.

I am so excited I got this book!  I didn't even know Jan Karon had written

a new book in the Mitford Series.  This book deserves two thumbs way, way up!!!

This is the book of a birthday card that Ben gave me.

The Hangover!!!

The beautiful brown knee-high boots that I wanted!!!

Ann Taylor Loft gift card (I think I ended up with 4 or 5 of these

so I have some major shopping to do.)

The Melting Pot for dinner.  Yum, Yum, Yum!!!!

I want to say thank-you to my wonderful husband who created a wonderful birthday weekend for me.  I also want to say thank-you for my wonderful family in Georgia, Texas, and Pennsylvania for a wonderful birthday!

Shenandoah

Last weekend we escaped the city and headed to Shenandoah State Park.  We rented a cabin for the weekend and Adam and Brigette came from Pittsburgh to join us!  This cabin was so wonderful and I really enjoyed our relaxing weekend.  We will definitely be going back to stay in the cabin again.

Saturday we went for a 5-mile hike through the park.  It was so beautiful and incredibly relaxing to hang out with nature for a few hours. 

 
On Sunday, before we left, we drove up to an Overlook and took some beautiful pictures.  Enjoy!

Annapolis

Last Sunday (October 24th) Ben and I went to Annapolis to meet Dorothy and Matt for dinner.  We walked around the town for a bit and quickly toured the Naval Academy.  Ben had never been to Annapolis to hang out so I showed him all of my favorite places (cupcakes are involved).  We enjoyed sitting and watching all the sail boats, eating delicious seafood, and of course hanging out with Dorothy and Matt.

Outside the Naval Academy

I loved watching all the boats.  We need a boat.

I. Love. Sailboats.

I love this man!!!

Pumpkins

We carved our pumpkins.

Which one is mine and which one is Ben's?

I love Ben.

I. LOVE. BEN.

He is the best husband ever!

Just wanted the world to know.

Butler's Orchard

Ben and I started a tradition last year of driving out to Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland to pick our pumpkins straight from the pumpkin path.  Butler's Orchard also has a large apple orchard, but we have only enjoyed the pumpkins.

We learned when we were checking out at orchard store that the owner had passed away in July.  Two of his brothers now run the orchard and it has been a family business for over 70 years!!!

We also got some delicious apple butter, cucumbers, fresh honey, and fresh apple cider!  YUM!!  I love fall.

Below are some pictures of our pumpkin picking...

Enjoy!

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere!

This pumpkin is heavy!

Pushing the pumpkins to the checkout

Evidence of what we all know

So before the game and after the game all my free time was spent with Emmie.  As always, I followed the adorable princess around the house taking pictures of her everywhere she went.  Below is the evidence of what we all know...Emmie is soooooooooo cute!

Good morning.

I love breakfast!  (Saturday morning)

Go Gamecocks!

Hello.

Yummy (breakfast Sunday).

Emmie and Franklin are gonna get the squirrels.

She is such a big girl!

Emmie loves Cherrios!