tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21058740001029302672024-03-13T20:13:43.549-04:00Arnold AdventuresAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-85865813667260378152018-07-27T09:56:00.002-04:002018-07-27T09:56:57.392-04:00Butterfly Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last week of June , while on staycation, we decided to treat Millie to a special day just for her. I had been reading about the Butterfly Adventure at the Roper Mountain Science Center since last year and thought that because she constantly tells us that moths are beautiful that she'd love to see actual butterflies. We got there around 9:30 AM and walked directly to the exhibit where we were greeted with a queue of around 30 people. It was a fun line with playground equipment and also tents for us to stay out of the sun. We ended up waiting about 30 minutes to enter the building which was not bad considering the line wrapped around pretty far.<br />
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We entered the building and the staff explained to us about the butterflies and how to "catch" them. We were given a nectar wand to attract them and went inside. There were hundreds of butterflies flying all around the beautiful plants. Attracting them to the nectar wand was a bit challenging at first, especially with a two year old, but we ended up making it happen. Millie was thrilled to be "holding" a butterfly. We enjoyed the few minutes we were in the exhubit and then we were ushered out so the next group could enter. The entire process was very well organized.<br />
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With our entrance fee we were able to go and tour the rest of the Science Center. We checked out the rest of the building that the butterfly exhibit was housed in and also the Living Farm. I remember all of these from my childhood as I visited many times on field trips. The living farm has a blacksmith, which of course was not operational when we were there seeing as it was 90+ degrees!<br />
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The Roper Mountain Science Center really is one of the gems of Greenville for families. There are so many fun things to do and kids of all ages will enjoy everything that it has to offer! I can't recommend it enough and I am excited to go back when it is a bit cooler.<br />
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<iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="90" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=tab_lnch_sket_0628&banner=09N5FVCACJDXDRR6EAG2&f=ifr&linkID=3ca5256312e137b38febe81aaa21bcd2&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" style="border: none;" width="728"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-34296798638238898062018-07-16T11:17:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:22:45.927-04:00Y'all, We Bought a Minivan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeOZqNiBX3E/W0yv5VG-rXI/AAAAAAAAsl4/iJZQvOifVtw05SQtdqBf8w4vfLmJT14hgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4655.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeOZqNiBX3E/W0yv5VG-rXI/AAAAAAAAsl4/iJZQvOifVtw05SQtdqBf8w4vfLmJT14hgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4655.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Yep... #neversaynever. Although my younger self is cringing a little, as I write this I am actually excited about our new family hauler. I mean it's <u>HUGE</u>(TWSS) and has so much space! We can literally fit everything we need and more in here. When people visit we can actually all ride <i>together!</i> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the main reasons I decided to pull the trigger is because hoisting my 25 pound toddler up into my SUV while holding my almost 23 pound 8 month old was ruining my back. At 4'11 I rarely use my height as a crutch but this was ridiculous. The first time Millie saw the van she climbed in it <i>by herself. </i>It was truly amazing. It was a parenting win. Also, our cup holders have cup holders! It also has a cool box to keep drinks or baby bottles cold while on the road! The amount of space will allow us to be able to haul anything we want without removing the car seats! That in itself is amazing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I said no for the longest time. However, after having Lucas I considered it more and more. I did say that I would only ever own the Odyssey and that's what we got! It's also hands down the nicest car I've ever owned. So with that said I am going to embrace this season of my life and own driving a minivan. I will not need one forever but for our family, right now, this was the very best decision. I can only imagine the adventures we'll take in this car!</div><br />
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<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=gift_certificates&banner=1G274HKHXM7QERC7YAG2&f=ifr&linkID=0ea0781fda7522bdd66a8240634cf029&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0Greenville, SC, USA34.852617599999988 -82.39401040000001334.74834959999999 -82.555371900000011 34.956885599999985 -82.232648900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-68727632287847437682018-06-21T13:47:00.001-04:002018-07-27T08:22:58.041-04:00New Belgium Brewery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pdeLqytxMw/WyvfdJEYWBI/AAAAAAAAskc/vKBgDJHaIVg5uyOhPY4DaEozEC2Z7MXzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pdeLqytxMw/WyvfdJEYWBI/AAAAAAAAskc/vKBgDJHaIVg5uyOhPY4DaEozEC2Z7MXzwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3924.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This past weekend we headed up to Asheville, NC to the <a href="https://www.newbelgium.com/brewery/asheville/">New Belgium Brewery</a>. It was supposed to be an outing for my cousins birthday but unfortunately they encountered some traffic and missed our tour of the brewery. The tour was 90 minutes and absolutely free. We had several beer samples and learned a lot about the facility and about the art of beer making. The tour guide was fantastic and the whole place was covered in these awesome murals which made it totally photo ready! Millie and Lucas accompanied us on the tour and there was another couple with a toddler. Both of the kids did well. They could snack and take beverages of their own so they were well occupied. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The facility was state of the art and beautiful. The beer was cold and fresh and you can't beat <u>FREE</u>! If you're interested in going you should make reservations online for the tour and be aware that if you aren't there by the tour start time indicated, you will be left out. Load up the fam and head north, you won't be disappointed! Also, try the Trippel while there! It was delicious! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=gift_certificates&banner=1G274HKHXM7QERC7YAG2&f=ifr&linkID=0ea0781fda7522bdd66a8240634cf029&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-48223022334223879922018-06-01T07:00:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:24:09.994-04:00Five Things I've Learned in Five Years of Marriage<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YaZH26PUPs/Ww2GG81c1aI/AAAAAAAAsjg/Mm9Gm37Dv9kLKfbVgoj56ZdasnsMAG-9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YaZH26PUPs/Ww2GG81c1aI/AAAAAAAAsjg/Mm9Gm37Dv9kLKfbVgoj56ZdasnsMAG-9ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span id="goog_747501275"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today marks five whole years since I walked down a million stairs in five inch heels to promise to love, honor, and respect Mike for the rest of my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not reflect back on that day and the vows we made. I can firmly say that I have withheld my end of the bargain and although circumstances have changed significantly since, my love for him has only grown. To say that our lives have changed during the past five years would be an understatement. From new jobs to a new town, to buying our first home and having two kids, life has been going at a pace so fast that it's been hard to catch my breath. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to sit down and reflect on this time of our lives together and the things that I have picked up along the way. These are my thoughts and ramblings. They are not going to be gospel to everyone. Here is just a small sampling of what I've learned during our incredible first five years of marriage.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Love isn't everything</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You're probably thinking... who does she think she is? Love is the center of everything, a reason for being, yada yada yada... YES, love is literally the most important thing we can give and receive, however it is not everything that a relationship is. Relationships can still have love but lack in other very important facets such as respect, admiration, empathy, and loyalty. I believe that when we can give someone all of those aspects we are showing them true love. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am currently going through the most difficult time in my life. I am on the upswing but it has been a long journey that for a while there I had no idea what was going to happen. I had just gotten the most unbelievable and horrible news that shook me to my core and while processing that, I found out that I was expecting my son. I have never been so shocked to say the least. Me, type A Jen, who plans everything to a T. I was terrified to tell Mike. I had no idea what he'd say but I knew he'd be upset. Of course we'd planned to have another child, but not yet. And certainly not while we were dealing with a terrible trauma. I called him crying(bawling) and told him that I was pregnant. I waited for the hurtful words to spew... but he said "that's great news!" WHAT? Here I was, sick over this news(not from morning sickness), and I just knew he was going to be upset, and he said exactly what I needed to hear! That was a greater shock than the two pink lines. Mike, although clearly taken aback, knew that this was ultimately a good thing. He built me up when I was feeling lower than low. I was very happy about the baby but I hated the circumstances that he was being born into. And when I developed prenatal and post-partum depression, Mike was there to keep me together. Always a shoulder to cry on, to scream into, and a hand to hold. Yes I had a lot of people show me love during this time but it was my husband who was there everyday, rolling with whatever life threw at us, who held our family together so I could begin the healing process of this trauma. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes love is 100% important and necessary in a marriage. But it isn't everything. You need someone who holds down the fort so you can fall apart sometimes. Someone you can count on to keep it together when you cannot. Someone who sees the good when you can only see dark grey fog.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Raising kids is HARD business</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My two children are 2.5 and 6 months old currently. We are deep into a season of bottles, dirty diapers, pbj, Goldfish crackers, and Elmo. Some days I count the minutes until bath and bedtime. On those days I feel awful because as a mom we feel bad about mostly everything. As a parent you rarely have any time to decompress. You're constantly worried about milestones and sunscreen application or if your kid is being exposed to too much media. But no one could have ever prepared me for the sheer amount of LAUNDRY we now have. How in the world can two small kids that weigh less than 45 lbs together have this much laundry? It's never ending. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes you have one of those amazing days as a parent where both kids eat well and nap like angels. They are polite in public and give you hugs and kisses at bedtime(I'm looking at you, toddler) and they sleep all night without a peep! But most days are a series of events very different. They include spit up and tantrums, tear stains and boogers, screaming and laughter. Not one minute looks like the minute before. I find myself wondering if all families are like this? I talk to my girlfriends and realize that this is normal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think what makes raising kids so hard, in my opinion, is that it's so heavy. It's laden with the notion that our parents are the single largest influences in our lives. At least, that's what my parents were for me. I have this expectation of myself to be the very best and try so hard for perfection that cannot be reached. The more that I have learned to be laid back and that it's okay to wipe my kids nose with a dirty sock in a pinch, the more I've realized that kids are resilient. They're also programmed to LOVE you. And wow, the love they provide is incredible. Mike and I just sit back and talk about how they amaze us sometimes. They are truly awesome human beings. The more that we do this, the more we realize that our kids provide us with more than we provide them. And that, my friend, is perspective. And the job doesn't feel so thankless and hard at that moment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Travel is My Spirit Animal</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before our wedding, I had never left the good ol' USA. Now, five years later I have visited four new countries, two new continents, and three new states. We have explored the homeland of my father in law, attended the wedding of a friend in a tropical paradise, and the country atop Mike's bucket list! We have snorkeled with sea turtles, explored ancient ruins, and have been on an inflatable raft in a glacier lagoon with water 900 feet deep. We have basked in the glow of a sunset in the Grand Canyon and stayed up all night looking for puffins during the midnight sun in Iceland. We have people watched on the Vegas strip and Mike pissed off the largest iguana you've ever seen in Mexico. This is just a fraction of what we've experienced on our travels. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Getting out of my comfort zone allows me to let go of many of the preconceived notions that I have. But what I've gotten most out of our journeys is that we compliment each other so well while traveling and in our everyday lives. I am the schemer of our family, so I enjoy the planning stage of a vacation so much that I am consumed by every detail and facet of what we can fit in during the time. Mike is the more laid back person. He usually lets me run the show and just lets me know the high points of what he wants to do. Of course, things happen, someone gets sick and cannot scuba dive in a cenote in Mexico, or a tropical storm threatens your plans for an entire week, but it's what you make of your experiences that truly determine what you'll get out of that trip. And what I've always gotten are wonderful and lasting memories to cherish and rehash forever. At least once a day one of us brings up one of these experiences in conversation. We laugh or speak in reverent tones about our favorite places.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being addicted to traveling allows us to plan for something good and fun. A new experience that we will have fond memories of. I have the travel bug right now so bad. Lucas is only six months old so I do not feel comfortable leaving him yet. But come next summer, for our six year anniversary, we will be packing our bags and headed out on an adventure. I hope the kids will be as receptive to adventures as we are because we are already planning special trips to take them on!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Expect Change and Overcome</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mentioned above that I am currently dealing with some circumstances in my life that couldn't have been foreseen. During this time I have gone from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the hill, and that was all in one minute. Life has a way of throwing you for a loop. I have known this truth since I was 13 years old and lost my mother. But I could not have planned to go through what I am currently for anything. I am currently digging out from the deepest pit of my life and I can say with absolute certainty that although this experience has been awful and sometimes unbearable, it has made my marriage thrive. Throughout this time of turbulence I got up in the morning and had coffee with my husband, I kissed him before I left for work, I sat down and enjoyed watching the sunset with him on our back deck while he let me talk and vent about anything and everything. I genuinely enjoyed his company more than ever before. I crave our time together and prioritize it because it makes me feel good. When everything else is crumbling down I have one constant that I can cling to. An anchor that keeps me safe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Change will come. Some changes will be happy and some will rock your world. But I've realized that I have a true partner to navigate these sometimes treacherous waters with. And that has made all the difference.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9nOxfK_i8s/U9ALYMWUiJI/AAAAAAAAmcc/SFR1fDPEIlcX9D_YeMfyRJjO1xRc548iQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC03316c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9nOxfK_i8s/U9ALYMWUiJI/AAAAAAAAmcc/SFR1fDPEIlcX9D_YeMfyRJjO1xRc548iQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC03316c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>5. Life has Just Begun</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Little did I know that 1826 days ago, when I said I DO, that sitting here today I would be reflecting on what has been, hands down, the greatest time of my life. I have never laughed so hard or had so much fun as I've had with Mike and things are sure to get better with time. We have only just scratched the surface and I am so excited to see where we go next! Five years in and we're just getting started!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-15365964851420978062018-05-17T15:38:00.004-04:002018-07-27T08:26:11.294-04:00Aruba: Wedding in Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILOYiqgs5xg/Wv3aIoQp_-I/AAAAAAAAsi4/tjh1mt3RnvA9J9GmzRi0GedszM0yVZDxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3352%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="898" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILOYiqgs5xg/Wv3aIoQp_-I/AAAAAAAAsi4/tjh1mt3RnvA9J9GmzRi0GedszM0yVZDxgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3352%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I realized that I never shared photos from our trip to Aruba(in October of 2014). Shocking, I know. We've kind of had a lot going on since then. However, it was a fabulous place(albeit pricey). The scenery was beautiful and the people were very friendly. Here's a smattering of pictures from our last big trip pre-baby. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-23749697206651104382018-04-16T10:51:00.001-04:002018-07-27T08:27:04.937-04:00Þingvellir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTl3caNzQo8/WZL5vtp3KPI/AAAAAAAArqQ/uz5vUlPKWbUH6_bfGxu9k5JVkmj7vdBvQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTl3caNzQo8/WZL5vtp3KPI/AAAAAAAArqQ/uz5vUlPKWbUH6_bfGxu9k5JVkmj7vdBvQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1178.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Þingvellir National Park is the place of national parliament of Iceland which was established in 930 AD. It is a very popular place with tourists as it's located 40 km from Reykjavik. Mike and I read all about it and honestly it gets a bad rep on the interwebs. Honestly, because of some salty travelers I was not even looking forward to this day but WOW was I surprised. From the first lookout at the welcome center my breath was taken away. The park is vast and you can walk for miles and miles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Here we saw the boundary between the tectonic plates and the largest lake in Iceland. The views were just amazing and there was so much to see. Take your walking shoes and camera. We had beautiful weather and captured some priceless images. The vistas are just spectacular!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5SGIgISKuw/WZL5vWa2V2I/AAAAAAAArqQ/BkyEE3BYTDk-ACH8I-YRXaB51O4-1RYdwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--5SGIgISKuw/WZL5vWa2V2I/AAAAAAAArqQ/BkyEE3BYTDk-ACH8I-YRXaB51O4-1RYdwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1173.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You can actually snorkel in Silfra between the tectonic plates. Sounds awesome huh? It probably is but we decided not to do it as it takes about 4 hours and the maximum temperature in the summer is 36-39 F. So um...no! The water is very clear and you can see various fish just by walking along the bank so that was good enough for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAsdwgC4yCU/WtS0HsP01dI/AAAAAAAAsc8/DSLZ-8eG0LMHrixXtw6MiRN85xjTF4liwCLcBGAs/s1600/canva-photo-editor%2B%25287%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAsdwgC4yCU/WtS0HsP01dI/AAAAAAAAsc8/DSLZ-8eG0LMHrixXtw6MiRN85xjTF4liwCLcBGAs/s640/canva-photo-editor%2B%25287%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Make sure you find </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g315853-d12512697-Reviews-Oxararfoss-Thingvellir_South_Region.html">Öxarárfoss</a> and bask in it's beauty. It's a small waterfall but the rocks surrounding it just take it to another level. We spent quite a bit of time here. There is now a boardwalk and benches to rest on as it is an uphill climb to get there. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsURsBWkjR0/WtS0kMMOKsI/AAAAAAAAsdE/_1n7XsE5_9cJAGft-ODmpEjTQklfLPjGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1226%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsURsBWkjR0/WtS0kMMOKsI/AAAAAAAAsdE/_1n7XsE5_9cJAGft-ODmpEjTQklfLPjGwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1226%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_I5y66gy14/WtS0pBWxnUI/AAAAAAAAsdM/akLijqoUyYMeVRT0DCbX4s8kruYSc4LlwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1218_6585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_I5y66gy14/WtS0pBWxnUI/AAAAAAAAsdM/akLijqoUyYMeVRT0DCbX4s8kruYSc4LlwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1218_6585.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You will not be able to miss <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Þingvallavatn which is the largest fresh water lake in Iceland. It is massive and oh so clear. These vistas are incredible and I couldn't stop taking picture after picture!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqgtEp8v26w/WtS1wBd1JII/AAAAAAAAsdY/VhbfCu96MrgNZZL_bz5-jSP-LRIteRytgCLcBGAs/s1600/canva-photo-editor%2B%25288%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqgtEp8v26w/WtS1wBd1JII/AAAAAAAAsdY/VhbfCu96MrgNZZL_bz5-jSP-LRIteRytgCLcBGAs/s640/canva-photo-editor%2B%25288%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Honestly you could walk around all day and not see everything here. It is a massive <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5588/">UNESCO</a> World Heritage site and you should make sure you have budgeted time to visit here. Do not let the massive amount of tourists scare you or the negative remarks online. I enjoyed my time, much more than I thought I would! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Looking back over these pictures I am reminded about Iceland's bipolar weather. The sky color is different in every picture just as it was in real life. The weather changes by the minute. You just need to always be prepared for anything!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span id="goog_1811628756"></span></div><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0Thingvellir National Park, Iceland64.255856999999992 -21.13036209999995738.733822499999988 -62.438956099999956 89.7778915 20.178231900000043tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-70170204984870040312018-04-09T11:01:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:31:28.721-04:00Cooper River Bridge Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZWOHPWP9wg/Wst9EWsGXcI/AAAAAAAAsaQ/ACDbirzDsigoWTe_61Ct437JegSApeEUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZWOHPWP9wg/Wst9EWsGXcI/AAAAAAAAsaQ/ACDbirzDsigoWTe_61Ct437JegSApeEUQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I crossed something off my Bucket List this weekend! I participated in and finished the Cooper River Bridge Run! Charleston is my favorite city in the world and I have always wanted to do this race but never pulled the trigger until now! It was awesome and we had a great time! My aunt asked me to do this with her because a friend could not due to injury. I am so glad I had this opportunity at the last minute! The race was very well organized and I cannot wait to sign up for next year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The rest of the weekend was spent visiting with family and enjoying what Charleston and Mt. Pleasant has to offer(which is so much)! The weather was great except for some rain on Saturday afternoon but we were done with the race well before. If you want an awesome experience with 40,000 people then I would say totally sign up for this race! It was awesome! Here are some pictures from the rest of the weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=amazonhomepage&f=ifr&linkID=6f31f6fd49fd567060051e462f73edc4&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-39539316711886083762018-03-16T08:00:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:34:29.693-04:00Reykjavík<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4doX5FEWDcs/WqqTKQZqwYI/AAAAAAAAsMY/JOQeVMFw-egByws49lWBC19-D1NN5E6pACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4doX5FEWDcs/WqqTKQZqwYI/AAAAAAAAsMY/JOQeVMFw-egByws49lWBC19-D1NN5E6pACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Reykjavík... there is so much to be said for this city that feels like a small town. I do not think I'll ever be able to convey just how cool it is, but I will try. While planning our trip to Iceland we decided that spending time in the capital was necessary. We were not disappointed as REK was awesome! Reykjavík is a very clean and walkable city(in the city center) and has much to do for the tourist. We could have just walked around all day and enjoyed every second. There is so much to see of this charming European town. From the colorful homes with fenced back yards to the many restaurants and cultural spaces. Reykjavík has something for everyone. After spending a couple of days here I actually said to Mike that I think REK could be the only major city that I would actually live in(if I ever thought about leaving the US and not to mention the winter weather...I digress) as it is such a warm and inviting place.<br />
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We stayed in an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/877725">AirBNB</a> not too far from the center of the city. Well within walking distance to everything. It was a quaint studio that provided everything we needed and more. We never met our host but we did stay in communication and we had everything we needed while there. The best way to see REK is to set out on foot. Put on some sneakers and hit the pavement. Walk down through the center of the city, down Laugavegur, and just keep going. Hit the coast or the marina and see the ships and just enjoy the cool crisp air. The street art is unreal. Everywhere you turned there was something cool to look at and admire.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmKX4-0jovI/WqqV2N46mzI/AAAAAAAAsMw/sZLeAwxIfycnYouBVwzv3ZUTvyA3Ga_wQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmKX4-0jovI/WqqV2N46mzI/AAAAAAAAsMw/sZLeAwxIfycnYouBVwzv3ZUTvyA3Ga_wQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We visited in June, one week before the midnight sun. However because of where the country is located the sun may have set but it was always light! We didn't experience total darkness again until we reached the US six days later! One of the places we stayed did not have black out curtains! I would recommend bringing an eye mask just in case. The locals are extremely friendly and ALL speak perfect English. Do not fear communication in Iceland. The water is some of the purest in the world! Take a water bottle and drink the natural goodness. After a week of filling up our bottles everywhere we went, we forgot to empty them before going through security at the airport. We were VERY upset to drain our bottles of the amazing glacier water we had enjoyed all week. I told Mike we could refill them after the checkpoint but he said "but now it's airport water." It was hilarious and true.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmNtYsrYWt8/WqqXk6zafwI/AAAAAAAAsM8/UE0nMVtp2BEivTm5UHofm7ONin9hUeQ0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmNtYsrYWt8/WqqXk6zafwI/AAAAAAAAsM8/UE0nMVtp2BEivTm5UHofm7ONin9hUeQ0wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1094.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Make sure you head to Hallgrímskirkja, which is a church, and a landmark that you won't be able to miss seeing due to the height of the building. You can pay a small fee and ride up and elevator to the top to lookout(picture from the lookout at the top of the post). Also you can go inside the church and hear the beautiful organ being played. It is a beautiful building, inside and out. Make sure you stop and see Lief Erikson(statue) out in front of the church and get the full Viking effect as you stare up at him. It is quite windy at the top so be prepared for that. While visiting Iceland just plan for every type of weather possible and you'll be good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EFEhk6g0cs/Wqq0joX6xfI/AAAAAAAAsNM/VrBphGjc3_c2lrgeZppRF45td7yxLxuEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1085_6866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EFEhk6g0cs/Wqq0joX6xfI/AAAAAAAAsNM/VrBphGjc3_c2lrgeZppRF45td7yxLxuEACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1085_6866.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On your walk, make sure to head down to see the Sun Voyager. It is a sculpture of a boat signifying exploration, promise, and freedom. It is a great picture spot that should not be missed. Beware that this place can be crawling with tourists as it is a stop on the local tour buses and also for the cruise ship excursions. We just missed a large group so we quickly asked someone to snap this picture for us! You can enjoy a great view of the cruise ships from here! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8B_BUsr340k/Wqq6uMyxbUI/AAAAAAAAsNc/FHEIFz4d_-YMwwW7VTFCqBRIUc8O0BFCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1168_6910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8B_BUsr340k/Wqq6uMyxbUI/AAAAAAAAsNc/FHEIFz4d_-YMwwW7VTFCqBRIUc8O0BFCQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1168_6910.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Make sure you head down to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and get yourself a famous Icelandic hot dog "pylsur." This was BY FAR the cheapest meal we ate in Iceland. The little stand only sells dogs and drinks so be prepared for that. Order it "eina með öllu" which translates to "one with everything" if you want to get the full Icelandic experience. It will include a warm, steamed bun topped with raw white onions and crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard called pylsusinnep, and remoulade, a sauce made with mayo, capers, mustard, and herbs. Mike had two all the way. I had mine the same but without the raw onions. They were more than delightful. They were amazing. Filling and delicious. The hot dog snapped when you ate it and everything tasted fresh and interesting in the best way! This is a MUST do! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Plan a visit to Harpa to see the incredible architecture and as a quick restroom stop(which was very important while I was pregnant)! It is clean and open so it's a good place to go! If you're lucky you might even be able to schedule a concert during your trip! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJe3FLI30iA/WrEi4nd1r6I/AAAAAAAAsOs/jNaRaSXxdSYghIXs5qI5mwfOOg9ztXAwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gJe3FLI30iA/WrEi4nd1r6I/AAAAAAAAsOs/jNaRaSXxdSYghIXs5qI5mwfOOg9ztXAwACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Eat all of the Skyr! Seriously, do not leave without trying a few awesome flavors! You will not regret it. Skyr is a great snack or breakfast. We ate some each day we were in Iceland and have since been eating it here in the US!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A9RCKxT1WI/WrEi5zR2GTI/AAAAAAAAsPE/kOR74Cp_xZMOoQwWQ9yp2CsRgWILLYhDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A9RCKxT1WI/WrEi5zR2GTI/AAAAAAAAsPE/kOR74Cp_xZMOoQwWQ9yp2CsRgWILLYhDgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6560.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mike found our name on the wall of acceptable names from the Icelandic Naming Committee which is the acceptable list of names that can be used in Iceland! This was very interesting to us as here in the US names are completely up to the parents. In Iceland you may of course pick the name but only from the list of appropriate names. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mlcXiqB2ao/WrEi4oM4aDI/AAAAAAAAsO0/nYrD-v2PA04ajdo4Li1G3SNTFAOJORxiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mlcXiqB2ao/WrEi4oM4aDI/AAAAAAAAsO0/nYrD-v2PA04ajdo4Li1G3SNTFAOJORxiACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uADgzdpqD30/WrEi5mONisI/AAAAAAAAsPg/2AwVfljqE6Ui-qvog6DI09HPjzaXh7hywCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uADgzdpqD30/WrEi5mONisI/AAAAAAAAsPg/2AwVfljqE6Ui-qvog6DI09HPjzaXh7hywCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAOVvTydBz0/WrEi5oRsnzI/AAAAAAAAsPk/UHTkmLKjhDo8bs9VWYsEJc4sjNuNqR2LQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAOVvTydBz0/WrEi5oRsnzI/AAAAAAAAsPk/UHTkmLKjhDo8bs9VWYsEJc4sjNuNqR2LQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1169.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reykjavik is such an amazing city. I would book my trip to revisit in a heartbeat! </div><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0Reykjavík, Iceland64.126520599999992 -21.81743919999996764.0156806 -22.140162699999966 64.237360599999988 -21.494715699999968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-26840422697928055522018-03-09T11:20:00.000-05:002018-07-27T08:35:01.448-04:00Blue Lagoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_5hlKnH6Yg/WqaLj9tq8hI/AAAAAAAAsJM/Lx0sPEkwUZgrrCcCLIWI2J5djar_r4FJQCLcBGAs/s1600/canva-photo-editor%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="973" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_5hlKnH6Yg/WqaLj9tq8hI/AAAAAAAAsJM/Lx0sPEkwUZgrrCcCLIWI2J5djar_r4FJQCLcBGAs/s640/canva-photo-editor%2B%25285%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I am finally getting around to writing more about our incredible trip to Iceland. Before our trip we did a lot of research about what we wanted to do and the must sees etc. The Blue Lagoon was kind of a mixed bag on the internet. We decided that we might as well do it since we're going to Iceland. It is definitely touristy(and being built up more and more) but I would say that it is a must do for your first trip to Iceland. We decided to take advantage of our early arrival and book the 8:00 AM Blue Lagoon visit which is the first of the day. This time was great as there was hardly anyone there. You'll quickly realize when visiting Iceland that <i>NO ONE</i> wakes up early. They stay up late and wake up late. As Americans, with children, we most certainly wake up at the crack of dawn everyday! The Blue Lagoon is pretty far out there so it's best to go on your way to or from the airport as it would take away too much of your precious time in Iceland otherwise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We booked the cheapest package and brought our own towels from home that we had planned to just leave there. But the girl at the desk upgraded us for free and we got bathrobes and towels! I think she did because I was pregnant. We went and changed in our respective "locker rooms" which were the nicest locker rooms ever. Also, be aware that there are no private changing places. The showers do have doors but they are frosted glass. Europeans are less modest apparently. Also, you must shower before entering the lagoon. After a quick shower it was time to go in!! You can either wade in from the indoors or you can go outside where it's freezing and enter. We chose to wade in and it was fabulous. The warm water loosened our muscles and invigorated us after a long day of travel with a 5 hour time jump. Be aware that the silica in the water will wreak havoc on your locks so slather up with the free conditioner when you shower. I put a ton of it on my hair and swept it up in a top knot. My hair was perfectly fine afterwards. It is diffucult to take good quality pictures there because of the steam and of course water. We used our waterproof Nikon and not our Canon DSLR. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSAEg7gBCSQ/WqKXOqt2zLI/AAAAAAAAsHk/2xwEd70FuTQW8tFumKZybw0KJNxVs79dwCEwYBhgL/s1600/canva-photo-editor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSAEg7gBCSQ/WqKXOqt2zLI/AAAAAAAAsHk/2xwEd70FuTQW8tFumKZybw0KJNxVs79dwCEwYBhgL/s640/canva-photo-editor.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The water is a wonderful shade of blue, which is a stark contrast to all of the black lava rock and the grey skies, but it is also opaque. I would not recommend wearing jewelry into the lagoon because if it falls off it is gone forever. You cannot see anything! The lagoon itself is huge! I asked a lifeguard how many people can swim at once and he said over 700. There are many different areas and depths. There is an awesome swim up bar where we ordered Skyr smoothies which are must have while there! Everyone is also slathering face masks on and we were no exception. Our skin was so smooth and hydrated! We were in there maybe 2.5 hours, but you can be there all day if you wish. After exiting the lagoon we both went back to the locker rooms and showered and I even dried my hair with the hairdryers they had to use. It had an awesome spa like feel and I was so relaxed. The Blue Lagoon also has a spa if that's on your agenda. I checked with my doctor to make sure it was okay to soak while pregnant. I was given the thumbs up as the lagoon has areas of differing temperatures. I would recommend getting out for a bit and cooling down and then go back in. Also staying hydrated is always important when expecting but it's especially important while in hot pots(what Icelanders call thermal pools).<br />
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We met more Americans than any other nationality. Iceland is becoming very popular with tourists and especially Americans. We met many Floridians which we struck up conversation with quite easily. The Blue Lagoon was such an interesting place and I am glad we visited. The water is so warm and inviting which is such a departure from the wind and cold that you experience in the Reykjanes peninsula! So If Iceland is on your travel bucket list then you should check out the Blue Lagoon at least once. If we went back I am not sure if we'd do it again. It would depend on time and money. It is not a very frugal experience but it is one that I do not regret.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking in. You get the full effect before even entering!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0Nordurljosavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland63.880391 -22.44950889999995538.3583565 -63.758102899999955 89.4024255 18.859085100000044tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-16427312216078976292017-12-31T10:52:00.000-05:002018-07-27T08:36:30.839-04:002017 in Pictures<div style="text-align: justify;">2017 was a year to remember and to forget. It was personally the most difficult year of my life but also wonderful as I welcomed my son into the world. Even though it was a tough year we had a lot of fantastic experiences. Here are a select few of the memorable ones!</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The year started off with a beautiful snow storm! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millie needed tubes in her ears :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had an amazing 80 degree day in February</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millie learned to walk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a micro-burst and lost a huge tree!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First egg hunt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby announcement</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iceland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Date night downtown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristin's wedding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millie starting a new class at school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends visiting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzWYI88V_38/Wmn6Hy7DkyI/AAAAAAAAr90/-PqMwmC2BbMwpaugpKSG0GK4kWEUxX5PACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1080" height="636" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzWYI88V_38/Wmn6Hy7DkyI/AAAAAAAAr90/-PqMwmC2BbMwpaugpKSG0GK4kWEUxX5PACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8630.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple picking</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNuOnZ6Ga4c/Wmn6Id9HygI/AAAAAAAAr94/r44urRsFfqQiM-YHKdpPB6TqjRCvGWdfgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNuOnZ6Ga4c/Wmn6Id9HygI/AAAAAAAAr94/r44urRsFfqQiM-YHKdpPB6TqjRCvGWdfgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9081.JPG" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall festival</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvdibaYawD8/Wmn6Iy_4jxI/AAAAAAAAr90/Z4HPqgb2sk06zXjGNFRl48rcNSyd4Wt_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvdibaYawD8/Wmn6Iy_4jxI/AAAAAAAAr90/Z4HPqgb2sk06zXjGNFRl48rcNSyd4Wt_QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting on baby brother</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aNLIoHRKpw/Wmn6JW8-m7I/AAAAAAAAr98/gplF-3FgDRkOLP_yw3-3tjCXEWLvvicDACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aNLIoHRKpw/Wmn6JW8-m7I/AAAAAAAAr98/gplF-3FgDRkOLP_yw3-3tjCXEWLvvicDACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9279.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucas is here!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6i1S9-8z1D4/Wmn6J1HarTI/AAAAAAAAr98/z4z9oAw5yAQ4nnDEVEq0FHI4iD_a2vvwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6i1S9-8z1D4/Wmn6J1HarTI/AAAAAAAAr98/z4z9oAw5yAQ4nnDEVEq0FHI4iD_a2vvwQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9370.JPG" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First doctor visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QbNluOeKAQ/Wmn6Kdsaw6I/AAAAAAAAr98/4X7mut16QugQvOjQFJJdaJmQNF9B7DlPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QbNluOeKAQ/Wmn6Kdsaw6I/AAAAAAAAr98/4X7mut16QugQvOjQFJJdaJmQNF9B7DlPgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_9842.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Christmas parade</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjFWVzRax_o/Wmn6BUniH7I/AAAAAAAAr9w/MEqbzoJgt4EHKiAMovzmIk5MruR9EIQQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjFWVzRax_o/Wmn6BUniH7I/AAAAAAAAr9w/MEqbzoJgt4EHKiAMovzmIk5MruR9EIQQQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0147.JPG" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roper Mountain Lights for the last time</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-mGpcTOQVA/Wmn6BesX1OI/AAAAAAAAr98/DsLt2JtTOnABe9n_OscD_RsdFXYEPHANACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-mGpcTOQVA/Wmn6BesX1OI/AAAAAAAAr98/DsLt2JtTOnABe9n_OscD_RsdFXYEPHANACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0308.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Christmas as a family of four!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnuCsFiWmMc/Wmn6BQWBBnI/AAAAAAAAr90/twGXWTofZa8sGInf7r7Ew6xb-cLgtBjqACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnuCsFiWmMc/Wmn6BQWBBnI/AAAAAAAAr90/twGXWTofZa8sGInf7r7Ew6xb-cLgtBjqACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0333.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet brother and sister!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New year! May 2018 be a MUCH better year! Cheers!</div><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-12532910812956373312017-11-30T13:39:00.000-05:002018-07-27T08:39:40.205-04:00He's Here!<div style="text-align: center;">Our son is here! Lucas Michael arrived on October 31, 2017! 8 lbs 9 oz and 19 3/4 inches.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are thrilled and love him so! Little sister is still adjusting! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfrK4GoFYMs/WmjTtEPAV_I/AAAAAAAAr5w/paZgIrJ98ToLzxT1HMwT-7arWWz3dAP7ACLcBGAs/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfrK4GoFYMs/WmjTtEPAV_I/AAAAAAAAr5w/paZgIrJ98ToLzxT1HMwT-7arWWz3dAP7ACLcBGAs/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD1fFW_dXpw/WmjTtFbvgLI/AAAAAAAAr5s/TZAD_c8ppkMYLRGaU9O01tH8h3Cl9KjfwCLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD1fFW_dXpw/WmjTtFbvgLI/AAAAAAAAr5s/TZAD_c8ppkMYLRGaU9O01tH8h3Cl9KjfwCLcBGAs/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxReU8J-Pn0/WmjTtEQ44nI/AAAAAAAAr5o/bufNhaIUamALWy0ugN-w9MPThRlhjQBLQCLcBGAs/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxReU8J-Pn0/WmjTtEQ44nI/AAAAAAAAr5o/bufNhaIUamALWy0ugN-w9MPThRlhjQBLQCLcBGAs/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Things are crazy around here! I hope to post more in 2018 though! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">**Photos taken by Anne Marie at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/annemariesphotography01/">Anne Marie's photography</a>**</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(she's wonderful, tell her I sent you!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=gcbaby&banner=197ZA015YHTW5F8ZB8R2&f=ifr&linkID=5f56f55bf3cfc0bf31b5ea0420737c53&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-8477688802973790022017-08-15T09:43:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:41:13.092-04:00Incredible Iceland at a Glance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUgvXcWK_yU/WZL5uSWADFI/AAAAAAAArow/1ztbfBARkaEvHWfgWh-igTS6_BqN5PgHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1085_6866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUgvXcWK_yU/WZL5uSWADFI/AAAAAAAArow/1ztbfBARkaEvHWfgWh-igTS6_BqN5PgHwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1085_6866.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In June, Mike and I took an incredible whirlwind trip to Iceland to celebrate his 30th birthday. The trip came right after our anniversary and we counted it as a babymoon as well! I plan to post more specifics about the places we went but here is a picture overview of our awe-inspiring trip to a wonderful country that either of us could have only have imagined.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Iceland. If you ever get the chance to go don't even hesitate! </div><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-91148398697404008952017-08-10T15:36:00.002-04:002018-07-27T08:42:51.787-04:00Wedding Weekend in Savannah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhsTA-rCI8Y/WYyvX8h9h8I/AAAAAAAArn4/sUj75-5eIR8rOcKE5n3RoYhJhlJ7YbaRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7750%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhsTA-rCI8Y/WYyvX8h9h8I/AAAAAAAArn4/sUj75-5eIR8rOcKE5n3RoYhJhlJ7YbaRACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7750%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Last month we took a long weekend trip to Savannah, GA to attend the wedding of my sister in law. I was personally excited about seeing my sister in law tie the knot as well as it being an excuse to get out of town for a bit. I was in my 24th week of pregnancy and still feeling pretty good! Most likely this was our last 'trip' before baby so we took full advantage of the opportunity. As a family we shared a ton of laughs and now have new memories to share with the newlyweds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzP8dZiqYww/WYyxt6oqFTI/AAAAAAAAroE/KbGt-OPym9MJY3tQhIImZm8YX7X-RJHwgCLcBGAs/s1600/HT%2BInn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gzP8dZiqYww/WYyxt6oqFTI/AAAAAAAAroE/KbGt-OPym9MJY3tQhIImZm8YX7X-RJHwgCLcBGAs/s640/HT%2BInn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stayed at the Hamilton Turner Inn since the wedding was to take place right outside in Lafayette Square. Most of the immediate family stayed in the three bedroom carriage house that was so quaint and decorated beautifully. Here is a link to my review on <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60814-d86744-r508176217-Hamilton_Turner_Inn-Savannah_Georgia.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT">Trip Advisor</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eB7oQ371Izk/WYyyBBDBJEI/AAAAAAAAroI/P3z1Na3CG2sMHOs-uDfEbxPWE4cY6jTsACLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eB7oQ371Izk/WYyyBBDBJEI/AAAAAAAAroI/P3z1Na3CG2sMHOs-uDfEbxPWE4cY6jTsACLcBGAs/s640/Untitled%2Bcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBGMssRhAm0/WYyy-k9HDuI/AAAAAAAAroU/2R7SeJ3S5vUHDoyroebQlaJV-p9IgAjNACLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled%2Bcollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBGMssRhAm0/WYyy-k9HDuI/AAAAAAAAroU/2R7SeJ3S5vUHDoyroebQlaJV-p9IgAjNACLcBGAs/s640/Untitled%2Bcollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Millie had a fabulous weekend exploring and being doted on at every turn by all of her family members.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvwBZHMRahc/WYy0nlJQitI/AAAAAAAArog/hqLzqlcsHIYNvOmjzUWzKn8hS61X6-i-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled%2Bcollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvwBZHMRahc/WYy0nlJQitI/AAAAAAAArog/hqLzqlcsHIYNvOmjzUWzKn8hS61X6-i-wCLcBGAs/s640/Untitled%2Bcollage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look at that gorgeous bride!!! We had a wonderful weekend with some of our favorite people. Cheers to the newlyweds and may they have a long and happy marriage!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=gcwed&banner=1HS76X336X7NWTRP43R2&f=ifr&linkID=e521d5230e2f572319212157603f28a3&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-76122774971881710802017-07-06T14:03:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:44:56.568-04:00Two Years in Our House! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As of July 1st we've made it two years in our house! In those two years we have taken on countless projects, tackled many new things in regards to home repair and maintenance, and have just really enjoyed our home. I wanted to share some side by side photos of the house before and now so we really could grasp all of the blood, sweat, and tears that we have poured into this house! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><b><i>Facade</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTl7qUTI9ho/V4O8M79HLmI/AAAAAAAApvc/WGpumbYG7B44JXmxaeqCk0hcRG7-D0IwwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Closing%2BDay%2B7%25252F30%25252F2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTl7qUTI9ho/V4O8M79HLmI/AAAAAAAApvc/WGpumbYG7B44JXmxaeqCk0hcRG7-D0IwwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/Closing%2BDay%2B7%25252F30%25252F2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdWX06Jlfpk/V4O8a08VKGI/AAAAAAAApvc/PX8XC_1s4SM4RehJUBVptbcFKc9UMo2YQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/ISl6bfbz03ojez0000000000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdWX06Jlfpk/V4O8a08VKGI/AAAAAAAApvc/PX8XC_1s4SM4RehJUBVptbcFKc9UMo2YQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/ISl6bfbz03ojez0000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The outside has not changed too much but in a lucky turn of events we did manage to get a new roof because of a terrible hail storm(2016). We also outfitted the garage door with carriage fixtures. On one day during Millie's nap-time we backbreakingly lined the right flower bed with stones that we had a pile of in the back yard! It was a hard but free project that I think adds to the curb appeal. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Porch</i></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woxNpCs6avw/V4PuHoo1nPI/AAAAAAAApwA/sSVSEO993tcW8e26DJXGDLPqrA9g3_3_ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0463%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woxNpCs6avw/V4PuHoo1nPI/AAAAAAAApwA/sSVSEO993tcW8e26DJXGDLPqrA9g3_3_ACPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0463%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We do not have a before picture of the front porch. Here is the after. Not much has been done except for adding some Boston ferns, Adirondacks, tables and lanterns. The biggest transformation we made was paining the ceiling haint blue! If you're not familiar with this tradition you should <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/inspiration/styles-and-techniques/sw-article-pro-thewhysbehind.html">look it up</a>! We had the house pressure washed so as soon as the ceiling was dry we slapped on a coat of Benjamin Moore Polar Sky. We both couldn't be more pleased. It is a fantastic place to have a cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Kitchen</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtM-X2ijH1s/WV49afadtkI/AAAAAAAArJ8/H6tY0gM7cJ4HK0uUhrhZCnLxQTUPd66ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/File_001%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtM-X2ijH1s/WV49afadtkI/AAAAAAAArJ8/H6tY0gM7cJ4HK0uUhrhZCnLxQTUPd66ZgCLcBGAs/s640/File_001%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV0L-X4G5EA/WV49n3_bE9I/AAAAAAAArKA/1lGIhu12ZW4KnEsywBr1G_wrdeoDTQ-VgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV0L-X4G5EA/WV49n3_bE9I/AAAAAAAArKA/1lGIhu12ZW4KnEsywBr1G_wrdeoDTQ-VgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9825.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This is the best before picture I have. This picture was taken the night before we had the granite installed so the drawers were already removed. This kitchen reno was a labor of love. It took months to say the very least but with an infant and us both working full time we did a little here and there until we FINALLY finished. In the kitchen we removed the old white formica counter tops and added granite along with a new sink and faucet. Mike and I tackled the back splash after going to a workshop at a home and garden show, it was quite the experience. Since this picture we have updated all of the hardware as well. Throughout the entire kitchen, breakfast room, and hallway the walls were painted and texturized with a mixture of the red and gold you see in the before picture. It was a nightmare to smooth out the walls and it took FOREVER! We couldn't be more proud of the finished product! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Breakfast Room</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atFPT8gTQU4/WV5AYymiSYI/AAAAAAAArKQ/PeUUeFzGUNomUJF-Vtl12mzFyp1GsItsQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inspection%2BBreakfast%2BRoom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atFPT8gTQU4/WV5AYymiSYI/AAAAAAAArKQ/PeUUeFzGUNomUJF-Vtl12mzFyp1GsItsQCLcBGAs/s640/Inspection%2BBreakfast%2BRoom.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNyhJupFA9g/WV5AyNeeUoI/AAAAAAAArKc/apPF4Yk7Qwg9QNYWWSZlXqaxFz45hNaHACLcBGAs/s1600/File_000%2B%252810%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNyhJupFA9g/WV5AyNeeUoI/AAAAAAAArKc/apPF4Yk7Qwg9QNYWWSZlXqaxFz45hNaHACLcBGAs/s640/File_000%2B%252810%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mJetZXYuV8/WV5EUtXj1zI/AAAAAAAArK8/PHPHnv1-xscm0sOIgkF6Q3dStugaF4z_ACLcBGAs/s1600/kitchen%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1100" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mJetZXYuV8/WV5EUtXj1zI/AAAAAAAArK8/PHPHnv1-xscm0sOIgkF6Q3dStugaF4z_ACLcBGAs/s640/kitchen%2Bcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>The before picture was taken on inspection day(including the former owners furniture and decor). You can see more of that lovely red which we wanted to change immediately. We went with Mega Greige from Sherwin Williams and I think the change is phenomenal. We added a small farmhouse table with metal chairs to accent the awesome new light fixture. We added floor skimming curtains to soften the space and also cut down on the sun which shines directly on the back of the house all afternoon. We eat 99% of our meals here and enjoy this space so much!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><b>Dining Room</b></i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sW28KBcGdXY/WV5GUG3o4wI/AAAAAAAArLo/cpcZ4vsTnrwD0i54RRbGNXynQe9VA4TYACLcBGAs/s1600/File_002%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sW28KBcGdXY/WV5GUG3o4wI/AAAAAAAArLo/cpcZ4vsTnrwD0i54RRbGNXynQe9VA4TYACLcBGAs/s640/File_002%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXZAIJVqTe4/WV5GUBq_83I/AAAAAAAArLk/x67n2LHuVxsh-zTlMJEFB_V1qfBz577_QCLcBGAs/s1600/File_000%2B%252813%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXZAIJVqTe4/WV5GUBq_83I/AAAAAAAArLk/x67n2LHuVxsh-zTlMJEFB_V1qfBz577_QCLcBGAs/s640/File_000%2B%252813%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Dining room was painted a wonderful shade of chartreuse with gold fleck and didn't represent our style AT ALL! We had this beautiful farmhouse table made and decided it was high time we painted the walls. We used Mega Greige again to tie into the kitchen and I think it gives it a nice neutral color that really allows the table to take center stage. We also added some bamboo shades to accent the space and also to block the afternoon sun. I personally love the simplicity of this room and have my eye open for an antique oar to go over the french doors!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Master Bedroom</i></b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUa6UcIbyTY/WV47XYftlyI/AAAAAAAArJw/3JcjOLq8oOcYhp91NDG2jfOQMcD5iAoQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Master%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUa6UcIbyTY/WV47XYftlyI/AAAAAAAArJw/3JcjOLq8oOcYhp91NDG2jfOQMcD5iAoQwCLcBGAs/s640/Master%2B1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0NvHgW4-1g/WV47hOM0soI/AAAAAAAArJ0/bey0IrDgc4ojjU0Xfppk0Fdpfj0a4YQFQCLcBGAs/s1600/File_000%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0NvHgW4-1g/WV47hOM0soI/AAAAAAAArJ0/bey0IrDgc4ojjU0Xfppk0Fdpfj0a4YQFQCLcBGAs/s640/File_000%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></div><span style="text-align: justify;">Our master was an unfortunate shade of portobello when we moved in. One of the very first things we did to the house was paint the master a light and airy shade of Tidewater by Sherwin Williams. It really lightens up the space and calms you down after a long day. We installed a new ceiling fan and also had new carpet installed and softened the space with white floor skimming curtains. </span><br />
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<div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Powder Room</i></b></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbuIHrJhW3M/WV53VHjjSwI/AAAAAAAArNM/-7uBeYvqJ4ozVYeWEsg2eZn1ss2xnYYkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inspection%2BHalf%2Bbath%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbuIHrJhW3M/WV53VHjjSwI/AAAAAAAArNM/-7uBeYvqJ4ozVYeWEsg2eZn1ss2xnYYkQCLcBGAs/s400/Inspection%2BHalf%2Bbath%2B2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_36dXlfcrE/WV53X80-FDI/AAAAAAAArNQ/r_gHH7mC0IANs4fov_LWh3hGbelxvoTgACLcBGAs/s1600/File_003%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_36dXlfcrE/WV53X80-FDI/AAAAAAAArNQ/r_gHH7mC0IANs4fov_LWh3hGbelxvoTgACLcBGAs/s400/File_003%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Before</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd954tDDPeY/WV522vGw73I/AAAAAAAArNE/veWsMW33yn8aMwVirDHHSQgRofxUpxV7ACLcBGAs/s1600/File_003%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd954tDDPeY/WV522vGw73I/AAAAAAAArNE/veWsMW33yn8aMwVirDHHSQgRofxUpxV7ACLcBGAs/s400/File_003%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l50HxsH5kWw/WV526_QWgmI/AAAAAAAArNI/FOaqgFSJJxkmA0ACO2qMBeCql9oqEXVZwCLcBGAs/s1600/File_001%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l50HxsH5kWw/WV526_QWgmI/AAAAAAAArNI/FOaqgFSJJxkmA0ACO2qMBeCql9oqEXVZwCLcBGAs/s400/File_001%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">After</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The powder bath had wallpaper! Three layers of it that we had no idea about it until we started removing!!Wallpaper removal is a labor of love to say the least! We painted this room a diluted Sherwin Williams Tidewater like our bedroom and it feels so fresh and clean. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Millie's Room</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqYF02KVYmw/WV5KfQ2_VoI/AAAAAAAArL4/sVBgM6rycMcswh5VseCVXOmm3YTT6MobwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nursery%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqYF02KVYmw/WV5KfQ2_VoI/AAAAAAAArL4/sVBgM6rycMcswh5VseCVXOmm3YTT6MobwCLcBGAs/s640/Nursery%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRrobeTsFFs/WV5KfRuArFI/AAAAAAAArL0/1QfZueCzBwEmcm3kU9MXJeIgZAZQCpTbACLcBGAs/s1600/Nursery%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRrobeTsFFs/WV5KfRuArFI/AAAAAAAArL0/1QfZueCzBwEmcm3kU9MXJeIgZAZQCpTbACLcBGAs/s640/Nursery%2B3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ED76c_pPAro/WV5Lc7reQDI/AAAAAAAArMA/BJf7tYjxIC45EUBG6HDqGe_7klWXdaClgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ED76c_pPAro/WV5Lc7reQDI/AAAAAAAArMA/BJf7tYjxIC45EUBG6HDqGe_7klWXdaClgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYoYDotehHk/WV5Lc2SIkII/AAAAAAAArME/ouN4B6-3Cmk6Tj4tulmJFuWXO0eSp2gdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYoYDotehHk/WV5Lc2SIkII/AAAAAAAArME/ouN4B6-3Cmk6Tj4tulmJFuWXO0eSp2gdQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7587.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Millie's room might be my favorite in the entire house. When we moved in this room was actually a little girls nursery that was painted a super dark shade of mocha which made the room feel and look so incredibly dark that it would never do for us. It took two coats of Kilz and two coats of Sherwin Williams Swimming to bring it to the happy space it is today. We went with all white furniture to keep it feminine as we did paint a girl nursery blue. As a lover of Lilly Pulitzer I decided to decorate her room with a loose LP theme. There are a lot of fun colors and elements we added like the book nook in her dormer. It is such a sweet space that everyone comments on when they see it. Soon she will be upgrading to a big girl bed so this space will look much different next year but because we didn't use a true nursery theme it will not be hard to incorporate her new furniture into this room! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Back of House</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oEKnra6cFE/WV5NjMATmoI/AAAAAAAArMU/3N1JPDnLlxAgLFuIIb_4qQT3NurMd65ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Back%2Bof%2Bhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oEKnra6cFE/WV5NjMATmoI/AAAAAAAArMU/3N1JPDnLlxAgLFuIIb_4qQT3NurMd65ZwCLcBGAs/s640/Back%2Bof%2Bhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-662u0_aDxTU/WV5NjBzTA4I/AAAAAAAArMQ/0vqKqx4x3J8D_tYcYaDMwVMAd01nu6PDwCLcBGAs/s1600/Back%2BDeck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-662u0_aDxTU/WV5NjBzTA4I/AAAAAAAArMQ/0vqKqx4x3J8D_tYcYaDMwVMAd01nu6PDwCLcBGAs/s640/Back%2BDeck.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ueIR3xDpw/WV5OQDoEHlI/AAAAAAAArMc/zUZYbfMMaNY4FSHYqPLORSAzqAP3pYWcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7266%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ueIR3xDpw/WV5OQDoEHlI/AAAAAAAArMc/zUZYbfMMaNY4FSHYqPLORSAzqAP3pYWcQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7266%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj-slWOGDk0/WV5O8nPT4wI/AAAAAAAArMk/8Mu4d9_KQkcgMR39aYVKKTqEKlOVncR-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj-slWOGDk0/WV5O8nPT4wI/AAAAAAAArMk/8Mu4d9_KQkcgMR39aYVKKTqEKlOVncR-QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0485.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The back of the house has been updated with new patio furniture and cute pop up lights(which were destroyed in a hail storm but will be replaced soon). We love this area to grill and entertain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Going forward. We have actually finished(need to caulk and touch up) our master bath small renovation. I will add it when I snap some new pictures. Next up is taming our insane pantry. I am buying and installing the Algot kit from Ikea so fingers crossed. Soon after we will be updating our impending arrivals new room! I cannot wait to FINALLY tackle another brown room(she says sarcastically). That may be all we can do for a bit as we will have a barely two year old and a newborn. I love seeing these pictures and noticing all of the hard work that has gone into this house to make it a home we really love. Will we ever be done? Probably not! I feel that there will always be room for improvement of the home variety :)</div><br />
<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=echo&banner=1ZZ5TM5SVRD2GHZ0KFG2&f=ifr&linkID=720cc3c2a7bf89646f1294c049c1c83a&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-45649007715414143292017-07-04T14:09:00.000-04:002017-07-06T14:11:20.484-04:00Happy 4th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7RDaULRaak/WV58xfo8xDI/AAAAAAAArRc/RHQgsOBEp54fKVXDM-sIuRBW0LMtWaVLACLcBGAs/s1600/BeFunky%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7RDaULRaak/WV58xfo8xDI/AAAAAAAArRc/RHQgsOBEp54fKVXDM-sIuRBW0LMtWaVLACLcBGAs/s640/BeFunky%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Happy 4th of July</b>! We hope that you got to spend it relaxing with your loved ones like we did! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-38709981885067639682017-05-04T09:03:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:45:52.278-04:00BIG NEWS!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHmaB13GBJw/WQsmPDKBGPI/AAAAAAAAq9M/Ucm7WmnU2AwZVh-bOIQnRl4JE89UCvRhwCLcB/s1600/18216456_10158650906555290_6196352907392314191_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHmaB13GBJw/WQsmPDKBGPI/AAAAAAAAq9M/Ucm7WmnU2AwZVh-bOIQnRl4JE89UCvRhwCLcB/s640/18216456_10158650906555290_6196352907392314191_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have another little one on the way! Baby Brother due Fall 2017!</div><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-84345441813677859602016-07-01T08:00:00.001-04:002017-08-11T14:52:07.685-04:00Home Sweet Home<div style="text-align: justify;">
As of July 1st we have made it one full year in our house. It has been a HUGE year for us with the new house and baby so we have paced ourselves on our fixer upper but I think we managed to do a lot in a very small amount of time! Going forward we will be sharing our home progress here!</div>
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We are going to start with the outside.<br />
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<i>Facade</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTl7qUTI9ho/V4O8M79HLmI/AAAAAAAApvQ/SLWLjmOM03MHJABx3rfCX_IGPQYi4ZP1wCLcB/s1600/Closing%2BDay%2B7%25252F30%25252F2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTl7qUTI9ho/V4O8M79HLmI/AAAAAAAApvQ/SLWLjmOM03MHJABx3rfCX_IGPQYi4ZP1wCLcB/s640/Closing%2BDay%2B7%25252F30%25252F2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After</div>
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The outside has not changed too much but in a lucky turn of events we did manage to get a new roof because of a terrible hail storm. We also outfitted the garage door with carriage fixtures. On one day during Millie's nap-time we backbreakingly lined the right flower bed with stones that we had a pile of in the back yard! It was a hard but free project that I think adds to the curb appeal. </div>
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<i>Porch</i><br />
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We do not have a before picture of the front porch. Here is the after. Not much has been done except for adding some Boston ferns, Adirondacks, tables and lanterns. The biggest transformation we made was paining the ceiling haint blue! If you're not familiar with this tradition you should <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/inspiration/styles-and-techniques/sw-article-pro-thewhysbehind.html">look it up</a>! We had the house pressure washed so as soon as the ceiling was dry we slapped on a coat of Benjamin Moore Polar Sky. We both couldn't be more pleased. It is a fantastic place to have a cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening! </div>
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We'll be back soon to share more of our abode!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-46174791312422975092015-10-03T15:31:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:46:09.370-04:00It's A GIRL!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Amelia "Millie" Kim Arnold</div><div style="text-align: center;">September 22, 2015</div><div style="text-align: center;">6lbs. 14oz.</div><div style="text-align: center;">20 in.<br />
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We are proud parents and are so excited to start this new chapter!!</div><br />
<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=babyregistry&banner=0SKE9HZHZNBQCPGZGV82&f=ifr&linkID=da88e8bbd8a4b7f7ef7a2f5ab9c5d34b&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-69083342577155915372015-04-05T12:00:00.000-04:002017-08-11T14:53:38.602-04:00Our Gender Announcement!<div style="text-align: center;">
We're thrilled to announce that...</div>
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We can't stop smiling! Happy Easter from The Arnold's!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-48405478450445832882015-03-20T09:23:00.000-04:002017-08-11T14:53:46.748-04:00Instagram Catch Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of course we've shared pictures of our baby girl Pumpkin!! She has been super loungy and snugly this winter. She has been enjoying the milder temperatures we've been having as of late! However, she is not nearly as excited about becoming a big sister as we are about having a child. </div>
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Mike has been enjoying using his Big Green Egg! He is keeping the pregnant woman fed which is a super plus. He has now prepared beer can chicken, ribs, pulled pork(Boston butt), burgers and pizza. The burger above is an infamous Jucy Lucy and it was amazing!</div>
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The weather this year has been blah to say the least. We've had two snow events and one ice event. Us Arnold's are warm weather lovers so we had to just grin and bear it. Spring is in the air though judging by the beautiful purple blooms in our flower beds!</div>
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Although we've kept a low profile these last few months due to the winter cold and the baby we have not missed a meal! We have had some fabulous meals out and at home. We've dined at Sushi Masa, Tupelo Honey Cafe and Adams Bistro(more than once). The last picture included was the first pizza Mike ever made on the Egg. It was a barbecue chicken pizza and it was divine!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-90997106245971295092015-03-09T07:00:00.000-04:002018-07-27T08:46:32.275-04:00Big News!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hXOyMrlc5s/VP8He6uv0YI/AAAAAAAAm44/IF5qQzt3hGY/s1600/Announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hXOyMrlc5s/VP8He6uv0YI/AAAAAAAAm44/IF5qQzt3hGY/s640/Announcement.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry we have been M.I.A. for so long but we have been preoccupied with our Big News! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's right...Arnold Adventures is about to expand! Thanks so much for all of the support and love over the past almost 2 years as Arnold's. We are excited for this new chapter and can't wait to share!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We plan to do a catch-up of the stuff we've been up to since our blog hiatus!</div><br />
<iframe src="//rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=babyregistry&banner=0SKE9HZHZNBQCPGZGV82&f=ifr&linkID=da88e8bbd8a4b7f7ef7a2f5ab9c5d34b&t=mrsjenarnold-20&tracking_id=mrsjenarnold-20" width="728" height="90" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-89846375856919597102014-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:002017-08-11T14:54:06.551-04:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2014 was an amazing year! Thank you all for coming along for the ride! We are so excited for what 2015 brings! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-26460196560022843172014-11-02T21:29:00.001-05:002018-03-16T13:35:34.909-04:00Kayaking Lake Lure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow we're totally slacking over here...it has been far too long since we've posted. In our defense we have been so busy traveling and exploring, oh and being lazy! Anyway, we wanted to share with you our day on the water(back in September) when we went kayaking on Lake Lure. </div>
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Lake Lure is a beautiful teeny tiny town in Rutherford County N.C. It is a quaint mountain town that only boasts one small inn and a few restaurants. It's beauty however is unmatched for this area. Lake Lure was the location for the film Dirty Dancing and for several other films and shows. It is a lake with mountain vistas on all sides which makes for a fantastic place to kayak and explore. If you look up from the lake you'll see the very popular Chimney Rock (formerly State) Park. When you're in the area you should definitely check it out!</div>
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We have a lot more to share so stay tuned!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-70092844849009734582014-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:002018-01-26T11:18:49.055-05:00Poinsett Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Sunday we had the pleasure of exploring northern Greenville county and the Poinsett Bridge. If you're ever up Highway 11 you should check out this gem of the upstate. It is free to visit and is just beautiful. Poinsett Bridge was built in 1820 as part of a road from Columbia, South Carolina to Saluda Mountain and is one of the oldest extant bridges in South Carolina. The bridge includes a 14-foot Gothic arch and stretches 130 feet over Little Gap Creek. Though no longer in use, the stone bridge remains largely intact. The bridge is part of the 120-acre Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.</div>
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The area around the bridge is so serene and you can just visit for a few minutes as there isn't too much there to see or you can sit on a rock and observe the wildlife for as long as your heart desires. There is great parking and the bridge is extremely easy to access. It really is a beautiful setting in a lush forest that is quite peaceful. Check it out if you're in the area. </div>
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We are enjoying exploring very much! There is so much to see and do here and we cannot wait to tap into everything we have available to us here!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11134582423454455122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105874000102930267.post-33242435577332800522014-09-22T08:00:00.000-04:002018-01-26T11:19:06.783-05:00Pearson's Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last weekend while we were out "Sunday riding" we stumbled across a great little find up in Saluda, NC. Pearson's Falls is located in the foothills of Western North Carolina off Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda. This wildlife and bird sanctuary comprises 268 acres of native forest, granite, spring-fed streams and a moderate 1/4 mile trail to a 90-foot waterfall. There are over 200 species of rare wildflowers and plants. There are also mosses, lichens, shrubs and trees in this glen, which is classified as a deciduous climax forest. Pearson's Falls is owned and maintained by The Tryon Garden Club.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a small fee to enter ($5 for adults) but we thought it was worth it as the park was very well maintained with nice parking. There is a short .25 mile trail you must take to see the falls but it was a nice </span>leisurely<span style="font-family: inherit;"> hike for us. The trail was wonderful with a large winding mulch path upon entering. As you journey farther into the forest the trail does increase a bit in altitude and difficulty with steps and uneven terrain, however it was nothing that a healthy person/child couldn't handle. There are wonderful picnic areas along the trail and even one right near the falls that you can enjoy a nice meal. It was a cloudy day and we really felt as if we had escaped to the Pacific Northwest as everything was so lush and green. Pearson's Falls is a great little place not too far from Tryon and we recommend you give it a chance if you're in the area.</span></div>
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There is so much to explore just a few miles from home. We have been exploring a bit of Western NC as it is close but don't worry, we will be headed to many places throughout this wonderful state we now call home! Stay Tuned.</div>
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