Smith Lake Anniversary Trip 2011

A couple weekends ago, we celebrated our 5 year anniversary with a weekend trip to Smith Lake. Don't get me wrong, I like the lake, but you know my real love is the river. I love the people, the murky water, the smells...it is just like my 2nd home. However, the lake was nice too. Getting to see your feet in the water was different. The people there were nice, but still, not like our river neighbors. Anywho, enough about that. We stayed at a fabulous house in Arley and had a big swim pier and boat house. On Friday night when we got there, I decided to do a little fishing. Now, unless I am eating the fish that I catch, I do not kill them. Or after this trip, I try not to kill them. Each fish I caught had totally swallowed the hook. Each time I performed surgery on the fish, gently trying to remove the hook. And time after time, I would throw the fish back in the water and **PLOP** they would float to the top. Super sad. So on Saturday, we swam and relaxed most of the day and then we headed out for our fancy dinner at the Arley Lighthouse. Also known as the only place to eat. When we pulled up, we almost missed the restaurant because it looked like one of those out buildings they sell at Lowes. We died out laughing and went in anyways. The thing about places like that is usually, they are the best places to eat anyways. So, after a lovely dinner, we headed back to the lake house and enjoyed the rest of the evening. A great anniversary was had by all!! :)

A Little River Fun!!

Friday nights in the summer are one of my favorite times. First, for obvious reasons, you are done with work for the week and have the WHOLE weekend ahead of you which is nice. But secondly, we have a little tradition out on Sugar Creek with my fabulous neighbors. Once everyone gets off work and out to the river for the weekend, we hope in the boat and take a sunset cruise up usually into Tennessee. It is so nice and relaxing and the perfect way to start off the weekend. Here are a few shots from one of our outings...







The other weekend, the Neely's had their grandchildren out at the river, so we took the jet ski out there to ride them around on. Of course, it rained off and on all day, so we did more sitting inside than playing on the water, but everyone got a turn so that is all that matters!


I know that summer is winding down and it makes me a little sad, but fall is just as beautiful on the river as well!

Steven Graduates from SERT

A couple weeks ago, Steven graduated from the SERT program at the courthouse. SERT stands for Student Emergency Response Training. We are very proud of him for all his accomplishments and how active he is in the community. I unfortunately had a conflict that night, so David went to his graduation for me. Way to go Steven!!!

Beltline Softball

Both David and I are playing on the softball team for church. The girls play on Monday nights, and the boys play on Tuesday nights. We have had a great time so far this year playing. The girls have already started their tournament and the guys will start this week. I will have to post pictures of the girls team later, but here are some shots of our guys playing a little ball!

4th of July at the Sugar Creek

This year, we had our first family event out at the river. My fabulous brother-in-law put the finishing touches on the dock so we could have the party out there. We cooked out and swam until we were all wrinkled like prunes. It was a fabulous day, minus the heat, and the thunderstorms. We had to duck inside for a few minutes, but overall, we had great weather. We had the canoe and jet ski out there for everyone to enjoy and they both got used all day. Here are some shots of the day!

Here is Cole and Uncle Dave heading out for a ride....


Two little river rats..


David and Cole again....giving us their pageant waves.


We convinced Gina to take a ride...she looks thrilled. :)


David and his Dad.




Easy Rider...


Cole and Hayden


Me and Steven


Thunderstorm #1 of 2




No need to unload the grill...we will just cook it redneck style in the back of the truck.












Happy 4th of July! A special thanks to all our wonderful men and women in the service that allow us our freedom and a special day to celebrate!!

The Higginbotham's Take Rome

In June we had the opportunity to go to Rome and photograph a wedding at the Vatican. David will have more on his blog about the actual wedding once the picture can be released and I will put some of those on here as well. Traveling that far with all the photo gear made for an interesting trip. Imagine the clown cars you see at the circus, because that is what we looked like getting out of our vehicle with all of our gear. We had an amazing time, the wedding was perfect and then we stayed a few extra days to see the sights. I am so glad that David and I are alike when it comes to traveling. We both love to travel and see new places, however, about 3-4 days away from home is about our limit. I guess we are little homebodies. :) If you ever get the opportunity to go to Rome, I say take it. It is truly beautiful and there is so much history there that you will be amazed. Here are some of our snap shots...the fabulous pictures will come later. :)

This was the view out of our room. It was beautiful and we ate breakfast in that courtyard each day...more to come on the breakfast later...


The Spanish Steps...right outside our hotel.


David laughs at me for photographing my food...but I like to remember what I ate!




Treve Fountain
















The breakfast at our hotel was amazing...I still think about it often. :)