A Weekend Getaway for the Parents-to-Be

One of our favorite places to visit 

while in Hilton Head is Bluffton, SC.

My baby girl and her mister had their last 

little getaway before the arrival of

Harper Elizabeth Grant.

The bluff is known for 

The Church of the Cross.  

This photo was taken two years ago

on our annual beach trip.

This is the view from the inside.

The trees around the bluff are magnificent!

This was their little cottage for the weekend. 

The cottage lies on the same property as the main house

where they had breakfast the next morning. 

The back steps lead to the dock

where they sat and enjoyed coffee and a view.

I just love a cozy, little kitchen in a cabin. 

Although the furnishings did not 

exactly fit the era of the home, 

I think they were comfy and cozy 

as a cottage should be. 

If it were mine, I would paint the planked walls

and everything would be white, shabby chiccy.

The shower and the claw-foot tub has

the character of the old and the convenience of the new.

The gentlemen of the home has his own little workshop in the back. 

The last day was spent sight-seeing

in Savannah

and a walk on the beach at HHI.

This is the view of the river from their cottage.

I sure have enjoyed some good family time.

The first shower for Harper Elizabeth is in two weeks!

Can hardly wait to see all the pretties in pink. 

They also toured the new Southern Living Idea Home 2014

Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina.

No Cameras Allowed!

Ughhhh!

http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/idea-houses/2014-idea-house

See above what they saw.  

Have a Wonderful Week, 

Bonnie:)

Mountains, Family and GA Football

I'm so ready for a weekend in the mountains.

This is what the creek looked like this time last year.

The leaves were yet to turn, but it was still a little piece of paradise. 

We enjoyed the porch.

The view was spectacular.

But give me this anyday, anywhere!

We probably won't get the mountains this year, 

but there will be lots of family time as 

we look forward to Connor man's birthday

baby showers and the arrival of Harper Elizabeth.

My boy made it home this weekend even though 

he spent the day with his dad and a friend in Athens. 

At least I got a hug.  

It was the GA/TN rival game. 

It was in Memphis last year.

(Can you see the baby Cora bump?)

Can't believe how big she is now!

I have a feeling she's gonna be a little Rocky Top TN girl

in spite of her daddy.

I think she's a cutie in orange or red!

This was the mascot for TN before the game. 

This was after!

I guess you can tell who won!

It just doesn't get better than this!

TN dog may be bigger

but GA is badder and cuter!

I'm a GA girl, 

Bonnie:)

We're In Italy!

We're On Our Way to Italy

Linda at Simply Linda called and said, "Hey, want to go to Italy."  I was like, "What??? You have got to be kidding.  I was just thinking about that. I'm soooo having a Calgon moment and ready to get away from it all."  

So I hopped on a plane from Atlanta and met her in New York.

This was the view from my window.

So, here we are!

Did you know that Italy in one of the top European destinations. 

Our first stop was Verona.What a villa we have!  

The mountains on one side and the sea on the other.  

I once worked with a guy who had lived half of his life in Italy so I know a little about what to expect.  He called me something and did the kissy-finger-thingy (no, not that finger!).  I said, "What did you say?"  He said, "It means you are a little stout lady."  I was livid.  What????  He said, " In Italy that is a compliment and I meant it as a compliment."  I said, "We're not in Italy."  

But now I am, so I think I'll fit in just fine. I'm a Signora Bella for now.

Now I know that Italy has a reputation for being expensive and you pay big bucks for the wine, but Linda and I found the neatest little eateries on the back streets of Venice.

Gotta keep her away from the wine

or I'll be carrying her on my back.

I forgot to show you the inside of our villa.

Linda has the bed. 

It's only fair since she planned most of the itinerary.

I just love the cobblestone paths

of Taormina.

The countryside, the small towns, oh and the 

Piazzas!

The sights, tastes, smells-ahhhhhh.

Eat, drink and be merry!

I eat, she drinks and we both are merry!

(I'm teasing, Linda.  What goes on in Italy, stays in Italy.  I'm not telling a thing!)

I sure hope I get to take a Gondola ride on 

the back canals of Venice.

Linda's trying to keep me away from the 

Italian men!

Oh my goodness!

Mama Mia!

Delish!

We're in Rome now.

This is a collage that I made of the city.

Shops for days, food for hours, 

and cobblestone gardens that 

I'd like to bring home with me. 

Linda says there's more to see so

you'll want to drop by her place and see 

the second leg of our journey.

Wish You Were Here, 

Bonnie:)

So, just so you know.
This was a "virtual" vacation.
Linda is not a wine-o, and
I am still lusting after Italian men.

It's been fun!

Where is Your "Be Still" Place?

I was encouraged today by Debby's blog

My Favorite Things

http://debbysfavoritethings.blogspot.com/.

God keeps reminding me to, "Be Still and Know."

My place to be still is often in my living room, 

with my Bible open and a good cup of coffee.

However, sometimes I need time away from the 

daily hub of living.

Your "Be Still" place may simply be
a chair by the pool, 

 a cabin in the woods,

or a mountain stream.

Any place that provides 

comfort, rest and quiet
whispers from the Father,
can be your "Be Still" place.

I'm going to take a virtual vacation

and give you a tour of my place my dream.

My cottage would look like this,

It would have a porch for the kiddos to do what kiddos do

and adults too.

The girls would have their own comfy room upstairs 

to share secrets, laughs and pillow fights.

The chest would be full of beach things that they can enjoy

year after year.

The boys would have their own wave to ride.

This would be our room with a view of the ocean.

Another bedroom for our children,

and another bedroom for the other children.

I could take my afternoon nap right here 

and with open windows, enjoy the sound of the sea. 

We would shower in the outside shower

before going in for a sandwich.

A simple little nook with an island/bar 

will be fine for my cottage kitchen.

A mix of these colors will be my inspiration.

I can relax just thinking about it. 

Where is your "Be Still" place?

Bonnie:)

PLEASE! TAKE ME TO THE BEACH

Since the first week in May
is usually our beach week,
I'm screaming...

I'm really not pouting and kicking and screaming.
Really I am  I'm not.
Not to mention that Mr. H is golfing somewhere near the beach this weekend.

It's just that for one week out of the year,
we put aside everything else just to enjoy each other...

Walks on the beach holding hands...

Enjoying the company of two
before the kids come in...

Whispers and private jokes...

I'm singing...

"We had joy, we had fun,
we had seasons in the sun."

Learning more about each others
yes, even after 35 years...

Although some moments were staged,
others like this were not:).

Treasuring every moment-even the simple things
liking finding shells.

Dancing

(even though we don't dance)...

Laughing and playing...

and

Knowing that

"you're still the one."

Yes, He's Still the One,

Bonnie:)