Amicalola Falls

Another reason why I love Georgia in the fall....hiking in North Georgia! It is absolutely gorgeous- especially this time of year! Today, Blake and I hiked up Amicalola Falls. All of the trees were changing color and it was the most beautiful day in October so far...about 65 degrees at the base, beautiful sunshine and a little breeze.

It absolutely amazing to look at all that God has created and know that He created us as well. He is an amazing God with a beautiful paintbrush.

Go Georgia Bulldawgs!!!

We just got back from a fabulous weekend in Athens!  Our good friends, Matt and Paige, are UGA alumni and have season tickets to the games.  They are so sweet to invite us every year.  Athens is an amazing college town and they sure know how to have a good time!  It was so fun to experience SEC football live and in person.

Paige and I at the game

The ladies before a pretty amazing night on the town

Thanks for a wonderful weekend, Matt and Paige!

Why I love Georgia in the Fall

I absolutely LOVE watching the maple in our front yard change colors.... It is absolutely gorgeous!  Pretty soon it will be completely red.

Happy Happy Birthday Mom!!!

We were out of town this weekend, so I am a couple of days late with this post, but Saturday was my BEAUTIFUL mom's birthday!!

My mom is my best friend in the entire world!  She is absolutely amazing!  I am so fortunate to have her.  She is the most encouraging, godly, thoughtful and selfless woman I know.  She is completely devoted to her family and is always there for me no matter what is going on in her life!  She also raised 4 daughters!....that takes a really special lady!  Not only is she beautiful and kind but my mom is incredibly talented.  She has just opened up her very own spa and salon named Bella Strada!  It is unbelievable!  (it deserves its own post...coming soon)

I love her to death and miss her so much!!  But at least I get to talk to her every day.

At the Masters this year

With her hubby/my dad (aren't they a cute couple)

All the Parker ladies 

One of my favorite pics of my mom (winning The Annual Holiday Parker Poker Game)

Christmas at the lake

Date Night at Chastain!

On Friday night, the hubby surprised me with a super fun date night!  He got us tickets to see The Allman Brothers at Chastain Park.  Chastain is one of our favorite places to see concerts.  It is a beautiful outdoor venue in the middle of a neighborhood in Buckhead.  It is surrounded by trees and makes you feel like you are just in someone's backyard.  At most shows, you can bring in your own cooler, picnic basket, etc and enjoy the "picnic" atmosphere.  Some people even reserve tables and bring candles, center pieces, table clothes and get their dinner catered.  It is quite a site to see... very southern!  Unfortunately, this show was one of the few were no outside food/drink is allowed.  We still had a fabulous time and enjoyed the GORGEOUS fall weather.  Thanks for a wonderful date night, sweetie!

Tailgating before the show, in the middle of all the trees...

The Allman Brothers and special guest, Derrick Trucks

Congratulations Drew and Rachel!

Congratulations Drew and Rachel!!!  Today is their BIG DAY!!  We are so sad we aren't there for the wedding, but I know it is going to be absolutely gorgeous!!  I can't wait to see pictures!  Drew and I have been friends since we were born.  Our moms have been best friends since 3rd grade!!!  I know God will bless both of you in your marriage and I know you will be so happy together.  

My mom and her best friend, Charletta (the Mother of the Groom)

The Holloways!!

Last night we had so much fun hanging out with The Holloways!!  They are our best friends out here in Atlanta and we love getting to spend time with them.  We had a great idea to carve pumpkins last night, but we had so much fun catching up and talking, that we never got around to it.  Oh well, we will reschedule!  Matt and Cara's sweet little girl, Ellie, was already alseep when we got there, so we didn't get to play with her.  :(  But it is so nice to have a little bit of Texas and Baylor out in ATL with us.  They remind us so much of home and are some of the most fun people you could ever be around!  Thanks for a fun night!

Me and Cara... some people think we look like sisters, I can kinda see it in this pic

And a pic with Ellie, at her birthday party

Maroon 5 & Counting Crows!!

Last Wednesday, my amazing husband surprised me with tickets to the Maroon 5 and Counting Crows concert!!  For those of you that know Blake pretty well, you know that he has a deep love for live music.  We have been to many great shows together, just to name a few... Eric Clapton, Eagles, Justin Timberlake, BB King, Willie Nelson, many Widespread Panic shows, and now we can add Maroon 5 and Counting Crows.  He is so sweet to me!  Thanks baby!!  It was a pretty amazing concert!

Tailgating before the show

Counting Crows lead singer

more Counting Crows

Apparently, Maroon 5 was so entertaining, that I didn't get any pictures of them.  Oh well.