Downtown Date Night.

 

Does anybody else feel like it's been a thousand years since they've been on an actual date, inside an actual restaurant? (Boo Covid!) When we went out to eat downtown the other night, we felt FANCY. Haha! But seriously. It was the best!

We went to one of our favorite pizza places, and it was delish. There's something about a giant Diet Coke at a restaurant that's just good for the soul. You know?

We had our cute third wheel (baby Monroe) with us, and she was adorable, as usual. 

^She was like, I want somma' that!^

^toasted garlic bread app with bruschetta, fresh mozz, & basalmic glaze. YUM^

^BBQ Chicken pizza is our fave^

After dinner, we walked around downtown and talked about plans for home school, our dreams for the future, and how happy we feel to be where we are. We just feel really lucky to have what we have, to know what we know, and to live where we live.

Even through weird Covid times, we have a really good life.

Then I forced Jordan to take some photos with me, because I love him. And he did it, because he loves me. 

^Married for ten years, and we still like each other.^

Then I forced Monroe to take a thousand photos, too.

(It's what I do best.)

^But I mean really. Is she not perfect?^

T  W  I  R  L  ! ! 

We walked over to the historic Brown-Pusey House and explored the gardens for a while, and my heart melted into an actual puddle as I watched Monroe and her daddy daughter together.

When we found out we were having a girl, everyone warned me that I wouldn't be able to handle seeing Jordan with a baby girl, and they were right. Holy smokes.

^Just dead over them.^

I love sneaking away for date nights with Jordan. Even when we have to wear masks most of the time, and even when we have a little baby in tow. 

Dates with him are always just what I need.

***

Okay, one last Monroe pic for the road:

The end.

***

Monroe's bow: Victoria Lane Collection

My dress: Loved By Lillian

elizabethtown arboretum.

One of the fun Summer outings on our list was to walk through the Elizabethtown Arboretum near our house! It was a hot day, but the flowers were beautiful, and the shaded trail was perfect for an afternoon of exploring for the kiddos.

They collected little leaves and sticks along the trail, and even found a little broken robin's egg. They thought it was so cool!

I love this stage with my boys. They are small enough to snuggle, but they're big enough to explore and go on fun adventures with. It's the perfect stage, and I kind of just want them to stay little like this forever. (Is that too much to ask??)

^I love this gang of boys^

^Cam's peace sign kills me. Love that boy^

^"Mom! It's a real-life robin's egg!!"^

^Little explorers^

^"I found a painted rock!"

^sweetest boy.^

^"I pick fower fo you, momma!"^

^I will never be over the GREEN in Kentucky.^

^There he is with the peace sign again! Haha!^

^"Mom, you have GOT to smell these flowers. They're so yummy!"^

It was such a fun day exploring with my kiddos!

I have to admit, as much as I love school being in session, I do miss the daily summer adventures with all my boys. They're crazy, but they make everything so fun!

P.S. After our walk, I went into the community center next to the arboretum, and found a poster of our little town's claim to fame. (What's up, Orlando?? Haha!) Have you seen this movie? It's quirky, and I love it. Just like this town.

^(I'm a dork)^

To see photos from another arboretum we love, go here:
2013
2014

Buttermilk Falls & Jailhouse Pizza!

The other day, we went on the most beautiful hike/ walk to Buttermilk Falls in Brandenburg, Kentucky. It was SUCH a hot day, but the path was shaded, and wading in the water felt like serious heaven!!

Also, we stuck to the paved path on this trail (we didn't do any intense hiking like the trail I mentioned here... so my sandals were perfect this time. haha!), and the kids rode their scooters. They counted the waterfalls we passed as they scootered around, and they just loved it!

^Obsessed with this guy.^

^Brighton was freaking out when he saw the water. "Was dat!? Was dat!?"^

^I love these boys!!^

^Cheeser Holland!^

We found this little shallow area that the kids nicknamed "The Splash Pad" and they waded around in it until their feet were going to fall off from the freezing water. There was a guy playing bluegrass music on his guitar nearby, and it was just such a perfect moment.

Kentucky really is just so unique and beautiful. If we ever move, I think I might die a little bit inside.

^I mean seriously though. These buddies are the cutest.^

After our walk, we made our way back to the car and drove around the corner for some dinner! Our friends recommended Jailhouse Pizza, which is literally a pizza joint inside of an old jail. You can explore some of the original cells, and you can even eat dinner inside of one!! 

Our kids were a little creeped out by the whole dinner table in a prison cell idea (and who am I kidding...I was too. Haha), so we opted for the open seating area. It was such a fun experience! 

If you're ever in Brandenburg, KY, you definitely need to stop here. 

^Jailhouse Pizza! In an actual jailhouse. The creepiest/ coolest!^

^Forced/ scared smile^

^More nervous smiling. I'm telling you...it was intense!^

^Waiting for your food at a restaurant like...^

^PIZZA^

We have seriously LOVED exploring so many of Kentucky's hidden gems this Summer. It's been a blast, and such a fun way to spend time together.

I can't wait to see what we'll find next. Kentucky, I love your guts.

P.S., King Brighton.