Inspiration vs. The Real Deal!

Things have been going good in the Barr household - summer is o.v.e.r. - boo! The end of summer came quick, and the new school year crept up on us before we knew it. It's okay though.. a routine is good for us (well, it's good for everybody, really!) and J is now a 2nd year medical student and I have found myself a new job (more on that later).

For now, behold, the wedding inspiration vs. the real deal....

This was the inspiration board I put together when planning our wedding. I found pictures of what I had visioned for us and placed them all together here to use as a guide during planning.

And this is how ours came out:

I can honestly say I am extremely happy with the way our wedding came together. Everyone involved did an amazing job and we are thankful that we had the opportunity to make this day just how we wanted!

Thank you to-
Our parents for making this special day possible!
Brian & Carly Wood of 1treephoto for our beautiful wedding photography!
Blanca of Creation's by Blanca for our amazinggg floral arrangements and details!
Marc Evans of Eddie B. & Co. for some wonderful entertainment all night!
Danielle Messano for our hair and make-up (and for putting up with all of us girls at once!)
Barbara Lunny & her team at Hollywood Beach Marriott for putting together such a great night for us and for making us feel special all weekend!

The Great Outdoors

Camping at the Nantahala Outdoor Center last weekend was quite an adventure, to say the least! We had mishaps galore - but a ton of fun in between. Let me refer you to Carly's blog, as I probably couldn't explain the story any better myself: 1treewoodfamily

Traveling through the winding roads of the Smoky Mountains was only the beginning of our trip, and Grizz wasn't too pleased to be tumbling back and forth as though he were in an endless wave pool.

When we got there, it was beautiful. Hoards of people filled the freezing cold river - but the chilly temperature didn't scare the dogs away..they were swimming like crazy any chance they got!

The views were beautiful, the staff were friendly, and the beer was cold. So how could we have possibly almost been defeated by this trip?! - Just refer to Carly's blog. Don't worry, we didn't let it beat us. We beat the trip :)

And as I previously stated, our pup was exhausted. I don't believe we care to take him camping again just as much as he probably doesn't care to be left out of any future camping endeavors.

He was done.

And so were we...for that weekend at least.
We came home on Sunday, went to church, and relaxed all evening. It sure was nice!

The Comfort of Home

We are trying our hardest to stretch out this last bit of summer that J has left. We sure have jam packed each weekend with as much fun as possible, all together as a little family! We have tried to include Grizz on just about everything and I'd say we've done a darn good job at it! Our poor boy has had his little paws cut up more this summer than his entire 4 year life so far. A summer recap post is sure to come - with pictures and all :) For now, we have been enjoying the comfort of our "new" room ..it's always nice coming home to a place you find soothing and inviting (especially after a weekend camping in the woods of the Smokies- pics to come soon!)

[[These were created using scrapbook paper and frames + painted wooden scroll]]

Gone too soon..

Krissy

7.6.79 - 8.3.99

Rest in Peace, my beautiful sister!

Today marks 12 years since the passing of my sister and her boyfriend, Chris. It's always a hard day for my family, and just because the number of years rises every 365 days, it doesn't make it easier. 12 years ago was one of the hardest moments our family has had to endure together. I was 12 years old, so it seems strange to think she has been gone for half my life - even though it stays fresh in my memory as though it happened yesterday. One of our friends around here also lost a sister - and we were recently talking about how crazy it is that life does go on after such a tragic event. In the moments where you feel like you've lost so much, you can't imagine having a normal life again. But just because we go on living life does not mean a day goes by where we aren't thinking about you, Krissy!

Oh, and just so you know, Sage is still truckin'!

I'm sure he misses you more than anything - we just received some pictures recently :)

We love you, Krissy!

And we miss you more and more as each day passes.

We lit a candle for you at the wedding, so we know you were there in spirit,

celebrating with us, laughing, and smiling as you always were!

Rest in Peace, beautiful girl! <3