The Perfect Fall Escape

It all started when Karen and Rob decided to get married in Cleveland, GA.

 Karen is a good friend of mine from middle school slumber parties and high school volleyball, so when she decided she was getting married, I really wanted to go to her wedding.

Robert and I looked up Cleveland, GA on a map and realized it was located in the heart of the north Georgia mountains near our friend's lake house. The setting couldn't be better, so we coordinated with our friends to meet up at their place for a little fall escape.

On Thursday, we hopped on a plane to Greenville, SC. while our friends took an eight hour drive from Jacksonville.

Annabelle was excited for her flight. She's a professional flyer by now - having taken three trips (eight plane rides in total).

 She was well behaved on the flight and slept most of the way there and back.

Once we landed in Greenville, SC we rented a car and drove the roughly two hours to the mountain house in Hiawassee, GA where we met up with Spencer and Hayley. We enjoyed a nice dinner out at a local BBQ place then came back to the house and hung out.

One of my favorite parts about vacation is waking up and being able to take it easy. After a yummy breakfast made by Hayley and I we took the boat out. It was such a beautiful day.

Annabelle's first boat ride.

I want to make sure that she grows up loving the lake as much as I do and so far it's looking good. :)

On Friday, Hayley and I relaxed in the sun with little Miss Annabelle while the boys tried to fish, but were unsuccessful. Later that afternoon, after the boat ride, we decided to make fall official by venturing out to a local hamburger place, Yona Burger, followed by a corn maze adventure in Cleveland, and a mini golf outing in Helen. 

 It was a fun little maze that we only had to back track once in order to hit each marker. 
They had a petting zoo as well.

 These Floridians really enjoyed getting out in the country and experiencing some nice fall weather, leaves, and atmosphere. Now I just have to decorate our place to keep the feeling amidst this warm 80 degree weather we still have.

The next day, Saturday, we took it easy in the morning and afternoon as we got ready for the wedding and said goodbye to Spencer and Hayley who were going to Atlanta for the Braves game before continuing on home to Jacksonville.

The wedding was beautiful. It was set on farm under the lights of a open barn.

They danced a beautiful waltz as their first dance as husband and wife!

We had a great time socializing, eating, and dancing.

 Annabelle and I spent some time snuggling under the heaters. I think she really enjoyed the barn and animals.

 On our last day, we took a hike along a nice local trail near the lake. 

 After our hike, we cleaned and packed up and headed to the airport.

 It was the perfect way to end the weekend.