I think I was born in the wrong century...

Source: karabana.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

I am currently enjoying a very relaxing "mini moon" with my husband in Savannah, Georgia.

This is one of the countries oldest cities, dating back to 1733, and brimming with that old Southern charm that I love. 

I am now officially in the mood for 'Gone with the Wind'.  Although, I am not sure I can get my boys to sit through that, I may have to plan a girls night--maybe I can serve up some Peach Cobbler or Red Velvet Cake while we watch:) 

I have always LOVED that film, in fact my name was inspired by the kind hearted  character, Melanie Hamilton Wilkes.  My Mom would tell me how Melanie refused to see bad in people and she hoped I would do the same.  This thought has stayed with me as a gentle reminder and goal.

I have come to realize that I am happiest when I focus on the good in others.   Funny how that works!

Well, I am off to enjoy some good southern home cookin' at Savannah's own Paula Deen's " The Lady and Sons" restaurant Yum!  

A Night on the Town

On Saturday night we stayed at the Sheraton in downtown Nashville. It was decked out for Christmas and very nice. First we kicked back and watched the Florida Gators get beat by Alabama that evening --a BIG game around here!

We then visited the conceriege desk and received a recommendation on a great restraunt with a live country band just down the block. We were set to go and then we stepped outside...Oh my the wind and cold took our breath away. We had not even brought our coats! I mean we are in the mild south, right?! It has been so nice lately, I didn't even think about it. So, yes we wimped out and decided to enjoy the beautiful restraunt on the 3rd floor of our hotel. The food was delicious, the views were festive and we were WARM and toasty! It was great...but next time we will enjoy some Nashville country music, I swear!

(Oh and a little side not...I left all my toiletries --make up, blow dryer, round brush EVERYTHING-- nicely packed up sitting on my bathroom vanity. I had to make do with the hair clip, lipstick and mascara found on the bottom of my purse. And my sweet husband kept telling me how pretty I looked...what a guy!! Honstesly, I looked a little goofy with lipstick smeared on my cheeks... he probably just didn't want to have to spend hours (and $$ )in the make up department! )

I sure love this man!

Thank Heavens it is FRIDAY

Here is the 2nd wreath I made, hanging from my bed. Maybe a little weird, but o-well:)
I have been counting down the days to FRIDAY because I we have arranged loving hands to care for our boys this weekend so we could take off for Nashville.

Just the two of us...a little "mini moon"!

We are (finally) going to go the Temple. I can not wait! Our first time since we moved here. I am so excited to be there, it has been too long. Going to the Temple always blesses my life with peace and inspiration. Something that is really needed for a Mother of 5 boys!

We will be at the Marriot , close to fun restraunts and shopping! Including William Sanoma, (one of my favorite places), where I will pick up a canister of their famouse Hot Chocolate. It will be the perfect little treat for Brad and I to enjoy in front of the Christmas tree, when all our boys are in bed! Mmmm I am telling you that stuff is AMAZING!

And, of course I will be watching for the local country stars:) I am hoping we run into Keith Urban while we are there! When I say that to Brad, he just rolls his eyes. Years ago Brad got a speeding ticket on Black Friday trying to get to the local Kmart to purchase me Keith's latest CD which was on some crazy deal! I am sure he was going for more than just that, but he still blames Mr. Urban! To this day he can't listen to one of his songs without some eyerolling --such a painful memory! It still makes laugh!

Anyway, I hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend!

Cancun Getaway-the final chapter

Just a few more pictures, and then I really will be done with all this vacation stuff and be on to other stuff like the HOLIDAYS (I am so excited)...

Our afternoon catamaran and snorkel adventure

Captain Brad

This shot is for our boys! We knew they would love these pirates!

Later that evening we went out to Harry's--a very fine steak house--with the best service ever-

(you can see that white shirt and tie in the background--there was literally 5-6 men like that just surrounding our table to refill our glasses or get anything we needed!)
After a wonderful meal and excellent desserts, the check was delivered with this BIG HUGE POOF of blue cotton candy!

Once again I thought of how much my boys would LOVE that!
And, have I mentioned that we LOVED our balcony!

I really did take this shot one evening!

Waiting for our taxi to the airport, and back to our sweet boys (yippee)--

Goodbye Cancun (and the beautiful Ritz Carlton)!!

We will really, really miss you!!

Cancun Getaway-Chapter 2

We spent a day touring the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza. It was absolutely fascinating!!
Thanks to our tour guide ,Pepe . He was very knowledgeable! After touring the ancient city, we went to a lovely buffet at a family owned restaurant in the present day city of Chichen Itza.
And then we were off to cliff dive into a CENOTE.










**Cenotes are interconnected fresh water wells formed by the erosion of underground rivers by rain water. It is thought that some formed before the last Ice Age (over 25,000 years ago). They were of great value to Mayan people as they were a source of fresh water and were regarded as mystical.



A shot of our jump, thanks to Pepe!!

Let me tell you, if that doesn't take your breath away...I don't know what will!!

Our Cancun Getaway--Chapter 1

This was a 'work trip', so thank you Brad for working so hard to earn this!

Shaw knows how to plan a nice trip--the best resorts, incredible parties, with great entertainment and fabulous food!Most of the trip was spent relaxing at these pools and the adjoining beach.

I brought a book that my sister's recommended, and actually finished it! So fun and relaxing!

I really liked the Ritz Carlton--the hotel was BEAUTIFUL!!

There was several really GREAT parties..but here is my favorite-

An all WHITE evening, down on the beach!Everything was white and glowing! The menu was incredible, my favorites were shrimp, crab legs, lobster tails..and there was even steak for non seafood people like Brad!
The entertainment involved people with Fire! Amazing...and a little scary!
Then limbo and DANCING with a live band--so fun!! Can you see that cool sand castle in the background? It was HUGE !

I am BACK!

I just came home from a week spent in beautiful Cancun Mexico.

We stayed at the Ritz Carlton--it was an incredible resort!!

Here is a picture I took off our balcony.

I have lots of pictures and adventures from our trip to share--but as you can imagine, after being gone for a whole week....I have a lot of catching up to do (laundry, house work, snuggling with my boys etc) So, more to come, just later!!

...and a BIG HUGE thank you to my family for babysitting our 5 boys so we could go!!!