A Traveling Nest

Saturday, October 13, 2012

2 people, 2 dogs, 1 moving truck

I am slightly shocked that it has already been over a month here in the Windy City! That's right, Adam and I moved to Chicago for his job promotion. He's now the Territory Manager for his company. We have an ongoing slogan, "Home is where Newell-Rubbermaid takes us." We also know that this little journey is all part of God's plan for us, and knowing that has saved me many times from having a panic attack. I have had 3 license plates on my car since I got it new July 4, 2011! Her name is Minnie Pearl, and she has lived in 3 states- TN, CA, & now her new home- IL.

I realized before I started writing about our already amazing time here in Chicago, I wanted to backtrack to our gorgeous, scenic drive we had on the move out!

Here we go! We left on a Thursday afternoon, and arrived on Sunday night. I can't say I would want to make this drive again, but we made the most of it!

Route 1

We drove the big beast and pulled Minnie Pearl behind to save her miles.

After a rain storm leaving CA

Good morning Utah

Daizee got to drive that big beast and I didn't!

Pit stop to view the gorgeous look outs over the canyons

Colorado River - This was one of our favorite parts!

So much fun driving through all of the little ski resort towns!

Sweet sissy's were so good all 4 days of our trip! Cuddled the entire way!

We made it to our new state!

And that was our journey!

PS...I spared you on the miles upon miles of corn, and more corn!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

What to do? Where to go?

One thing that is for sure - God truly blessed us with the closest thing to paradise for our first year of marriage - San Diego, CA! If we had to drive out the day after our wedding to head to a new city, that one was certainly not a bad place to go! As our family and friends know, we absolutely fell in LOVE with Southern, CA. Palm trees, sandy beaches, coastal breeze....what more do you need? The list below is what we loved, and would definitely say are musts!

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO, ACCORDING TO THE SUTTLE'S...

1. C3 Church

We give credit to one of the world's greatest churches, C3-San Diego, for making us feel at home from the first weekend we were there. We developed the best friendships and learned what it is really like to have fun in church, while getting to be around some of the most passionate people who live out their lives for God. Truly an absolute incredible atmosphere here, and you will NOT be sorry you attended! If you are looking for an incredible worship experience, passionate crowd, and a pastor who can do any voice or impression while creating the clearest way to understand the bible - you've found plans for Sunday! Visit www.c3sandiego.com !

2. San Diego Zoo

If you love animals, gorgeous scenery, and some good exercise, then you will love the San Diego Zoo! Two trips in the books for me, and I would go again! Tip: don't forget to ride the sky lift! Also, I went on a weekday and a weekend, and the park is so big that it never gets too backed up. Don't stress over the potential crowds!

3. La Jolla Shores

You name it, it's here! Parks, Beach, Surfing, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Yoga, etc. One of the most gorgeous sunsets you'll find. Also, my personal favorite - free seal watching! Tip: go in the afternoon if you can't spend the day here because the seals are sure to be sunning on the rocks, which makes for great entertainment and fun for all!

4. Mission Bay - Aqua Adventures

Looking for some water activities & a good workout? Aqua Adventures on Mission Bay has everything you need for your adventure! My 3 visits included one kayaking adventure and 2 times paddle boarding (my fave). However, don't think paddle boarding is as easy as it looks - you will not fall off, but you will get the most amazing arm workout you've ever had (and hope the wind works in your favor)!

4. Sunset Cliffs

This is home to the one the most gorgeous views I've seen, what looks like amazing surf, and relaxation! People come to walk, run, fish, surf, paddle board, or just sit and relax. I was mostly fond of the relaxing part.

5. Mission Beach
Enjoy the beautiful beach, go for a walk, run, or bike on the boardwalk (watch out for the speedy rollerbladers), eat - anything you are in the mood for is found here- seafood, pizza, Mexican, breakfast, etc. You also MUST ride the old wooden roller coaster! Be sure to look out while up top!

6. FOOD

San Diego is home to some of the most amazing food in the country, as well as the place that will always be remembered by me as where I grew out of my college jeans.

Some of our faves:

Island Prime -on the bay with amazing views of downtown - went 3 times & loved them all!

Brockton Villa- you MUST go for breakfast and eat the famous Coast Toast! You won't regret it!

Fish Market- fresh seafood fave with an amazing view of the bay and USS Midway

Hodad's - Burger! with bacon patty! and Frings (onion rings & fries) Milkshake!

George's - fresh seafood with an amazing view of La Jolla Shores

7. Disneyland (not in San Diego, but close enough)
It is worth the drive for Disneyland! We stayed 12 hours when we went, and loved every minute of it!

8. Hotel Del Coronado

A historic must see! The gorgeous Hotel Del is a one of a kind, beautiful landmark that sits on the cutest little "Island" and the sandy white beach. Take a walk around the shops and restaurants while you are there!

9. Little Italy

Farmer's Market every Saturday- bring your bags and load up! Beware of the yummy crepe stand that got us every time! Mmmm...I'm craving it now!

Also, so many good eats in Little Italy. Fun for nighttime with the streets lit up with colored lights! One of our faves there became Zia's Bistro - my personal pick is their Lasagna.

10. Ocean Beach Dog Park (if you have pups)

Basically, your pups, if they are like mine, will run around and bark at the waves, being completely amazed at the process of them - which can make for great entertainment. If you have well trained dogs that use their brain, then you'll enjoy a nice game of fetch or let them go for a swim.

I hope you have enjoyed the list and can use it to plan your next vaca! You won't be sorry if you visit the sunny state of California, especially paradise - San Diego!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Once Upon A Time....ever so perfectly

To start things off, can I just mention that it was my goal to roll this blog out about....oh, 12 months ago?! But who knows that we don't always stick to our amazing plans in those busy minds of ours? So, here I am a year later, but I figure better late than never!

Once upon a time, a year ago on September 24, 2012, I became the happiest girl in the world! Adam and I had our absolute fairy tale wedding in Gallatin, TN with all of our family and friends, and well, it definitely turned out to be so much more than perfect! We had a year and one month of planning, meanwhile finishing up our Senior year at The University of Tennesee, Knoxville (Go Vols!)

It all came together beyond my wildest dreams. Anyone that was around me that year knows I had to have every little detail planned out, but you know what...this girl is only going to have ONE wedding, and I wanted it everything I had always imagined! And it was. Thank God for my 8 bridesmaids and both of our families that put up with me through a year of planning, engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette party, bridesmaids luncheon, rehearsal dinner, and the one Big Day!

What I also need to share is that both us of growing up in small town, TN, going to the same high school, and thinking going away to UT - Knoxville (3 hours away) was a big deal...we were in for a big awakening! We found out in August, yes one month before our wedding, that Adam's job location was going to place us in SAN DIEGO, CA! Such a huge shock, but turned out to be the best, most incredible journey, and I'll share that part later.

Enjoy some of our wedding memories!