A Case for Kentucky.

I love my home state.

And believe it or not, for most of my life I had plans to grow old here. Oh, I wanted to travel-but from the safety of coming back to my rocker and front porch. Maybe I've always been an old soul.

There are literally hundreds of reasons why I love the south-from my family being here, to fall colors, to the accent which I did not inherit, to the plethora of old trucks that can be seen on any given country afternoon drive.

I love the small towns and homemade jams; I love my family history that is woven throughout these hills. I love that everyone waves as they walk down the street and the beautiful old houses that are everywhere.

Like this-the log house I grew up in. Jon and I took a break from editing one day last week to visit this beautiful, dear old place. I lived there from my 2nd birthday until I was 15. All my childhood memories and dreams danced in this place.

The day we moved I literally sat in every single room and journaled my favorite memories from that specific room and cried; yeah, I'm sappy like that. I'm currently adding "buy my childhood home" to my dream list. {Note to self: add "inform Jon of pending future purchase" to "TO DO" list.}

So, dear Kentucky-I may or may not ever live here again, but I will not forget you. I will remember all the happiness of my youth and I am grateful for all the lessons I learned in your arms. So thanks for the good times.

We shall return.

South Africa [one last time. #tbt]

It's been over a week since we left our friends and beloved S.A. so we thought it was time to make one last post.

We didn't write much while we were there, but our time in South Africa was so full, in every good way.

With the dear 2013 Track, we did everything (except carry our cameras around)-karaoke night for David's birthday, lots of heart talks and coffee dates, some long walks and of course reading through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People together. They are an incredible team of people and we've been so honored to walk with them from afar this year-they've grown so much, seen so much, loved so much.

We are so proud of them!

......

We also have a few other dear friends who actually live in South Africa and some of them even had a spare room for us to lay our weary heads at night. To be honest, we were barely home as we had so much that we were doing out and about, but you wouldn't know it from these photos.

We have a lot more of these times documented as our camera was just a grab away in the other room.

For events like:

...making cookies. Yes, please.

And popcorn, wine, heart talks by candlelight.

...and more kitchen talks.

...with even more popcorn.

...and camera talks.

And Max. (photo cred: @camiamiambria)

And young love. (Cambria and Max got married only two months ago; you may remember us flying out to Colorado for their wedding.)

And of course #lifewithcarsenwarner

(He and I have been having withdrawals from each other this week.)

...and then moments like this when you pass an open door and beautiful things are happening inside and you just have to sneak in for a few snaps.

Margot is a photographer too.

...sometimes Vera spits up.

I tried diligently to get Margot to take a #selfie with me.

And random sunsets....

Just one more look at my other fellow. #lifewithcarsenwarner

photo cred: @lindsayblake

...and Strengthsfinders coaching with the Jase. So good for our marriage-it was like marriage counseling all over again.

...Max and Cambria stayed in the room and played computer games while we shared all our marriage secrets. NBD. #heartfriends

Words can't express what a gift this trip was for us. Even though we didn't do anything touristy or see anything new, we had so many lovely times with our friends that we left with hearts overflowing.

Until next time. xoxo.