Savannah Shenanigans

Last month when the hubs took leave we decided to finally take our "post-UPT trip". I know, I know...most of you are thinking, "umm didn't you finish up UPT almost 9 months ago?" The answer to your question would be, yes. However, if there is one thing that you as my reader should know by now it's that you have to take things as they come in the military. Meaning that we didn't really even have a chance over the past 9 months to think about taking a nice relaxing vacation. Between driving Winston to Louisiana, the hubs getting sent to Washington for a month right after he graduated, moving to San Antonio for 10ish weeks, moving to Florida separately, and then him being sent off for more training to Arizona, it's pretty obvious that the past 9 months have been chalk full of shenanigans that didn't allow us to breath for more than a second. Oh yea, I also went on a cruise and we found out we are expecting in April. I forgot those two fun exciting things ;)

Anyways, even though some of you may scoff and say that this was just any old vacation, gosh darn it this was our gift to ourselves for getting through an intense year of UPT and I'll take it! We had debated about going on a cruise but after we found out I was having a baby, aka a little nugget growing inside me, we decided hitting the high seas may not be the best option. Then we thought about Disney which is only 8 hours away. However, at this point I had JUST gotten over being terribly ill (thanks all-day morning sickness) so we figured spending hours out in the hot sun wasn't the ticket either.

We finally settled on hitting up Savannah as it was only about a 2 hour drive from Macon and way outside tourist season there. In the end it was the perfect option for us and I'm so thankful we ended up choosing to stay there. We found an awesome deal on an old historic bed and breakfast, which yes, was haunted apparently. It was gorgeous and the food was amazing! I think the hubs and I both scoffed down our own weight in biscuits and grits both mornings we were there. We pretty much spent our two day trip walking around the historic downtown area of Savannah, eating insane amounts of amazing southern food, and just enjoying not having a schedule and each others company. The weather was insanely perfect, meaning there was zero humidity which this baby mamma was very happy about! All in all it was a phenomenal trip and I am so grateful my sweet husband took the time to take me on a mini-vacation before more crazy training ensues over the next 9 months.

There are tons of paths just like this one in Savannah!
After living in the desert part of Texas we LOVED all the trees!

Fireplace in our room

Beautiful street view from our room.

The courtyard of the B&B...ignore the old
man snoring.

River Street

Probably the BEST place we ate. Seriously, go here if
you are ever in Savannah, amazing!!

Tiny baby bump appeared in this photo...then
it went away for a few weeks...and now it's back!

Love,

The Etheridge

Life, Love, & Loss

While we were home in Georgia on leave we had to take an unplanned tripped to St. Simons to be with the hub's family as his grandmother passed away unexpectedly the day after we arrived. We both felt very blessed to be able to be with family during this time and despite the somberness of the situation were glad to see some family members that we hadn't seen in a long while. It was touching to listen to the story of Mary and Hollis who were high school sweethearts, just like Mitchell and I. It's a true testament of their love for one another to look at the family they created and I feel honored to now be a part of that incredible family. At the reception afterwards we got to listen to the Etheridge clan sit around and tell stories of Mary and Hollis from when they were younger and raising kids of their own which was such a treat as we are about to head out on the same adventure ourselves in a few months time.

Some photos from the trip down to Brunswick..

Sweet Cousin Amanda and Baby E

First official "bump" photo...it's tiny but it's there!

Outake of first bump photo

LSWho?

The hubs was able to take leave for a little over a week before another round of training ensues so naturally the first thing on our list was head to Athens for the UGA vs. LSU football game. I had been to the one in 2004 and we both attended the UGA/LSU game in 2009 the day after we got engaged. This game holds a special place in our heart for that reason, plus last time we lost so we really wanted to see the Dawgs pull a win out this year. To say it was an eventful evening of football would be a huge understatement. After almost giving me and baby a heart attack, especially in the fourth quarter, we were elated to see the bulldogs beat the tigers at home in Athens! I'd say it was also a true testament of love for my husband that I sat out in the heat for 4 hours on hard metal seats with an aching back while 14 weeks pregnant and miserable ;) It was well worth the pain though to be in Athens to see the Dawgs pull out another great win.

Love,

The Etheridges