The Weekend

Since August is our anniversary month, I have decided to change the background to something special!  We took it easy this weekend and relaxed at the apartment.  J got some much needed homework done, and Zuri had the opportunity to rest...as much as an active (even one who doesn't feel well) two-year old rests.  Earlier this week, Zuri came down with a fever which only lasted a day.  Then last night she came down with another one, and was up every twenty minutes or so all night long.  Needless to say, we were all tired today!  We decided that although we had gotten her fever down again, that two fevers in one week is a little suspicious, so we took her into see the doctor.  They checked for strep throat and an ear infection--neither of which she has.  She does have a pretty sore throat, so we are keeping an eye on it! 

We have two more weekends left here in Georgia before we head back to Utah.  The summer has flown by so quickly!

Anna Ruby Falls

 Friday, we revisited our favorite German-themed town of Helen, and then continued on our way up toward Unicoi State Park.  We hiked up to Anna Ruby falls and picnicked alongside the river.  J had the day off because of Pioneer day (I know it is a Utah state holiday, but because Deseret Industries is Church owned, he gets the holiday off as well!).

 The falls are so large that it is hard to get a good picture of the whole falls.  The was the best we could do.  Below are some close-up pictures.   The falls are split, which is why it is so hard to get the full falls into one frame.

 

Zuri's favorite part of the hike was throwing things into the water.  She just loves it!

 

At the visitors center, they had on overlook to the river where you could throw some food into the river for the fish (trout).  Zuri had a blast feeding the fish.

After the hike we stopped for a picnic--and to cool off in the river; it was a really hot day.

The trees are so dense and grow so straight and oh-so tall.  Zuri and I are near the thick tree that is slightly leaning into the path. 

After the hike we took a scenic drive up through Dahlonega and back home.  We found a couple really interesting things along the way.

There was this huge pile of rocks in the middle of the road on a roundabout.  So we investigated a little further:

The pile of rocks marks the grave of a Cherokee princess.  It is custom to drop a stone on her grave for each person who passes by for good fortune.  There is also a magic springs about 3/4 of a mile away called Porter Springs.  Unfortunately, we didn't stop by the springs--it is on our to-see list though!

 There is a vine that grows here which is rumored to have been brought over from Japan.  This vine invades everything.  It grows on power lines, trees, houses, fences, anything.  Here is a picture of an abandoned house and how the vine has overtaken it.  You can only really see a portion of the roof.  It is crazy.

She will wear the hat in the car, but outside when it is actually needed?  No way.

For any of you who are fans of The Office--agritourism is a real thing. 

....and finally...just for Emily...

Athens

Saturday we took a trip to the city of Athens, home of the Bulldogs--or the University of Georgia, founded 1785.  It was a really hot, humid day (the car thermometer said 102 and it usually is a few degrees lower than true temperature).  We discovered Zuri really does not do well in the heat; a fact that we had semi-known, but really came to light on our outdoor trek.  She is like me--I don't mind the cold--you can add layers to keep you warm, but the heat is not for me.  I hate being all sticky and sweaty.  So, the day didn't go exactly according to plan.

 

We started our day off at the botanical garden.  I am continually amazed at how green it is here in Georgia.  Even though it is late July, flowers are still in full bloom--even if they aren't being taken care of by someone.  It is so humid and rains so often that many people don't water their lawns, they have mother nature do it for them, and they have beautiful, green lawns. 

Zuri's favorite part was playing in the fountains.  She just loves water, and it was hard to tear her away when it was time to move on.

One of the great things about all the trips we have taken this summer is that I am really starting to learn how to use my camera.  I can do some pretty neat things with it (even though it is not nearly as sophisticated as J's camera) and I am really enjoying photography now.

The last picture is from a tree outside.  Many of the trees here still have flowers blooming!  I would have liked to get a few more pictures of the magnolia trees with the huge blossoms on them, but magnolia's are one of the trees that do bloom only in the spring.

This next round of pictures is from J's camera.

After the botanical gardens, we went to see the tree that owns itself.  Literally.

The weirdest part of this tree is not the tree itself, but where it is located.  It is in the middle of a residential street so narrow it should be a one-way street with no parking on the side.

The courthouse.  Thought it was really cool looking and took a picture.

This structure is really odd. No markers to indicate what it used to be, but it is situated on the corner edge of a parking lot near an apartment complex. It is rundown and covered on one side with our favorite vine.  Thought it was strange and picture-worthy.

Our last stop was the Taylor-Grady house.  We didn't go inside for a tour because it was closed.  It looked like they were setting up out back for a wedding, but from what we were able to see it was huge and gorgeous. 

PS--don't forget to hit older posts to see more!