Around the House

It has been very busy here in Savannah. Matthew has been working on our house as well as the two rentals that are empty at the moment. We have also been busy with wedding plans and looking at houses (for us, with land!). My garden has not been as productive this year, but I am still getting some tomatoes and the watermelon is growing like crazy. One of our female rabbits was supposed to have a litter last weekend but did not. We lost Bubba, our buck, a couple of weeks ago so rabbit production is slowed (well, stopped) again. We are looking for another buck but would like to get one from a different place to get some fresh genes. I am also busy trying to get things ready for my trip next week to Michigan for my best friend's wedding and my bridal shower. Here are a few photos from the last few weeks.

Matthew re-stained our deck
















Using our dehydrator for the first time, with some peaches Janet brought
Before:
















After 8 hours:

















The sweetest cherry tomatoes you've ever tasted















My first attempt at growing watermelon

4th of July Weekend

Over the 4th of July weekend Max, Janet, and Elise came to visit us. We spent a lot of time touring Savannah, chatting about the wedding, window shopping for houses, and eating delicious food! Here are a few photos from their visit.

Playing "Go for Broke" and trying to lose all of our money.

















We all went out to visit Rabi and I hooked him up to the cart. He behaved himself and everyone got a ride around the arena.





















Although we were going to go to the beach, traffic on the 3rd of July was ridiculous so we decided to tour a fort near Savannah instead.
















The entrance to the fort





















Janet checking out one of the guns on display
















A view of the Savannah River from the fort.
















Matthew in some period dress.

Kayaking in Hilton Head

Two weekends ago, Matthew and I went on a kayaking tour with some friends in Hilton Head, SC. This was Matthew's first time kayaking since his traumatic childhood experience (he still likes canoes better). We had a good time, despite the heat, and stayed for lunch at a local pizza place.

Matthew and I at the start of the tour.

Practicing my kayaking skills.

Matthew with Jamie and Edward.

A little blue heron that was very tame.

A short video of Matthew being launched in his kayak.

Peaches and Plum

About a week after our TN vacation, our female rabbit, Belle, passed away. We have been looking for a replacement and Matthew finally found a farm about an hour away that has a lot of rabbits. Yesterday we bought two large does and named them Peaches and Plum. We did not tell the lady what we do with our rabbits since everyone is always appalled! Peaches is 6 months old and ready to breed and Plum is 4 months old so she will be ready to breed after Peaches has a litter. Both are very shy right now but should settle in soon.

Peaches

Plum

Camping

Last weekend Matthew went golfing with some guys up in Myrtle Beach, SC so I decided to take my other man, Rabi, camping at Lakeview Plantation in SC. At the last minute everyone else at the barn where I keep my horse backed out, so Rabi and I ended up going by ourselves. Despite the very frustrating trails and the warm temperatures, we enjoyed the short vacation. I also got to test out my new trailer as a tent and use one of the cots my mom gave us in April.

My "bedroom" in the trailer, complete with a hay bale for a night stand!





















Our campsite in the early morning fog
















A section of trail that was pretty and I wasn't lost on.
















A riding self-portrait. Corny, I know!

Engagement Photos

If you haven't checked out our engagement photos yet (linked to our wedding website or just click here) then here are some of our favorites!














































































































































All photos done by Katie Joyner Photography

What's Been Going On

We have been very busy around here between road trips, friends visiting, and getting ready for our wedding. I hope everyone got their save-the-dates. We have been working on decorations and registering for gifts as well. Here are a few photos I managed to take of some of our adventures over the last 3 weeks.

Matthew and I went strawberry picking at a local farm and I made a strawberry pie from them. I have never made one before, but it is hard to go wrong with strawberries and sugar!

My college friends visited for a few days and we toured Savannah. We spent a day at the beach and a day downtown, including eating lunch at our favorite restaurant, Mrs. Wilkes!

Matthew and I spent last weekend in Charleston for a Lindy Exchange (a type of swing dancing). We also went ballroom dancing, shoe shopping (I got my wedding shoes!), and visited the beach while we were there.

My garden is doing well and we are getting a great crop of green beans this year, I have even been able to freeze some for later in addition to what we can eat!