Trails of Africa...

Chase and I woke up Saturday morning and decided we wanted to go to the zoo.  Kind of random, I know, but Chase does not have a day off very often and we wanted to take advantage.  We were a little worried we would be the only young adults without children at the zoo and for the most part we were right but we had a great time.  

If you haven't been to The Birmingham Zoo lately...you should go.  They have a new fantastic Trials of Africa part of the zoo that includes all animals of Africa...gorillas, lions, tigers, elephants....everything and it is wonderful.  You really feel like you're in the Lion King with the music playing and everything.  Here a few pictures of my favorite animals and Chase's favorite animals at the zoo.  Mine first....

These sea lions were so fun to watch and we decided that they have it better than any animal at the zoo...they are in the cool water, they all kinds of fun tricks they can do, and they just look so happy...

I loved the gorilla too.  It's so weird to watch them because they are so human-like and this guy looked kind of sad but he has an amazing story.  He was the first gorilla to go through heart surgery in 2004 and he's doing amazing now...I loved him!

I thought these little monkeys were hilarious.  It was hot Saturday so they were really tired obviously but it was so funny the way they were just laaaayed out....

Of course one of Chase's favorite was the lion.  He wasn't very interesting because he was asleep but it was HUGE and so pretty.  

Chase also liked this Bengel Tiger.  He was sleeping too but still gorgeous. 

Of course Chase loved the alligator.  We watch Swamp People all the time and we were hoping Troy wasn't anywhere around (if you watch Swamp People you know what I'm talking about...he's our favorite Cajun).  We wanted to watch him get fed but we weren't willing to fight 40+ small children..he was pretty scary...

We both liked this massive elephant.  He wouldn't turn around but he was dancing which was entertaining.  Like I said they have this Lion King like music playing in this part of the zoo and that elephant was swaying back and forth and it looked just like he was dancing.  
We had a great time and if you have nothing to do...you should definitely go to the zoo no matter how old you are or whether you have small children or not....

A Family Affair

This past weekend my uncle, Brad, got married.  Brad is my uncle but he is more like a big brother to me seeing that he's only about five years older than Amber.  I spent some of the week and the whole weekend in my good ole hometown Ashland, Alabama.  Brad and his wife just bought a new house in Ashland and they moved in last Saturday and got married there this past Saturday.  So to say the least there was a lot of work to do and not a lot of time.  Our whole family had been working there all week and I showed up Thursday to help.  They have a beautiful house and backyard and they are so excited about it.  I am so happy for them and I am especially happy for Brad.  He is such a hard worker and him and his wonderful  kids, Ethan and Kinsley have been through a lot and they all are very worthy of this new home.  I am sure it will be full of new and wonderful memories that they will remember forever.  Here are a few pictures from the wedding that was held in their backyard around the pool.  We all had a great time and I hope Brad and Nicole are enjoying themselves on their honeymoon!  
Here's a sweet picture of Ross and Kinsley right before the wedding started.  

Me, Amber, and Ross before the wedding..

And here's another picture of the new happy family.  This is Madison (Nicole's daughter), Nicole, Kinsley, Brad, and Ethan.  

Fortunately for us and probably unfortunately for Brad and Nicole, they will keep a house full this summer with that huge pool in their backyard!!!  Congratulations and good luck Brad and Nicole on the marriage and congratulations Brad, Nicole, Ethan, Kinsley, and Madison on the home!!

Lookout for a beautiful wedding...

A couple of weekends ago Chase and I stole away for a weekend to help our friends Eric and Rosie celebrate their wedding.  Eric and Chase went to high school together and I have grown to really enjoy each of them separately and even more together.  Rosie is, like me, overworked, underpaid, and a huge contributer to the youth of America....yes...she's a teacher and Eric works in the hardware business and they live in Chase's hometown of Trion, Georgia.   

Their wedding was at Lookout Mountain (hence the title) in Chattanooga which is absolutely gorgeous.  The ceremony and reception was held outside with a breathtaking view.  The weather was very shaky all day with showers and while the wedding party was walking in it started raining.  Everyone held their breath but right before the beautiful bride walked out with her Dad it stopped.  Here is a picture of Rosie and her Dad as they walk out...

Her dad also played the guitar and sang a song during the ceremony which was so stinking sweet.  

You can probably tell that is has been raining in the picture but the ceremony turned out great and isn't the back of her dress gorgeous.  She was obviously a beautiful bride.  Here is picture right before they announced Rosie and Eric Evans for the first time!! 

The rest of the night was full of delicious food, drinks, music, and dancing.  Not only did their guests have a great time but they did too.  As a couple they finished out the night doing the entire Soldier Boy dance on the dance floor.  They are so cute and everyone had a wonderful time!  Here is a picture of the whole group and the bride and groom.  

There are three couples of our group that are getting married this year so one down and two to go!  The exciting part is WE are next!!  We'll end with a picture of me and my Chaser with that beautiful view in the background...

Congratulations Eric and Rosie, we had great time and we look forward to a ton of memories with you guys!