{for the love of cranberry creek}

this weekend was spent in the beautiful mountains of north carolina. 

we celebrated my 30th birthday with a few of the most amazing people i know.

yes, 30. 

three. ohhh.

this is the third year that we have went to cranberry creek. it is a long and relaxing weekend that i look forward to every fall. the colors are vibrant, the nights are freezing cold, and we always make delish meals... this year was no different!

we had two new guests this year - my very best friend in the WHOLE world, crystal, and her husband, justin. they made the drive from west virginia.

here is how i would describe cranberry creek - it is a cabin that sits on an amazing piece of land nestled high in the mountains. water lines the propery and trees stretch to the sky. it's always blue skied and beautiful. it's always cold enough for a bonfire.
it is perfection.

here are some images of the amazing cranberry creek -

our pups, oliver and emme, know cranberry creek as soon as we pull up the hill. they both know they are in for a weekend of stick fetching, rock searching, and running free around 13 acres of land.
they. are. in. heaven.

 ellie had lots of time to run around as well. she is the funnest little girl and so full of life!

isn't that the cutest face!

david and i wanted to TRY to get a picture of the two of us with our pups... this was quite the task, but finally we succeeded! (thank you crystal!!!) in most of the pictures one of the pups would try to jump or run... but i love those just as well as the ones that did turn out.

 and finally... the perfect family photo!

and a lovely photo of crystal and justin - they are such a fabulous couple!

already looking forward to next year at cranberry creek...

as for turning 30, i truly feel no different today than i did yesterday. sure, growing up and dreaming how my life would look at 30 i may have had some different ideas... like owning my dream home and maybe having a kid or two. instead, we own a beautiful home that we don't live in but rent out, and live in a rental! and no kiddos yet, though our two pups are as spoiled and loved as all the children we know.
though my life plan has taken a few unexpected but very welcomed turns, i wouldn't trade where i am at in my life for anything in the world. i feel that i have everything i could possibly need, including the most amazing husband ever created. i have a family that has built me to be the person i am today, the greatest friends, a strong roof over my head and a super super super comfy bed to rest my weary head in at night.
yes, when i go to bed each night i have MUCH to be thankful for.
of course, there is still lots to do, but i am now realizing there is so much time left to work on those things.
i anticipate that my thirty's will bring much more happiness than my twenties!