Heaven or Hawaii?

I am well aware that it's been about a full month since we returned from our honeymoon, but I'm still going to tell you about it.  How could I not share with you the beauty, peace and tranquility that was and is Kaua'i, Hawaii.

If you are looking for a retreat from the ordinary, Kaua'i is definitely the place for you.  Nicknamed the "Garden Island" it doesn't hold the fast-paced hustle and bustle city-life atmosphere that some of the more popular islands do. 

Once we landed at Li'Hue airport we hopped in a cab and headed to our hotel.  During the ride one of the first things we saw was a beautiful Rainbow that actually looked like it was ending in the direction of our hotel.  A pretty perfect way to start the trip...

Upon arriving at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa we were kindly lied and shown to our newly renovated room.  And this was the view from our patio...Absolutely gorgeous.  Oh, and we didn't even know this when we chose the Hyatt, but apparently it's one of the 1,000 places you should see before you die.  At least according to THIS book.

The resort was top notch.  And lucky for us, they were in the process of renovating it (not that you would have ever known...we didn't hear any construction or see any signs of renovating anywhere) so the hotel was only holding about half of the capacity that it normally would.  Meaning we didn't have to fight for a chair at the pool, or wait more than 5 minutes at any of the hotel restaurants.

The landscapes were so different compared to Maryland.  I mean obviously, the island was formed from a volcano, but I suppose you never really notice how different trees, bushes, flowers and even beaches can be until you see it for yourself.

We did your typical touristy things, including a guided ATV tour.  Thanks to two very charming local guys who lead our tour (Lumbo and Troy) we were laughing the whole time and learned quite a bit of history about the island as well.  For example, this rope you see my darling husband about to swing off of was in the film "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom".  Ok, so the rope itself wasn't, but the location was.  Anyone out there remember when Indie is running from the natives/huge boulder in the opening scenes and he yells for his friend to start the plane?!  Well this is where it took place :)

We also went to an authentic luau put on by the resort.  And it was definitely worth the money paid.  The food was out of this world, the dancing was incredible and the drinks weren't too bad either!  If you ever find yourself at the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i, please don't pass up this opportunity.  They hold the luau's on Sunday and Thursday nights I believe...Did i mention that Bubba had 3 steaks, fish, chicken and pork all in this one sitting? Not to mention a helping of everything else they had to offer...hence the look on his face above.

And of course we spent some much needed time beside the pool and ocean.  What is a trip to Hawaii without a couple of "Shipwrecked Surfers" (My new all-time favorite drink) and some lazy days basking in the sun?!

I hope you enjoyed just a brief peek at what Kaua'i Island had to offer us and maybe one day you'll be able to mark it off your 1,000 places to see before you die list too!

Point Breeze Photography

Some more photography to brighten your day.  I took this shot a few weeks ago, October 9th to be exact (my brothers bday!)  If anyone ever asks me why I love living in Colton's Point I just have to show them this picture.  I mean, where else do you get to watch BEAUTIFUL sunrises like this every morning?!

Point Breeze Photography

So my darling husband bought me something I've always wanted for my birthday this year...

...a Canon Rebel! 

I've always loved photography, the way it can tell a story and truly convey emotions without saying a single word.  And now that I've got a camera capable of getting all the shots I love, I'm going to make an effort to carry my camera with me everywhere I go.  Well, almost everywhere...

Being married to an avid hunter and farmer, I knew what I was getting myself into.  An early fall morning, wrapped up in old jeans and camo sweatshirts and all the dogs howling like crazy.  Yes, this is what rabbit hunting is all about.

 

I really don't like to call it "rabbit hunting" since none of us carried a gun.  Bub and his dad were just "running the dogs" to get them some practice for when the time comes to actually hunt some rabbit.  The Hill boys have certainly bred and raised some talented pups...

#100

Welcome to my 100th blog post!  So terribly exciting, I know...  But seriously.  I started this blog somewhat as a dedication to the beautiful place I call home; Southern Maryland, Colton's Point to be exact.  And much to my surprise, I've kept up with it better than I thought I would.  I really just like to share the things I love, the things I find beautiful, and even sometimes the things I just don't understand. 

I have been slacking a little on my blogging, so I'll take this 100th post as an opportunity to catch up on lost time.  So what's been happening on Point Breeze Road lately? A lot...let's catch up :)

First I have to share with you a photo that I just love. 



Some people may look at this picture and think, big deal it's a kid sitting on a woman's lap.  But to me there is just something so calming and comfortable about it.  One of my best friends, and Bubba's cousin Amanda is one of the kindest and caring person I've ever met.  And to me her nurturing nature just shines through in this picture holding her cousin and our nephew, Jake.  I love it.

Next on the list of 'goings ons', our annual Blessing of the Fleet party.  Every year during the first weekend of October, the wonderful people of the St. Clements Island Museum host the Blessing of the Fleet.  Originally designed to Bless the watermen's boats before the season began, it has turned into quite an ordeal, with food vendors, boat rides to the island, craft tables and even live entertainment.  Living in the neighborhood, we use the opportunity to throw a party for our family and friends, and wrap up the night with everyone gathered in the front yard to watch the incredible fireworks that the event puts on.  Thanks to all who came this year and made our party so much fun!

Our lives have been pretty non-stop since the wedding, but that's ok.  We're young and we can handle it.  We got to make a short little day trip to the Eastern Shore recently to visit my new sister-in-law and her fiance.  I've really only ever visited that area in the summer, for trips to the beach, but I have to say it is still pretty sweet even with the seasons beginning to change.  Driving into Ocean City for a warm breezy walk on the beach was just what the Doctor ordered for us.  Such a great day!

[This picture, below, reminds me of the book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven]

Love dressing up for Halloween, but like staying home to pass out candy on the actual day of the spooktacular event?  Try having a specially themed party in the weeks prior to Halloween.  For example, I recently attended a "Witches Brew" complete with a diverse group of witches and deliciously devilish food and drinks.

Hope you enjoyed this little catch-up blog!  And make sure you check back soon for more updates :)

And it came true...

I’m totally that girl. That one that used to write in her journal every time she’d think of a beautiful idea for the day that she would marry her prince charming. No, I didn’t go back through all of my adolescent memoirs just to plan my wedding, but I did know exactly what I wanted. Dating and being engaged to a man with 27+ cousins and just as many friends, I’ve been to my fair share of weddings. Collecting tips, helpful hints, and even some ideas of what not to do. So the moment my sweet husband got down on one knee on our riverfront pier to propose, I knew what direction I wanted to take.

Elegant. Classic. Fairytale.

But it’s not all about me, there was another person in the equation too and he just happens to be one of the most non-superficial and outdoorsy men I’ve ever met. So we thought about it, and what was really important to us, and there is was. Family. It was to be a Classic-Fairytale wedding with small rustic touches all laced with our family ties.

The black suits with simple aubergine ties for the groomsmen, black for the groom and grey for the fathers was the simplistic elegance that the grooms crew called for; A crew of men who would rather be decked out in camouflage. The women of the bridal party certainly didn’t disappoint either in their calf-length aubergine dresses with a slight sweetheart neckline and large black sash at the waist, they each looked absolutely stunning. Of course you also had my doll-esqe sister who looks good in just about anything you put on her, also in an aubergine dress but with a black lace overlay. My mother, as well as mother-in-law were just as stunning, each in a different shade of jewel tone blues.

Clearly I was in love with our colors and outfits. I just can’t help it, everyone looked so beautiful and elegant. The Church was full of 250 of our closest friends and family and to be honest, I only really ‘saw’ a few as my dad and I somewhat calmly made our way down the aisle. My excitement and energy was focused on the handsome man standing at the end of the long aisle. Our carefully selected readings and gospel were recited and we were well on our way to being a married couple. The priest gave us our blessings, and announced us to the crowd as the new Mr. & Mrs. Adrian Hill!

Climbing onto the sleek limo-bus, we headed to the reception and caught the most beautiful sunset this summer. Did I mention there had been 100 degree days the entire week leading up to the wedding, but that Saturday it was a perfect 75 and sunny? Yes, God was certainly smiling on us…Despite a small microphone malfunction, we were announced into the reception complete with DIY décor such as multiple oyster shells painted with glitter and a matching candles on each table, favors with black and white photos taken by yours truly and a small pewter deer mounted on a lovely little marble, and unique centerpieces made from locally grown flowers from an Amish friends farm and put together by my friends and Bubba’s aunts. The first dance is played, photo’s are taken and dinner is served. By this time the sun has set and our hundreds of candles and specially placed white lights are casting an elegant glow across the ground. Another special touch that I will never forget was the father/daughter dance to My Girl, sung by our DJ Joe Webb and the mother/son don, Simple Man, sung by our close friend Adam Lyon. And this wasn’t a cheap karaoke show either, they thoroughly brought the house down.

We danced, we ate cake and we socialized with as many guests as possible. It was everything I imagined it would be and more. The wedding I always dreamt of had come true and I was married to the man of my dreams. As the night ended we tossed the bouquet off the balcony of The Old Breton Inn and the rest is history.

Thanks for letting me relive our own little piece of perfection…pictures to come soon!!

Check out some of our professional photos by Melissa Barrick!  More to follow...