After a gloomy first week of school I woke up Saturday morning to find extra little guests at our house haha. Three girls came up from the bedroom in the basement and my sister’s boyfriend had flown in from New York and was on the couch. We cooked pancakes, sat down at the table with our coffee, and all 6 of us just sat in silence staring at each other for a little bit. It was raining and we’d all been inside dorms or classrooms for days. The first few couple of months back at school are supposed to be for hiking and all things outdoors! It was honestly a little bit of a let-down. Someone finally said, “Ok, we’ve got to get out of this house…let’s just go drive or something.” Everyone agreed, threw on sweatshirts and tennis shoes, grabbed waters and snacks, a few blankets, and headed for the car.
We decided we’d go drive on Blue Ridge parkway because it is stunning! Only problem is only a couple of us had been and only one or two times. Apparently since we are surrounded by the Blue Ridge mountains, there are multiple parkways, because we ended up in a familiar area except we knew we were in the opposite direction than we intended on going haha. The fog was the heaviest I have ever seen it! We drove past one of our normal hiking places and shortly afterwards came up on a little parking lot with sign that said “something(?) Falls.” We pulled off the road and hopped out of the car. By that time it was raining, and cold, but as soon as we stepped onto the path there was a deer RIGHT there. Lately I see deer every single day! Whether in my own yard, my friends’ yards, or on the way to school. We have got the TAMEST deer around here and it’s so funny.
After only walking a half a mile we ended up at a pretty lil’ waterfall! Not like what John Luke and I were seeing in Hawaii, but still fun to see one so close to where we live. We played around there for a bit but the rain and cold made us turn on back. Imagine John Luke could have stayed all day though…he loves the cold and rain!
We loaded up, shared our blankets, sang to our favorite songs, then ordered sushi. Ending the night with cards and Cheaper by the Dozen 2. It was a simple day, but we were all so happy to get out of the house and just do a little exploring. It’s amazing to me the effect that being in nature can have on your body! If I find myself down or in a bit of a funk, getting outside always helps. There’s just something about being in God’s creation that instantly puts me in a better mood. If you find yourself stressing, anxious, or just down, try taking a little walk or just getting a little fresh air. It makes a world of difference to me!
Also, my friends over at Albion sent me some goodies in the mail that came in the mail literally RIGHT before we decided to get out of the house. One of the things that came in was their Granite Jumpsuit so I decided to wear that just with the idea of being in the car. But I can tell you it was perfect for our mini hike too! Soooo super comfy. I absolutely love it. I had one of theirs in a regular size small, but it was too long. This one is a small petite and it fits perfect! I’m 5’4″ to give you a size reference!
AND I am doing a giveaway with them right now on my instagram, so make sure you head over that post to enter!
Love the blog! Do you take your pictures on a camera or your iPhone? Also what filters do you use.
Canon 6D then edit in Lightroom!
What camera do you use?? Your pictures are always so beautiful!
Canon 6D š
I love all of your pictures. What kind of camera do you use?
Canon 6D š
What kind of watch are you wearing?
A Shark Mini watch by Freestyle! I think I have a kid’s one but its great haha. They were sold out of the bigger one. I love it because it’s just so fun and makes me happy when I see my wrist š
Thank you!
Mary Kate! Could you please link your sneakers? they are so cute!! Glad you had a nice trip!<3
I’ll try to find them, but I got them about 6 months ago so I’m not sure if they still sale them or not! But they’re New Balance.
link here
thank you for replying! sadly I can’t get your link to work! š
Thanks for the reply!! Sadly I can’t get the link to work:(
Sorry, I commented twice :/
That looks like a super fun trip! Your pictures are gorgeous! I absolutely love your hat and flannel, if you don’t mind me asking, where did you buy them?
What a sweet day! Obsessed with that jumper š
Mary Kate, your blogs and pictures are phenomenal! You are a true inspiration! Thank you for being you, and sharing your life through your blog!
Looks like fun! Glad that you guys made the most of a rainy day by enjoying God’s creation. š
http://www.madisontaylor.co
Loved exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC! When you edit in lightroom do you create your own Presets?
What brand hat is John Luke wearing?
an alpaca hat from a vendor in Peru haha!
Love your pictures! What lens do you use in your canon?
Fixed 50 mm…literally Canon’s cheapest lens haha
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless Iād figured Iād ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!
Where is your flannel from?? It’s so cute!
John Luke, and he got it from his grandfather haha! I think its from GAP?? But its old!