Summer is coming to an end

Here we go with my second shot at this blogging business.

I started my blog as a way for people to keep up with Alex and me as opposed to using social media. I have been trying to limit the amount of time I spend on facebook, instagram, and pinterest. It is harder than it sounds! I found myself automatically searching for my apps on my phone either when I would wake up, get bored, or before bed. It has gotten easier. I think pinterest is the hardest. I am allowing myself extra pinterest time since school is right around the corner ;)

My life these days involves sitting in front of a computer attempting to pass my summer grad classes. These classes have been the most challenging summer classes I have ever taken. I am thankful that I am off for the summer so I can give them my full attention. I could not imagine how difficult it would be to take these classes and work full-time. Thank you teacher schedule!

Even though I've been busy with school, we have been able to enjoy some fun summer activities. About two weeks ago, we gave my brother a big send off before he left for basic. For those that do not know, Will has joined the National Guard. He is currently in basic training in South Carolina. Next, he is off to Virginia for his speciality training. He won't be permanently back home until February. I am so proud of him and his decision to serve our country. However, I am sure going to miss this kid while he's gone!

Pictures were taken the day before he left...

Last week, I went fruit picking for the first time. It sure was hot. Alex and I went with our good friends. The funniest part was how particular the boys were in selecting just the right peach. Apparently it is serious business. We also probably picked way too many. I went ahead and cut them up to freeze and preserve them. I am hoping to learn how to make peach preserves and peach cobbler. It was a fun experience! I don't have any pictures of us picking because we looked pretty rough but here are some of our yummy peaches...

This past weekend was spent at the lake. Everyone got a little burnt but it was well worth the two hour drive! We enjoyed riding in the boat, floating in the water, and enjoying the Lake Ouachita scenery. I also appreciate the down time with close friends. I am thankful for the friendships Alex and I have made since we have gotten married. After the lake, we enjoyed some yummy seafood in Hot Springs. 

Well, August is right around the corner and we know what that means...back to school! The next couple of weeks will be spent getting my classroom back together just in time for a new group of kinders. I will post about my back to school progress in a few weeks. Thank you for checking up on us. All is well at the Talley House! 

Thanks for reading! 

Hannah 

The Talleys take St. Louie!

Hi Everyone! I am new at blogging so please be patient with me as I figure out this process! I thought I would start with posting about our wonderful trip to St. Louis this past weekend. It was wonderful. The weather was in the low 80s the entire weekend. Plus, it was just nice to simply get away and enjoy a different scenery.

On Thursday, we hit the road at 5 A.M. (too early for me)! The drive was actually nice because there was little to no traffic. Our first stop was Lambert's. 

I had not been to a Lambert's in years and I had forgotten how big their portions are! Let's just say we left with VERY full tummies. After we left Lambert's, we drove to St. Louis. That night, we went to a Cardinals baseball game. The weather couldn't have been better. We also had great seats behind first base. We had heard that there was going to be fireworks after the game so we stayed until after the 11th inning. Yes, it was a long game. Well, to our surprise, there were no fireworks! So, we were disappointed but oh well! You only live once! Even without fireworks, it was a fun night. 

On Friday, we hit the ground running and started with tour of Anheuser-Busch Brewery. The best part was the beautiful clydesdales! Next, we headed downtown to see the famous Gateway Arch. We had both seen it before but it is a tourist must when you are in St. Louis. Unfortunately, the entire area is under construction. You can simply walk to the Arch and that's about it. So with not much to see, we got in a few pictures and left.

 After lunch, we headed to the zoo. Not only is their zoo huge but it is free (a big plus)! Being a holiday weekend, the zoo attracted big crowds but we enjoyed walking around and viewing all the different animals.

We ended our day with a local Fourth of July celebration: Fair St. Louis. Since the Arch is under construction, Fair St. Louis was set up in Forest Park in front of the art museum. The location was perfect with a large grassy area with a water display right behind the stage. The fair had big names perform all weekend such as Chris Young and Kool & the Gang. We aren't the biggest fans but we sat a listened to Blondie and Melissa Etheridge play. Afterwards, there was a huge fireworks display that made sitting in the grass for 3 hours worth it.

 Saturday was just a relaxing day. We got up early to beat the crowds at Grant's Farm. Grant's Farm is  an animals reserve. They have exotic deer and cattle from all around the world. They also have other animals such as goats, horses, and camels that you can feed and/or ride. It would be a great place to take little ones and again it is free! We enjoyed looking at all of the animals and they also had the clydesdales. We ended our mini-vacation with a date night. Dinner and a movie are nontraditional Fourth of July plans so there no crowds, which was great. We also went to our first dine-in theater, which I highly recommend. The movie theater had reclining seats and a wait staff instead of a concession stand. So, you simply order your refreshments and they bring it straight to your seat. How awesome is that! It was a great way to end our trip!!

 Thank you for taking the time to read my first post! I hope to keep up with it!

Have a blessed day!!!
Hannah
Philippians 4:1-9