i’m just back from my vacation to the USA. i know the saying is that “change is as good as a holiday”…but there is nothing like the real thang!

while i was away, i had the chance to play with my camera a bit. i found photographing things to be much easier than people…it’s amazing how camera shy i found my family to be. of course, the fact that i love snapping as many photos as possible doesn’t help my cause much.

i spent a week in my hometown of Chattanooga, Tn. the downtown area is so artsy and beautiful. although i was only able to spend a day downtown, it was satisfying to be standing in the midst of a place i dearly love.
my baby boy graduated high school in May and i wasn’t about too miss it! not that i need one, but it was a great excuse for a vacation.he accepted a football scholarship to Tusculum College in Tennessee and begins his studies in the fall.i am such a proud momma! i think he was pretty proud of himself as well!graduation was the first stop on my trip followed by awesome time with friends and family…

no trip home is complete without a few stops at my favourite places to eat….like Krispy Kreme donuts! i did feel bad because it is one of my daughter’s favourite places to stop (and she wasn’t with me…she was stuck back in NZ attending school) but as i’m sure she will testify to the fact that, i didn’t feel bad enough because i didn’t resist the temptation. on my last night in Chatt town…i had to make a late night run for some “now hot” donuts. oh, yum! as i’m shivering away in my office in the middle of the NZ winter, i’m thinking they would be soooo good about now!

my sister works for Supervalu in Atlanta. Supervalu was a sponsor for the local Special Olympics. my family was honoured to volunteer for the day. the gymnastics athletes did a fantastic job and were so proud of their accomplishments. we were proof for them as well. thank you to Supervalu for letting us participate in such an amazing day.

driving around Atlanta left me a little edgy at times after driving for so many years on the left hand side of the road; however, i was itching for someone to trust behind the wheel of their car. sadly, most of them were too scared! my husband thinks they were wise to be.

most of my time was spent hanging out at my parents home…helping with yard work…

playing with my niece  and great nieces and nephews…

however, we did make time for a trip to the zoo…my son and i spent a day riding the roller coasters at Six Flags…

and we took a trip to Stone Mountain for an evening laser show. it is a must see if you are ever in the Atlanta area. i didn’t do a lot of shopping this time but Target and Walmart are always on the agenda! Target just makes me happy and i wouldn’t dare return to NZ with empty hands as there would be sad faces awaiting me…and we don’t want see sad faces! needless to say, i did not protest about having to go shopping.

the biggest “must” have on my vacation bucket list was watermelon and American pickles. 13 watermelon and 3.5 gallons of pickles to be exact. i know! shameful. no matter, it had to be done and i must say, i put a pretty good dent in that goal although, family and friends did help me, after all, i didn’t want to be too much of a glutton. i was close, though!

saying good bye was tough.

i miss everyone already.

i am very thankful for the time to spend giving real hugs and kisses instead of cyber ones, talking all day and night and sharing heartfelt moments.

i’m already planning my next trip…five years was far too much time away…

do you have a vacation planned in the near future? i’d love to hear how you plan to spend your time relaxing. so share your plans with me below in the comments.

here’s to great trips with family and friends!

see you soon!

D