Sandy Creek Primitive Baptist Church - North Carolina

As a family we went for a ride in the countryside. We happened upon the Sandy Creek Primitive Baptist Church located in Liberty, NC and were pleasantly surprised that we could go inside. The Sandy Creek Primitive Baptist Church organized in 1755 by Elder Shubal Stearns, a Baptist pastor.

While we were reading the church historical marker a sweet lady arrived. She told us we could go inside and gave us quite the history lesson. That staircase leads up to the loft where slaves would listen to the sermon.

These are the original benches. Aren't they lovely!

The little ones thought it was cool that they could stand at the pulpit.

Love the wood door and stone steps!

Here is the original door lock and handle.

Monument marking Shubal Stearns' grave located in the church's cemetery.

Cemetery Horses - Franklinville, NC

It was so nice to spend the whole day photographing three different country cemeteries. Unfortunately, I ran out of room on my card before I finished my last cemetery. I rushed home to get a new card and grabbed the kids to come out with me. While I was photographing the last few rows of headstones the kids went exploring and they attracted a bunch of horses. 

Cracked me up seeing how many horses were checking out the kids.

Made the kids really happy!

Then we headed over to the Franklinville Park to play as the sun set. The light was lovely reflecting off the Deep River.

Look how enchanting Franklinville, NC looks with its Christmas decorations up on Main St. That really is all of Main St!

It was a lovely day!

Thanksgiving Weekend - Franklin, Indiana

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Indiana with Hotch's aunt and uncle. Indiana is so beautiful! 

I could totally live happily on this piece of property.

No trip to Indiana is complete without a visit to Kathy's Cafe.

The view from Aunt Rita's backyard.

The kids had a blast swinging, bothering each other and following the cat.

Delaney just adores Aunt Rita's cat.

Braxton just melts my heart! He is such a sweet boy!

So lucky to have these kids in my life!

Gorgeous Alyssa!

They love their dad!

Feel bad that I didn't get a picture of Thanksgiving dinner, but Aunt Rita sure sets a lovely table. She was sweet and let the girls help set the table.

We were lucky enough to be in town when the Historic Artcraft Theatre was playing a movie. It opened in 1922 and now plays old classic movies.

We love popcorn and this is the very best popcorn I have ever tasted. It is locally grown just a few miles from the Artcraft.

We sat in the back and the kids kicked in a comfy couch.

It was fun seeing Sydney (Hotch's cousin's daughter) during the opening act.

On our way home and before we crossed into Louisville, Kentucky we filled up for $2.95 a gallon. That is probably the last time we will ever fill up for under $3 a gallon. Had to document it!

We had a lovely time in Indiana and are so grateful that Aunt Rita and Uncle Dave opened their home to us. It was so nice spending time with family!

West Virginia State Capitol Building - Charleston, WV

After visiting the amazing West Virginia State Museum we took a short break while Hotch went to put money in the parking meter. Then we headed next door to check out the interior of the West Virginia State Capitol.

Love that sweet girl! Tried to take a self portrait. 

The West Virginia State Capitol building was designed by Cass Gilbert. (He also designed the Minnesota State Capitol, Arkansas State Capitol, U.S. Treasury Building, the U.S. Supreme Court Building and the Woolworth Building.) was quite dark and hot.  Loved the ceilings and light fixtures! The ceiling had many hues of yellows, brown and blues.

Just love these panels. The flowers are gorgeous!

Look at this old Letterbox. So cool!

Here's a hallway leading to the rotunda.

The rotunda was roped off so I couldn't get completely under the chandelier. Look at those gorgeous marble archways!

The chandelier was made in Czechoslovakia and is made of beveled crystal. It weighs 4,000 pounds and is eight feet in diameter.  

Bummed that I can't find my photos of the exterior, but this capitol building is gorgeous. You can see the gold-leafed dome from miles away. 

We went upstairs to get a better view of the dome.

Below are House and Senate Chambers from the rotunda.

Hopefully, I can find my exterior photos to add to this post. One day we will return to check out the House, Senate and Supreme Court Chambers.