Pajama Party in the Snow – Athens, Georgia – 01/21/2022

Some years it doesn’t snow in Georgia at all. This year, we’ve actually gotten quite a bit of snow. No matter how old you are, and no matter what time the snow rolls in, you’ve gotta go play in it! Need pajamas for your next Pajama Party in the snow? Click on the photo below!

Hand-Rolled Roasted Sweet Potato Sushi – Athens, Georgia – 09/01/2019

Newfound Gap – Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Newfound Gap, Tennessee – 03/20/2019

Newfound Gap, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a mountain pass situated at the border where Tennessee gives way to North Carolina. The border sign is one of the more iconic GSMNP photos for the take-home. We also had a little photo fun on the Rockefeller Memorial. Newfound Gap is a quick and easy stop along Newfound Gap Road, about halfway between Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the area, and you’ll also find some signage about the CCC creating some of the park’s facilities. If you’re feeling adventurous, other phenomenal hikes are…

The SPGFAN Office – Athens, Georgia – 01/04/2019

Ahhhh… It’s FINALLY coming together! IKEA, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and a little something I made myself… Don’t judge me on my cord management skills! And, the trim still needs some work… And, the ceiling… And, the…. Oh, heck, it will ALWAYS be a work in progress!

Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Cranes of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota – 05/31/2018

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Cranes are two incredibly beautiful avian species that consider the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge their home for part of each year. Each bird has a history of being threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and being overhunted. Thankfully the Sandhill Crane populations have stabilized and starting to increase. And the Trumpeter Swans, in most places, are considered to be a rehabilitated population! We are grateful for our National Wildlife Refuges, which not only protect lands for vulnerable species, but allow families like us to experience such AWESOME creatures…

A Sherburne Sunset With the Sandhill Cranes – Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota – 05/27/2018

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota An evening cruise along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Zimmerman, Minnesota. A Sherburne Sunset With the Sandhill Cranes… Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Read More About the National Wildlife Refuge Blue Goose Passport Program! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Beautiful Nature Journals!

An Evening Cruise Along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive – Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota – 05/27/2018

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Zimmerman, Minnesota An evening cruise along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Zimmerman, Minnesota. A Sherburne Sunset With the Sandhill Cranes… Check Out Our SPGFAN Zimmerman, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Read More About the National Wildlife Refuge Blue Goose Passport Program! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowfor Beautiful Nature Journals!

Mississippi River Rock Star – Munsinger Gardens on the River – St. Cloud, Minnesota – 05/27/2018

Mississippi River at St. Cloud, Minnesota From the Gardens of Munsinger, meander the paths until you find yourself face to face with the Mighty Mississippi! Ducks and Geese float lazily past… Butterflies flutter by, and bumble bees buzz busily… Become one with all that surrounds you… Be a Mississippi River Rock Star! Check Out Our SPGFAN St. Cloud, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota!

A Birthday at Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina – 01/09/2016

Trillian’s 12th Birthday was celebrated in grand historical style, spending the afternoon touring the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Biltmore has long been one of our favorite family destinations. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, as a matter of fact. I remember all the trips I’ve taken with my mom and my grandmother. We’ve been Biltmore Annual Pass Holders pretty consistently since I was about 15 or 16. Easter, Christmas, Birthdays… Many a family holiday event has been honored with an afternoon on the estate of America’s Largest Home!

Camping on the Dry Tortugas – Dry Tortugas National Park – Dry Tortugas, Florida – 09/11/2011

Ahhh… A trip to the Dry Tortugas was one of THE top things on my Bucket List for many years of my life… And here we are! Pitching a tent! Because we’re staying as long as we can! And we’ve got the entire island to ourselves! And that last photo? That’s the view from our campsite, Fort Jefferson, in all it’s sunny splendor… Paradise, indeed. Bucket List, CHECK!

Birthday Dinner at the American Girl Bistro – North Point Mall – Alpharetta, Georgia – 01/04/2011

For a young girl celebrating her birthday, the American Girl Bistro offers THE quintessentially magic experience! Dinner with your favorite doll friends with all the doll sized plates and cups! Kid-friendly favorites such as cheesy pastas and star-shaped fruit… Pink lemonade… Milkshakes… With ALL the whipped cream on top! A lovely birthday serenade by the American Girl staff… And, of course, a gift certificate for some MEGA shopping fun! Even little brothers can get in on the fun by “borrowing” a doll friend with whom to share a yummy milkshake!

Birthday Adventures at the American Girl Boutique & Bistro – North Point Mall – Alpharetta, Georgia – 01/04/2011

What better way to spend a Magical 7th Birthday than by hanging out with all of our favorite friends in the American Girl Boutique in Atlanta! Located in the North Point Mall in Alpharetta, Georgia, the American Girl Doll Experience is THE place where forever memories are made! Happy Birthday, Trillian! We love you!