Reformation 500

Last week our family went to the incredible "Reformation 500. 

This event celebrated the birthday of John Calvin, 500 years ago. 

We had a wonderful time exploring the historical sights of Boston, listening to incredibly inspiring speakers, and making new friends.

The big event for the week was a debate between John Calvin and Charles Darwin.

Charlie Zahm (center) is an absolutely amazing singer. While singing "Dixie" Doug Phillips (president of Vision Forum) joined him on the harmonica. "Dixie" is my favorite song Charlie Zahm sings.  Awesome! 

Most of the sessions were held in the hotel's ballroom which was gorgeous.

The three girls in front of a replica of the Liberty Bell. 

18th Birthday at Hampton Plantation

For my 18th birthday my mom and some friends and my sisters went to South Carolina for a daytrip to visit Hampton Plantation. This was the last home of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, the woman who succeeded in cultivating indigo in the lowcountry region bringing  enormous wealth to the colony during the latter half of the 18th century.  Virtually everything about the house is completely original--amazingly preserved and beautiful. 

Standing on the lawn. I love old white houses with columns. So fun. :)

Across this river there used to be rice fields as far as the eye could see. Now it's filled with bugs as far as the eye can see...lol

Lined up on the front portico escaping the heat

Me, the birthday girl

My closest friend

This was the mantle in the ballroom, all original, all hand carved. 

Charlotte looking out the window at the George Washington Oak--a tree he took note of during a 1792 visit to meet Eliza Pinckney whom he recognized as a heroic patriot.  Not long after that meeting Eliza died while visiting Philadelphia; Washington requested to serve as a pall bearer at her funeral.

Dinner on the way home at Olive Garden. 

Graduation dinner

After the party my family went to a lovely restaurant downtown on the river. I had a wonderful meal and enjoyed time with my family. 

Family

Me and my wonderful, incredible parents.

Sisters

Both sets of grandparents joined us for dinner. 

The night ended with a gorgeous sunset as we strolled along the riverwalk.

Graduation Party

This past weekend (May 30)we hosted a graduation party at our house. My grandparents came into town from NY and we all had a wonderful time. 

Whenever my mom has a party at our house with an invitation, she always does this on the front door. I love her ideas.

People eating some of the wonderful food we served for lunch.

Friends

And last but not least the beautiful flower arrangement my mother did with hydrangeas from our very own garden.

Graduation

Can you guess what happened? :) I graduated from high school at our state's homeschool conference in Winston-Salem, NC.

Up on stage as my Dad gives me my diploma.

My family and my grandparents posing afterward the ceremony

My good friend Sarah who was also at the conference and graduation

My Mom and Dad with me

Strawberry Jam

Last week my mom, Emily and I made strawberry jam. We make strawberry and blueberry jam every year to give as hostess gifts throughout the year. 

In the process we have fun

we make jam

We pour it into the jars

And cut the strawberries

Nothing quite like freshly picked strawberries, they're my favorite

*Note: These aren't in order... annoying computer

Southern Belle

Well, this past weekend I got to be a true southern belle! Our town hosts the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival.  Each year around 125 young ladies (called the "Azalea Belles") are selected to dress in antebellum gowns and sit in the gardens in the Garden Tour and appear at other venues that are part of the festival.  So here are a few of my favorite photos from the various events. :)

Here I am enjoying the shade of my parasol in one the gardens.

This was taken at the Belle Tea held at a house right on the waterway. This event was before the actual festival and was primarily for Belles and their proud mamas!

The Garden Tour officially opened here at a ribbon cutting ceremony on the lawn of this lovely southern mansion. The belles were placed along the front alongside cadets from the Citadel.  Quite a sight.

I had some visitors too. :)