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Weekend at Home

Elk River, Alabama

Kevin’s got a new work schedule, and I now get him all to myself every other Friday. Glorious! I’m totally enjoying lounging around today and starting our weekend early. :)

Elk River, Alabama

We’ve been on the move a lot this summer (last weekend we were in Chicago) but a few weeks ago we stayed close to home and took off deep into the woods of Alabama to the Elk River.

Elk River, Alabama

Dirt roads! A common site. All adventures in the south begin with a dirt road. Miley & Howie know when we get on a dirt road that something exciting is about to happen.

Elk River, Alabama

I was in serious need of some sun. And water. And sitting on my behind for 6 hours straight.

Elk River, Alabama

With plenty of space to stash ice-cold drinks, snacks, and maybe even a cell phone (if I can find a signal out here), a kayak is basically a recliner on water, right? I think so.

It could probably use a little more cushion in the seat department, though.

Elk River, Alabama

We met up with some sweet friends for the day. When you’re floating down an 8-mile stretch of a river in the Middle of Nowhere, Alabama, it’s important to have girlfriends you can talk beauty products with. They lent me a hairbrush after this pic. True friends.

Elk River, Alabama

Goodness gracious, the Elk River was gorgeous.

Elk River, Alabama

The water was so icy cold…

Elk River, Alabama

We saw cows.

Elk River, Alabama

And waterfalls.

Elk River, Alabama

And this creaky old bridge, that we all dared each other to walk across. Until we saw a four-wheeler drive over it.

Elk River, Alabama

Howie, the navigator.

Elk River, Alabama

Eventually he got a little squirmy in my, shall we say, less than spacious kayak. He needed more room for his little chunky sausage legs.

Elk River, Alabama

Howie! He completely and totally kicked Stephanie out of her kayak.

Elk River, Alabama

Here come my babes.

Elk River, Alabama

Kevin once introduced himself as “Kevin, from kevinandamanda.com.”

Then he added “Amanda’s husband.”

You know. To clarify.

Elk River, Alabama

We used the self-timer for this pic.

Just kidding! ;)

See you next week!! :)

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43 Responses
  1. Art Beins

    Beautiful photos! Your Boston’s really look like a couple of characters. We are trying to find a Boston puppy but we’re not sure what direction to go. We live in Jackson, NJ. If you have any suggestions it would be deeply appreciated. Have a wonderful day!

  2. craig Monette

    OMG.. I love the Boston photos. The rest are pretty awesome too. We have 4 Boston Terriers. I don’t see them getting in a Kayak anytime soon, but these pics made me smile!!!

  3. Cheri

    Great pics! And looks like an awesome, enjoyable, relaxing weekend with friends (family pets included)! What more could you ask for???

  4. Allison

    Loved the bridge pic! And I laughed how you guys dared each other to walk it until you saw someone drive over her! HAHA!

    What fun pics! I love how Kevin introduces himself as your husband! Too cute!

  5. Sara

    That looks like a ton of fun! I would be chicken though. I am not a fan of fish swimming around my feet! I guess I should just try!
    Anyway, you look amazing in those pictures! I agree with the others, you are doing a great job of taking care of yourself and having fun while your doing it!;)

  6. Kathy

    They are amazing pictures and I love seeing those bright kayaks on the river. What do you do in terms of your camera in that kayak – I would be worried I would tip the boat over. Even if you are careful there are always those accidents. What camera are you using and how to you keep it from getting wet. And the last picture fantastic. Seriously you couldn’t have used the self timer unless you have a wireless remote – please tell me you do. I just want to be on that river in a kayak with my camera…..stunning. Thanks for sharing you too.

  7. Barbara

    I just love your dogs. They have such cute personalities! Looks like a very cool day with your friends, dogs, and hubby!
    Barbara

  8. Stella

    I follow your blog for quite some time but never placed a comment…. Love this post. I nearly fell off my chair; I couldn’t stop laughing. So funny to watch and you really have a great sense of humor. I knew that already :) but never wrote it in a comment.
    A big big compliment for you and your blog. Love it!( your dogs too!)
    Have a wonderful weekend.

  9. Irene

    Hi!
    i always enjoy your posts. what a beautiful way to relax and enjoy nature and friends! we went rafting for the first time last autumn in a river similar to yours. i loved it. here is to good times.

  10. Katy McGuffey

    Do you work out in addition to the diet? You look like you’re sporting some pretty good guns! The pictures are amazing and looks like so much fun.

  11. Nancy

    I stumbled into your blog quite by accident- I’m not even a blogger, but I have to say you do have a very near blog. Your photography blows me away!! You can take such common things like cupcakes, pot lids, and clothing labels and make them into gorgeous art! My background is in art, so it takes a lot to impress me!
    Also, you guys seem like the cutest couple, and your home is just lovely to boot! I give you an “A+”, girl!!

  12. Jane

    Wow. Love the on-the-water pictures! Neat how the water reflects the colors of the kayaks and your shirts – great pics!! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

  13. Brandy

    That looks wonderful! I love to kayak! I’m impressed that you own all that gear! Oh, and the self timer thing. You definitely had me going. I thought one of you happened to be the best kayaker on the planet to beat the clock!

  14. Amanda Sevall

    I’ve never been kayaking like that and your pictures totally make me want to!! More great photos of Howie and Miley too — they are so cute!! :)

  15. kris

    makes me want to get outdoors with my kiddos this weekend! will have to see what I can do about that! thanks for sharing your adventure!

  16. Patty Martinez

    I just love your pics and your little dogs! I sooo want to take up kayaking after reading your blog.

    nuestrasaventurasentexas.com

  17. Lana

    What a fun trip! I love seeing the river from Howie’s perspective! Looks like a great way to unwind and catch up with great friends!

  18. funwithnancy.blogspot.com

    Just beautiful. I kayaked the Elk river once but the portion of it up in Missouri is not a beautiful as your spot was! We had some beautiful cliffs to admire but it was not as lush, nor were there any waterfalls!
    Thanks for the pics! I love your site.
    Nancy

  19. Tammy Hassebrock

    Looks like a blast! I wish I could get my husband to do that. He won’t go into water where he can’t see the bottom. I married a big chicken. :)

  20. Corrianna {SouthernMother}

    Hey Amanda! I’ve been following for awhile, but I don’t think I’ve commented until now. Does that make me a stalker? I hope not, but if so…sorry. :D

    Anyway, I was wondering about these awesome river pictures! We just bought a house on a river and I’m trying to come up with a good solution for taking my camera in the canoe. I have a big DSLR and a little Canon Powershot, neither one waterproof and neither one am I willing to ruin. What do you use? I looked into getting a soft waterproof case for my point & shoot, but I’m stuck between doing that and just buying a totally waterproof camera. Any advice for me?

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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