Hot Springs, Arkansas

For our anniversary this year, we decided to go to Hot Springs, AR! I had big plans about going to the Bahamas, or the island of Anguilla, to make it extra special for our 5 years of marriage...but then I found out about our baby. I wasn't sure how I would be feeling, & going out of the country, pregnant, possibly sick or tired all the time...I didn't want to chance such a big trip on being stuck in a room the whole time.

So, Hot Springs it was. It worked out because Matt's parents actually have a condo there, right on Lake Hamilton. It is beautiful!

 Matt has been going there since he was little, so it was fun for him to show me all the places they visited when he was young.

We toured the famous Bath Houses that became poplular from the springs that ran from the mountain.

When G-daddy was young (Matt's Grandfather) he came here with his family by train. They stayed in the Majestic Hotel & he has lots of stories about their visit.

Matt in front of the Majestic Hotel

It was really neat to see all of the history of that place & to experience just how HOT those springs really are!

One of the springs trickles down the mountain to this pool...you don't want to put your hand into the water for very long!

We did a little shopping & sight seeing while we were down town & even went into the Arlington Hotel where Al Capone spent much of his time...hiding out?

In the Lobby of the Arlington

We did a lot & ate at some great places! One night we ate at the Fisherman's Wharf & got to sit right on the water.

After that, we played some putt-putt golf...somehow this has become an Anniversary tradition =)

Matt's hole in one!!

Matt ended up beating me this time

My favorite thing we did while we were there, was the Dinner Cruise we went on. It was such a fun & relaxing evening.

The Belle

Most of the time, we were on the upper deck taking in all the views on the lake & the beautiful houses that lines the shore.

As the sun began to set, we just relaxed & took it all in. Such a great night!

There were so many fun things we got to do, but too many to include all in one post. I actually felt great the whole time we were there, but it was also nice to come back to a comfortable condo to rest when we needed to. I did a lot of walking, which was just what I needed, & we even got in the pool when it was really hot. That was great excercise for me. Of course it went by way to fast & before we knew it, we were headed back home.

This was our last picture the day we left. We had such a great time just being together & being able to take time off from such a busy time in our lives. Matt had been working every weekend up until this time, so I know he was espeically grateful to have a few days off. As for some baby news, I had been feeling our little bean move for a little over a week but had been suspicious as to if that was really him or not. So, while we were on this trip, I had several times when we were quiet & still where my stomach would do a flip! It was such a neat feeling! Sometimes, when I wasn't even thinking about the baby, he would remind me he was there with one of those butterflies in your stomach, flips. It was great!

This was officially our last trip together, just the two of us...not to say we won't ever go away again, but by then we'll have to have my inlaws keep the baby! I'm sure they won't mind...=)