3 Fall Favorites

#1- This stuff:

Fluffy cotton tufts, dotting rows of spindly sticks, can be seen by the field-full all over Alabama each Fall. And to make matters even more marvelous-looking, runaway puffs gather up into pillowy clumps in the ditches, so taking the scenic route is an absolute must around here.

We flew past that field last week only to make a u-turn and end up right back in front of it…captivated.

#2- This color:

I’m officially smitten with this little tree behind our house…

It’s leaves were green a few weeks ago, but now, all of a sudden- POOF! It’s on fire.

#3- This guy:

He is my sweet home Alabama…

…and he’s so much fun to snuggle with this time of year.

We’re heading up to Birmingham together on Sunday afternoon, and we’ll board our first of two planes to Peru on Monday morning.

I plan to hold his hand the whole way there.

That’s one of my favorite things to do no matter what time of year it is.

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88 Responses to 3 Fall Favorites

1. Rene'@BargainHoot says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 9:33 am

   Love you guys! I’ll be praying for safety and and an amazing life changing experience. xo

   

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2. Donna Lohr says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 9:38 am

   Those are such cute pictures of the two of you together! Peru is going to be AWEsome! I will be reading along and praying for you. What a full fall you have had!

   

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3. elizabeth says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 9:39 am

   How cute are you two!? Safe journey to you both!

   

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4. danika says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 9:43 am

   Okay everyone, all together now: “AWWWWW!”

   Wishing you safe journeys, you darling couple, you!

   

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5. Rebekah says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 9:44 am

   One day I want to see such a field of white. Where I live it is all corn and soybeans, mostly. Yay Minnesota. And I can’t wait to follow you on your journey to Peru. God works wonders and I know your experience will be the best! P.S. Your bracelets are awesome!

   

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6. Lorraine says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 9:47 am

   Those are the ca-ute-est pictures ever!!!! Love the suitcase with Peru on it!!! Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures to and in Peru!!!!!!!!

   

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7. Joy Jenkins says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 9:52 am

   Hi Layla, I love how you share it all on your blog and I wanted to share a special blog with you guys. The pastor of Newspring Church (My Church) here in South Carolina, authors an amazing blog PerryNoble.com. He has a passion for Leadership and helps people learn and grow to Lead. He has a gift to share the message of Jesus Boldly! I just thought you would enjoy his encouragement. I pray for your safety as you travel to Peru.
   Have a beautiful day!
   Joy

   

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8. Linda@nothingbutblueskyes says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 10:02 am

   Of course you love that tree!! That’s my favorite too – Maple trees in the fall = pure love. There is one at my office that has me captivated.

   

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9. Melinda says:

   Nov 9, 2012 at 10:10 am

   I live in North Alabama and have been admiring those white fields too! Great shots of you two. Ya’ll are so dar n cute! (The word looked scary when typed all together). Be safe on your trip and have a wondrous adventure together!

   

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10. Ginger says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:11 am

    Adorable pictures. Safe travels to you two and your fellow compassion bloggers!

    

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11. Wendi says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Wow…you guys are awesome! Thanks so much for showing the rest of the world how great of a place Alabama is. Have a safe and fun trip!

    

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12. Kara @me_and_elna says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:25 am

    I chaperoned two mission trips to Peru in 2002 and 2004 and the experiences COMPLETELY changed my life! The second trip we lived in a homeless shelter with young boys (we were there with Scripture Union) and the love and happiness and gratitude that those young boys had, when many of them had come from such terrible lives including their families prostituting them, humbled me and continues to impact me every day of my life. Prayers to you two while you’re there and that you’re changed and humbled by this experience so that God’s glory may shine through you!

    

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13. melaniek says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:45 am

    fantastic pictures and wishing you a most fulfilling and safe trip full of unexpected blessings

    

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14. Kathryn says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:46 am

    Love seeing this side of you and Kevin. Have a FaNTabULouS time!

    

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15. Sarita says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Prayers for calmness and peaceful feelings on the plane. Can’t wait o see pics!

    

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16. Pam M says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:48 am

    You guys are adorable!! Have a safe trip and a great adventure. We will be thinking of you. ((Hugs!))

    

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17. Stacey says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 10:54 am

    You two are just so cute!

    

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18. Karen Davis says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 11:06 am

    Loved the pic of you walking and holding hands!

    

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19. gina says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 11:20 am

    Great pictures! Hve a wonderful time in Peru. How special you will meet your sponsor child!

    

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20. Val Adam says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 11:23 am

    You two are officially adorable!

    

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21. JT says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 11:51 am

    Seriously…when you said, “the little tree behind our house,,,” my heart welled up with happiness for you two…combine that with the life changing trip you are about to embark on…priceless!
    Never one to comment…I just had to tell you how you touch my heart…thanks and best of luck!

    

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22. Andrea says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 11:54 am

    a great list of fall faves! prayers for your amazing trip ahead. life changing for sure!

    

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23. Mindy says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    Gorgeous pictures and especially of the two of you. What a sweet couple you are! Continued prayers as you step out…

    

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24. Debbie says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    Cute post. Have a great trip!

    

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25. Lindsey says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    I’m going to be praying for you both! Have a wonderful time! I love the pictures, what an adorable couple you make.

    

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26. Lindsay says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    So sweet I’m so happy for y’all’s trip and cannot wait to hear all about it!!!

    

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27. rhoda says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    I live in North Alabama and love the cotton feilds too!!The pics of ya’ll are too cute!!I have a love for old maps,globes and suitcases.Blessings to you as you help change the world.

    

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28. Lisa W. says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    I gotta say you totally JUST made my day. Those pics are priceless, you two are a inspiration. Safe travels, and God Bless!!! Thanks aagain for making my day:)

    

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29. Magali@LittleWhiteHouse says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I’ll be thinking of you while you’re in Peru… Wishing you the best during this journey… Can’t wait for you to tell us everything…

    

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30. Kaytie @ GardenKitchenHome says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I love that you’re headed to Peru. My hubby and I went there for our honeymoon, and we were smitten by the place. The glaciers, mountains, rain forests and rivers are some of the most incredible in the world (and some of the most famous), and its cities can be very cosmopolitan (if you’re in the right places). So it can be shocking that a place with so much natural wealth can be so poor. Thanks for doing some good on behalf of a nation so near and dear to my heart. Make sure you take a day and see the majesty of the place too. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world.

    

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31. Erin @ DIY On the Cheap says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    You two are adorable! Love the photos. And can’t wait to hear all about your trip to Peru!

    

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32. Kara says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    The photo of the two of you under the blanket is adorable! Totally love it!

    

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33. Terri says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    OMG… Gorgeous pics of you two!!!! May God bless richest blessigs be yours on your trip!!! ( and what a blessing you two are going to be for those you meet!!) Terri ( so enjoy following your blog)

    

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34. Terri says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    oops….. “May God’s richest blessings….” sorry

    

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35. Sunny Beamish says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    You two are so cute…I am not on my computer every day but when I see “The Lettered Cottage” as a new e=mail..I treat myself..and read it over the others..and it is a treat!
    Wishing you a great trip..( I know it takes courage) but He will carry you in His Hands..just like I always ask when my son flies to South Africa, Turkey (eek) anywhere..He uses his tech skills in a missions oriented area..film and editing is his passion..
    Can;t wait to read your blog..it is only when you allow yourself to fly will you discover the joy of riding like on eagles wings..
    Blessings..p.s love the creative word on the suitcase..and the globe..so cute
    Sunny

    

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36. Heather@ThriftyStories says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    You guys are so stinkin’ cute. Our prayers are with you during your Peru trip. <3

    

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37. debbie r says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 2:18 pm

    Yall are so adorable. You don’t get to see tree’s like that here in Florida. Orange is my favorite color. Beautiful.

    

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38. Emily says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    You two are adorable! Safe travels.

    

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39. libbywilko says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    Such a cute post, wishing you safe journeys and have an amazing time in Peru!

    

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40. Kristin says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    you guys are the cutest! love your blog!!

    

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41. Doreen@househoneys says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    Beautiful pictures, but the photographer had a lot to work with . Blessings to you both on this wonderful journey you are about to undertake. You’re loving souls and you will get all you wish for. I just know it.

    

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42. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    These pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I hope you guys have a great time in Peru and God uses you in amazing ways!

    

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43. Lisa says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    You guys take such sweet pictures. Have fun on your trip and stay safe.

    

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44. Gina says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    You two are such a great example of what marriage should be!! I love that your sweet relationship comes through on your blog!! Prayers for your trip! Looking forward to reading!!

    

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45. Genny says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 4:25 pm

    Safe travels!

    

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46. jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Awwwww so sweet Good luck on your trip and be sure to share your daily adventures! I’m looking forward to the trip !

    

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47. Julie B. [Holland] says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Kevin and Layla , have a safe trip. Looking forward to your posts and pics.!

    

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48. Heather S. says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    Y’all are so sweet…prayers for you while in Peru…have fun with Lysa T. Read her book Unglued while on the way…I am sure you will love it!!

    

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    • Layla says:

      Nov 9, 2012 at 5:13 pm

      Thank you, Heather! Lysa isn’t going to be able to make the trip with us- but I will definitely be checking out that book of hers!

      

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49. Brooke says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Lovely post! Thoughts and prayers for both you on your trip.

    

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50. Danielle says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 5:55 pm

    Lovely post and lovely pictures. I’ve never seen cotton fields in person and they are beautiful. Good luck on the journey – you both are going to be helping so many. Looking forward to reading all your posts from Peru. x

    

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51. shelby says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    Cutest couple ever! Love the tree! Liquid amber? I gush for those;)

    

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52. caroline says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    I’m so excited for you guys! Praying for a safe flight. You’ve inspired me to work towards going to Guatemala [my hubbys home country] to help out with surgeries.

    Thank you for your never ending kindness to strangers!

    

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53. Kathy says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    Simply stunning photos you both look so happy and like you are having fun and WOW that LIGHTING is AWESOME in those pics…..by the way I LOVE YOUR NEW HOME……and what a great neighbourhood. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

    

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54. Ter'e Crow Lindsay says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    Vaya con Dios, my two little lovebirds! What a beautiful post this was even tho Kev’s bootie was smashing that Peru suitcase! LOL I know this will be a wonderful journey for all of you.
    You’ll have alot of people praying for you along the way. Myself included.
    Make wonderful memories.
    Xoxoxoxo

    

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55. Bethanie says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    Y’all are the stinkin cutest couple.ever. Praying for you while you’re in Peru!

    

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56. Maggie says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    That was truly beautiful in more ways than one. Best of luck to you both.

    

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57. Jeanine says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 9:02 pm

    I predict that after your trip to Peru, this Thanksgiving will be the best one ever! Many blessings on your trip as you bless so many!

    

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58. Margy Milewski says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    Oh my, Layla! You two are so cute. I hope your trip to Peru is everything you hope for it to be. I’ll be praying for you to have a safe flight and happy trip. And I’m looking forward to hearing all about it.

    

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59. Bev says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    The little story the photos and my the last is sooooooo great……. you can tell you two are soul mates

    

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60. Karla@{TheClassyWoman} says:

    Nov 9, 2012 at 9:47 pm

    You guys are just so cute! I love all that cotton! It looks so soft and fluffy. I know it’s one of the most heavily sprayed crops so here’s to hoping it’s organic. Those leaves are gorgeous, we don’t get to see anything like that here in central FL. In the north where I grew up, I remember how beautiful it was and to hear those crunching leaves under your feet when going for a walk is so nice. Have a safe trip!

    

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61. Susan @ Afford Your Passions says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 7:17 am

    Layla!!!! I *love* that last picture of you and Kev – just beautiful!

    I hope you have a trouble free flight on Monday; I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in Peru!

    

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62. Kathy says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Safe travels!

    

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63. Amy G. says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 9:05 am

    Godspeed, sweet Layla. I’m praying for you, and thanks for supporting Compassion International.

    

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64. Stacy says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 11:47 am

    This made me smile ~ so sweet!

    

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65. Axelle the french cook says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    Your couple is wonderful. I wish you a lot of good things in Peru. To feel what you’re expecting for.
    Good luck.

    

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66. Baileywife says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    I know you are a nervous flyer….You WILL.Be. Fine.
    You and Kevin are so very blessed to have each other….
    good luck and God Speed! Can’t wait to here your inspiring stories!
    ~Kim

    

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67. angela | the painted house says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    Adorable you two.

    Congratulations on the sweet new house! I will enjoy watching you two trick it out cottage style.

    Safe travels to Peru! And may God bless!

    

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68. Jan says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Best of everything to both of you. Praying for safe travels, self awareness and good things!

    

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69. JolieAnne says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    Very cute post of the two of you! I am so in love with my husband-still-and it has been 26 years that we gave been married! Your photo shows you are very much in love, to me it only gets better and better as the years float on! Many good thoughts as you travel to Peru and back!

    

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70. Calico Child says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    Love the tree the house the scenery & what a gorgeous looking couple too have a fab time in Peru Layla looking forward to hearing all about it

    

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71. erica says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 8:03 pm

    good luck on ur trip. my husband is n japan right now, makes me miss my snuggle buddy

    

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72. Flower Patch Farmgirl says:

    Nov 10, 2012 at 8:31 pm

    YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    We turned the Alabama/Texas A&M game tonight and Calvin asked me who I was rooting for. I know NOTHING about football, but I said Alabama because’a YOU!

    

    Cheering you guys on in a big, bad way. I’ll be praying every single day, El! So proud of you, Girl.

    

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    • Layla says:

      Nov 10, 2012 at 10:01 pm

      Hi, Ess!
      I’m going to call you from Birmingham tomorrow night- I hope you answer!

      PS- We are Auburn fans, and Alabama is their biggest rival- LOL!

      

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73. Jen {at home in the northwest blog} says:

    Nov 11, 2012 at 12:25 am

    Love this post. Those pictures are all amazing – especially the ones with you two in them! Have a safe and blessed trip!

    Jen
    athomeinthenorthwestblog.com

    

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74. Rhonda Irizarry says:

    Nov 11, 2012 at 8:43 am

    Such a great couple, ready for their next big journey together, literally and figuratively, may God bless you and keep you, holding both of you.

    

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75. Heidi @ Decor & More says:

    Nov 11, 2012 at 8:45 am

    LOVE. Safe travels — lots of prayers going with the two of you and your entourage!!
    xo Heidi

    

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76. gina says:

    Nov 11, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    too cute!

    

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77. Ashli says:

    Nov 11, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    In love with the tin roof on your house! If it were red that would be even better !
    I hope you have a great trip.

    

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78. Heather T says:

    Nov 11, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    I look forward to following your trip and will pray for travelling mercies.

    

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79. Deborah says:

    Nov 12, 2012 at 10:45 am

    Peace be yours on your journey. :~)

    

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80. Megan C says:

    Nov 12, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Love these pictures! The lighting is awesome. And I totally agree with you on that color, it makes me so happy Fall is here.

    

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81. Janny A. says:

    Nov 12, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    Lovely as always! May God protect you, bless you and grant the desires of your hearts!

    

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82. Nicola Blake says:

    Nov 12, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    There is nothing like travelling to remind us how small the world really is……also how much alike the human race is no matter the country. Have fun!!

    

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83. Kristen Fritz says:

    Nov 13, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    You guys are too cute! I hope you have the MOST AMAZING time in Peru and that the Lord will work greatly through you. You will love it! My husband and I have led missions trips to Peru quite a few times and I miss Peru…haven’t gone again since I have had kiddos, but we will go back. I can’t wait to read all about it!

    

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84. S says:

    Nov 14, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    Oh, you two are just the cutest. Have a safe trip!

    

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85. Kim in MD says:

    Nov 17, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    You and Kevin and such a gorgeous couple! I’m a little behind in my reading your blog. I hope you have a safe, wonderful trip!

    

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86. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says:

    Nov 25, 2012 at 2:24 pm

    I love love! Those are some seriously awesome pics … and now I need to go read about your trip. You flew right over us here in Curacao.

    

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