Shadow Box Memories

Most memory boxes that I have seen on the internet are exactly that, boxes.  I wanted a box that I could see all of the items I have saved over the years to remind me of those memories.  What's the point of saving items if you are going to just throw it in a box and never look at it again? 

I purchased a shadow box from Michaels with a glass front and figured it would be a great way to see my memories every time I walk past it. When we all were forced to work and be home, I took time every day cleaning different places around the house.  I found a box of tickets and stubs that I was going to scrapbook, but never did and was excited to place them in my living room for all to see.  

I have years and years worth of items that I have saved.  Each ticket puts a smile on my face and warms my heart.  Just looking at each one takes me back to that time in our family history.  

I used my handy dandy Cricut to cut some vinyl to place on the glass of the shadow box, with the saying, Oh the places we've been...the things we've seen...

I placed the items in the box in no particular order, but trying to put the smaller items in the front and larger in the back.  Every single ticket, or stub, may not be seen, but at least  they aren't sitting in a closet where they are forgotten about.  Now every time I walk into my living room I get to be reminded of all of the fun things we have done over the years, and even spark conversations with the kids and friends that come over and see the box.  The great thing about these shadowboxes is that they come in all different sizes and they are a great width to places several items in.  Boxes don't have to just be stubs and tickets; shirts, shot glasses, anything you pick up while on your travels could possibly be put in.  I hope that you enjoy this item and try it out as well. Happy Memories!

Kings Mountain State Park, South Carolina

Thank goodness it's camping season again!  After being stuck in the house for the past three months, working, helping the kids with their school work,  non-stop cleaning and wearing masks to the grocery store, I needed a break!! We booked Kings Mountain State park in South Carolina for a quick, peaceful trip, and that it was.  

Kings Mountain sits in the beautiful Piedmont region of South Carolina.  It is located 40 miles southwest of Charlotte in York County, and is a great campground if you want peace and quiet.

Like most state parks, there is only 30 amp hook-up, which usually isn't a problem if you don't need to run two air conditioners.  All sites are packed gravel, with no concrete pads available.  They do not have full hook-ups, but sites include water and electric with two dump stations on your way out.  The campground has several bathhouses, all of which seemed to be kept clean.  The sign on the door read only 3 people in at a time, but typically I was the only one in the one closest to our site.  

Kings Mountain Campground has: 115 standard sites for RV's and tents

10 tent only sites

15 equestrian campsites

30 miles of equestrian trails 

20+ miles of hiking trails

There is a little pond for fishing, but if you ask my kids, there weren't any fish in it because they didn't catch anything.  Be sure to bring your bug spray if you decide to fish as there are a lot of mosquitoes!  

Located near the campground is Kings Mountain National Military Park, a Revolutionary War battle site.  Throughout the year you may be able to see reenactments.  The trail throughout the park is paved, and you can complete a self guided tour with highlights of battle events throughout.

When we went, the hiking trails were closed due to debris from a storm.  This didn't keep us from hiking.  Crowders Mountain is a short drive from the campground with great hiking and breathtaking views.  After downloading the All Trails app, and researching our options, we decided to attempt the Rocktop trail.  This trail was 6 miles and three hours long.  

There were some steep spots, and rocky terrain, but when you get to the overlook at the summit, it was completely worth it!!  Be sure to bring plenty of water.  I saw several people without any and they were sitting down complaining of cramping of legs and very dehydrated.  

If you enjoy camping, and are ready for a trip outside of your house, this is a great place to go.  You will be able to sit back, relax and simply enjoy nature.  

Wordless Wednesday- Boys and their toys