11-25-17  North to Dahlonega for a Hicks's photoshoot and lights at town square:

Heading north to Dahlonega to see the Christmas lights and take  family and couples' pictures of the Hicks's.
Lake Lanier along our way.

 another rural scene

We didn't know where we were going to photos, but Ben happened to find a waterfall on his phone that was close by---so we went to check it out.  Turned out to be a great place for photos!!!
Even before we got to the waterfall there were perfect settings!

 Carol and Darrel's 50 anniversary is coming up and they wanted pictures of just them to go on an invitation with their wedding photo.

 so I took several.

 Also got some of the whole group.  We were only able to get to the top of the falls, but that still made for interesting photos.

 I'm glad Angie and Josh wanted some of just them, too. 

 Carol wanted one of just Ben, too, for a present for his girlfriend.

 another of my beautiful daughter and son-in-law.

 Then we headed back a couple miles into the town square of Dahlonega.  It was surprisingly crowded---at least it was surprising to me!  It wasn't anything more spectacular then I'd expect for a small town square lighting, but it sure had the crowds.  We drove around awhile before we found a parking spot.  Then we checked in to a couple restaurants to try and get dinner.  The waits were over 30 minutes, so we gave them our name and walked around the square.

 It was a nice night for a walk---upper 50s?

 I suppose this is a giving tree?

 sign about the "village"

 Ok, it was pretty---but we were hungry and getting crabby.

 there were even horse drawn carriage going around the center.

 heading on around.

 in the center is a gold museum.

 apparently there has been gold found in these mountains and streams

 There are also a lot of antique stores in the town center.

 As we were getting around the where Santa was set up, we saw him walking away. 

We still didn't have a call for dinner, so we headed back to the car and back towards home.  After a little discussion on where we should go, Josh suggested Universal Joint in Lawrenceville.  Sounded good to everyone, so we headed there.  Even called Ken to see if he wanted to join us---he was back at the kids' house watching the dogs.  Dinner was great, even though we had to sit at 2 different tables.  We sent the kids to their own table and us mature adults sat at another one.  Dinner was great.  I had the grilled chicken salad with lemon vinegrette which was exceptional.   I think everyone else had burgers---which are also exceptional.  Great way to end a great day!