Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Gatlinburg

We recently returned from vacation in Gatlinburg with our good friends the Griggs. We had many adventures and lots of relaxation!

Hiking up to Laurel Falls

A warning along the 'handicapped accesible' path to the falls. Now, if a path is handicap accesible, wouldn't you think it would be child friendly as well?

We reached the falls after a 1.3 mile hike (with a stroller)!


As we were hiking back down the mountain, we heard grumblings about a bear sighting. We approached a group of people on the path and looked up (about 15 feet) to see 2 bear cubs!

And very nearby momma bear made herself known to all of us, which sent Alec screaming like a girl down the mountain. The exact wrong thing to do when you encounter a bear! The rest of us enjoyed watching momma and her babies until she started to move down the mountain closer to us. At that point, we decided it was best to keep moving and meet up with Alec.

Being silly one evening before bed!

Katey, our niece, went along with us as a mommy's helper and boy was she ever!

Part of our rental agreement included passes to the Owner's Clubs which had a pool and game room.

We took a 4 hour drive through Cade's Cove and saw lots of wildlife. This poor turkey found itself in the horse pasture and was running for its life to avoid being stepped on!

This guy stopped traffic for quite a long time!

This is Rocky who visited our cabin every night since the boys (Shane and Mike included) were generous with our leftovers.

The Aquarium was fun for everyone, Molly included!

Molly likes to explore just like her Mom. Here we are playing with a horseshoe crab. Please note that its only the girls who were willing to do this. How ironic since Mike and Alec are such fisherman!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Vacation Teaser

I plan to write an extensive, but hopefully not boring, blog about our recent vacation to Gatlinburg. However, I'm kinda busy right now watching Molly learn to sit, encouraging her to roll over and listening to her discover her giggles. But I did want to give you a little glimpse at one of our exciting moments!

Sitting Up

The video doesn't show it but when Molly keeps looking up and away from the camera she's watching Food Network: Challenge "Surprise Birthday Cakes". I think she's getting ideas for her first birthday cake!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Dinnertime



Photos courtesy big brother, Alec!

Friday, June 5, 2009

I have a friend...

We've all heard the stories that start with;

I know a friend who knows someone.....
or
I have a friend of a friend.......
or
I know someone who knows someone.....

My story starts with

I have a friend....

Not
I have a friend of a friend
I have a cousin of a friend

But
I have a friend

My friend is my age, married, and former teacher turned stay at home mom. She enjoys reading, blogging, and a glass of wine on her front porch.

My friend (and her family) got some devastating news a couple months ago. Her daughter, Celia (pictured below) was diagnosed with Batten's Disease just a few months shy of her second birthday.

This weekend is Batten's Disease Awareness Days and my friend asked me to participate. So, when you have a moment please check out the links below. Once you've wiped away the tears (oh its a guarantee) say a prayer (or 2 or 3) for Celia and her family. And the next time you're talking with someone, share Celia's story which just might start with I have a friend who has a friend who......


Batten Disease Support and Research

Betz Family Columbus

Care for Celia

Our Angels Gallery

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Bookclub Luau

We celebrated the beginning of summer (today was the last day of school!) with our bookclub friends at the Griggs' Luau. What great fun we all had, especially my hubby who found another excuse to dress up and tonight he made sure Molly and I got in on the action as well. Please enjoy the pictures!

Mark needing some help with the door


Kennedy collecting the leis at the end of the evening.


Natalie & Molly modeling their flower head bands and blue eyes


Celia and Megan snuggling!


Gotta love the getup

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Local Family

Since both Mike and I are not originally from Columbus, we don't get to see our family as much as we would like. But, we are fortunate to have a 'local' family right in our neighborhood. Tonight the 5 families who combined have 9 children, 8 of which are under the age of 3 got together for a cookout at the Griggs'. Below are the 4 babies under 7 months: Bryce, Natalie, Owen, and Molly.