DECEMBER TRIP PART 2

The boys got to enjoy a little outdoors. Eventhough it's been raining and it's still wet, I let them explore a little bit of the woods just off the parkway between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. As long as there are hills to climb, rocks to scale and rivers to play in, then the boys are fine. I believe they would go stir crazy if they didn't get to roam the wilderness.

We're having fun. Wish you were here!

CHRISTMAS TRIP

Well, we made it to Pigeon Forge... We're staying at the Music Road Inn and we've already hit the "hot now" Krispy Kreme donuts, only on vacation. We drove into Gatlinburg last night and the lights were beautiful. It's raining here today and supposed to be the entire week. That might affect some our outside activities, but the hotel has a indoor swimming pool and a fitness room and the boys have already enjoyed those.

I'll write more later.

Happy Thanksgiving

We were blessed to have Buck, Jim and Margie join us for our Thanksgiving feast. Here we are just before we dug in! We had plenty of turkey, dressing, squash, sweet potato, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls and gravy. Of course, we finished it off with some good pecan pie(made by Daniel) and pumpkin pie(made by Timothy).

Now, it's time for "naps".

Bridge to Nowhere!

 
Thursday, as I was traveling in the upstate, I noticed an old bridge that had been abandoned. I've traveled this way before and never noticed it. Apparently, in some year past, the road had been rerouted and now this old bridge sits only yards from the new road in ruins.

It always stirs me to see structures that are no longer in use and probably could tells some stories if only they could talk. I had to stop and snap a few photos. Notice, there's a couple of trees growing near the mid-span of the bridge.
(Click on the photo to get a bigger view)

Brothers and Sisters

It certainly was a pleasant surprise to get a call from Nevadia telling me that she, Dorn (Peter) and Penny would like to stop by on their way back from a mountain trip. It's been a long time since the three Freeman Clan have had a chance to set down and visit. I only wish it could have been longer. Dorn is looking good after he gave us a scare last year. It makes me realize the importance of having family. I only wish they were a little closer. I miss them all.

Nevadia and I talk about family reunions every time we get together and how we really need to plan one, but that's as far as it gets. It's a little hard to face, but our family is getting older and we need to take this time that God has given us and plant some memories for our children and grand children. We need to plan time together!

Daniel Looses a Tooth!

Daniel finally looses a tooth! I was beginning to think that he was going to have his baby teeth until he started driving. However, this week on vacation, Daniel extracted one while at the hotel. He's got four(4) more loose, so we may have to get him some false teeth so that he can eat. Of course, he says he will gladly eat ice cream each meal!

We're having a great time on vacation and it's nice to be off work for a week. We've been able to visit some friends and family while we've been away and it's always nice to do that.

I'll post more about the vacation later.

Visit from the Sisters

It sure was nice to have my two sisters visit and help us celebrate the 4th of July. I miss seeing my family and it's always a blessing to have them visit. Timothy and Daniel were so excited with the anticipation of their arrival and had a great time visiting with their aunts. We hated to let them go. We've committed not to let it be so long before our next visit.

I'll write more later...

Daniel's Big Day

Daniel turned 9 on May 1 and I believe he had a big day. He had some friends come over during the day to play and of course, there was cake and ice cream. But, I believe the biggest part of the day was at the end when Daniel and Timothy went down to the lake and Daniel caught a 3 lb. cat fish, pictured above.

A Visit at the Webb's

Here is a picture taken on the back porch of the Webb's home.

A Dreary Saturday

It's been a dreary Saturday this April 5, 2008. Nothing much to do, but sit around the house. The boys did get up early this morning and go out in the woods to explore. I spent most of my morning trying to prepare my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow. It's hard doing it on a bright day outside, but I believe it was harder today even with it overcast and gloomy. All I really wanted to do is stay in bed. Oh well!

The boys and I did get to spend some time together this afternoon playing at Frankies and then going to Sportsman's Warehouse, no doubt, the boy's favorite store. The picture was taken after supper when we walked down to the lake. I snapped a few there at the gazebo. The lake is really full and ready for summer.

The Yellow Belt

He did it! Daniel got his Yellow Belt in Karate today. He is so proud.

I believe he was a little worried, but the teachers are pretty good about not letting you test until you are ready.

We of course had to celebrate by going to IHOP and having Pancakes and Syrup!!