Grandfather Mtn. with Grandfather "Poppy"

Well, here is some pictures from our little excursion to Grandfather Mtn. with "Poppy" and "Noni." We went up to see them and celebrate some birthdays. It was great fun and the kids loved the bears, mountain lions, the hiking, and the swinging bridge! That mountain is always so sentimental for me because I spent a lot of time on it growing up, and I am so blessed to have my children embarking on their own adventures there.

Above Richard is helping Addie Grace scale her first mountain. Thank you Richard for being an amazing Dad! It takes me back to my own memories with my Dad! I love you both so much!

Above - Ryland loved watching the bears through the fence!

I thought these pictures were both so great of them pointing to the animals. They were both authentic reactions from the kids.

Below are just pictures of our family on top of good'ol Grandfather and one of Poppy and Noni. Thanks for the great day! We had such fun and have many memories!

Just one disclaimer - The pictures are a little hard to see because our digital is on the fritz and I have resorted to scanning actual photos...but at least we are back!

A Couple "First's"!

Here Ryland was about one week old and gave us one of his FIRST great little smiles. It was such a glimpse into his sweet spirit and contagiously joyous personality. His smiles still melt my heart and I look forward to seeing that smile for the rest of my life! Thank you, Lord, for all of those little glimmers of your love we see in the smiles of children. I have always prayed that Ryland would have a joy that overflows into the lives of all those around him and as I watch him grow up I see that his little smile seems to spread to all the faces of strangers that pass us by. What a way for God to show His love...in a unsuspecting little package!

Happy Birthday, Ryland! What an amazing joy you have brought to our lives. We love you!

Here are a couple of pictures from his FIRST birthday. The second picture is the first sign of the sugar crash. He went from all smiles and laughter to bouts of distressed crying, soon to be followed with more laughter. First birthdays are soooo overwhelming I am sure....but oh so much fun! We took a lot of video footage, but not so many pictures to my regret. The whole event was quite amusing. We just had family over...still making for a packed house...lots of bugs (the theme of the party), a fun cake with "worms" and "dirt", great little presents that were such a big hit with the little guy (Thanks to ALL!), much laughter, messy faces, sticky hands, a whole lot of love, and a timeless moment of prayer with our family for this little man, Ryland, who we all have come to love and cherish as the newest "freshest" member of our family. One Year Old...YIIIIPPPPY!

Some cute things Ryland is doing at a year...

- pointing to everything and jabbering about it in a language no one can understand except his sister...we think!

- standing independently, but not walking yet

- dancing to every song he hears

- saying the usual babble "mamama, dadada, babababa(for balloon I think), ogogogog (for dog)"

- fake caughing and sneezing(oh so cute!)

- holding up arms for "touchdown!" (a favorite trick of Addie's at 1 year also)

- still loving to suck on those middle two fingers

- giving big wet kisses!

- and so much more...I do not have the time or space to condense all the little quirks and blessings that we get to experience daily with little Rye, but he is a "Ryot"

Below is another FIRST! His first little haircut. It was so cute to see him sitting in the barber chair like such a big kid. You can't see, but under the cloak he is holding my finger with "Kung Fu" grip. He was a little freaked out, but made us proud and didn't shed a tear. What a brave little guy!

PC Reunion!

Here are some pictures from a little reunion I had with my girlfriends from FL. Well, only one still lives in FL now, but we have been friends since kindergarten and continue to stay close. We try to have a "PC reunion" every year. This year it was in Asheville and I was the host. I didn't realize how much pressure that really was...my goodness ya'll are hard to please...just kidding! We had a blast just like the good'ole times! Many funny stories, a couple games of Dutch Blitz, some shopping, a nice dinner out, lots of laughs, and a couple prayers to get us up the mountain and that is all I needed to remind me of how special it is to call all of these great gals my friends! I love you all! Sheila, we missed you and can't wait until next time. You better be there!

There is only one word to wrap up the weekend...BOO-YA! Thank you, Shea, Jill, Susan, and Sheila!

Happy Birthday Shea!

Shea, today I celebrate you and all the great memories we have had together. You are an amazing person and wonderful friend who brings so much life to everyone around you. I love you so much and thank you for your forever friendship. I dedicate to you, Shea, a big BOO-YA and a Yeeee-ha, cowgirl!

It is so much fun to look back on all of our memories together, you, me, Susan, Jill, and Sheila. Can you believe we are all grown up now...well...kind of? From "Saved by the Bell" marathons and paddle ball in your living room, roller blading to each other's house, big hair, homemade dance video's, and scooping ice cream at the Big O...to being there for weddings, births, PC reunions, and just to talk. Hopefully we have gotten older and wiser, but one thing will never change...the "PC"...just kidding...you will always be one of my closest friends (well, and now that you married my cousin I guess we are related for life!). Have a great day! Love ya, cuz!