Camping in Tennessee

We were finally able to go camping this year as a family at Big South Fork river and recreation area, in the Cumberland Plateau, located in the western Appalachian Mountains. We chose this location because it was fairly close to home, hopefully cooler due to it's elevation, and contained hundreds of hiking trails. Here, Breck is getting to know some of the local creatures, however, the most prevalent animal to watch for was the black bear!

This is where the phrase "Happy Camper" comes from.

O.k. this is a little better!

Even though the camping and hiking were extremely hot (in the nineties with ninety percent humidity), the scenery was breathtaking, and worth the heat.

Breck and Aubrey enjoying the view at the end of Angel Fall's trail.

Everyone exploring Twin Arches, largest sandstone arch complex in the Eastern United States.

Breck standing at the bottom of the gorge.The cliff-sides and  hollows were incredibly green with trees and shrubbery that served as an umbrella to everything below. The river beds contained abundant amounts of fish including largemouth bass, and freshwater mussels.

Just one example of the many beautiful wildflowers indigenous to the Big South Fork area. 

Sister's Reunion Part Two

While in Heber, we though it would be fun to surprise Jared at work. He gave us the grand tour as we enjoyed the opportunity of meeting some of the great people he works with.

No reunion would be complete without taking family names to the Temple.

Next on the schedule was dinner at Taco Amigo and family get-to-gather at PG park, for old time sake.

Even though it began as a Sister's Reunion, what a treat it was to have the whole gang back together again, and not forgetting Dad as we paid our respects.

I had so much fun, and hope we can fulfill Mom's dream of making this reunion an annual event. Thanks Mom for putting this together, for everyone who sacrificed their time and money to make it happen, and to Melanie, for putting up with me and my camera despite being over seven months pregnant!

Sister's Reunion Part One

This past week I spent a wonderful five days in Utah for our very first Sister's Reunion. Cindy flew from Grangeville Idaho, Melanie drove from Abalien Texas, and I flew from Georgetown, KY. The "Sisters" that were able to participate included (from left to right) Brie, Sasha, Mom, Cindy, Carolee, Melanie, and Me (Alicent).

We had a fun time eating good food, like raspberry-filled donuts (not available in the South or Midwest), and getting our hair done (notice my hair before, in the first picture, and after, in this picture) compliments of Mom and her salon.

Other highlights were a day of pampering with manicures and pedicures ...

and spending a night at a cabin up Heber canyon among the beautiful Pines and Quaking Aspens, which included a fabulous dinner with chocolate lava cake for dessert (again all compliments of Mom).

 We had a good time taking a break from our busy lives to catch up, take personality tests, share goals, and just enjoy each others' company.

 

May Highlights

Merinda had fun playing Merryweather (the blue fairy) in this year's K-3rd grade drama production of Sleeping Beauty. Here she is standing next to some of the other fairies, including Flora and Fauna. 

She had fun "hamming" it up for the camera.

Merinda was nervous but did a great job singing her first solo.

Merinda with her good friend Katelyn, who played Briar Rose.

I had a fun time going with Merinda on her field trip to the Kentucky Horse Park. This Fall, the Horse Park will host the 2010 World Equestrian Games, right here in our little town of Georgetown, KY. Many people are still trying to find places to stay and are paying a going rate of  $1000.00/day (I am seriously thinking about giving up my house for three weeks!).

Merinda learning how to guide her "show horse" around the rink.

May Highlights Continued

No, I did not really turn nineteen, even though I feel that young! I forgot to buy a number "3" candle, so this year I had the privilege of being 19 again instead of 39 years old (I will definitely need to forget the number "4" for next year!).

I had a wonderful Birthday & Mother's Day despite the fact they took place in the middle of a very hectic month of May.  I enjoyed the calls, gifts, spending time with family & friends, and watching Iron Man opening night!

With the end of May came the end of Seminary. I will miss my Seniors Shay and Sean, but can't wait to see everyone back next fall, including 18 new students!

My Seminary class again, only this time they are revealing their true colors (and yes, I am also showing the real me).

Friends and Fun

We enjoyed Easter Sunday with it's inspiring entertainment (General Conference), great food (see below), and wonderful friends (just the girls--Aubrey, Christina & Veronica Holt, Bridgette Allen, Brittney, and Alicent).
We enjoyed our traditional BBQ Salmon, and an array of yummy cakes!
Merinda and her best friend Lauren modeling their Spring dresses.

For New Years Eve we had fun with the Masseys' while eating and watching Japanese food being cooked.
I guess two years in a row makes this an official tradition!

Christmas 2009

We had fun just with our family this year reading the Christmas Story and playing games on Christmas Eve.

Enjoying our traditional Christmas Eve candlelight dinner.

Up bright and early Christmas morning

(o.k. maybe not so bright, but definitely early).

Having fun opening our gifts, especially the ones we picked out for each other.

Brad making pancakes with boysenberry syrup for Christmas morning breakfast.

December 2009

Brad turned 43 years young in December.

Brad had a fun time celebrating his birthday with friends and family, and dragging it out for about four days.

Breck's Christmas band concert. He plays first chair Saxophone in the 8th grade band.

Aubrey's Christmas band concert. Aubrey plays third chair flute in the high school marching and concert bands.

Thanksgiving 2009

Brad and Blake carving the Thanksgiving turkey. We had the privilege of spending Thanksgiving in Grand Rapids Michigan this year with Brad's brother Blake and his family. The highlight of course was indulging way too much on Josie's fabulous cooking, especially her

celestial kingdom pies!

Everyone enjoying their Thanksgiving feast at both the kids table and adults table.

The after affects of cooking Thanksgiving dinner and hitting the early morning sales on

black Friday.

Merinda making a ginger bread train with her cousins Emily and Sam.

Brittney earning a little extra-credit for her U.S. AP-History class by visiting the Gerald R. Ford Memorial located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Halloween 2009

Merinda and Kylie trick-or-treating as witches.

Our good friends Mark and Bridgette reliving the 60's.

Merinda with her best friends Lauren and Kylie.

All the kids had fun dressing up and helping out for the ward "trunk or treat" especially since most of them are too old now to go trick-or-treating .