Summer Break is Winding Down

These two months have flown by so quickly! Two trips to Florida, a trip to New Orleans with my husband for our anniversary, my parents came for two weeks, Vacation Bible School, working on home projects, etc. Now Gregg's parents are with us. My kids have had a grandpa swinging on the front porch for the last few weeks.

Savannah and Conley are gearing up for school on the 17th. Conley is not happy about having his birthday on the first day of school. He's been lucky enough to have it fall toward the end of summer break until this year.

Savannah got her braces off this week. Her smile is so pretty! We've been advised that Gregg should live on the porch with a gun for the next ten years.

We said goodbye to my grandmother last month. I know she's in Heaven with those loved ones who went before her. She kept my Papa waiting a long time, but I'm sure he was there to greet her! The photograph of her and the kids was taken last year.

It's been a very mild summer here in East Tennessee. Today is the first day that has been over 90, so we can't complain too much! We spent today at The Museum of Appalachia. (It was 92, but like I said- we can't complain!) The kids are now outside jumping on the trampoline with the garden hose spraying them while Arnold and Vonda nap. (We wore them out today!)

Savannah's New Hair Cut

Savannah had her hair cut short today! I love it, but she has to get used to it! Much shorter than she's ever gone! I think she's very stylish! Today was the first day off for summer break- we pick up report cards tomorrow morning! Savannah spent the night with her friend, Lauren, last night. Today we spent running around: hair cut appointments, doctor's appointment for sports physical, etc. We plan to go to Dollywood Thursday. Conley and Gregg will be going to an overnight camp retreat with the church Friday night and Saturday. I'm sure Savannah and I can find something fun to do!

Cades Cove Picnic

We had a relaxing day yesterday afternoon in Cades Cove. We spent several hours just enjoying the scenery and watching the kids play in the streams. We grilled brats and had some mouth-watering watermelon. It was a really pretty day! When we got home, I hi-lited Savannah's hair. Thankfully, she really likes it!

Conley and Savannah are almost through with this school year! They've been very busy this spring with sports. Conley finished basketball in March and went right into baseball. Savannah is finishing up with tennis and has started volleyball practice already. They will have some practices during the summer. Savannah will also be taking some art classes this summer. They are really looking forward to going to Florida to stay with my parents for a couple weeks. Then Grandma will bring them home to us and stay with us a few weeks. Conley recently was Orville Wright for his class play. It was about famous Americans. Enjoy the various photos!

Spring Break in Florida

We got home Friday night from our trip to Florida. We got to spend a lot of quality time with my family! The week went by so quickly, though! Gregg was able to be with us for a long Easter weekend, but had to return home to get back to work. The kids and I stayed the whole week. We went to my Aunt Karen and Uncle Donnie's home on Saturday for a family party. It was great to see everyone there! Sunday, we went to church with Becca (at West Milton- where we grew up attending) and were able to see so many people I hadn't seen in forever! Then we had a huge Easter dinner and hung out with the family. Later that day, we did some family photos. We actually had everyone in the immediate family there so we couldn't pass up that chance! During the week, we visited with my grandmother in the nursing home, spent the night with Becca and the girls, saw the Blue Angels fly at NAS, went to the beach, and ate dinner at La Hacienda (the kids favorite restaurant in Pace). I took so many pictures- over 400! Hope you enjoy the ones I've uploaded!

This past weekend, Savannah and Gregg were in Gatlinburg for Winterfest. Around 12.000 Christian teens and chaperones gathered to enjoy a weekend of praise and worship. Our group had 3 baptisms as a result. Gregg and Savannah both were worn out from a lack of sleep, but they had a great time! Conley and I had a fun and relaxing weekend. We went to dinner on Friday night then had his basketball game on Saturday and rented some movies. We woke up Sunday morning to a couple inches of snow. Conley wanted so bad to get out there and sled, but by the time we came home from church it had melted. You may remember recently that Savannah won a motto contest for the local rotary club. Her motto "Gorgeous Views, Great People" would be on the new "Welcome to Seymour" sign. They had the unveiling of the new sign on Monday. She made the front page of our local newspaper the next day. Here are some photos.

Conley Is Enjoying Basketball and Savannah Won Another Essay Contest

Conley has had two basketball games. They lost their first game by only 2 points and won the second game. He sure likes to play! I'm posting pictures from both games. Savannah won another essay contest. This one was about Martin Luther King and was judged by Judge Dwight Stokes in Sevier County. We obviously have a talented writer in the family! She was one of several winners. The contest included both essay writing and poster contests. We had snow today and the kids got to play a bit on their sleds. They have canceled school for tomorrow due to snow and ice conditions. Needless to say, the kids were thrilled!