Gatlinburg Vacation 2008

We took our first-ever vacation to the Smokies this month. It was awesome! Our days were filled with fellowship with good friends, a day at Dollywood, delicious food at the Apple Barn restaurant, shopping at the outlets(That was just me, of course), riding go-karts, playing mini-golf, attending a show at the Comedy Barn( They had Emily up on the stage during part of the show. Needless to say, she freaked out and ran and jumped off the 4ft high stage. It was definitely a show stopper!), bear sightings at Cade's Cove, white-water rafting, and many happy moments hanging out at the cabin.

Our cabin was beautiful! I think I'm ready to go back--tomorrow!

Doesn't this look inviting?

Paul, Sarah, and the kids came to the cabin and spent a day with us after visiting Memaw. We had several pots of coffee and plenty of "rocking chair" time on the back porch. The bonus is we almost got all the problems of the world solved. Thanks for coming, guys!

The girls have to stick together. Jessica and Emily

Best buds-----Josh and Paul

Our dear friends, the Bollig family, drove over from Bryson City and spent the day with us. We have known them since residency days. Some friendships are just made to last! We took the kids to Ober Gatlinburg. In the winter it is a ski resort and an amusement park in the summer. The alpine slide and the ice skating kept everyone happy. Robbynne and I remained the faithful cheerleaders through it all.

Are we having fun yet?

Here's Ben trying to help Emily learn to skate. I think the "Princess" was more into looking cute for the camera!

Emily tried to milk this cow statue at Old McDonald's Mini Golf. Trust me, an 18-hole course was a little bit too much for a five year old attention span.

Having fun at Dollywood!

Playing in the creek at Cade's Cove

Goodbye to dear Memaw Brown

We said goodbye to our Memaw Brown last week. She has been a shining example to all of us. I have wonderful memories as a new bride being entertained at her house. She welcomed me into the family with open arms. Her delicious blueberry muffins, homeade rolls, cheesy potato casserole, and chicken and dumplings are just a few of the recipes that sealed her to my heart as a precious lady and an outstanding cook. It was our privilege to spend some time with her on our way to Gatlinburg a couple weeks ago. She was so frail and sick that day. Emily just hovered over her so much that I was afraid it would make Memaw nervous. She seemed to enjoy the "dedicated" care. I had tried to prep the kids before we got there. I told them that this was probably Dave's last time to see Memaw and they needed to be sensitive to their Dad's feelings. Our visit was going fine until Emily announced to Memaw , "You know this is the last time I'll see you before you die." Luckily, Memaw couldn't understand her.
We bade her a tearful goodbye and determined in our hearts that we are going to follow her example. Memaw, we will meet you in the morning!

Dave's sister, Sarah Holden and her family

This picture represents to me the journey of life. Our days are but a vapor and the only thing we can leave behind when we go is the memory of well-maintained relationships. Memaw left her family and friends the security of her love.

September Birthdays

Caleb, you're looking great at seven!

Ok, don't judge me. I know you're thinking "a BB gun at seven?" I'm just following an old Boardman tradition that was started by their Dad on his seventh b-day.

Gotta love those breadsticks!

Happy 5th birthday, Princess Emily

Oh, where did my baby go?

We are WIDE awake, Mom!

Emily and Caleb both had birthdays this month. We didn't have very big parties with everything that has happened this month. They really didn't seem to mind. At this age, all they care about is having their best friend over for a sleepover and opening their gifts. Caleb wanted to eat at Olive Garden for his birthday meal. (He informed us that he likes Olive Garden so much that he is going there for his honeymoon!) Dave took him dove hunting on his birthday. It was a very special day for him.
Emily's birthday was the day that we traveled home from Gatlinburg. However, on Sunday, we did have Andrea over for cake and a sleepover in Emmy's new tent. Those two are so cute together! I think they were awake till midnight coloring. I just wish I could have captured all their "deep" conversations. One of which included "whether or not ist was ok to get married at fourteen". Eeks!!!