Spring Break 2012

We went to the Smoky Mountains for spring break this year. We had a super time! We camped in the park, went hiking, rode bikes and played in the river. James, Jacob and Kathryn kayaked on the Little River that runs through the campground. Due to lots of spring rain the river was high enough to kayak on. In the summer we will tube on it. After spending the week at the Smoky Mountains we went over to the Nantahala River for more kayaking and our favorite pizza. It was a terrific spring break.

James is in the blue boat, Jacob in the yellow one.

James helping Kathryn practice before setting her free on the river.

Isn't the moss on the rocks amazing! Moss grows on everything in the Smoky Mountains, don't hold still too long or the moss will grow on you as well.

Cute girls on a log.

Jacob and Carol on a beautiful trail.

Everyone at Alum Cave. It was a beautiful hike.

Part of the trail goes under a rock, it is really cool.

James and Kathryn went all the way to Mt. Leconte and back, the rest of us just to Alum Cave Bluffs. It was super.

James and Jacob on the Nantahala River falls.

The girls playing at the Nantahala River. It was a wonderful day.

On the way home we had a few issues in the rv...first we had no lights on the dash. When we pulled over to investigate, we realized that the running lights on the back of the RV (pulling the suburban) were not working either. We had brake lights, but no running lights - of course it was dark and getting darker. To solve these issues we had to keep the reading light on over my head, it was just enough light for James to see the dash. Then we put on the flashers so that people behind us could see us. So here we are going down the road with our flashers going and a bright light in the front seat. Just when we had everyone all settled in for the night, and were feeling a little less stressed, a tiny mouse stuck it's head out from under the tv and nearly ran over my foot! Of course I did the only natural thing which was to yelp. This startled James and he nearly ran into the ditch. After we recovered ourselves, we laughed and laughed. Naturally I kept my feet up on the dash for the rest of the trip (3 hours). In an effort to protect my purse (it had great smelling gum in it) I held it in my lap as well. Small price to pay...I still shutter thinking about it. I do NOT do mice!!! The good news is that James set a few traps and caught him...sorry little mouse, I just don't want you in my house.

James attempted to keep his feet up too, but this made driving even more difficult than our light situation. At least now the mystery of why the light weren't working is solved. What a good sport.

Kind Girls

Kathryn heard about Locks of Love and decided that she would grow her hair out and then donate it. Samantha wanted to be just like Kathryn so this week they cut and donated their hair. Such kind girls! Good thing they are gorgeous no matter how long their hair is.

Before Pictures


After Pictures - Short does for the summer.

Not Too Old to Learn Something New

This week I have done 3 new things:

1 - I am entering a couple of pictures I took in a photo contest. Just to enter is fun, but who knows, maybe I will win something...it could happen...

2 - I cooked a roast in my pressure cooker. I have used it to can for years, just never pressure cooked anything before. It turned out great if I do say so myself. From freezer to table in two hours, how can you beat that!?!

3 - I learned to roll my kayak! YIPPEE!!! I told the kids that it just goes to show that you can still learn new skills even when you are old - to which Jacob replied, "You're not old Mom." Such a nice boy! Next step is to roll in the lake, then on to the river - as soon as it warms up of course. I will stick to the YMCA pool until then. I am a little proud of myself on this one. :)

**Due to popular request, here are the three photos I entered in the contest - it is for the Chicken and Egg Festival - supposed to be about farms, life on the farm, farm families, etc... The mud one is my favorite. :)

Another Great Basketball Season!

We just finished another great season of Upward basketball. Everyone played this year except for Emily. She chose to be our family cheerleader. Emily got really good at calling all the fouls and traveling as she watched. She is planning to play next year. We had such a good time at all of the games and look forward to playing again next year.

James coached Jacob's team and I was the assistant coach. Our boys' team won nearly all their games and put on a great show, it was really exciting to watch Jacob's games.

I was able to help coach Kathryn's team. We had a lot of fun together, we had such a nice group of girls on the team. Kathryn got better and better through out the season and her neon shoes were a big hit at every game.

Sarah had a great time as well. She is terrific at defense and was always smiling throughout the games.

Samantha said it was 'totally awesome' to play basketball, she loved it! By the end of the season she could almost dribble the entire court without losing the ball, she even tried shooting a basket in the last game. After watching the other kids play every year, she was so glad to be old enough to join the fun.

Emily The Mad Scientist

I used some sports equipment for a lesson in Primary a few weeks ago. Emily was messing around with the things that were in the bag on the way home from church. She found the kayak helmet and swimming goggles especially fun. Once she put them on, she became a mad scientist. She even had an 'evil laugh' to go with it. So cute!