AT Hike story.

The short version of the story is that we (my buddy Tracy from Missouri and I) planned on a doing a little over 40 miles on the App. Trail in the Smokies last weekend. Unfortunately we ended up being picked up and taken home about 8 miles down the trail on the first day after Tracy bruised his ankle and was having some knee pain. A bit frustrating for both of us, but we enjoyed the rest of the weekend just hanging out and catching up. SOOO....the answer to the poll I posted was "0"; darn. The picture is of a bear we watched for 10-15 minutes on the Cades Cove loop in the Smoky Mtn. Nat'l Park. It was up in a tree for several minutes before climbing down walking around in the grass about 100 feet from us. The picture makes it look small, but it was pretty big for a black bear. Definitely something I don't want to run across in the open without a car to jump into.

Katie Visit

Justin's sister, Katie, and her kids got to come for a visit last week. We went to the beach/lake at Concord Park. The kids had a great time, but Isaac wasn't enjoying the sand too much. He didn't like it on his legs or feet, but digging was fun.

Nana, this was day one and I think Aunt Katie made a friend. Check out the hand! He he he. (Ok, so she had the snacks....)

We went camping at Elkmont in the Smokies. Isaac's first time roasting marshmallows!

Karsen and Olivia took turns roasting doggies.

Karsen was looking at all the butterflies. There was a bunch more flying around than in the picture.

You can't see Nate or Aleah because they were in the center of the fountains getting blasted! They loved these fountains in downtown Knoxville. Olivia liked being swung in by daddy...despite the face.

Here's the gang. Aleah, Justin, Olivia, Tami, Isaac, Nate, Katie, Karsen. Thanks for coming Katie! It was tonz-o-fun!

Happy 4th of July

We spent the 4th at my parents' house. Grandma got Isaac and Olivia some new toys at a garage sale. They are sporting their helmets/bike. My Nana (on the right) came up for a visit from Georgia.

We took Luci swimming in the lake. She's had much improvement since last year. She doesn't splash her paws above water anymore.

She brings sticks in water back better than balls in grass.

This was our grand finale. The two flaming chicks caught all the others on fire and eggs were flying everywhere! Thank you Justin (and Grandma/pa for providing them) for a great show!

The snappers were the favorite with the kids. They could only pop them by stomping on them. It was VERY funny to watch.

OOOO.....sparklers!

Isaac and Olivia's first fireworks!

I think Isaac made it till about 9, then hit the hay. We woke Olivia back up for all the neighborhood firework shows. She really enjoyed watching from my parents' driveway. We went inside after about 30min because of all the bugs. It was a fun day. Thank you G&G!

Swim Class

Olivia took swim lessons at the University of Tennessee. Kicking and moving around was no problem. Face under water took 'til the last day. And she only went under up to her eyes, but she didn't choke....so yay! We all had fun. (Justin took her a few days too!)

I think she really likes the water!

She stuck her tongue out for everything! It was funny!

She had to jump off the side to me. I think it was harder for me than her because she is so tall and I had to lift her up onto the ledge. I kept losing my balance and had to stabilize myself with a leg on the wall. he he.

This was her "horsey ride". The tongue helped here too!

Summer Hair Chops

Pre-hair cut. I didn't realize it was so long!

Pre-cut. His was usually curlier. It was a little smashed for the cutting.

The Cut. It was quite the challenge, especially Mr. Isaac!

Post-cut. Here's the best shot I could get. They were watching tv.