The past several months have been exceedingly busy. Between Christina's soccer, Caleb's t-ball, lots of company, birthdays, and all sorts of other activities amidst the normal chaos of juggling life with a teenage daughter and preschool age sons I fell way behind on blogging. However, some things are worth blogging about, even if a bit late.
Nearly two months ago our sweet daughter turned sweet 16. Her granddad (Ernie's dad) came all the way from Texas for the special day, and since we had so little time with him and we were so busy with soccer, t-ball, and everything else we ended up not having a party. We just aren't really a "big party" type of family, usually choosing instead to have fun as a family to celebrate birthdays. I may have a party for her and her friends later, either for the 4th anniversary of her adoption or perhaps at Christmas.
Christina's 16th birthday started off with a soccer game in the morning under the pouring rain. Unfortunately I missed it since I didn't want to drag the boys out in the weather. Thankfully they canceled Caleb's t-ball game due to the rain, and that gave us more time to enjoy the day together. After her game we headed to the Smoky Mountains for a picnic lunch in Cades Cove. We saw lots of bears during our outing, and just as many stupid people trying to get way too close to the bears for better pictures! We stayed in our car! At one point when we saw some people hovering around a bear Ernie commented on how stupid that was and how he wouldn't ever do that, especially with our kids as some of these people had done. He (a bit jokingly) commented about how the bear might think tiny little Malachi was food. In response, Christina asked (not in the least bit jokingly) if it was because of how dark he was. Needless to say, we got a few good laughs out of that one!!! Later we had dinner in Gatlinburg amidst a throng of prom goers. To round out the day we further stuffed ourselves at the Marble Slab Creamery. All in all, it was a great day!
Headed off to play soccer in the pouring rain for her 16th birthday!
Our beautiful girl in the heart of the beautiful Smokies! At least the rain cleared for us to enjoy the rest of the day.
Grandpa trying to hold to the boys in the parking lot at the Visitor's Center in Cades Cove. This is the challenge I deal with every time I'm out with them!
Malachi wanted to see into the watering trough used for the working grist mill. He probably wouldn't have minded if Grandpa really had thrown him in, except for the cold mountain water!
Says I, "Go stand in front of the stream - it will make a great picture. Ernie, hold tight to Malachi, and Caleb, don't even think about playing in that water!" Notice Caleb's very cross looking face at being told to stay out of the water.
Still trying to assemble the crew, notice Caleb is still wistfully looking towards the water, Malachi is thinking about going for it also, while both Christina and Ernie are wondering why I'm even trying for this photo!
Near success, as good as it gets!
"Jump in there quick, Grandpa, they won't last much longer!"
A near impossible shot of all 3 kids together. Not really great of any of them, but the best out of several attempts!
Her cheesecake was gone before I got a picture!
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