Vacation -- Part 2

Wednesday, May 20, we left John Mark's house in Georgia and went to Sevierville, TN, where we checked into our resort. We had reservations for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit from May 20-26. Later that evening, Joy, Wes and their children joined us. What a wonderful time we had. Initially, when we made plans to go to Tennessee, it was for us to attend a Gaither Family Fest in Gatlinburg. Since the tickets had to be purchased for the total 3-day event, and were rather costly, Joy and Wes decided they wouldn't buy any for their family. So we purchased 2 tickets. What a great time of singing and fellowship with fellow believers! Approximately 6500 people were there, and we commented to each other whether we would see anyone we know. The very first concert, we met 2 of my cousins from PA -- Meredith and Brucette! Friday and Saturday evenings, John and I attended, then Sunday night Joy and I went. All 3 concerts, we had opportunity for a short visit with M & B. It was great!!!

We packed as many memories as we could into our days together.

Playing Stress & Greed

Grandpa and Samuel (I'm not sure who is pleased more, Grandpa or Samuel.)

One day we went miniature golfing. They took us by train up to the first hole, and we worked our way back down.

Samuel had had enough of it, gave up and went to sleep.

Joy's family has Dollywood season tickets and had coupons for a one-day guest pass for each of their tickets. So John and I both went for FREE!! You can go in after 3 PM, then again for the whole day following --all for one ticket. So we went Thursday afteroon, took in several shows, and the children rode several rides. Friday we spent the whole day there....and they made special accomodations for me (see the picture below). I appreciated it more than I can tell them. It really saved my knees!! While they went on rides, I watched Samuel (and Ethan, if he was too small to go with them).

Wes and Ethan

Grandpa

Joy and Ethan

Missy

Darren
Missy, Wes, Darren and Grandpa

Ethan

Wes, Grandpa and Darren

One of the times Ethan couldn't go on the ride, he sat and just looked at the Dollywood map. It was too cute. Samuel was such a good baby, and fell asleep in the stroller several times throughout the day. It was a very enjoyable day together.
Missy and Ethan
Ethan

My baby and me

Grandpa with Darren and Missy

Grandma with Darren, Missy and Ethan

My favorite daughter ;-)

Samuel

Samuel's 8-month picture, taken at Dollywood

It was a MOST WONDERFUL vacation...spending quality time with our two oldest kids. I just wish they didn't live so far from us, but that's life. We just look forward to the times we're together...and when we're apart, thank the Lord for cell phones!! The older I become, the more I appreciate family and the special bond we share.

Now we're back home. Enjoying the ones living close by!! (They missed us when we were away -- we missed them, too!)

Vacation -- Part 1

Well, we finally got to see John Mark for the first in about 2 years. It's been WAY too long...and we had such a great time together. We got to their house in Georgia on Monday evening and had to leave Wednesday in order to check in at Wyndham resorts in Sevierville. But we made the most of the few hours we had together. They wanted to plant flowers around the front of their house, so we helped prepare the beds and plant the flowers. Here are some pictures of the wonderful memories we made! The kids enjoyed time with Grandpa and Grandma -- Grandpa walked Lexie to the bus stop the morning we left. That made her day!! Next time we'll plan a longer vacation with them....the time went by MUCH TOO quickly and we all hated to say good bye! Love you guys!!!

John Mark, Cristal, Lexie and Zach

John Mark and Cristal
Here we are with Lexie and Zach

Zach and his "wheels"
We took some whoopie pies along -- here's Zach enjoying his.
Father and son having a heart-to-heart talk!!
John Mark and Cristal
Bringing good rich dirt in from the woods behind their house for the flower beds.
Preparing the beds
Watering the planted flowers
Planting the flower boxes

Relaxing after the hard work is done
John Mark cooked our breakfast before we left on Wednesday--this is the proof!
Now we're in Tennessee until next Tuesday. So after we return home, I'll post the pictures from the 2nd leg of our vacation. Until then, know I'm chillin' and enjoying wonderful times with Joy's family.

Making the Most of a Few Short Days

Last week was Campus Days at Penn View Bible College in Penns Creek (where Joy and Wes met many years ago (1995), and fell in love). His brother Tim is thinking about coming to Penn View in the fall, so wanted to attend Campus Days. This gave Joy and Wes a good "excuse" to make a trip to PA!!! They arrived on Thursday around noon, then later that afternoon Wes and Tim went on to Penn View. We were in revival, so Thursday evening we went to church. Friday we spent the day playing games, taking it easy, and just enjoying the day together. Joy and the children went to Penn View in the late afternoon for the evening service and drama. That was our closing night of revival, so John and I went to our church.

After school snack on the side porch.

Bicycle riding -- enjoying the outdoors

Saturday morning John had an Executive Board Meeting at Roxbury, so he got up early and went to that. The rest of us took an easy morning, then left around noon to go to our cabin for an afternoon cookout. The weather was PERFECT!!! After the cool, rainy days we'd been having, I was thinking perhaps it wouldn't work out. But ..... as you can see, we had a great time! John drove his truck and took bicycles for all the kids. They loved riding all over the campground, and since Joy's children had never been there before, Jayna was their tour guide.

Starting the fire in our new fire pit

Getting the roasting sticks ready


The girls enjoyed blowing bubbles.

Roasting the hot dogs

Joel and Samuel

Ethan and Kaylee

Darren, Jayna, Missy & Kaylee

Grandpa and Samuel

Kaylee enjoyed taking her bike down the little hill into the leaves.

Wes and Tim arrived at our house just before we got back from Roxbury, so they didn't get to enjoy our cookout with us. Sorry they missed it. We packed as much as we could into the few short days we had together. They left late Sunday afternoon, but we have many fond memories to cherish!

Now we're counting the days until we're together again. On Monday, May 18 we plan to go to Georgia to see John Mark, then will leave there on Wednesday for Gatlinburg to spend some time at our timeshare with Joy's family. The Gaither Family Fest in the Smokies is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so we have tickets to attend several concerts. We plan to return home on Tuesday, the 26th.

Will report on the trip and post pictures after I return!!!