Graduation Day

It's finally here...my oldest son has graduated highschool. We had a precious ceremony for Ryder and the pastor's daughter, Emily at our church.  It was really beautiful and special. I love this boy more than life itself. I have watched him grow from that tiny 4 pound infant into a 6 foot tall man. I know the cliche "where did the time go" is used all the time, but it truly seemed to just fly right by. I am so proud of my boy. He has always been fiercely independent and hard working. He will succeed at whatever he does.  God has blessed me  beyond comprehension. I can never thank Him enough for all He has done. He is so good!
Now this momma says "One down...five to go!" Lol

Singing "Farther Along"

Getting his diploma, a check from the church, and a brand new Bible

My preacious boy

Mamaw Anna

The two graduates

My 6 boys

Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Becky

Granddad and Mimi

Aunt Joy and Uncle Jamin

We sure love this boy

His girlfriend, Shelby, and her parents

We've been trying to get in the habit of getting more exercise and explore the outdoors.  Last week we spent the entire day in the mountains. This week we hiked to a beautiful waterfall. It's in the middle of nowhere and has no name. It's past Tellico Plains right at the North Carolina/Tennessee line, in the Cherokee National Forest. It was really hard. I guess it's over a mile, but it was like a jungle...very rugged terrain. It was nearly down hill the entire way. So then up hill back to the van. We were worn out. But it was a blast. Now...what to do next week :)

We finally see it!

This picture just doesn't do justice to what it really looks like. It was so beautiful!

We were so hungry and thirsty. As energetic as Gunner is...even he was whining lol

Family Day

We got up bright and early Thursday morning and took a trip to the mountains. We all love the outdoors, so with a lot of planning, everyone was able to be off work and we spent the entire day up there. We were so tired when we got home, but it was such a fun, beautiful day. We wanted to get away and do something we all enjoy to celebrate school being out, summer vacation, and Ryder and Deseree graduating this year. 

Here they all are on the edge of the waterfall above Tellico Plains

Deseree cracked me up...she just jumped right off this little ledge without even thinking twice. I used to be able to do that...back in the day

The top of the waterfall

This boy LOVES the water...even if it's cold

Here's our favorite place to camp/grill out...Spivey Cove

Huge place for the boys to ride their bikes

I sure love these girls

This is Donley's cabin...you can actually stay in it. We did years ago. No plumbing, no electricity, and an outhouse...real fun lol You can read more about it here https://www.recreation.gov/camping/donley-cabin/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74167

They all loved the water...but it was freezing

Scott on the rope swing ;)

Here is about a 10 foot bluff that my dare devil Daniel jumped off of into the water

The girls

May 4, 2003

14 years ago I married the most wonderful man.  Before we met, we had both been through one of life's most horrible experiences. So God knew we needed each other. We have so much in common it's scary lol He loves me unconditionally. I really appreciate that so much. He loves our kids. But most of all...and most importantly,  he loves the Lord. This is evident in his life. He's been dealt some hard blows since we've been married but has remained faithful to God and steadfast in his faith. I really love and appreciate this man more than I can say. God is good!