What's been going on

Well despite Ashley's best effort...

Our Family visit came to a end.

We had a very good visit with them. I forgot my camera for most of the time, which I could kick myself for.

The visit with my dad was very different from the last time he was here. But it was still good.

Since my last post we haven't done too much. Ya right, we stayed busy. Fun Fest started this week with the parade and just like last year Jennifer and I went out early to save to spots before her doctor appointment. From there we took My Family to the city of Jonesborough. We walked the streets and went in a few stores. The girls really liked the candy store. I played Ms. Pacman while they shopped. I think the girls got tired of me taking pictures of them but I loved the scenery so I didn't want to pass it up. After we got home I made the girls rest up for the Parade then at about 5:00 we were off.

Saturday morning Allie woke up with a fever so we chilled at home for the weekend. Mamaw came back from her visit with her Family and her Sister and Brother in law stayed the night too. We played dominoes till early in the morning (again). Sunday Allie was still sick so I stayed home from church with her and the rest of the day we just chilled out. Monday I took Al to the Dr's. It is just a virus but since she had a fever I made her stay home from Blake's party. Tommy went with Ashley and had a good time. Tuesday we took the kids to the Duncan's to feed the goats and horses. Then we went back home to get ready for the cook out I planned for my family before they had to go. My dad was really happy because he got one last visit with most of his favorite Tennessee People. He said he thought James was gonna break his neck when he hugged him (in a good way). He also said he it made him feel really good and loved by all that came. So I give a big Thank YOU to the Fox, Allen and Wallen Families for coming. He (and me) really loves you all. I tried to make the last night last as long as we could, we even stayed up to watch the final Bourne movie.

Well Wednesday was very hard and came all to fast. We too them to the airport to see them off. It was a tearful and quiet ride home. I sent the girls up for a nap. At around 6:00 i woke them up to get ready for the Movie at FunFest. Allie woke up with another fever so Tommy stayed home with her. Nicole picked Ash and me up. After we got the food we found a place to sit. It was so crowded. I am so confused about how all this Fun Fest stuff works, so I am so grateful that Nicole is an OLD PRO at it all. Of course after we go situated the girls had to go to the bathroom so off I went to find one. When we got back the Fox Family along with our youth pastor and his family where there too. Sadly they didn't stay long. I can't blame them, it was hard to watch the movie with everything else going on. We stayed because the kids where having fun running around. I was just happy that Ash was having a good time too. Of course when we got home that all changed, her tears started again. My goal this week is to keep her busy and happy for the most part. wish me luck!

Check out the slide shows from our visit and Ashley's Birthday

Family Visit

Ashleys 8 Birthday

Enjoying the time I have.

Today is my first down day in over a week. After I get my laundry done we will head to Dena's to visit my Grandpa. Please pray for him, he is 88 and took a tumble at Warriors yesterday while walking with my Uncle. Anytime there is a fall in our family the worry meter goes in high gear. It has been almost 10 years since my Grandma passed away after a fall she had. My Aunt says he is doing OK, just real sore.

We have been going non-stop. We have been to a few cook-outs, bonfires, tubing, swimming and all that was before the 4Th.

The 4Th we started the day off at the 4Th of July Parade. Allie was in it with her cheer squad. It started off as a nice beautiful day, perfect for a parade. Then as soon as Allie's float passed and I was walking to get her and Emily the TYPHOON hit. It rained so hard. Luckily where I had to meet them was a Dollar General so we stopped in to get a few umbrellas to get us to the truck.

From there we headed home to get the food ready for the cookout at my Aunts house. The food and company were great. Even though another down poor hit we all came in the house for some great "getting to know you better" time.

From my Aunts we went home to change then met the Wallens and McKays at the mall for the fireworks. The fireworks were a huge disappointment but the company was good so no harm done. We all had a good time. Duffer had brought lots of glow sticks for the kids, but I think the BIG KIDS had the most fun with them. We had a very late night with the Wallens playing dominoes. til 3:30 AM! We ended up having a major sleepover since all 7 kids were already passed out. I was so tired the next day I didn't even want to get up but it was Ashley's 8Th Birthday and I had stuff to get. She finally decided after learning that the weather was not gonna be good for the pool that she wanted to go to Chucky Cheese and then back at home for BROWNIE Sundaes (YUM) instead of cake. She got lots of horse stuff and had a great time and that's all that matters.

Sunday after church we headed off to Chattanooga to visit with my Stepmoms family. It was a nice mini vacation. Monday went to the Chattanooga Aquarium. It was beautiful. Allie LOVED the Penguins, Ashley was all about getting to pet a Shark and Sting Ray. We also went to see a 3D movie on dolphins and whales. My dream is to actually swim with Dolphins but this was pretty close. It was amazing! Tuesday we went to a cook out and swam all day. I was a nice visit.

Yesterday after we got back home we did have intentions on going to the block party for our church but when we drove by we noticed that we were VERY early SO we headed to the Duncans to kill some time and visit them before they go on vacation. We ended up staying there until late last night. Kelly made a awesome dinner with LOTS of home grown vegetables. I wasn't too thrilled at first about the menu. I am NOT a vegetable person. But I was pleasantly surprised and even had seconds, it was yummy!

I will post pictures as soon as I get them downloaded. I hope you all are having a safe and fun summer!