Where Troubles Melt Like Lemondrops

Nannie's Prayer Garden

Nannie's garden is always beautiful, but every year it is prettier than the year before. There is a secret, her garden only gets prettier due to her relationship with God getting stronger. As she plants each new flower, bulb, ect. she says a prayer for someone close to her heart. We have enjoyed her garden more this year than most for many reasons. We all missed having Daddy with us, but felt his presence there. We also had some little ones who found something interesting/entertaining and new each time we were out there. Whether it was rocks, dirt, weeds, or bugs, they always were into something. Really good memories were made along with wonderful conversations.

Her stepping stone garden is my favorite piece. Each grandchild has a stone that they designed for Nannie.

Flying South

Our summer has come to a close. I hated to leave, but enjoyed every moment. We were all tired and ready to return, but our family will be greatly missed. As the plane pulled off the ground, I left a huge piece of my heart in Tennessee. This was definately a summer to remember.

Happy Birthday Nannie

Another perk to staying later this summer, is being able to celebrate Nannie's birthday. The Manning pool was open and just begging for some kids. We took them up on a day at the pool. We grabbed some cupcakes, our bathing suits, sunscreen, and floaties. I am not sure who enjoyed the cupcakes more, Nannie (who received more cupcake kisses) or the kids. They were so cute with their cupcake frosted faces.

Reunited

Kelly and I had a few opportunities to hang out this summer. However, we tended to do it without our kids. Yes, we do love our kids, but breaks are much needed at times. Due to us staying in Tennessee longer this summer, we were able to attend Katherine's 3rd birthday party. The kids had a blast. Kelly and I decided that we definitely need to get the kids together more next summer. They loved playing together.

Holiday World Mini-Vaca

I have to say that Sara is full of fun ideas. She wanted to take the kids to Holiday World in Santa Clause, IN. Mind you, she was wanting to do this trip with just the sisters and kids. I thought she was off her rocker, but knew that we would have a blast. I am so glad that we made that trip together. We loaded the car full and headed north.

Holiday World was one of the best parks that I have been to in a while. It was clean, fun, and a decent price. We even stayed and the "Christmas" hotel across the street. For an amusement park in the middle of nowhere, it was pretty impressive.

The most challenging moments was trying to get all of the kids to sleep. They giggled, cried, and even threw a few pillows. After about an hour, they went to sleep. Colin was hte most excited out of the bunch. He was so over stimulated by having all of his cousins in one room, he didn't know what to do with himself. It was super cute!!! It is definately one of those moments that you don't find funny at the time, but you laugh at it later. Later being....NOW!

After a very long day at both the amusement park and water park, we decided we need 2 days our next trip there.

Fresh Goodness

I love all of the goodness coming from the crops this summer. I was able to hang out a few days and give Annmother a little break from the market. This summer there was ALWAYS extra cars in the driveway buying some type of fresh produce. I am hoping to help out more next summer. I enjoyed people watching and learning about the different types of tomatoes. Pink Girls...who knew there were tomatoes named Pink Girls. Now I do! YUMMO!