Jessica
Josh on Tiger Walk Sunday, October 18, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tennessee
Since I haven't received any post from anyone I'm going to start highlighting one state a week that we each live in. I figured it would be a fun thing for us to see what goes on in the states we live in and maybe encourage people to get outside and enjoy the fall weather with their families. This week it's going to be the best scenic drives in Tennessee for fall foliage. Enjoy!
Fall Creek Falls State ParkPikeville, TN
Natchez Trace Parkway
Follow in the tracks of bandits and preachers, slaves and soldiers, old "Kaintucks" and new settlers. Explore this National Scenic Byway by car or bike. Take in the living history demonstrations along the way, or just enjoy the waterfalls, the brilliant leaves, and the leisurely pace. The northern terminus lies just 17 miles southwest of Nashville, off Tennessee Highway 100.
Overhill Agriculture Trail
Enjoy the back roads, small towns, scenic rivers, and rolling farmland of the Tennessee Overhill area. Stop to see native gardens, wineries and corn mazes. Meander along the Ocoee Scenic Byway, Tellico River Road, the Cherohala Skyway, or the Hiwassee River Road for spectacular scenery.
Tennessee River Trails
Follow the Tennessee River from Paris to Pickwick, and take in the historic sites, festivals, and beautiful scenery.
Cherokee National Forest
Follow the roads along the ancient mountaintops of the Southern Appalachians, home to more than 20,000 species of plant and animal life, as well as a wealth of history and scenic beauty. The forest encompasses some of the drives in the Overhill region as well as breathtaking Northern District routes along gravel roads.
Mississippi River—From Memphis to Reelfoot
Follow the Big Muddy along the Chickasaw Bluffs, 200 feet above the Mississippi floodplain. Start out in Memphis, rich in history and culture, and travel north to the eerie beauty and natural wonders of Reelfoot Lake.
Tellico River
Take the Cherohala Skyway south on Hwy. 68 for a beautiful drive ending in a short hike to Conasauga Falls. Or try the 20-mile drive from Tellico Plains to Rattlesnake, followed by a 1.4 mile hike to Falls Branch.
Lawrenceburg to Manchester
Travel through historic Davy Crockett country, take in the origins of Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and visit Native American sights.
Appalachian Quilt Trail
Stretching across the eastern part of the state, the AQT links scenic rural drives with shopping, locally grown produce, arts centers and outdoor activities.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America's most visited national park offers an abundance of scenic splendor.
Tennessee River Gorge, Chattanooga Loop
A 126-mile drive along the Tennessee River, from Chattanooga to the Cumberland Plateau, ending at Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville.
Antebellum Trail: Nashville to Columbia
Mansions, horse farms, and Civil War sites line the roadway from Nashville, through Columbia, on to Mount Pleasant, on this 78-mile drive through Middle Tennessee.
Cumberland River: Nashville to Land Between the Lakes
A 110-mile trek along the banks of the Cumberland River travels just north of Nashville through historic Clarksville.
Center Hill Lake to Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Eastern Highland Rim, Caney Fork River Valley, red cedar forests and the natural rock gardens called cedar glades.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River passes through 90 miles of scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide range of natural and historic features while offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
Friday, October 2, 2009
October is here
October, to Erin and I is a wonderful month. We enjoy the fall colors and the coolness of the mornings and nights. After the kids got too old to trick or treat I kinda forgot about Halloween, that is until I married Erin and she forced me to recognize it and participate in it once again. I have hundreds of memories of the kids and all the costumes they wore. And I remember the year each of the them became too "cool" to go out begging for candy.
~Tommy
I love October! Fall is in full swing, the leaves will start to change soon, the air smells a little sweeter, fall festivals all over north GA are beginning and Jacob is going to be the cutest pumpkin ever this year. I figured I needed to do it now before he can start talking and tell me that being a fat little pumpkin for Halloween is for babies. Last year he was a bumble bee, he was only about 7 weeks old last year so this year should be more fun for me...I mean him. HA! I think my favorite Halloween costume was when I was Miss America. I loved that dress my mom may for me. I remember telling her that I was going to wear it to prom when I got into high school. Boy am I glad it got ripped before I had to live up to that promise.
~Rachel
Halloween will be a little different for us this year. Corey is too old for trick-or-treat so we will be going to some of the festivals at the nearby orchards. Jennifer and Corey have been picking out costumes for Booh and Chester. I think Chester will be superman and poor old Booh is going to be completely humiliated in a pumpkin costume.
~Andy
I don't really remember any Halloween costumes that I had. Like probably most of us with our kids, I remember Rachel's better than my own. I can't really say that this was my favorite of hers but it was the one I remember the most. It was one of, if not the last year she really went trick or treating, with Mom along anyway. She wanted to be Miss America, or some kind of beauty queen. I bought a pattern and cut it down & I found some awful teal colored taffeta. I made her a long dress with 1980's big puffy sleeves, and if I remember correctly a peplum. I guess she liked it, she acted like she did. Like everything else she hung on to it for the longest time before she finally through it out. All I remember was that her crown got caught in the limb of a tree she walked under, and her feet were killing her by the time we got home from the heels she was wearing. But like every year, after the kids went to bed Mom snuck in and raided their candy sacks. This year I'm sure Jake will get a ton of candy, he looks adorable in his pumpkin costume. I guess Granny and Mom will be raiding his candy sack after he goes to bed.
~Diane
If anyone has anything they would like to post about fall/October, November/Thanksgiving or just general post send them my way. Let us know what is going on in your lives.
Love to everyone!
Rachel
~Tommy
I love October! Fall is in full swing, the leaves will start to change soon, the air smells a little sweeter, fall festivals all over north GA are beginning and Jacob is going to be the cutest pumpkin ever this year. I figured I needed to do it now before he can start talking and tell me that being a fat little pumpkin for Halloween is for babies. Last year he was a bumble bee, he was only about 7 weeks old last year so this year should be more fun for me...I mean him. HA! I think my favorite Halloween costume was when I was Miss America. I loved that dress my mom may for me. I remember telling her that I was going to wear it to prom when I got into high school. Boy am I glad it got ripped before I had to live up to that promise.
~Rachel
Halloween will be a little different for us this year. Corey is too old for trick-or-treat so we will be going to some of the festivals at the nearby orchards. Jennifer and Corey have been picking out costumes for Booh and Chester. I think Chester will be superman and poor old Booh is going to be completely humiliated in a pumpkin costume.
~Andy
I don't really remember any Halloween costumes that I had. Like probably most of us with our kids, I remember Rachel's better than my own. I can't really say that this was my favorite of hers but it was the one I remember the most. It was one of, if not the last year she really went trick or treating, with Mom along anyway. She wanted to be Miss America, or some kind of beauty queen. I bought a pattern and cut it down & I found some awful teal colored taffeta. I made her a long dress with 1980's big puffy sleeves, and if I remember correctly a peplum. I guess she liked it, she acted like she did. Like everything else she hung on to it for the longest time before she finally through it out. All I remember was that her crown got caught in the limb of a tree she walked under, and her feet were killing her by the time we got home from the heels she was wearing. But like every year, after the kids went to bed Mom snuck in and raided their candy sacks. This year I'm sure Jake will get a ton of candy, he looks adorable in his pumpkin costume. I guess Granny and Mom will be raiding his candy sack after he goes to bed.
~Diane
If anyone has anything they would like to post about fall/October, November/Thanksgiving or just general post send them my way. Let us know what is going on in your lives.
Love to everyone!
Rachel
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Ricky & Scott's triathlon @ Callaway Garden's
The swim was first it was 1000 meters, bike ride was 18 miles, the run was 5 miles,
the leapfrog was 200 yards, the three legged race was 1/2 mile, the long jump was long
Posted by Ricky
the leapfrog was 200 yards, the three legged race was 1/2 mile, the long jump was long
Posted by Ricky
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Andy's Fall
Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of the year and is at least partly responsible for my moving to Kentucky therefore my wife and child. Fall in Kentucky brings noticeably cooler days and frigid nights a most welcome change from the summers heat and humidity. The rolling hills lined by wood plank fences make for a scenic landscape all on their on, but throw in the red, orange, yellow and gold foliage of fall and a paddock full of the springs young proud thoroughbreds and you get a landscape like no other place on earth..
I can't believe I almost forgot about football season. Tis the season that Dad takes over the remote control and this year it contols a new sony bravia 46' hdtv. Go Big Blue!!! Roll Tide!!! and War Eagle!!!
I can't believe I almost forgot about football season. Tis the season that Dad takes over the remote control and this year it contols a new sony bravia 46' hdtv. Go Big Blue!!! Roll Tide!!! and War Eagle!!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Erin's September
I will only be able to share through September and the rest later, because Tom is feeling risky and wants to try out his bike riding skills with a sprained ankle. :) He certainly perseveres.
I'm feeling a bit emotional this morning because I just finished watching Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend you do. The timing of me watching it made all the difference, as well. Today is Labor Day, so no schedule, no work, no appointments...a rare treat.
I am a process person. I am a "dash" person. You've heard of the "dash": our lives are not about the start date and end date, but the "dash" in between. I also thoroughly enjoy "stories", even of nonsense. I've also enjoyed literature, would be called out in class to explain a Shakespeare Act from Lit Class, and you wouldn't dare see me peak to the end of the book to see the ending before getting there page by page. Why do I go on and one?
We travelled to Grady, Alabama this past weekend for some sacred hours with Jessica, Josh and Ricky, JJ, Mrs. Florence and Scotty. It was a very nice time. I cherished travel time with Jessica to and from Prattville, blessed by her willingness to share her heart about her dear friend David's last days. To hear an 18 year old young women express to me that she knew God had him here on this earth for only 19 years to touch many people's lives, and the FAITH and HOPE in God's intervention displayed by his family and friends in the hospital brought strangers closer to knowing God...well, I can't put that into words. We know God allows things to happen, for His Plan His Glory, and why? We won't know for sure until He tells us why.
Back to Rachel's question: what do I love about Fall? Fall reminds me of the cycle of life. I cherish taking deep breathes and smelling the coolness and the leaves. There is so much undiscovered beauty in life because we're so focused on the next appointment, project or even as simple as the next day. Fall reminds me of romance, falling in love with Tom, planning my final weeks before our wedding 4 years ago on October 8th. The joining of our families. It reminds me of sipping moonshine in the stands of Bourbon County High School football stadium to stay warm inside or warm apple cider at the Lehmann's horse farm in Kentucky. It reminds me to roll the windows down on the way from here to there. I Love Autumn. I intentionally drive through piles of leaves, so that I can look in the rear view mirror at the leaves flutter around behind me.
How does this all tie into Benjamin Buttons? Well, I was startled out of bed this morning at the wee hour of 6:20am by crashing, banging noises coming from our pipes under my bedroom floor. I jumped out of bed and ran into the living room to find my husband in the kitchen doorway. He was just filling up the koi pond :) ...we have something going on with our water pipes, banging and clanging that needs to be checked out. So, needless to say, I couldn't get back to sleep. So I decided to do something I haven't done in YEARS. I went into the livingroom, and found a good movie to watch; while still halfway asleep.
I won't ruin it for those of you that haven't seen this movie, but I will say a few things about it as we enter Fall and Winter seasons. There seems to be patterns in life that allow for a normal life, comforts, traditions and planning to come easy. But sometimes something happens that changes all patterns, we can all think of a few we've experienced that changed the course of our lives. If we aren't careful, we might try too hard to create structure and miss all the process and beauty that might come through the brokenness, repair, and healing. There is Love all around us, and i look forward to experiencing the coming seasons with each of you in 2009. I pray we are not rushed through one single gift of relationship ~Erin
I'm feeling a bit emotional this morning because I just finished watching Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend you do. The timing of me watching it made all the difference, as well. Today is Labor Day, so no schedule, no work, no appointments...a rare treat.
I am a process person. I am a "dash" person. You've heard of the "dash": our lives are not about the start date and end date, but the "dash" in between. I also thoroughly enjoy "stories", even of nonsense. I've also enjoyed literature, would be called out in class to explain a Shakespeare Act from Lit Class, and you wouldn't dare see me peak to the end of the book to see the ending before getting there page by page. Why do I go on and one?
We travelled to Grady, Alabama this past weekend for some sacred hours with Jessica, Josh and Ricky, JJ, Mrs. Florence and Scotty. It was a very nice time. I cherished travel time with Jessica to and from Prattville, blessed by her willingness to share her heart about her dear friend David's last days. To hear an 18 year old young women express to me that she knew God had him here on this earth for only 19 years to touch many people's lives, and the FAITH and HOPE in God's intervention displayed by his family and friends in the hospital brought strangers closer to knowing God...well, I can't put that into words. We know God allows things to happen, for His Plan His Glory, and why? We won't know for sure until He tells us why.
Back to Rachel's question: what do I love about Fall? Fall reminds me of the cycle of life. I cherish taking deep breathes and smelling the coolness and the leaves. There is so much undiscovered beauty in life because we're so focused on the next appointment, project or even as simple as the next day. Fall reminds me of romance, falling in love with Tom, planning my final weeks before our wedding 4 years ago on October 8th. The joining of our families. It reminds me of sipping moonshine in the stands of Bourbon County High School football stadium to stay warm inside or warm apple cider at the Lehmann's horse farm in Kentucky. It reminds me to roll the windows down on the way from here to there. I Love Autumn. I intentionally drive through piles of leaves, so that I can look in the rear view mirror at the leaves flutter around behind me.
How does this all tie into Benjamin Buttons? Well, I was startled out of bed this morning at the wee hour of 6:20am by crashing, banging noises coming from our pipes under my bedroom floor. I jumped out of bed and ran into the living room to find my husband in the kitchen doorway. He was just filling up the koi pond :) ...we have something going on with our water pipes, banging and clanging that needs to be checked out. So, needless to say, I couldn't get back to sleep. So I decided to do something I haven't done in YEARS. I went into the livingroom, and found a good movie to watch; while still halfway asleep.
I won't ruin it for those of you that haven't seen this movie, but I will say a few things about it as we enter Fall and Winter seasons. There seems to be patterns in life that allow for a normal life, comforts, traditions and planning to come easy. But sometimes something happens that changes all patterns, we can all think of a few we've experienced that changed the course of our lives. If we aren't careful, we might try too hard to create structure and miss all the process and beauty that might come through the brokenness, repair, and healing. There is Love all around us, and i look forward to experiencing the coming seasons with each of you in 2009. I pray we are not rushed through one single gift of relationship ~Erin
What our family loves about September
For the month of September I only received responses back from 5 out 21 family members. Even Jacob who can not type contributed. Donovan is excused but I expect his comments for October. You can still send me your likes and dislikes about September and I'll post later. I hope we can do better for October.
For me September is about the start of college football season. Although I am not quite the lunatic I used to be I still enjoy the excitement of Auburn Football. This is one of the things I have definitely passed on to my three children. Over the past years we have made a lot of memories, from watching games at " Wings" in Montgomery or having a party at our home. We can all look back on the many Septembers we have shared and smile.Thank goodness I married someone that although may not love Auburn Football like we do she does how ever enjoy football and looks for any reason to get together. ~Tommy
I love September because it's my birthday is on the 12th and Alabama Football starts. ROLL TIDE!! ~Jacob
Below is the response I received from Scotty....
I'm too ignorant to operate a cumputer I can barely operate this phone. Me and ricky will be at callaway gardens sunday doing a triathalon and my butt stinks ~Scotty
Most of the tourist leave the beach ~Diane
I love September because cool weather is around the corner, changing of the leaves, I can break out all my fall decorations and candles, football and now Jake's birthday; but of course I don't need his birthday for a reason to celebrate my son... any day will do.~Rachel
For me September is about the start of college football season. Although I am not quite the lunatic I used to be I still enjoy the excitement of Auburn Football. This is one of the things I have definitely passed on to my three children. Over the past years we have made a lot of memories, from watching games at " Wings" in Montgomery or having a party at our home. We can all look back on the many Septembers we have shared and smile.Thank goodness I married someone that although may not love Auburn Football like we do she does how ever enjoy football and looks for any reason to get together. ~Tommy
I love September because it's my birthday is on the 12th and Alabama Football starts. ROLL TIDE!! ~Jacob
Below is the response I received from Scotty....
I'm too ignorant to operate a cumputer I can barely operate this phone. Me and ricky will be at callaway gardens sunday doing a triathalon and my butt stinks ~Scotty
Most of the tourist leave the beach ~Diane
I love September because cool weather is around the corner, changing of the leaves, I can break out all my fall decorations and candles, football and now Jake's birthday; but of course I don't need his birthday for a reason to celebrate my son... any day will do.~Rachel
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