Saturday, September 5, 2009

Chris' Birthday Celebration

What a glorious day to celebrate Chris' birthday! Our goal was the peak of Mount LeConte!
When we reached Alum Cave Bluffs, we were amazed to find no one present, just a red squirrel fussing at us.
We enjoyed the serenity of the moment.

Just past the sheer drop-offs and round the bend, we took a small break on a good "sittin'" rock before attacking the strenuous uphill climb.
Closer to the top we began to encounter the rare plants which thrive at the high altitudes. This Kidney-leaf Grass-of-Parnassis is found in open grassy areas.


The views from higher up were spectacular.


When we reached the lodge, we were surprised to find that they had anticipated our coming to celebrate Chris' birthday and had posted the date!

Wraps, fruit, and trail bars are delicious after a 5 mile hike up a mountain!

A veritable garden surrounded the lodge. We enjoyed watching bumblebees flit from blossom to blossom. The rare Monkshood seemed to be the bees' favorite.
After a brief .2 mile hike a little farther up the mountain, we reached the overlook which provided a spectacular vista of the mountains--an eagle's view.
Bumblebees frantically sought out cooperating blossoms of Closed Gentian. To reach the pollen, the bee had to force open the tightly closed blossom and climb down into the tubular bloom to retrieve the delicacies. Notice the pollen sacks on her legs.

On our way down, we encountered a group of 32 who planned to spend the night at the lodge. Of course, they were not hiking as a pack, but trudging at their own pace, some causing us a little anxiety. So, we were again amazed to discover that we had the bluffs all to ourselves again, but only for a few moments. A large group of about 12-15 were arriving just as we departed.
We were elated to discover one of the rarest and most endangered wildflowers--the Mountain Krigia. It liked to mingle with the Closed Gentian and Grass-of-Parnassas. According to Wildflowers of the Smokies, it is found only on Mount Leconte.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Chestnut Branch Trail GSMNP

Granddad, Grandmama and Bubba went hiking in the Big Creek Area.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Ownership

One more payment and it's ours!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Grandkids

At Granddad's and Grandmama's on Sunday after church










Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Schaeffer's Second Birthday Celebration

Schaeffer didn't want to eat his cake. He wanted to play vroom-vroom in it.
He opened lots of exciting gifts.

Griffin enjoyed the attention, too.


Jacob served as the sandbox police.

Otter played with all the toys and kids.







Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Griffin and all

Everybody wanted to hold Griffin.





















Griffin has arrived!

A Blessed Family!
Lily loves Griffin









Griffin arrived at 11:06 AM,May 23, 2009.


Bubba loved holding him.


Proud Mommie

Proud Daddy


Doting grandmamma

Adoring Parents



















Monday, April 13, 2009

False Alarm

Waiting for a new baby brother takes energy.

Waiting for Griffin

Schaeffer is ready for baby brother.

No Griffin, yet

We played dinosaurs.

False Alarm



While we were waiting to see if Griffin was arriving in the world, Aunt Heather French braided Lily's hair.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Friday, April 10, 2009



Emily with Granny


Granny with a sing-along card


Jan with Keevers


Chuck and Rubye


Sillies