September Already!!

And I thought things were supposed to slow down a little when you got old!! The opposite sure has been true for us. We left on Friday, August 31, at 4:30 to go to Gatlinbug, TN. We were able to locate a house owned by a deacon in Josh's church for a few days. Joel and Oakley traveled down with us, and Daniel and his family came a few hours later. We are all together for the first time in a very long time. We arrived around noon, spent Friday and Saturday there just hanging out! Friday night we went out to eat at the Apple Barn, which was GREAT!!! In case any of you ever get to Pigeon Forge I would strongly recommend it for a dining experience. Its very family and the food was excellent, and alot of of it. There are shops all around it to browse before or after. We walked along the river and bought a few goodies, and then headed back to the house to greet Daniel and Kristi and the kids. There was a game room in the basement so the kids (big and little) spent alot of time down there playing around.
On Saturday, we all took our time getting up. It was great. The house is located on a beautiful mountain so I went outside with the kids for a while just enjoying the scenery and the little things like 'bugs" flowers and butterflies. In the afternoon, everyone except me and little Micah went into town to do the "Nascar" experience! They had a blast I am told, while Micah and I took a nap. It was nice just for our family to be together.

On Sunday, we had the privilege of being at Temple Baptist Church, and seeing Seth be baptised. It was a joy to be present at this joyous occasion, and a big step in Seth's life. Daniel and Kristi left after lunch, and the rest of us headed to Josh's for a nap! Sunday night after church we went on a pontoon on the Tennessee River to see the gigantic fireworks in Knoxville proper as they celebate Labor Day. Its the biggest fireworks display anywhere on Labor Day weekend, and it was the BEST I have ever seen in my life. It was just beautiful on the river. If you ever can be in Knoxville on Labor Day it is well worth the effort to see this firework display on Boom's Day.

Monday we all just kinda relaxed. Cathy and Craig, my niece and nephew were able to come see us and spend time, and we all enjoyed just not to have to be anywhere. The men and Cathy went golfing in the morning. Joel and Blake took off for Va after lunch. I was just so glad that all the boys could be together, and that Joel was able to stay an extra day.

Tuesday through Friday was very relaxing. We went to Red Lobster for endless shrimp, Chunky Cheese, McKays Bookstore, and of course Walmart..Mike spent some time at the college seeing our students from Heritage and helping Josh with a few things. On Thursday we were able to spend a few hours with our good friends the Rossers, we always LOVE that and look forward to the great time of fellowship. I also got to see Seth's classroom and Cathy's classroom. I always love to see the ideas others have! It was a great time! We left Friday morning to come back to VA, with a stop at the Bristol Motor Speedway so I could see it!! Mike and I walked the track, which is only 1/2 mile, but it was FUN!! Its probably the closest I am ever going to get to seeing a real race!

Back home and back to work! However, on Tuesday, the Dr, informed Kristi that she could have her surgery on the very next day.. so Blake, Jeremy and Micah arrived Tuesday morning for the next three days. On Thursday morning, Joel took Mike to Falls Church to have his hernia surgery, and the kids left shortly after he returned home. Terri and the boys arrived at 10:30 that night on the way to Harper's Ferry for a dulicmer festival. Its always good to have them here, but we like it when they can stay a little longer than 10 hours!!! Sooo... the past few days have been recovery time, but everything is going slow but fine. We thank everyone for your prayers. He has some restrictions for the next couple weeks, but so far he has only tried to cut the church's shrubs! Wow! What do you do with the man anyway???
Our Missions Conference is this week, and we are looking forward to that. Till next time.. may the Lord keep you all safe!