Hocking Hills

So Nate had this last weekend off of work and we wanted to make the best of it by going and doing something.  We were thinking of going camping, but thunderstorms were predicted for Friday night.  So we ended up staying at this place called Ravenwood.  They have various stages of rooms or cabins.  We stayed in the cheapest one, which states it is a step up from camping.  They are called the Gypsy Wagons.  There is a main castle where they serve you breakfast each morning.  We had to bring our sleeping bags and air mattress and what not.  But the cabins had a microwave, small refrigerator, and a little counter and cupboard area.  The kids thought it was awesome and loved that there was a castle.  We were thankful that we stayed in a little cabin, because that Friday night it poured for hours.

Get ready for picture overload.  I guess I am making up for the drought of pictures and posts.

Kali and Gwyn in front of our Gypsy Wagon.

The girls of the family.

Bristol, Kali, and Gwyn in front of the castle waiting to go in for breakfast.

Some of the grounds around the castle.

The girls loved playing on the big chess and checker board.

We headed out to Hocking Hills to go for some hikes.  The kids did great and just kept asking to go on more hikes.  It was so beautiful.

 

Bristol, Samantha (our good friends came along with us), and Kali.

You can tell that it was really humid because Kali's hair got really  curly and frizzy.

There was a little throwing the kids across the creek.

Kali was the first to be thrown across and Nate didn't think of having Rhett catch her.  So she landed on her feet, but then fell down to her bum.  It scared her and for the rest of the hike (which luckily was not that far) I had to give her a piggyback.  

Then she needed a little more loves. And yes my legs are extremely white. 

The well was very fun to the kids to try to get the water to come out.

Gwyn thought she would try to carry her backpack instead of riding in it.

Look how old my little baby is getting.

 

I taught her how to throw rocks into the water.  She thought she was hot stuff and had a ball.

Gwyn and Kali dancing on their bed when we were packing up to go. 

Walking around the castle one more time before we were headed home.

It was such a great trip.  Gwyn was sick, but overall it was relaxing and great to get away from home.  The scenery was beautiful, great company to hang out with and ate some good food.  Overall it was a great success.

Gratitude...

I haven't ever posted much on my blog other than the happenings of my little family, however, all of our lives have been so greatly touched by my niece Ember.  To read her whole story of her small time on earth you can visit my sister's blog where she shares her journey.

I just feel like I need to express my gratitude and pure amazement of my sister, Michelle.  She has been the best example to me of being a true disciple of Christ and instead of blaming the Lord for our trials, relying on the Lord for strength through them.  I feel so blessed to have the gospel in our lives and know that we will all be reunited together one day and that the Lord has a much greater plan for each of us.  Through my sister's experience I have been able to have my own testimony strengthened as I see how the Lord has prepared her for this experience through major and minor things in her life.  I know that He knows each one of us and is mindful of us, but also knows our own strength more than we even do.

I also have had my love of my family grow even more.  I of course have always been close with my family; my sisters and I are especially close.  However, through this fall when several members of my family have had various trials I have realized how strong my love for them is.  It has been hard for me living completely across the country from my family and yet know that my family will be there for me whenever I need them or they need me.  I feel somewhat helpless many times and wish I was closer to physically offer my help or support.  However, I am also comforted in knowing one of us will be there no matter what.  Lora was there and helped Lisa through this fall when she found out she had ovarian cancer and had to undergo a major operation and  Lisa was there when Michelle had Ember.  I am also extremely grateful to have the loving parents that I do and to know that no matter where I live they will always offer me help and comfort when needed.  They show their love in so many ways and I feel so blessed to have such giving and exemplary parents.  I have learned a lot from them through their examples and hope that one day I can repay them of their selflessness they have shown to me and my family.

Love each and everyone of these people!

What?.... Christmas in February

So I am further behind than I can even believe.  However, I also realized that I have not taken any pictures since Christmas.  I can't believe that a whole month and a half flew by with out anything note worthy.  We were sick for about 3 weeks of that time, so I am going with that as my excuse.

  So here is our picture from Christmas Eve.

Here is Kali writing her note to Santa