40 Years and Counting...

Happy 40th Anniversary to my Mom and Dad!!

Just 40 years ago they decided to get hitched.

And after being told my dad couldn't get any time off

from the family feed mill...

they simply crossed the state line...

and eloped!

We surprised them this weekend with a family party.

They had no idea that we were planning this shindig.



Family and friends came from near and far.

The grandchildren were the life of the party.

There's nothing like cousins!

And crazy uncles.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

You are a great inspiration to all that know you!

Welcome to our "ool"...

after a day with 4 kids under the age of 5, there MIGHT be some "P" in it...

Gracie was like a little fish with her swimmies on!

The shamu floats were a big hit, with both the little kids and the big ones...

After the pool party we headed inside for a big, birthday bash

for all the little girls.

There was lots of cake.

This is my brother.

He likes cake.

Gracie likes cake too!

She even eats the crumbs off the table.

Abigail is about the cutest baby in the world.

Her white-blond hair and baby blue eyes are to die for!

It was like Christmas.

Wrapping paper everywhere.

Mass chaos as they ripped into the packages.

Then they had to compare.

Gracie is now a princess doctor.

A-camping we will go...

We had a great fall weekend in the Smokies! The Baker/Cothran/Meek/McDade/Welch Clan all gathered at Clabough's for a family camping trip. Some slept in tents, some in campers, some in...well I don't really know what that thing was that Terry and Sandra shrink-wrapped themselves into!Now we all know that the playground is the most important amenity wherever we may go!







We've decided the Meek genes must run strong in Dally and Gracie... they fight just like Casey and I did in our younger years!


Taking a walk with Nana
Throwing rocks in the creek proved to be a great distraction
After the older crowd enjoyed their time on the go-kart track, the younger ones got to enjoy the kiddie park. Fair warning: should anyone from this crowd challenge you on go-karts, be prepared for bruises, backaches and whiplash!











The girls checking out the tent accomodations:
Abigail 9months, Madeline 3yrs, Dally 16months, Gracie 2years

All the girls had to take a ride on Nanny's chair too!


Scott and Gracie taking a bike ride

Cassie really wanted to roast a duck for dinner!