A Week with my Sister

Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author, and last year I read his book Three Weeks with My Brother. He gave me the wonderful idea that I needed to take a trip with my sister. Well, last year the timing did not work out, so we planned the trip for this summer. She is joining the Peace Corps in August and will be gone for 27 months, so our vacation couldn't have come at a better time. Bethany and I chose to spend our week together in beautiful Colorado.

On Sunday, we left Nashville and flew to Denver. We rented a car and headed for our first destination: Golden. Our Aunt Marcella and cousin Emily were there for a softball tournament, and we decided to spend some time catching up with them since we rarely see them. It was a great visit!

On Monday, we drove to Colorado Springs to tour the Olympic Training Facility. I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics, and this increased my excitement for the upcoming games. We had planned to visit Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, but those tourist attractions were closed due to the wild fire. The fire was unbelievable and such a sad thing to see. We shopped in Old Colorado City and relaxed at the hotel the rest of the night.

On Tuesday, we drove to Granby and stayed in a condo (thanks to Seth and Ashley) for the rest of the week. We hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park each day. Our hikes included: Shadow Mountain trail, East Inlet trail (Adams Falls & Mt. Craig), Green Mountain trail, and Colorado River trail (Grand Ditch). One day we drove along Trail Ridge Road, which offered breathtaking views of the mountains. Another highlight was attending the Granby  Rodeo on Friday night.

I am so thankful for the week I was able to spend with my sister. The views were spectacular and the company was delightful. Thanks Sissy for taking a week off to travel with me!

(A post with pictures to follow.)

Sweet Baby

Summer Bucket List
Meet my nephew Latham and spend the week spoiling him...CHECK! 

I met Luke and Laura in Nashville, so I could ride with them to Virginia. The trip was long, but I was glad I could stretch out in the back while Luke drove the entire way. We had a lot of fun hanging out with Adam and Cathy and snuggling with the little guy. I stayed a few extra days to help. Some things I love about my little nephew: his awesome hair, his sweet smile, the way he fell asleep in my arms, the way we cuddled every day, and our rocking time at night. I can't wait to see him again at the end of the month.

Our first date night
Mommy and Daddy went to Outback.
We went for a walk around the neighborhood.
You fell asleep and I enjoyed watching you rest.

 My little cuddle buddy
This is the life...

Summer Bucket List

Well, this time next week I will be finished with another school year. It's hard to believe it's ending, but I'm looking forward to the summer. I decided to make a list of things I want to do before school starts again in August.

• Meet my nephew Latham and spend the week spoiling him
• Take a trip with my sister
  (Okay, the first two are things I already have planned. On with the list...)
• Nap in a hammock
• Picnic at the park with someone special
• Make homemade ice cream
• Host a cook out for friends
• Convince my sister-in-law to let me nephew, Gentry, spend a couple of days with us
• Go to a baseball game 
• Have a mini reunion with my Memphis family
• Take my Grandma to Trowbridge's 
• Shop in downtown Franklin with the Turkey clan
• Learn how to use the software system for my sewing machine
• Relax at the beach
• Take a trip with Craig
• Eat cupcakes at Muddy's 

Hopefully, at the end of the summer, I will be able to check all of these items off my list. Here's to a great summer!

G-Man

From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were going to be a special little boy. 3 years later, you are my little BFF. Gentry, you bring so much joy to our lives, and we love spending time with you. You are so cute and say the funniest things. There is never a dull moment when you are around! I love to see you cuddle with the blanket I made you when you were born. My heart melts when you curl in my lap and say, "I love you BFF." I love to dance and sing with you and just be silly. You love back rides, and I love to hear you giggle as we run through the halls. I love our Face Time visits and that sweet smile that always greets me. Your precious prayers fill my heart with thanksgiving. What a blessing to have you as a nephew! We love you so much!!

Welcome to the World

Latham Patrick

Meet my precious nephew who was born this morning at 2:57 a.m. to my brother, Adam, and his wife, Cathy. He weighed 8.29 pounds and measured 19.5 inches long. We are overcome with JOY that he is here and can't wait to meet him, hold him, and spoil him rotten. I don't know if I can wait to May, but I will settle for lots of pictures and facetime meetings until then.

Latham is a family name on my dad's side of the family. My grandfather was William Latham. My dad is Roger Latham. My brother is Adam Latham, and his son is Latham Patrick. Today would have been my grandmama Ruby's (grandfather Latham's wife) birthday, which makes this an even more special day for baby Latham to arrive. Patrick is also the name of Cathy's dad, so this little guy is blessed with a long line of godly examples.

We love you Latham (and we think your parents are pretty amazing too)!!

87

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Meet my amazing Grandma who is 87 years young today. This past weekend I was able to join my family for a birthday celebration in Nashville. It was so much fun to hang out with everyone! When I asked my Grandma what she wanted to do for her next birthday, she said I hope it's just like this one. She has taught us how to love our family, friends, and the Lord. She has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. What a blessing to have this godly woman in my life! I am so thankful for her servant heart, constant support, and willing spirit to teach me so many things (sewing, crocheting, cooking, and so much more). I love you Grandma!!

the beach

So calm and relaxing.
At least for a few hours until this happened...Spring Break 2012
Every college student joined us this year.

Spent the week with James, Elizabeth, and Andrew
People watching on the beach...especially fun with all of the college students
Read every update on Peyton Manning's decision
Inhaled yummy seafood at Captain Dave's, The Crab Trap, and Dewey Destin's
Nertz of course was played
Got to meet babies Madelyn and Evie on the way home (as well as visit with their wonderful parents)

Baked LOTS of desserts
Relaxed and loved being with friends
Enjoyed watching the cops make underage drinkers pour out their beer coolers one by one
Ate Ben & Jerry's Milk and Cookies ice cream every night
Koozies, swimsuit broaches, portable beer pong tables, and sorority tank tops were a few of the things we forgot.