Triple Falls

July 20, 2012

The next path was 2 miles long and had two sets of falls.  The first one we came upon was called Triple Falls.  It was a set of three that tumbled into each other.  Once we got to this spot on the trail we had to go down about 100 steps to get to the middle fall's landing.  Here we could walk around on the flat rock and watch the water tumble beside us.  Of course that meant we had to climb back up all  those steps to get back on the trail.  It was worth it!  The sight was bea-u-ti-ful!!

Sweet Pic!  Love him!  We are so proud of the trail he is blazing for all his cousins to follow.

Hooker Falls

July 20, 2012

The third set of falls were down a little path called Holly Road.  The kids had a blast running down the muddy trail and splashing through the puddles.  The falls were not extremely high, but they were considerably wide.  The water tumbled into an area to swim that was about 2 to 3 feet deep.  The kids all jumped in and had fun swimming against the current.  We took lots of pictures throughout the day, but this fall is where we captured a great family picture. 

Looking Glass Falls

July 20, 2012

The second waterfall we visited fell from a creek bed way up high.  It was a direct drop into the awaiting pool on bottom.  Again the water was so cold it caused your toes to go numb.  This didn't stop our kids though.  They all headed straight in for a swim.  Mary Kate even headed down to the rock after a time of watching everyone.  She was on a mission to collect her "baby rocks" that she has become obsessed with recently. 

Sliding Rock Falls

July 20, 2012

While we were visiting Shannon and Ty we had some outdoors fun.  We did some researching and mapped out some local waterfalls.  It was a cool rainy day, but we packed up everyone anyways and headed further back into the mountains.  The first falls we went to were called "Sliding Rock."  As you can see from the pictures it was literally a sliding rock.  The water has smoothed out the falls to make a perfect water slide.  I didn't brave the cold water, but all the kids, Jay, and Lee jumped right in it.  They waited their turn and down they came.  It was nice because the National Parks Dept has built bridges and overlooks so that you can watch the fun. Shannon was able to capture some great action shots. 

and no, Mary Kate didn't ride the slide.  She stayed with Ty and I to try to keep warm and dry.

Ty's Graduation

July 19, 2012

This week we took another mini vacation to visit Ty, Shannon, Kayla, and Tristan in North Carolina.  The kids were so excited to go to their cousins' house for a few days.  It is great to be able to get away and just relax at their house.  All the kids run and play and the adults get time to talk and catch up.  The purpose of our visit was to attend Ty's Graduation from the NC Police Academy.  He has been in class since the first of the year.  He had to go through this entire process again since they moved states.  Kind of crazy if you ask me, but they didn't!  He has been in law enforcement here for years, but I guess it is a requirement to help learn all their state laws and such.  At the ceremony, Ty had the kids pin on his new badge.  They were both nervous but thrilled to get to do this for their Dad.  We are so proud of you TY!

The Kelley Grand kids:   Kayla-9, Trace-10, Max-6, Mary Kate-2, Ashton-8, and Tristan-7

The Original Five

Chris, Dianne, Lee, Shannon, & Jay

Big Daddy's Boat

July 2012

Dad has been working on his boat this summer so we can get back on the lake. He was off this week so we took it out for a spin.  Mary Kate had never been on the boat and it had been a few years for Max.  We rode for a long time and enjoyed the breeze in our hair.  Mary Kate loved standing on the front of the boat as the wind blew.  After riding, we stopped and put the tube in to ride.  Max and I got on and Big Daddy took off.  As Dad started tossing us across the wake I was quickly reminded how many muscles it takes to stay on the tube.  I was on my belly and Max was on by back.  I quickly had to teach him how to lean in the curves and hold on tight over waves.  He caught on fast and we cruised for a long time.  During our tube ride, Mary Kate snuggled up with Big Daddy and went to sleep.  After a good long ride, I counted and Max and I jumped off the tube.  He was scared to abandon ship while Big Daddy was still going, but he was fine once we did it.  He saw that he will pop right back up out of the water and that it doesn't hurt to hit the water.  Big Daddy and Mary Kate got in with us and we swam for a little while.  Then we climbed back in the boat and  . . . nothing . . . nothing  . . . . that's right nothing happened.  As kids growing up we called it a  "Chip Party" when the boat was having problems and not starting.  After some paddling to show our distress a gentleman stopped and towed us over to the ramp.  Max didn't understand being broke down very much, but as we know it is just a part of boating.  Big Daddy has since fixed the boat and it is ready to go again.

Atlanta Trip Day Four

July 7, 2012

After our day full of fun at Stone Mountain Park we reconnected with some more LU friends.  We drove north and stopped at some very special friends' house.  Matt played all four years on the football team at LU with Jay.  His wife, Casey, became one of my best friends when I moved to Lynchburg.  Casey's dad was a coach on the team so she was very involved just like me.  We met watching practice in August and were pretty much inseparable.  We loved traveling to the games together and just hanging out.  Casey had her eyes on Matt after just a few interactions with him.  It took Matt a little while to notice, but once he did he never looked anywhere else. They were married a few years after we graduated.  Actually, it was Max's first road trip.  He wasn't even 2 weeks old when we went to the wedding in AL.   

We arrived at their house Friday night at about midnight, but we were all so excited we stayed up for hours talking.  We also got the opportunity to see another old friend.  Josh also played football with the guys at LU.  He was in town for a wedding, but came to Matt and Casey's for the night to hang out with all of us.  Josh was also one of Jay's best friends while at LU.  Since he is from LA and unable to go home as often as us; he made many trips home with Jay for the weekend.  All three of these friends met our families and became a real part of our lives during our times together at LU.  The reconnections we made on this trip were so crucial to us.  Each person we met up with made lasting impressions on our lives.  We all found each other in the strange times that college brings into your life.  I believe we made bonds that will last forever,  Being with everyone again also reminded me to live outside my little bubble at home.  We have very special friends that may not be in our everyday lives, but care and love us just the same.  God reminded us of these friendships by helping make it possible for us to see each of them on the trip.  We are so blessed with friends here at home and friends far away.  Each of our friends play a special part in our lives that help shape and mold us.

Our trip came to a close after spending the morning with Matt, Casey, and Josh. We ate breakfast and talked through friends, family, and events that had happened in the past few years. It was sad for our time together to come to an end, but everyone had to get on their way.  I just don't think I can say it enough . . . but we are so blessed.