A Crazy Week

Mark was in Atlanta from the Monday my parents left until that Thursday.  What an eventful week that was.  Right after he arrived in Atlanta, his phone was stolen and there was a tornado that took out electricity for awhile, which made it very hard to stay in touch.  We worked hard at finding different ways to stay connected until they sent his new replacement phone.  Luckily, he still had his computer, so we were able to go old school and google chat.  He also would drive to the Verizon store in between his meetings, and call/text me on the model phones there.  It all felt very high school.

One night that he was gone, we had a freak storm here that took out huge trees in our neighborhood.  I thought our whole house was going to fly away!  It was pretty scary.  

Our neighbor's front yard

One of the huge trees that got taken out.  Luckily, no one was hurt! 

Another tree down

Luckily, we had a few sweet friends that kept us busy while he was gone.  We also had swim lessons and bible study to keep our minds off his absence.  (The girls are doing so well swimming, by the way! I'm so proud of them!)  Anyway, we were oh-so-glad to have him home when he arrived early Friday morning.  

My little fish

The weekend was a full one!  The Stouts invited us over for lunch and we went with them to the Biltmore in the afternoon.  That night we had a few families over for dinner and fun around the bonfire.   It was a great time!  I forgot to get any pictures that night!

Kiki riding the donkey in Sabbath School

Fish watching at the Biltmore

Love this girl 

These two crack me up!

I Get So Emotional Baby

In mid-October, the group I sing with got the opportunity to perform at some Medical/Dental meetings in Gatlinburg, TN.  My parents flew in for the weekend to watch the girls, so that Mark and I could go.  I was awfully nervous, but really excited, all at the same time.  It ended up being so fun!  The conference was in a lovely hotel, we had a room without kids, and we ordered room service multiple times so the whole experience felt very much like a mini vacation.  We even got to go on a little date night with friends while we were there.

We came home on Sunday morning and were super happy that mom and dad didn't have to leave until Monday evening, so we got some time with them, too.  My parents had never visited Looking Glass Falls, so we took them there and for a ride around Pisgah Forest.  There may have been ice cream involved on the way home, because, well, what's a trip without ice cream?  On Monday, we did a few errands and had a nice lunch.  Rosie completely lost it about an hour before my parents had  to leave for the airport.  She curled up on Papas lap and just wept because she was so sad they were leaving.  She cried for about two hours after they left.  It didn't help that Mark, too, left that night for a work trip to Atlanta.  Poor kid, just fell apart.  She's definitely my child.

Even though the trip was short, we had such a wonderful time.  The girls just eat up every minute with Nana and Papa!  Can't wait until next time!    

Our group was invited to sing with Charles Haugabrooks while we were there.  Don't worry...I didn't know who he was either. 

I ran into Kaylee's really good friend, April.  We had to send a picture to prove it to Kaylee:)

We also got to spend some quality time with David & Elizabeth.  I just love these people!

Nana and Rosie in Pisgah Forest

Rosie and Papa enjoying the falls.  

My little family 

So thankful for these two!

My man crush

This is Rosie, crying at the front door.  I'm not kidding, she was a wreck when they left.  

My Little Helper

You haven't heard from me in awhile!  So sorry about that.  Things just got really busy and blogging got put on the back burner.  I hate when I do that, because 1)  I don't know where to start and 2) I forgot about all the fun things we've done!  Well, we have been good.  We've had lots of visitors and things going on.  I think I'll refer to the photos on my phone to get started.  These pics are back from October...

She's just a little lady now. 

She wanted me to show you my first attempt at a waterfall braid.  I've improved since then, but not by much:) 

In Adventurers, Rosie is working on her helper honor.  She has really stepped up to the plate and helps make lunches, washes dishes, takes the trash, makes her bed and so much more.  I'm quite enjoying the time off:) 

She's enlisted a little help.  

My favorite little Adventurer and dishwasher.  

?

This picture just made me laugh.  My children are so weird and I love it...  

Catalyst & Memaw

We had an absolutely amazing time at Catalyst in Atlanta last week.  The speakers were fantastic.  I was beyond inspired and learned so much that I could bring home and put into practice.  I wish all of you could have been there!   The incredible music was just icing on the cake.  Looking around at the thousands of people, all worshipping together with hearts on fire for God, I couldn't help but be reminded of what heaven will be like.  

Having fun! 

Thousands of people, all singing to Jesus!  Also, that's Sarah and Chris:) 

Can't wait for Catalyst 2015!!!

Just being silly! 

We were able to enjoy ourselves completely, because we knew the girls were well taken care of at home with Mom Murrill!  She flew in to watch them and it was such a blessing.  The girls had so much fun on their adventures with Memaw!  

On Sabbath afternoon, we went with David & Elizabeth for a hike in Mill's River and a picnic supper.  That evening, Mark's Aunt and Uncle came back to visit and to see Mom Murrill.  The girls were ecstatic to have their dog, Cookie, back in the mix.  On Sunday, Mom, Kandyce and myself went antiquing.  We all came home with some treasures!  We were sad for Mom to leave early this morning, but were so glad she came!  Can't wait until next time! 

Sweet group of kiddos 

Setting up for a group picture 

The Men!  

Lauren and Jack

Such a beautiful place!  Can't wait to go back.  We want to camp there next time!

Accidental picture taken during the hike!  Kiki was my right-hand girl that day!  

Rose and Memaw

This little bookworm

Loving on Cookie 

They really want a dog!  

Pumpkin Patch Time!

Today was a full one!  We worked on stuff for music in the morning, visited the pumpkin patch, had swimming lessons, and went over to a friend's house to play and ended up staying for dinner.  The girls were pretty pooped by the time we got home.  I have to admit, I was, too!  

The day was pretty windy, so pumpkin patch pictures didn't turn out too great, but it was fun anyway!  Here are a few...