Family

I have the most amazing family! This past weekend my brother, Jamie and his family, who live in Utah flew into TN. Miriam, my second oldest neice turned 8 in August and they came here so we could all be a part of her baptism. My parents, Danny and Jackie Dunn, have dedicated their lives to teaching and taking care of my siblings and I. They would give their lives for us if they could. I love them for everything they ever have and continue to do for me each and every day. I also love my siblings and for their wonderful examples. They each bring happiness into my life in different and unique ways. It was a wonderful weekend together and here is my beautiful family:

Mt. LeConte

This past weekend, my dad and I went and climbed Mt. LeConte in the Smokey Mountians. It was a most beautiful day. The leaves have started to change and the weather was perfect. Our hike started in the cool autum air and ended on top of the mountain with the sun pouring down with warm rays. There was not a cold in the sky and we could see for what seemed like miles. The rolling hills are turning yellow, orange, and red. I have lost count of the number of times I have climbed the mountain but I think it is somewhere around 22 times. I look forward to the next 22 times!!

Track Out

David and Mary attend year round school which means they are in school for nine weeks and "track out" for three weeks. During their track out, we went on lots of adventures. For the first two weeks, we explored Duke Gardens, several small parks around Apex, Old Mill Park, went to Wrightsville Beach with Steve, and spent an entire week in TN. While in TN, we went to Andrew Johnson's house, Davy Crockett State Park, slept on the trampoline, visited Holston Dam, Steele Creek Park, went to Christopher and Elizabeth's cross county meet, played lots of games with Grandmama and Grandpapa, went on a scavenger hunt downtown Bristol for the Hungry Hungry catepillar, and picked strawberries at Glenmary's Farm. The kids had a great track out, as did I. Here are some pictures that document our adventures:

Sarah pretending to sleep during the hay ride

Our own personal hay ride from Farmer Mike

Mary and David picking strawberries
Elizabeth showing off Sarah and Mary to her team

Petting a snake at Steele Creek Park

Eating at Burger Bar in Bristol

Davy Crockett State Park

Outside Andrew Johnson's house

Enjoying the beach

Exploring at Duke Garden's

Pilot Mountain State Park

Over Labor Day weekend, our family went camping at Pilot Mountain State Park. It is just north of Winston-Salem, NC. We could not have asked for a nicer weekend. The weather was beautiful and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Our campers included: Grandmama, Grandpapa, Christopher, Elizabeth, Caroline, Andrew, Marianne, Lucy, Steve, David, Mary, and Sarah. We had three tents and two hammocks set up. Our days passed with eating lots of great food cooked over the fire, listening to Elizabeth play her guitar, going on walks, playing games at the campsite, and sitting around the campfire watching it burn. Camping is one of my most favorite activities to do and hopefully I will get in at least one more this fall!

The Tents

Sarah, Andrew, Mary, Elizabeth, David and Grandmama around the campfire
Appalachian Mountains

Getting ready to drive up to the top of the mountain in the back of Grandpapa's pick up truck

Cooking eggs over the hot coals for our breakfast bagel sandwiches (just imagine: eggs, bacon, cheese, and fresh tomato)

David, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Grandmama, Caroline, Grandpapa, and Christopher during our hike around the top of the mountain

Good Southern Times

Over the past week, the children and I have enjoyed the company of Grandmama. While she was visiting, we shopped around for apartments, visited both PTA stores, ate great food, and hung out with Aunt Marianne and Uncle Andrew and Lucy.

David, Sarah, and Mary - great ice cream

YSA Ward Opening Social - pig pickin'
The Southern Mullet - spotted at Cary Arts and Craft Festival
All smiles after yummy food and lively entertainment

We had a photo shoot on the train tracks before heading out - it was pretty fun

Grandmama with the Mary, Sarah, and David

We liked the balloons floating in the air

We love company and good times so everyone is welcome to come South and enjoy the sights of North Carolina!!

Saxapahaw

This past weekend I had a chance to go to a Farmer's Market in a little town near Chapel Hill called Saxapahaw. It was lots of fun. Enjoyed a tasty catfish sandwich, listened to some fun bluegrass music, and saw kids sliding down a huge tarp slip and slide. The atmosphere was great!

Hair

So, this weekend the kids decided to do my hair and after the final product was unveiled I decided I wanted them to do my hair before going on my next date!! =) They seemed to enjoy trying to fit as many clips in my hair as possible.