Smoky Mountains

Well, we are back from vacation. It was a lot of fun. Had some problems along the way, but everything worked out in the end. The view was incredible.

This is a view of the foothills in the morning from our cabin balcony.








Here is every one relaxing.


We also drove to almost the highest point in the mountains. Dave and Joannie walked the rest of the way up. Les and I were affected by the high altitude and didn't make it to the top.

We checked out Gatlinburg. I still think it is too commericalized. We found the motor nature trail, but we were too tired to stop along the way. If we go back again, we will definitely do some hiking along that trail. Lots of rapids and waterfalls.


We took off to see Parrot Mountain. They have a cage where you can feed the lories. They have another spot where the macaws can be fed and they will sit on your shoulder or arm. One grabbed Les' hat and put a hole in it. Another bit my ear a little. Dave liked the hawk headed parrots. They would make sounds like a phone ringing and stuff.

vacation

Well, myself, Dave, and his parents are all heading down to the Smoky Mountains for five days. We are leaving at 6:00 a.m. Monday and will return sometime Friday. We will have three full days at the cabin. It is a three bedroom cabin in the mountains near Pigeon Forge (Gaitlinburg area). There is a hot tub, jacuzzi, large screen TV, grill. It should be fun.

New grandchild

Dave actually held his granddaughter. But he is too young to be a grandpa.















I guess I was getting tired holding the baby. She slept the whole time we were there. Thanks, Kari and Mark for letting me hold her so long.

Dave and I are grandparents (Grandma and Grandpa Ruthie)

Charly was born May 11, 2006 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI.
At 2:35 (I think)
8 lb, 5.5 ounces, 21 inches long.
Lots of dark hair



Charly up close
.
Charly and Auntie Mindy.

Kari and Charly

Mark and Charly

Naked baby....had to make sure she was a she.

Charly and Uncle Brett

excitement

Not only am I stressed, but I am excited. Kari will be induced tomorrow and we will finally get to see the little baby that she has been carrying. I will take the day off to be with her and plan to take a few pictures to share. Wish us all luck, especially Kari.

stress

I am under a huge amout of stress. My dad is in the hospital in Winter Haven Florida. I guess he is doing okay, but because of the pain medication they are giving him, he is not able to talk very well. He has a nasogastric tube. They think he has a bowel blockage and are just waiting to see if it resolves on its own. But because I don't have power of attorney or at least the paperwork to prove it, they really don't want to tell me anything. I don't want to have to go to Florida right now, because Kari is going to have her baby tomorrow. Dave keeps telling me that there is nothing else to I can do, but it is very frustrating.