New Knoxville Fireman's Picnic

Our soon to be brother in-law Ben (Sparky) is a fireman for New Knoxville and invited us all to come to enjoy a smack your lips, lick your fingers, drooling just of the smell chicken dinner and to watch the local firemen compete for bragging rights as they race to take off the doors of cars. It was alot of fun to watch and Tarin was just as excited to roam around the park by herself.

Free train rides around the park! 

Life Flight landing 

Floyd, Ben and Ashley 

Ben's team beat the other New Knoxville team, in the first round...it was the older guys against the younger ones. 

Dale and Floyd 

They made it to the final round but with no lighting on their side they got 2nd place. 

Ben's dad and future father in-law

So as you look at the firefighter with his rake, hose or axe,

His beet red face or ice covered mustache,

You should know why he goes through that smoky front door,

And is forced to crawl like a baby down on the floor.

He does it to save both lives and property,

All that is precious to you and to me.

So take a good look at this modern warrior who serves his call proud and true,

And know that he would die just to save me and you.

~Robert J. Athans

Lawn Mower Derby

Yes folks it reads Lawn Mower Derby...but it is something you have to experience in person to really understand the excitement that it holds.  My sister in-law Ashley was the first woman in 14 years to make it in the finals!!!  WAY TO GO ASH!! 

 

The only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend. ~Chuck Palahniuk

Mother/Daughter

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future. ~Author Unknown

Family Reunion in Hillsboro

In September we spent the weekend at my Uncle Bobby's place for a family reunion.  We took my in-laws camper and had a really nice time.  I've really missed my family!

Tarin and Great Uncle Bobby

Tarin and Rocky 

High five Rocky! 

Me with the boston terrier puppies 

Exploring! 

campsite 

Grandpa Jim holding Abbi and Rocky walking 

Tarin and Great Uncle Bobby playing 20 questions 

Josh and Rocky relaxing....Josh is bored! 

Uncle Bobby riding Tarin's 4-wheeler 

Tarin taking Uncle Bobby a ride on his tractor.

Grandpa Jim and I 

2 peas in a pod! 

Uncle Jimmy helping Tarin play pool! 

Riding in Uncle Jimmy's old truck! 

Tarin and daddy playing with toads. 

All of us cousins... 

My Great Aunt Nancy!

Tarin saying good-bye...she didn't want to leave! 

Tarin with Great Grandma Gail and Great Grandpa Jim 

Aunt Nancy and mom 

Uncle Bobby and me

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

Best Friends since 5th Grade

I remember the day I met Kim on the playground.  We were inseperable from the beginning.  We spent most of our time out at her house.  I still see her Daddy sitting in his chair shaking his head and quietly giggling to himself as we sat at the kitchen table giggling and talking about boys or what we wanted to do after high school.  I can hear her mom call up the stairs "Kimberly!" or "girls you need to be quiet your daddy is sleeping!"  We would quickly giggle into a pillow.  We wasn't as close in high school and I couldn't tell you exactly why and honestly I don't even care.  I moved to Lewisburg at the end of our junior year.  And the one thing I missed the most was Kim.  We talked a few times but after graduation, as most stories go, we lost contact.  Who would have thought after years apart we could just pick right back up and I know now what I've been missing in my life...my childhood friend.  

 If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Author Unknown