Greenbrier February 2009

The Greenbrier is such a special place. I attended cooking school here for 14 years. It was fun and educational. Those experiences fostered my love of cooking! Greg and I spent Saturday February 7th there with our friends Joyce and David. It was a relaxing time and wonderful food to eat! As with everything in the economy at this time, it was sad to see it so empty. A interesting historical fact about the Greenbrier is about Project Greek Island. The bunker for the Legislative Branch of the Government was built there by Dwight Eisenhower. It was a fascinating time in our American History.

"a happy pair"

"david and joyce"

"main lobby"


"trellis lobby"


"celebrity corridor looking into cameo ballroom"


" another view of the main lobby"

Greg's Parents Storm Damage

We had strong winds with a storm come through our area February 11th and many areas around us had severe wind damage. Greg's parents were one of the unfortunate one in Crossville, TN. Although they had severe damage to the house, they were blessed that no one was injured. It is almost built back completely now!

"the tree hit the storage house first...that helped save the end of the house somewhat!"
"the pine tree that fell after cleanup had begun"

January 2009

Camden came for his first alone visit to Sparta. We had so much fun having him all to ourselves. I flew to Orlando and picked him up on Wednesday the 21st and we returned to Florida on Monday the 26th. I returned home on February the 5th with Warren in tow. Ashley dislocated her kneecap on Sunday before I was leaving. She was not able to take care of both children so Warren came to TN for a week. We really had fun having him all to ourselves for that time. Grandchildren are truly grand! Here are a few pics from those "grand times!"

"ben on playground"


"warren"


"camden"

Florida and the boys

All 3 in CiCi's small Volvo going from Ashley's house to our house!

Yes..they were all buckled up!

Ready for bed

Aren't they adorable?

Ben holding Camden...I don't think Camden is too sure of Ben!

Happy baby Camden

Yes...I've been slacking big time...but I haven't really had a whole lot of downtime. I came to Florida on Monday November 3rd. Warren had a virus and Ben stayed with his CiCi. I had company (my college roomate's son and his girlfriend) on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Good luck Todd on your interviews for residency! It was fun having Todd and Adina because I always enjoy cooking and I don't do it that much for just myself. I of course do it for the boys but they are not real gourmet eaters. On Thursday I drove to Orlando and picked up Camden. He came and stayed for 4 days. Ben and Warren enjoyed being with their baby cousin. (Yes...Warren was well by then...at least we thought he was)! Greg flew in Friday night and we had all 3 spending the night! We had our friends Randy and Amy (great to see them!) for dinner on Saturday night and kept only Camden. We drove to Orlando on Sunday and spent time with Allison. Sorry we missed you David (he had to work)! Greg flew back to Tennessee on Monday morning and I returned to Parrish. Warren started getting sick again (high fever) on Monday evening. Ashley took him to the doctor on Tuesday and they gave him antibiotics for sinus infection, but really aren't sure that's the problem, so it still could be viral. His teachers at school say Type A Influenza is going around, so I guess we just hope he gets well soon! I was glad I was in Florida, because I've been able to keep Ben and take him to school for Ashley. Ben and I have felt fine so we've stayed away from the sick ones. I do have a few pictures to post from the few good times when everyone felt okay! I came home to Tennessee Thursday afternoon. Ashley said Warren fever finally broke last night. Rough night for her and him but hopefully he will be getting well now.
In the midst of all of this Tyler had to fly to the Cayman Islands on Saturday November 8. Paloma was devastating when it hit last week. They had a lot of damage to the hotel and surrounding properties on Cayman Brac. With Tyler gone I was thankful to be there for Ashley. He returned home on Friday November 14.
Busy times for us now that we are having our Thanksgiving and Christmas combined. All the kids will be here. They will start coming in next Thursday, yes one week before Thanksgiving. We are thankful and excited to all be able to be together. God has truly blessed us. I hope as we begin this holiday season you will thank God for the ways He has blessed you.

Pics of the Grandkids

.Warren

Benjamin

Camden in his Sunday outfit!

"So cute it's scary! "

Laughing for his CiCi!

I returned from Florida last Monday. I've included 2 pictures of Ben and Warren from our last playground day while I was babysitting. We had so much fun!
On Wednesday the 8th, Allison made a return visit to Tennessee with Camden. We've managed to get a few pictures of him. Most of the time we are just busy feeding or playing with him. He really laughed for his CiCi while his mom was taking the pictures. Allison returns to teaching next week so no more trips for a while. We appreciate David for sharing them with us. I know he has missed them!

Another fun day in Florida

Our day started early...with no pacifier for Warren last night he woke up at 5:45 am and there was no going back to sleep. This morning the boys painted with the new finger paints...I don't recommend it...way to messy and doesn't dry well. The washable sidewalk paint was great, but we ran out of it on the last visit and I couldn't find anymore so I decided to try this. Not a good choice on my part!!!! After Warren's attempted nap this afternoon I gave in and gave back the paci...I guess grandmothers are not supposed to be tough anyway!
This afternoon we went to the movies. I think they like the popcorn best...yes even more than the movie! We saw Beverly Hills Chihuahua. It was cute and enjoyable for the boys and even likable for adults.
Warren looked so handsome with his hair combed after his bath, I just couldn't resist getting his picture. Then the boys got ready for story time in CiCi and Poppie's bed. Another fun day and Warren was happy to go to bed tonight with his paci and Ben was happy too because he's sleeping with CiCi tonight!

The finger paints before the messy part!

Warren loved to squirt it out!

Fresh from the bath!

A handsome little fella!

Two boys ready for story time!

In Florida with my boys

I came to Florida with Ashley, Tyler and the boys on Tuesday the 30th. Ashley left on Thursday for a MOPS convention in Dallas. The boys and I have been having fun while mom is away! Today Allison, David and Camden came to visit. The boys had fun playing with Camden, not so sure Camden had as much fun being manhandled though! We went out and feed the birds which is a favorite activity of the boys.
When Camden got ready to leave we had a gift exchange today! When Camden was born, Ashley told Warren he was going to have to give his pacis to Camden, because they are for babies. By the way, Warren is VERY attached to his pacis. So I got the job of doing this tonight as they were leaving. Camden gave Warren a present for the pacis and that helped until bedtime. Warren really does love his new snake, but he would like his pacis too. CiCi has been tough so far and it's been a long hard evening for Warren fighting sleep with no pacis. It's now 10:30pm and I think he has finally gone to sleep.

The boys ready to get their hands on Camden

Ben loved holding him

Warren wanted his turn too!

He was pretending to feed him...just missed his mouth a little!

Ben is so sweet!

Camden came to see the birds too!

Allison, boys and birds!

Warren and his new snake!

He really loves it!