In July we spent two weeks in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. It was beautiful! Here is the view from one of the balconies of my parents' house.
While we were there, we celebrated Christy's birthday. Here we are during one of the party games.
Also for her birthday, we roasted hotdogs, bratwurst, and marshmallows out at the fire pit. YUM!
One of our more creative activities was doing a Jackson Polluck party...inspired by Ashley and Fancy Nancy the Aspiring Artist book. We got a white sheet, extra cans of paint, paintbrushes, and some cool tunes. Then we spent the morning painting Jackson Polluck style. I must say, it was VERY therapeutic for all involved. We are already looking forward to making Jackson Polluck cookies for the 100th anniversary of his birth when we are together over Christmas break. ;)
Almost the finished product. 
Later in the visit, Grandma and Grandpa Brewer and Uncle Tubby joined us for 10 days. Here is Uncle Tubby with the three girls.
Jared and Kailey spend a moment together.
Mom watched the 3 girls while Jared and I took a romantic date day to the Atlanta temple.
Every night we would have scripture and prayer all together and then listen to a family history story from Grandma Brewer (the girls' Great Grandma!). It was so fun to hear stories from her childhood and early life.
The balcony offers beautiful sunset views every night!
This picture shows Ashley and Bethany with their Great Grandma. The girls are wearing vintage dresses that were made by Grandma Brewer 50 years ago for her own little girls. Now that's cool!
Aunt Linda sent a box of fun while we were there. Here, Ashley celebrates after finishing the 300-piece American Girl puzzle. Thanks, Aunt Linda!!!
Bethany (3 years old)
Ashley (5 years old)
Aunt Linda also sent some wooden boxes for the girls to paint. They had so much fun making their "Nature Boxes" then going outside and filling them with fun finds.
Four generations!
Another fun part of the trip was the Anne of Green Gables party that Mom and Dad had for the girls. They watched the movie and then got a special drink that Grandpa (my dad) brought back from Canada (where AoGG takes place) -- Raspberry Cordial! Yum!Other highlights of the trip included driving from AR to NC with Christy, finding a 4' snake, catching scorpions, making homemade ice cream sandwiches, Christy doing professional pedicures and manicures on all the girls, Jared helping Mom and Uncle Tubby clear a forest area, playing with Eppie, removing window frames, having Christy try straightening Bethany's ringlets, playing in the pool, dancing in the rain, and more!
Thanks for a great visit, Mom and Dad!
