Here is what 5 guys, ages 55-70, can do in 7 six hr. days –
From this concrete slab…..

To this 10 room, 3 bath (soon to be)office -

Ok, so it still needs a roof and a couple of other minor items, but I’m pretty impressed!

Today was a perfect fall day! And here is how it began~
This is the early morning view from the dining hall deck.

Since it’s our last week at this project, we are all focusing on wrapping up our tasks and beginning to think about moving on. We’ve had such a good time here – we’ve been blessed by working with some great folks and have truly enjoyed these Tennessee mountains. We haven’t done quite as much sight seeing as I’d like to have done, but all in all have had a fine time! Our “family visitation” weekend was great fun- it was wonderful to meet members of the next generation, and it was also wonderful to see some dear folks from the previous generation – Gary’s Aunt Sis and Uncle Rich. Here’s a shot of Uncle Rich and Austin – guess you can tell they’re related!

So from here we head to Mississippi where we’ll be working at a camp (Harvest Ministries) that was directly in the path of Katrina. I’m not sure what damage they sustained from the hurricane, but I know we’ll find lots to do there. One of the couples we’ve been working with here are also headed to that project – it will be the first time we’ll actually know someone at the project.

And one last shot from our weekend – Gary & I with little Molly.

Ah, sweet family!

We met our new great-niece Molly this weekend! What a cutie! We walked around Jonesborough (the oldest city in Tennessee) yesterday – and when we walked into the Lollipop Candy Store Molly’s eyes opened wider than I’d seen them! I hope it’s not a sign – she’s not quite 6 weeks old so she shouldn’t even know what a lollipop is!

Here she is with her proud parents – Mike & Robyn Fitzpatrick.

We head back to Smithville today – it’s a perfect fall day, so it should be a lovely drive. Tomorrow we head to Nashville to see more family (and more little babies!). This is a very good weekend!

Tammy sent along new pictures of the girls -
Here is Ellie in her Cinderalla Dress. Our little princess!

and here’s Hayley – it’s hard to believe she’ll be one next month! Where did that time go????

There are a couple more shots here –
My goodness, this being a grandmother certainly is a fine thing!

(there seems to be some problem with the links, so if you don’t see any pictures, please go to the “there are a couple more shot” …I’m pretty sure that’s working!

What do you get when you combine 5 hard working ladies, a day off, an outlet mall, a Dollar General Market, and a 99 cent sale at the Goodwill?

A very full Tracker and 5 very tired ladies! What a FUN, FUN day!

And we have to work tomorrow? Geez!

Busy family weekend ahead – Thursday night we head to Johnson City, TN to see (nephew) Mike & Robyn Fitzpatrick and meet my new great-niece, Molly. We’ll stay until Saturday, return to Smithville, and then head to Nashville on Sunday to visit with Gary’s cousin Andrea and family. We’ll be using up the better part of the monthly gas budget, but it will be worth it!