Just the other day.......

The line up, ummm well, sort of...

" unlike last year, and the year before...

they did not catch on fire "

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year. The group representing the Knoxville portion of the family gathered around a bountiful feast. No picture can adequately show the scrumptious selections at hand. To list them here would only tease the taste buds of those who could not attend our celebration. So in brief, we cooked, we gathered, we blessed, we ate, we were saronsified.

enough said

Wendy

We helped our kids move into a new home this past week. My job was to hold Wendy. I had the best job in the house...

Fall again

Once again our yard is beautiful

Smiling Girl

I am so beautiful! I have gained one pound and grown one inch longer!

Which way did she go?

MOMMMY!

pic of the day

Zach and Wendy, holding hands....

Stacy, Zach and Wendy moved from the hospital to their apartment yesterday. Teddy has been great, wagging his tail and sneaking in dog kisses when possible. He has continued to sleep with us at night, quite an experience indeed. I fixed a chicken dish, made homemade applesauce and baked banana bread muffins. I know guys, you are shocked that I still remember how to cook! All four of us experimented with the new cloth diapers, well Stacy did the work and we all add comments and directions. Teddy backed us up. It was fun. At one point last night I realized that Zach, Paul, Wendy and Stacy had all nodded off while watching TV. Calm had crept into the room! Wendy insists on pulling her legs up, making diapering more like a yoga class with twists, stretches and turns. Last night Wendy decided to finish clearing her lungs with sessions of crying. This morning she is back to her calm sweet self.

Our beautiful girls

Good night family

One day old

Rock a bye baby Wendy

Dr Whalen and Miss Wendy

Here is the proud Pappa of Miss Wendy June

Welcome to the World

Today a star fell to the earth and she was named Wendy June........
Welcome to the world little girl

Courthouse and Conways

Once again I went to work at the Knox County Courthouse. Leaving ,I took the opportunity took take some "tourist" shots. A couple spent time carefully reading all the inscriptions on some of the monuments. I noticed that the woman left a bouquet at the base of the John Sevier's monument. John Sevier held the office of Govenor of Tennessee six times and had four terms in Congress. Our Conway family was very close to the Seviers, marrying four of his children. Our ancestor, Suzanne Conway eventually DIVORCED her Sevier husband. He had deserted the family, leaving her to raise four children alone. Her divorce was the first one granted in the State of Tennessee....

Old Gray Cemetary

Saturday Paul and I went on a carriage ride and tour of the Old Gray Cemetery. The first burial was in 1851. The citizens of the community wanted a park style cemetery, all in vogue in England, a place of bautiful trees, walk ways, and away from the city. Couples would go on strolls here, families would have picnics, and everyone would enjoy the fountain, trees, and flowers. Many famous and infamous former citizens now permanently visit Old Gray. In the carriage ride, you pass by stones with familiar names that now grace buildings, roads, communities, or businesses in East TN. Stones range from simple to tall and graceful. We spied two celtic crosses, the stumps of woodsmens, angels, and a curious cube balanced on one corner. We strolled down the main street of Old Gray and were welcomed by many residents, ready to introduce themselves. Tennessee William's father was first to meet us, showing us where his mother was buried and letting it be known that it was only because he was not getting along with his wife that his final resting place was in Knoxville. A Bohemian band told how the Mother was a hardworking single Mom that loved all her family but was unhappy with her drinking son. He complained that he thought it wasnt fair that he didnt get his own gravesite, but had to be buried above his Mom because he was a pauper. A korean veteran told of his love of his wife and country. He was the first American killed in action in the Korean War, being shot down on his 26 mission. A well dressed Civil War widow complained that her murdered Union husband forgot to mention that he had another wife. She and the first wife fougnt for his pension for two years. The Army would not release her husbands body into either wife's custody so no one is sure where he is buried. She named her son after his father and made a name for herself and prospered. The other wife was given the pension but faded into history. Many other residents gladly welcomed all the visitors. The beautiful ladies in the photograph watched over the event.

elkmont

I have been working for the Knox Co election commission for several weeks. We huddle around our computers, deep down in the basement of the Old Knox Co courthouse, and try to read poorly signed petitions. I needed to get out into the sun so Paul took me to Elkmont this weekend. We hiked on the road out of Elkmont campground. It was beautiful.

so nice

Dr. ZACH Whalen

Members of Zach's fan club were honored to witness the hooding ceremony at the UF campus. The good Dr was seen skipping about his hotel room when he first tried on his robes. Hugs, handshakes, and tears were shared by all. Zach has worked so hard and has been greatly supported by his beautiful bride, Stacy. We are so proud of you both!