Horsin around at Brasstown Valley for the girls' birthday

I have not blogged for some time so the next few blog posts are going to be mostly pictures to catch up on life. Sorry :( These are some photos from Katelyn and Nicole's birthday party. We took 9 girls and 4 adults horse back riding to Brasstown Valley Resort. We meet all the parents at Whistle stop at 10 am and headed over the mountain. On arrival the party room was decorated and ready for us. The staff was fabulous and so gracious. After filing out all the paper work we saddled-up our horses and went out on the hour long trail ride. Here are a few shots that the staff took for us. Did I mention that the staff was amazing!

Happy 9th birthday to Nicole and 11th birthday to Katelyn. The best party yet!

Road trip to Stone Mountain

The first weekend in October we went down to Stone Mountain, GA for the evening laser light show. Scott and I had done it in 2008 for our anniversary. We got the opportunity to take the girls and enjoyed it even more. The show was at 8 pm and we barely made it there in time. Our hotel was about 30 min away from the park and we just cut it a little tight. I think the shopping we did before put us a little behind. No worries we made it. Kate did not make the picture because she was practicing her photography skills. She looks up to her Aunt Jodi and admires her skills. I think she lights up a little brighter when she hears people say you are just like your Aunt Jodi or your Aunt Tami.

Happy Birthday Morgan

Our dear friend Jill had a wonderful little girl 3 years ago that we just love! We got to have her come over on her birthday and celebrate. Here are a few snapshots from her party. A big thank you to Katelyn and Nicole from mommy for helping with all the details. They made cupcakes, helped wrap her gift, and entertained the little kids all evening long. So proud of their servant attitude.

What's in a name? Hello there, I'm Satu

Satu (saa-tu) Fairy Tale, Fable in Finnish
Name day: October 18th
Finland is one of many countries in Europe which celebrates Name Days called Nimipaiva in Finnish. A country having a tradition for celebrating Name Days normally dedicates a name or names (male and female) to every calendar day of the year. A person then celebrates a Name Day on the day in the calendar where his of her Christian Name Appears.

The names used and their date placement in the calendar are often associated with religious names, religious days, national historical personalities and national historical events. Normal country specific Christian names, and even new Christian names which have been integrated and accepted into a countries list of nationally recognized names, are also given their own position in the calendar.

In Finland Name Days can be celebrated like a birthday, where the individual having the Name Day will receive greeting cards, flowers or gifts from friends and family. Name Day celebrations do however differ from person to person and some individuals may choose not to mark the day with pomp and splendour. Never the less regardless of how a person celebrates his/her Name Day in Finland, they will appreciate you wishing them "Happy Name Day!" which in Finnish is "Hyvaa Nimipaivaa!"