Smoky Mountains 2011

John and I were in Gatlinburg back at the first of June to see the Fire Flies at Elkmont. Here are a few picture from the rest of the trip.

Roaring Fork Motor Trail

Cades Cove

1st bear we saw

If you read my blog you know I love trees. So, this dogwood tree amazed me. John and I have a dogwood tree that we have babied for 20 years. It started out about a foot tall and smaller around than my little finger and 20 years later it is a beautiful tree (and I thought big) but it is only about 3 inches around. Makes you wonder how old this dogwood is!

Mama Bear and cub

Look close at the beards on these turkeys

We were on the primitive road.....I think it is called Rich Road....that you can get on in Cades Cove. It comes out in Townsend. Look close to the bottom center and you can see the Methodist church in Cades Cove.

As I was taking the picture of the Valley below us I saw this really "ugly" lizard. It was so camouflaged against this tree with it's skin having little spikes on it that made it look like bark. Amazing....all the little things God did in making his creation!

Again, look closely at the very center of this picture.......do you see Mama Bear up in that tree?

The Forest Ranger running everybody out of the meadow where the mama bear was up the tree. Her babies were playing at the bottom of the tree and she said you would be surprised how fast "Mama" could get down out of that tree!

A Family Wedding

Our nephew , Justin Lawson, married Kayla Amerine last Saturday during a beautiful outdoor wedding at Stone Bridge Farm in Cullman, Alabama. It was a perfect afternoon with a nice overcast sky. Kayla was a beautiful bride and, of course, she married a really handsome Lawson man! Justin is the son of David and Linda (Collier) Lawson. David is the youngest of five brothers and sisters --- Jane, Charlotte, Linda, John and David. I love that as time goes on and the family gets bigger and older that John's family still sticks together and support each other. I made a few pictures at the wedding. So.....enjoy!Kayla and Justin

oops.......one of the darling little flower girls escaped!

looking over Linda's shoulder at the unity candle

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Curtis Lawson

about to slap his Dad's hand

so cute

oops again.....Reid (nephew of the groom) escaped while the preacher was inviting everyone to the reception. Aunt Jamie (groom's sister) came to the rescue ---- Dad (Jared Lawson) and big brother (Maclain) were in the wedding and Mom (Cassie) was holding his 2 month old sister (Mollie). Whew....did you get all of that!

Courtney and Lawson

Brady, Kim and kids walking over to the reception

Kim and Justin

Welcome to the family!

the orange rings were John Brady and Lawson's favorite thing on the buffet

Cousins - Brady and Scott with Kim.

cutting the cake

beautiful food tables

caught Abby Claire in this pic

the play area....such a good idea

Brady, Dave and Pops have a pretty place to sit and watch the kids at the play area. Another good idea!

A table full of Lawson family members

Kim and Granny. Such a good picture

I wanted a picture of my two handsome grandsons. Boy...is Lawson in an uncooperative picture taking stage....and then there is John Brady, standing so nicely..cooperating, smiling that gorgeous smile...oh, well!

John Brady trying to figure out what Lawson is doing

and finally I gave up

Mother and Son dance

throwing the bouquet

and the garter

Courtney explaining to Lawson what Justin is doing with the garter. Wish her eyes had been open!

Fireworks after dark!

Dave, Lawson and Maclain. Not sure that the boys liked the fireworks!

Brothers.....John and David with Reid

Leaving

Reid was fascinated with the sparklers

Miss Mollie was interested, also. Isn't she a beauty.

It was a great day. Congratulations, Justin and Kayla Lawson!