Time in Alabama is fast disappearing

You have to cram in so much when you know you are leaving. That's exactly what we have been doing out here in Alabama.

This past week we went to the Andersonville P.O.W. museum in Georgia. It was a humbling experience that put things into perspective with this little life I get to live, and all the great freedoms I enjoy. We are spoiled spoiled people.

Here's a brief explanation from this website:

Camp Sumter, commonly called Andersonville, was one of the largest military prisons established by the Confederacy during the Civil War. In existence for 14 months, over 45,000 Union soldiers were confined at the prison. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, and exposure to the elements.

This is a picture of Alta showing her Daddy the prison walls...
what they would have looked like.

Alta among those that gave their lives for this country. 13,000 dead in 14 months. Unbelievable.

Along the way, Mommy had to touch an actual cotton plant. Because honestly, have you? Felt like it was something I just had to do in the South. And yes, we just pulled off the road, and I ran over to touch a plant.

On the way home from Andersonville, Jaren took our family on an impromptu tangent trip! We visited the Kolomoki Mounds. Here's a bit about them taken from this site:

This historically significant park is the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the southeastern U.S., occupied by American Indians from 350 to 750 A.D. Georgia’s oldest great temple mound, standing 57 feet high, dominates two smaller burial mounds and several ceremonial mounds.

Hmmm... this feels familiar. Perhaps some mound building culture of Indians I've read about somewhere.... Who knows. I will say this - the State park people definitely didn't have many answers. Most of their plaques made us laugh. "Here is a temple mound. It was excavated, and we didn't figure out much... and don't really know how it was made. Or where the dirt came from." (I may be misquoting... but I'm close)

Here are some more pictures from that area:

Love my little angel. Love her curly red hair. Aside from our fun trips, Alta has been busy. She is busy working on her music career. She loves singing, dancing, and working the room.

And she's getting better at this crawling thing. Mostly it's still a bunch of fussing. But when she REALLY wants something, she does it just fine. Ultimately, she'd just rather be standing (or dancing) (or singing).

Hello Summer!

Summer is flying by, and EVERYTHING is changing. Especially our little peanut! Just today she said her first intentional word: Dada. Of course, I've been telling you all along... she's a Daddy's girl!!! Honestly, it was so cute. She just kept saying Dada over and over and over. Tears ran down my cheeks as I realized that my little girl is growing up. She also figured out clapping two days ago. I am just amazed at each step along the way, and how truly exciting it is for Jaren and me. I know everyone feels this way about their kids - but it's finally MY turn... and well... I'm just in love.

Anyhow, this summer has been packed full. Here are some of our fun memories and pictures:

You have to start out with the BEACH! This time the water was warmer, and Alta loved it! Mommy loved the 10 hour shopping fest with Marci and Momma Brooks. Daddy did not really love the shopfest.

If we weren't at the beach, we were headed to the pool or cooling off with a bath. As you can see, we both can't get enough of the water in this Alabama heat.

There was a trip to Utah... and all of the old Party house roomies got together (well... not all of us... but a bunch of us). Here are some of our kids. I don't know about you, but I think we do nice work! Ps... I love that Alta is just so excited to be with all of these kids!

Also while in Utah, I got to go ride a couple of times with my brother and sister. We were training for Spudman this year. Although I didn't get to do it... I truly cherished the time I got to spend with my siblings. Scott is happy, because he beat my old time (by 3 minutes). Looks like I'll have to do it again soon to show him who's boss. Ha! Meg did a great job too, and I'm super proud of her!

We also got to take Alta hiking... at Alta. So beautiful.

As you can see, we both belong in the mountains.

I got to see my old team from DCFS (or at least a few of them). I miss working with them more than they will ever know. It was great to see them again, and to eat some yummy Thai food!


Back in 'Bama, Alta was learning to follow in her Daddy's footsteps. She's already mastered hovering. Look how confident she is!

Well, life continues to move quickly, and I'm just holding on for dear life. I'm grateful for my new little family, and for how much joy they bring to my life. Until next time, this is Brenna signing out.