Dad's Latest...

Here is Dad's latest watercolor! It is a picture of a neat, country cow farm located near our favorite restaurant in Keysville, VA. He just finished it, and we're so proud of him! I love the rolling hills and the way the cows look. I can hear them mooing!

Today, we framed his painting as a surprise! The only thing is, we haven't named it yet. Does anyone have any suggestions? We're also thinking of putting some prints in our Etsy shop to see how they do. :) ~Alli

Nicknames

Over at Mountain Musings, Mrs. G let us in on her family's nicknames. I thought it was a fun way to get to know each other.

Tony-Big T, Uncle Big, Big, Babe, Hon, Slick, Slickest, Gene Autry, and Bo

Julie-Jul, Jube, Juble, Shug, Babe, Baby, Mom, Ma, and Mother Dearest

Allison-Al, Alli, Alli-oop, Alli-ooper, Ally Cat, Dee Dee, and Princess Peach

Philip-Phil, Philistine, Philips, Phee Pho, and Phil-miester,

Eric-E, E-man, and Sharky

Please leave us your nicknames in your comments.~Julie

Whistle While You Work!

Yesterday we had a real treat! Nan, Aunt Rhonda, and little cousin Emily came out to our house for a sewing project! Aunt had to prepare a craft for her Brownie troop and she needed the help of some reinforcements and more sewing machines ! We made little denim cushions for the Brownies to sit on and carry with them for hiking and such.

We had an industrious assembly line going! Mom was the photographer. :)

Here's Nan sewing away! We had the hardest time with that stubborn machine. It is a really old one that I had yet to use. Nan adjusted a few things and now it runs a smoothly as silk!

Here I am trying not to sew my fingers together. :)

Almost finished!

Here Aunt is stuffing a pair to see what the finished product is going to look like.

Well done ladies! Sixteen cushions were sewn yesterday. We were even able to make an extra one for Emily to enjoy. I hope the girls can get some good use out of them! Thanks Nan, Aunt, and Ems for coming out! We loved it! ~Alli

Our Saturday Adventure

This weekend found our family on an excursion to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! Our destination: Crabtree Falls. This was one of the many scenic views we witnessed on our way up the mountains.

Here is a picture at the bottom of Crabtree Falls. Crabtree Falls is the largest vertical drop waterfall east of the Mississippi River, and it is surrounded by many miles of winding hiking trails. You hike right alongside of the Falls so you get to hear and see it all the way up to the top. I have to say, you get a really good workout on that trail! You are literally climbing a mountain!

Here is a picture of the happy hikers! I think this was before our feet were killing us. I was silly and wore flip flops! I thought the trail was going to be a lot smoother than it really was. :)

This picture was taken further up the waterfall. The sound of the water splashing against the rocks was very soothing!

Mom and Dad at the top of the Falls.

The boys found an interesting cave along the path.

Here is a picture of the view from the top of the waterfall. You can't really see it from this picture, but the leaves on a lot of the trees had already begun to change colors.

Yes, this picture was totally staged. :) We all did taste the water and it was very refreshing. Pure mountain water! It was freezing cold!

We had a wonderful time together, even though our legs felt like Jello. :) ~ Alli

Time for a Change

Seems like overnight my front porch baskets went and died. Lack of attention I guess.....
One trip to Wal-Mart will fix that. Mums and ornamental cabbages are on sale! Now if I can just keep them watered :)~Julie

Something Smells Good

A couple of day's ago, I visited a cute little shop in Farmville. Immediately as I walked in, I asked the clerk, "What smells sooo good?" She pointed to the complete wall of Yankee Candles and stated that it was a blend of everything. Well, I don't know about you, but the smell of certain candles put me in mind for fall. I couldn't resist buying myself a "tart warmer". As I was getting ready to buy some tarts, the clerk suggested that I buy the bigger votive candles and simply cut them in thirds to save $. The votives cost the same price as the tarts so needless to say, I bought some votives. My favorite one this year seems to be Autumn Wreath. I can't wait for the leaves to start changing :)~Julie

Happy Birthday Papa!

To our dear Dad...We wish you a happy birthday today. From your gals and guys, kids and grand kids....We love you very much! Have a great day....Love Julie

Happy Retirement Nan!

Yesterday, we celebrated Nan's retirement. She has worked hard for many years and now gets to kick back and enjoy her life.

All of us kids chipped in to get her something that she has always wanted......Yes we are looking forward to getting fatter now that she has her mixer...She promises she will start with whole grain breads and then the cookies. Happy Retirement Nan! We love you very much!~Your Kids

Back To School

The Trent family is celebrating the fall season a little early this year! Tonight, Mom fixed us apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an after-supper treat to eat on the deck outside. It's something about the crisp apples, buttery crust, and aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that really warms the heart and makes you crave those changing leaves and cool temperatures. So bake an apple pie and enjoy! ~Alli

A Trip To The Farm In Pictures...

For more pictures from our day, please hop on over to my blog! ~Alli