It's Been a While

Hello to everyone (I think like 3 of you) who reads our blog. It has been a bit since I wrote last, so I thought I'd fill you in.

Probably the most exciting part of the past few weeks was celebrating our first anniversary! We escaped for 6 days up just outside of Branson to Big Cedar Lodge. We had our own log cabin, and Mark was in man heaven. There were dead animals on the walls, perched on ledges, and peeking around every corner. It wasn't bad...I got used to it! We hiked around the property, took a carriage ride, and enjoyed the real fireplace in our room each night while it stormed! We also spent some time at Silver Dollar City (ask Mark about the Giant Swing) and I got pampered in the spa back at the resort. Much to Mark's dismay he had to participate in the spa action as well. We also went on a tram ride through Dogwood Canyon, which is on our way to Branson. (It is a part of Big Cedar/Bass Pro.) It was lots of fun and the land was beautiful! Lots of trout fishing, and we got to see the huge elk, deer, buffalo, and lots of other interesting creatures. They even have a charming wedding chapel on the property. Mark wants to go back and take their fly fishing classes! Everyone there was so fantastic, and we enjoyed it so much!

Here are some photos:

This is Mark standing outside of our Log Cabin home for the week.

Gigantic elk we saw at Dogwood Canyon. Mark wanted to shoot them.

We fed some fishies on the property. I liked watching them all swimming furiously toward one little pebble of food.

After our week at Big Cedar, we came home and celebrated the actual anniversary at home with a fun meal we cooked together. So romantic--we listened to the Razorback game on the radio! Our cake top was still really yummy! (Thanks Benny!) This is Mark cutting the cake, one year later!

Later that week, we made a trip to Fort Smith to watch our favorite 6 year old play an awesome game of soccer. Her team demolished the opponent, although "everyone wins" in her league! If you don't think this is cute, something is wrong with you: (She's #3. The one with pigtails!)

And, probably our last update is that Tuesday (the 16th) I reached the quarter century mark. Yes, I turned 25. After a yummy dinner with some friends, we had even more friends over for cake & ice cream. Special thanks to my genius cake-making best bud, Alexis, for the yummy, so cute cake! Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes and love! You all are such wonderful, special people in my life! Oh, and Jack keeps on getting bigger. Take a look...