Anniversary Trip 2009

Spencer and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary March 19th.  In celebration we spent six nights in a cabin in Wear Valley, TN.  Wear Valley is located just outside of Pigeon Forge.  We had an absolute wonderful time.  Check out our adventures!

This is the sign located on the porch of our cabin.  If you notice, Senic is spelled incorrectly.  It is spelled correctly on the street sign, but someone forgot to put an extra c in there.  I guess this is where the teacher in me comes out. I tend to notice misspellings.

This is the front of our cabin.

  The kitchen and den.

The movie room downstairs.

One of the two master bedrooms.

The whirlpool bathtub.

  One of the two porches.  This one had the hot tub. 

I told Spencer while we were on our trip that I would like to go hiking.  He didn't want to go everyday, but he did agree to go.  Our first day there it was rainy so we visited the visitor's center and gathered our maps.  One map gave a complete list of the trails.  I reviewed this map and decided that I would like to do the Chimney Tops Trail.  It said it was 2 miles to the Chimney Tops.  I didn't think that sounded to far.  It also said it was "strenuous" but, I just figured they had to say that.  When I told Spencer we were going to do that trail he agreed.  I left off the information about it being "strenuous."  Check out our pictures:

Our goal.

Spencer geared up and ready for our hike.  On a side note, this time we took plenty of water and I did not take any makeup, Mom.

  I'm ready to conquer the Chimney Tops.

The view from the top.  Well, not the very top, but as far as I would go without falling.  I am actually pretty terrified of heights.  Spencer attempted to go to the very top, but it is strictly rock and straight up.  Also, there were a pretty good bit of people up there.  We had a picnic lunch and enjoyed the view.  I know you probably can't see it in the picture, but I am taking a picture of my car on the road down there.

The view.

This is the sign posted below the rock where we ate lunch.  Kind of freaky!

  Proof I was there!

Spencer on his way back to the trail.

  Spencer once we made it back to the car.  We were exhausted, but we did it.  Four miles round trip straight up!!!

Super excited it was over!  I am glad Spence pushed me to continue.  It was exhausting.

Stay tuned for our adventure to the Biltmore Estate!

What's Going on with the Roden's

Yes, I know.  It's been a while since I have updated my blog.  I have been somewhat busy.  Those of you who check my blog frequently I am going to try to get better about keeping you posted on what is going on. 

I am sure you are wondering what in the world could possibly keep her that busy.  Well, here's my list:

1. I have student teacher this semester.  It is actually work in itself.  It's not so bad, you just want to make sure you explain everything clearly and you do have to check over stuff, because if anything were to go wrong it would be in my hands.  Enough said.

2. I am tutoring after school.  Why I volunteered to do this again this year I am not sure.  It stinks.  I do not even teach a testing grade.  So, when I even consider doing it again next year, someone STOP ME!!!!

3. I have joined a weightless team at school and we exercise after school.  We walk, run, jog, do sprints.  It is working out nicely.  So far our team is in the lead.  We just have to keep working hard.

4. Life in general.  I come home and I am exhausted.  I just don't have the energy to blog.  But, like I said I am going to try a little harder. 

Next week Spencer and I are going away for our 4th anniversary.  Can you believe it has been four years?  I can't.  Spencer says he can, we've been together forever.  But, married, I cannot believe it has been four years.  We are going to Gatlinburg.  We do not plan on venturing out for the touristy things.  Instead, we are going to enjoy sleeping late, going hiking, and relaxing in the hot tub.  It should be a nice relaxing week.  I am sure I will have pictures to post from our trip.  Stay posted.

Lindsay

Gorham's Bluff

Last weekend our friends, Lauren and Russell, eloped and we were so very privileged to be able to be there.  It was absolute gorgeous day and Lauren could not have picked out a more beautiful place.  We had a blast!  Wonderful dinners and great conversations with friends!  We also had the opportunity to meet Russell's brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Ginger.  We felt as if we had known them for years.   

More photos to come...

For your viewing pleasure...

Over the past several months I have taken lots of photos, but I have not had the time to blog about them.  Instead of writing about every little thing, I figured I would just post some photos with captions that way I don't feel too far behind.  Hopefully, in 2009 I can keep my posts updated. 

University of Alabama at Birmingham graduation December 13, 2008

Katie, Mom, Dad, Spencer, Me, and of course our little furry brother, Gunter

  Tater Tot hissing at Gunter

Looks like Katie hit it big in 2008!

After Christmas Spencer and I decided to get away for a couple of days.  We took our camper camping.  We had a blast.  I have more pictures, I am just not sure where I have saved them.  This is a new hobby for us, so in 2009 look for postings of our fun camping adventures. 

It's Been A While....

I know, I know.  It has been over a month since my last blog.  I guess I have been somewhat busy with the holiday season.  I have a lot of pictures to post, but I believe I will just start with the most recent, and then if I have the opportunity I will go back and post others. 

Spencer and I had a wonderful holiday season spent with family.  On Christmas Eve we spent the evening with my parents.  My mom just happened to be out walking the dog and she saw a car stopped.  It turned around and drove past her.  Then Gunter, her dog, started pulling her towards the woods just off the road.  She heard the cries of a kitten, that is when she saw one little kitten come running toward her.  Then two, then three.  Needless to say, the car she had previously seen dropped off three kittens in the pouring down rain on Christmas Eve.  Some people are so heartless.  Spencer and I have decided to take the male so Piper can have a buddy.  The other two are females and are in need of an excellent home.  Check them out:

This will be the new addition to our family. 

Katie, with all three little babies. 

Exploring the Farm

Spencer and I went to the farm this weekend.  It was a great weekend to go exploring because it was really cold at night and still only about 50 during the day.  Sunday morning we decided we would go exploring in the woods.  Check out what we found. 

 

  Posing for a picture by the bolder.

Bella actually explored on her own.  However, I was able to get her to sit for a picture.  She loved roaming through the woods.

We also found an old tree stand.  Spencer thought it would be cool to climb the pegs to see the view.  Let's just say I was having a come apart on the ground. 

A view of the creek.  

Bella, Buster, and Red napping after such an adventurous morning.

Fall in Alabama

Well, it's been a while since I have blogged.  I guess you could say we have been pretty busy, but I am not sure what we have actually done.  Trey was in town for a few weeks so we hung out with him.  We went to the farm for a couple of weekends.  But, mostly we have just been enjoying the beautiful fall weather. 

On Sunday we went with Lauren and Russell to Oak Mountain State Park so they could take some engagement photos.  It was gorgeous!  The leaves were absolutely beautiful.  It is truly amazing the beauty you have in your own backyard. 

I have also been playing around with my camera by taking some pictures of Bella and Piper.  Check it out!

The view from Oak Mtn.  Isn't it fabulous?

Piper

This is the view from our bedroom window!  It is gorgeous as the sun is coming up as well as when the sun is setting.

Bailey and Bella.  We were trying to pose them for a picture.

Lauren, Spencer, and I got them to lay down, but they look as if they are about to be beat! :)