A Tree-bute...

When I first heard about what had happened at Toomer's, I immediately thought about the last time I was there. It was an unexpected trip to go home for the Auburn vs. Georgia game. Once the 4th quarter clock ticked to 0:00...we went to celebrate with one great tradition--rolling our own corner where two oak trees have stood for close to 130 years. 130 years. 130 years. Their longevity is something to marvel--and even more so when you consider all the Auburn victories they have withstood. But now...due to an act of ludicrousness...they will struggle to survive even one more year at the corner of Magnolia and College...and it makes me sad.

These lines of "The Auburn Creed" seem especially appropriate now:

"I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities."

"I believe in obedience to the law because it protects the rights of all".

Here are some pictures of the last time I rolled the trees at Toomer's Corner. I know there will be "new" ones eventually, but it won't be the same. I'm thankful I was able to celebrate a great win with the people I love most...one last time.

"And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it."

Christmas in Dixie-Part 1

Note: Better late than never...right? :)

Marc and I left Colorado for an entire month (Dec. 12th-Jan. 12th) and headed south to visit family and friends--well mostly family--as in these people pictured above. This was part of "the deal" we made when we first told everybody we were moving out west for the year. We had a great time--but, boy, were we nomads! We traveled over 2500 miles in my Dad's car (thanks Dad!)--and slept in 8 different beds while traveling the southeast. Here are just a few things we did back home.

Ashtyn Grace turned 9 in June...the year her Mom and Dad said she could get her ears peirced. Instead of going right away, she told me she wanted to wait until I was home in December so I could go. So--she waited--6 months. Bless her heart. Here's a picture of the "moment" afterwards. She did awesome--zero tears. Zero (Well--if you don't count Kim). I was so proud of her. AG--thanks for sharing this milestone with me. I look forward to sharing many more. I love you so much.
My sister's birthday is December 19th, and we celebrated with her while we were home. Is there anything better than cookie cake? A personal favorite of the Cooper and King family! We had a nice dinner at Outback and then enjoyed cake back at the house.

Here are Kim and Emma Clarie smiling while we sing "Happy Birthday". We LOVED being with our nieces. There were lots of hugs and kisses...and "Will you hold me?" Audrey Kate loves Marc and always wants him to pick her up...so there were many moments like this one. We took every opportunity to love on them. We miss them so much!
We celebrated "Cooper Christmas" a little early since Marc and I were heading to Florida for Christmas Day. It is so fun to watch these girls open Christmas presents. You can see they are all smiles...and I must say...all cute!

Not only did Marc and I hang out in Montgomery, we spent several days in Birmingham as well. I was able to see Myra, Tim, Marianna, Bethan, Grey. Katie, Claire, and Bennett. Laura, Miller, Robert, Margaret. Lauren and Cody. Tammi and Jason. Oak Mountain Intermediate School faculty and staff. Ellen and Brad. Courtney, Scott, Tyler. Brandon and Ellen.--all within about 3 days. It was great catching up with these friends...but it was hard because our time was so limited. I wanted to "hang out" more...but it seemed that a quick lunch or dinner was the best way to see everybody. These people know us best. We are thankful for their friendship even though we are far away from them.

Christmas in Dixie-Part 2

Before Marc and I left Alabama for Christmas with the Smith Family, we were able to meet the Byrnes for lunch who were passing through town. This is Nate, and it was such a treat to see him. He has grown so much! I've known his mommy, Melody, since our days in Auburn. We spent most of our "single years" together hanging out...shopping, movies, dinners, and even a few mission trips. I love Melody's heart for the Lord, and I'm proud to call her my friend. Nate is precious...and keeps his parents busy. I think the phrase "all boy" was used several times at lunch. :) That's OK...it will be fun to watch him play at Jordan-Hare one day! Right Scott?


The Byrne Family--Scott, Melody, and Nate. Scott really is a great guy...just ignore the shirt. :) Seriously, I miss this sweet family. Lunch just wasn't enough time--but I was thankful for it.



Here's a snapshot of our very first "House Divided" sporting event. Marc discover that Florida State was playing Auburn in the new Auburn Arena. We drove to the Loveliest Village to enjoy dinner at Amsterdam Cafe (can't beat the Turkey Wrap!) and the game. We actually won 2 free tickets by calling the Sports Talk radio show! I never win anything, so that was definitely a fun surprise. Auburn just makes my heart smile. But here's the truth: Auburn Men's Basketball team struggles--to put it mildly. FSU was clearly favored. Clearly. Apparently a new, multi-million dollar basketball arena doesn't improve your game--but it was cool to look around. But lo' and behold--AUBURN WON! I had a great time watching my "underdog" Tigers pull out a huge win! And Marc--well--he was a good sport--as always. :)



How does the Smith Family say "Merry Christmas"? By booking a cruise instead of buying gifts for Christmas--a great idea! So--we boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise and headed to the Bahamas. I haven't been on a cruise since I graduated high school (yes--it's been awhile), and Marc had never been on a cruise. We enjoyed spending time with everybody--we were able to hang out, eat, play cards, eat, play ping pong, eat, sit by the pool, eat, walk through the straw market, eat, watch the evening show, eat, walk on the beach, eat, read, eat, visit Atlantis in Nassau, and eat. So--here are a couple of pictures of our time on the open sea.

Our formal dinner---a nice looking bunch. We miss them and want them to come visit!! Hint. Hint. The cruise staff gets crafty every night. Here is one of our favorite.
Riding the water taxi to the Atlantis resort...
The Atlantis--fancy shmancy. The "bridge" between the two buildings is actually a huge suite. I believe the going rate is $5,000 a night with a minimum of 7 nights. Many famous people have stayed there...Marc told me not to get my hopes up. :) The resort has a marina...yachts are docked all around. They were huge--huge. What do these people do for a living? And is it legal?
Hanging out in CocoCay...proof that we were in the Caribbean...beautiful beaches and clear,blue water.

So---there you have it...in a nut shell...our month at home. Of course, we ended our trip with a BCS National Championship in Glendale. Couldn't have been better.

We were "loved up good" while we were home. Thanks to everyone who made it possible for us to be there. We miss each of you very much. And even though we miss you...there really isn't anything better than sleeping in your own bed! :)

Ain't No Mountain High Enough!

On Saturday, January 29, Marc and I decided that we would climb The Incline. We've been told ever since we arrived here that we had to do it--I guess you're not a true "Springer" until you have conquered this part of the city. It was a beautiful day! In the mid-60's and clear, blue skies! (Not a typical winter day considering less than a week later it has been in the negative digits here--no school the past 2 days---Brrrr!)

Here's a little background on The Incline:
Completed in 1907, the Manitou Incline was a 1 mile cable tram built to support the construction of a hydroelectric plant and its waterline. After performing this service, the railway was then purchased by Dr. Brumbach and turned into a tourist attraction. The Incline boasted a 16 minute ride to "scenic splendors", 10 miles of hiking trails in Mount Manitou Park, and claimed to be the "longest and highest incline on the globe".

In 1990, the Manitou Incline closed after a rock slide damaged the tracks and the railway decided to cease the failing operation. Ever since then, the route has seen a steady stream of climbers. The route is steep, gaining nearly 2000 feet of elevation in 3/4 of a mile. It is truly a Colorado workout!

So...here is our ascent to the the top of The Incline...and our descent down Barr Trail--about a 4 mile hike. We did well considering it was our first time. Our strategy was "slow and steady"...and that proved to be true. We finished in about 2 1/2 hours...but definitely proud of our effort. Let's just say...the views were worth every step!
We were wiped out once we were done...and needed to re-fuel! Where's the best lunch place on a Saturday afternoon?
Yep...a great end to a great hike!