Monday, October 22, 2012

Through My Father’s Eyes…

Riding on an airplane in anticipation of meeting my Dad. We are going on a trip together- just the two of us! As I sit here thinking… other memories flood my mind. My 1st year at college- after 4 months of being away I’m going home for Christmas, riding several days in a crowded car with other students and finally waiting at a house for my Dad to arrive to take me home. I remember anxiously looking out the window, watching for the car to pull up, he steps out and I can’t wait any longer and run out to give him a big hug!

Again on my wedding day- as the reception is over, Steve and I are about to drive away and my Dad comes to the car window and asked me- If I was still his little girl. Of course Dad I always will be. Now I am 55 and my Dad is 79. The years are slipping by much too fast! I’m going on a trip with my Father and oh the memories we will make…

DSC07987 I love when a trip is spontaneous & you can stop whenever you want. We saw a sign for a Natural Bridge in Slade, KY. so we took the sky lift to see it

DSC07991 Dad and I on the edge of a cliff- holding tight :)

DSC07992 Here’s the Natural Bridge…

DSC07996 My Dad’s Home State

DSC07998 Court House in Lebanon, Va. where my parents got their marriage license.

DSC07999 view from the road…

DSC08000Wampler’ is an uncommon name but not in this part of the Country!

DSC08002 Nickelsville, Va. where my Great Grandfather- Henry Morris Wampler was born and buried close by.

DSC08006 Coal mining is big in this part of Va. and so we found huge supporters of Romney!

DSC08014 My kids know I love Fall and can’t pass up an opportunity to get a pumpkin. I left this one with my mom in Nauvoo…

DSC08016 Locals pronounce it- Buck canan Co.

DSC08022 On to the Octoberfest where I had to try…

DSC08027 Deep Fried Oreos~~

DSC08029 Presley cemetery- kneeling beside by G. Grandpa- Larkin Sykes grave

DSC08033 Tiller Town Cemetery- Andrea Belle was named after her Great G.ma Nora Belle

DSC08039 On to see my cousin Linda Lou- we had many fun times during our summer visits together!

DSC08049 On our way home we made a stop in Santa Claus, Indiana. When I asked how the town got it’s name they told me Santa Fe had already been taken so one night a young boy heard sleigh bells at church and they decided it must be ‘Santa Claus’

DSC08053 Biggest Christmas store I’ve ever seen…

DSC08059 close by was also Lincoln’s boyhood home so another quick stop!

DSC08063 My Dad and I both love split rail fences :)

DSC08067 Finally back in Nauvoo to enjoy a few days with my mom and the beautiful Fall leaves!

‘We shape our lives not by what we carry with us… but by what we leave behind!

 

 

10 comments:

The Thompson Family said...

That was a beautiful post Donna! My eyes are a little wet ;) You are really lucky to have such a wonderful parents...thanks for sharing them with us. <3

lisa said...

looks like you had a great time! dad's are pretty special :)

Janet Crossen said...

You do a terrific blog.

ben said...

Wow. That looks like you had fun. The deep fried oreos have my mouth watering...

Smith Family said...

What an awesome memorable trip. When we stopped in Nauvoo on our trek to Oregon we asked a few people about your mom & dad. Then while we were eating we thought we saw your dad riding a bike down the street. We didn't catch up to him to ask. It's great to see them doing great.

Jenifer Brooks said...


Just looked at your blog and all I have to say is "WOW"!!! You are such an amazing lady. I am so glad that I was able to serve with you even if it was only for a short time. I loved looking at your blog and all the interesting places and things you have done with your family. You sure are making some wonderful memories.

Aunt Louise said...

I had talked to Linda about your visit down there and it brought back so many precious memories of times past. Steve had asked me a while back if I would like to go back down there and I first said “yes”. But then I started thinking about how lonely it would be with all the family gone and I backed out. I always loved going down there and still love the mountains. Thanks for sharing your trip!! The pictures were wonderful

Aunt Sue said...

Donna, so nice you got to spend time with your dad and then later with your mom too. I'm sure Jack enjoyed being in Virginia again.

Diane Campbell said...

Love your blog.....time seems to go by way faster than it used to.....so glad you & your dad made the trip....what great memories.

Randy Rosier said...

Loved the pictures.. It was so neat you were able to take a trip with your dad what a great memory. We all spent my birthday in the smokies everyone was able to come for a week.We had so much fun the kids love being together. Sure Jen will put up some pictures. Tell everyone hi. I do check your blog often miss seeing all of you.