Saved the Best For Last! WV Vacation Part 4

As promised this is my last vacation blog. 

It was really hard to pick which pictures to share because 

this was such a phenomenal place.

Bear Rock Preserve 477 acres, is part of the Dolly Sods Wilderness,

17,371 acres and that is part of the Monongahela Forest. 

With elevations up to 4,700 ft.

I wish the pictures could capture the expanse 

that you view from the rocks at the preserve.

We spent a long time climbing the rocks and hiking the plateau. 

It was mostly wide open but was once covered by red spruce forests. 

 Major deforestation from logging and forest fires 

a hundred years ago have left it to recover. 

The massive rock structures  and boulders against the sky 

and scenery were such a beautiful contrast. 

The brochures warn of staying on the paths 

because the military used the area for maneuvers during and mountain training during WW2. 

Artillery and mortar shells have been found- some still being live. 

No, we didn't see any. (Ken would have loved that)

How amazing are these structures?

How small you feel!

WV Vacation Part 3- Are You Sick of WV Pics Yet?

Sorry if you are, but the best ones are still to come. Ken and I were such pathetic tourists, we saw everything we could in the 5 days we were there :)

Biking
We tried to find the flattest trail we could, but in the Mountains, that is a challenge. I think we rode about 6 -8 miles total- an accomplishment for these novices!

We saw some beautiful sights.

We visited Blackwater Falls State Park 

with 2,456 acres five-story falls, eight mile gorge, and a half mile canyon.

Ken was seriously making me nervous standing so close to the edge, it was so high!

One more vacation post to go, don't get weary... I've saved the best for last.

And The Shows Keep On Coming

All through Elementary, Middle School, High School, and College, 

my girls performed in show after show.

Danielle and Danielle Harmon's Recital during High School

And They've kept it up since graduating from College.

Gabby in Charlie Brown

Danielle's Senior Recital in College

Gabby's Graduation FIT (Associates)

Into The Woods
Danielle's Freshman year of  College

Earnest at the Palace

Danielle as Maria in the Sound of Music at Mansfield

Gabby as Amy in Company (Batavia)

Sunday In The Park With George
During College

Recently I had the delight of seeing each of them using their talents to entertain!

Danielle conducted 3 chorus concerts with her Middle School Choir. This was the Spring Concert.

Okay, it's mostly the back of her head- but she has marvelous hair.

Gabby just played Amy in Company again, but for Lake Plains Players

She was stunning, I'll never tire of watching her act!

Needless to say, with these 2 talented kids I may never have to stop going to the show :)

Family...So Much Fun!

What an eventful time we had at our family brunch gathering at Heather & Andy's on May 17th.

It seemed as if one thing after another happened throughout the day (besides the delicious brunch)

As always Heather was a gracious hostess putting up with a house full of crazy family for two days.

We were so happy to see Kate & Justin. Just one day before their year anniversary.

Yes, Brian is in most of our family picture- that;s because he's one of the family.

Lots of playing with the baby (Cassidy)

And with Benny (This was an uncharacteristically calm moment)

Oh- what better time to get a new kitty. 

Thank you Gabby for my sweet little mother's day gift!

Prim

Of course the after dinner phone coma

1-2-3-

4 phones! All at once.

Another big event was Justin shaving his beard off. 

Kate said he could grow it for a year if he shaved for the wedding- he did. 

Now it was time to part! 

Duck Dynasty double

 Kate happily helped!

We knew he was under there!

We wound up the day going to Gabby's musical "Company" with the Lake Plains Players.

More to come on that later. 

She was outstanding!!!

One of the many faces of Gabby