Go Big Orange!

Last weekend Paul and I joined his parents in Knoxville for the UT vs. Mississippi State football game. I love going to these games....brings back fond memories of Washington State football when I was younger. A not so great team, bundling up for a cold night, band music, and losing your voice from cheering. Here are a few snapshots from the weekend....and random thoughts from me (Alison).

Off to the game - UT's Biggest Fans!!

Getting excited for my favorite part....the marching band!!

(Yes, Dad I am wearing a Tennessee T shirt. You know what they say, "when in Rome")

Look at this handsome fan

Only in the South would you see the name "Jesus" in a football stadium.

For all the flack UT gets about the poor talent and coaching,

there is no denying the talent of their marching band.

Go Vols! Not the rodent....the Volunteers.

The famous "Power" T!

Someone is getting cold....

Two questions....Will UT ever score?
And why does the girl sitting next to me keep kicking me?

Mayday. Mayday. We have some very unhappy fans here...

They are so serious about their football...hehehe!

Maybe an Orange M& M will bring good luck....

Down the hatch....
Doot-da-do-da-do....my ring looks pretty in this lighting...have they scored yet?!

So do theirs....



Another bad call and Paul is trying not to curse....laughing because I am egging him on.

Could it be...is it true....

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!

Happy Fans!!!


I like it when UT is winning!

I just spotted a celebrity sitting behind us....I can't believe who is here....

The Great Pumpkin is a UT fan too!!

We won!!

meet my fellow accelerated student interns....

Last Sunday the Accelerated Student Interns and their families got together for our first monthly dinner gathering. It was a night filled with sweet kids, great food, and much laughter. Here are a few snapshots from the evening....




Pastor Toni Kline & Rachel Empey (my Cali soul sister)



Renee & Brian Alex (in love and happy to be in the ASI program together)



Next stop....Italy!!









Carrie and Keith Parsons -The Rockstars!!



Manny Garcia & Mike Clinger

The ASI's (yes it's pronounced like it's spelled)

from left to right

Keith Tennpenny, Carrie Parsons, Brian Alex, Renee Alex, Rachel Empey, Pastor Toni Kline, Manny Garcia, Pastor Scott Weaver, and Mike Clinger (missing Les Crouch, Bethany Nickleson, and Jordan Roe)

Wendy and Elijah Crouch (Les's wife and oldest son)

The Crazy kids!!!

Congratulations Renee and Matt!!

Today Paul and I headed to Soddy-Daisy Tennessee for his cousin, Matt's wedding. Yes, that's right Soddy-Daisy (say it with a southern accent...it will bring a smile to your face).

The drive was beautiful with so many red, yellow, and orange trees. The bride couldn't have picked a better day, the weather was perfect!!

Only a hand full of the pictures we took turned out...and the ones that did aren't that great either.

Some silly highlights from my day....$3.09 gas, once you got out of Nashville. And a restaurant named Toot's. I laughed until I cried when I saw this sign. Who names their restaurant that?!

Congratulation's Renee and Matt

we are so happy for you and honored to be witness to this special day.

Fun at the Zoo!!

Thanks to a friend, who gave us complimentary tickets, Paul and I enjoyed a beautiful day at the Nashville Zoo. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

The Zoo has been built around the Historic Grassmere Farm, which was built in 1810

This Monkey was a gymnast

Meerkat - Talk about a fat and happy!!

The Magestic Giraffe

Clouded Leopard - The the Big Cats were very sleepy today

I think this one escaped from his cage


Lions, and tigers, and bears...oh my!