Well, weve just returned from visiting Mike's family in NC. On Monday, we loaded the zoo up and went to the mountains to visit his only remaining grandmother. Mike's parents, his brother & SIL and all their kids were with us as well. Had a great day. And, as usual, when we go in the summer time, Mike & his brother bring the kids swimming in a creek near his grandmothers house.

Ive never been. Never had the desire to go; too much walking I guess?

Well, this time I went. And yes, there was alot of walking to get to the creek - but MOSTLY - we had to climb around BIG rocks to get to the desirable spot (didnt know this til I got there).

And I did it!

Some places we had to get down on all 4's to balance ourselves.

And better yet - I did it in flip-flops! LOL

I honestly have to say that this has been my biggest NSV so far. I wouldve NEVER attempted to do this at my higher weight - just b/c I had a lack of mobility and flexability and afraid that I would fall and hurt myself or another.

Here are some pics to show what Im talking about... My son is on the right - behind the big rock. Dont know the other people (mike took these pics)

Here's another one. Mike took these pics to show the beauty of the area, but Im using them to show the ability it took to get to this spot!

Woo Hoo - I did it!!! After 16 years of marriage, I FINALLY saw the "swim hole" that Mike and his brothers spent many summer days in. Thanks to my band!

This is a great NSV Paula! You hav every right to be proud of yourself!

Paula, thati s so awesome...I'm so happy for you, isint it great that the littliest things make the biggest difference? I'm proud of you girlfriend:)

Wow! That's great. What a beautiful spot to swim. Glad you got to see it and hope you will many more times.

Paula this is such a great NSV!!! Sounds like you enjoyed your new found health as well as enjoying life with your family!!

Awesome!! Isn't it great to regain your active life?? Nothing tastes as good as being thinner feels!! Congratulations on your hard work and well deserved rewards!

Whoooo Hooooo! I am so happy for you! I know your DH must have been proud too! Congrats to you Missy!

Leatha, I really like your quote. We should all remember that "Nothing tastes as good as thinner feels" AMEN

A real North Carolina Swimmin' Hole! And it's never a good one unless you have to "Rock Hop" to get there.

Paula, you went Rock Hoppin'!!!! I'm so proud!

The swimming hole looks very inviting and congratulations on making it there. You will enjoy this for years to come. Celeste

Congratulations, Paula!! It is absolutely these kinds of NSVs that mean the most. We're getting out and participating in life in ways we couldn't before--sharing experiences with the rest of the world we'd been shut out from in the past. Yay for you!! And that swimmin' hole looks like the best kind of fun. Can I visit next time?

Kathy, LOL - went rock hoppin at the swim hole!

Betty,

I know your DH must have been proud too

you bet! And shocked! The men brought the kids first, then me and SIL went later so Mike didnt know we were going.

Michelle,

the littlest things make the biggest difference

how right you are. While everyone was occupied, I went for a walk on the bank of the creek. This place is so beautiful. No traffic sounds, no airplanes flying over head... just the sounds of nature. Water flowing over rocks, birds singing in the sky, and kids laughing! I stood by myself for a long time just thanking God for the opportunity for me see this place/His beauty. Michelle, this was better then seeing any numbers on a scale! You are so right!

Leatha,

Nothing tastes as good as being thinner feels

Amen! For so long I would just let Mike and the kids do fun things outside - even something so small as jumping on the trampoline with them. So this weight loss has helped my entire family, not just me. I feel "included" now - before, I just sat back and watched. And most of the time, I wouldnt even watch because it would make me depressed that I couldnt enjoy life with them.

Oh how losing a little weight can change your life!

Thanks Crystal, Jamie and Angie!

OMG,

First that place is beautiful.

Second that is awesome for you Paula:)

Celeste and Alex, Sure you can come! Although the water was about 50 degees, *C*O*L*D* I just took the word of those that were in it on how inviting it was. Kathy is the one that told me this was called a "swim hole". We dont have swim holes here in the south, do you have them there?

What fantastic news! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. Tomorrow, Mt. Everest?