Merry Christmas!

Aren't we cute?!

More to come...The Gribbles get here tomorrow and the Petty Christmas is Monday night!

CO Day Four

Tuesday morning, we awoke to it still snowing. It was not heavy snow, just pretty and peaceful. After Trent left for work, we loaded up the dogs and snowshoes and headed out the door. We were supposed to have gone on Monday, but ran out of time. We had enough time for about an hour hike. Of course, we stopped along the "trail" for pictures. The dog's loved being outside and were funny to watch hopping through the snow! Once again, I hated to be in CO and not take advantage of the winter outdoor fun!

After showers and grabbing a quick bite at the house, we headed for the airport. I was to catch a 2:20 flight, which actually did not leave until 3:15. Luckily, flights were delayed in Cinn., so I was able to make my connecting flight. I thought for awhile there I was going to be spending the night in the airport! My sweet parents came to pick me up around 10:30 that night. I was certainly sad to have left my friends and the beautiful mountains. However, I was just lucky to have had such an amazing experience!!! Sure makes you want to move out there!

CO Day Three

Day Three was crammed with too much! So, this day was extended to Tuesday morning. However, back to Monday (day 3). After Dana took Trent to work so we could have the car, we headed out for our daily adventure. We went into Georgetown (where they both work) and Dana showed me around her school. She works at a charter school nestled in the cute downtown area. Everyday, Dana has a gorgeous view of the moutains from her desk...jealous! Our next stop was the Continental Divide. The Loveland pass was closed Sunday because of avalanche clean up so we tried on Monday and were successful. We stopped at the top to take pictures and then headed to Breckenridge. Man, the top was cold and windy!

We parked at the bottom lot in Breckenridge, and rode the gondala to the top. However, instead of exiting, we rode it back down. Now I can say I rode on one! (we didn't take anything to ski with this day. I felt accomplished enough from the day before!) At the bottom, we walked into the downtown area. It was much bigger than I thought and were full of people. We kept our eyes open for the famous, but had no such luck. We did cruise through some of the shops and had lunch overlooking the mountains. It snowed a little while we were eating which was perfect!

After heading back towards home, we went back to Georgetown and walked around the shops while waiting to pick Trent up from work. I was able to get an ornament for my tree next year to remember my trip. That night, we walked to the local brewery, Tommy Knocker, for dinner and drinks. As we were walking home, it started snowing and continued through the night! Beautiful! (the pic with Dana and I to the right was taken in downtown Breckenridge. All the others are from the top of Loveland Pass)

Day Two...Skiing

If you look back to February 07, you will see that was my first time ever skiing. I was certainly no pro at this skiing thing, but I hated to be in CO and NOT go skiing. They said they would leave it up to me what we did. So, Sunday afternoon we headed to the slopes! Since Dana and Trent are professionals at this skiing business (they used to be ski instructors and where they fell in love!), I was well equipped with gear and my very own instructors! So, I at least looked like I knew what I was doing...or at least I was dressed that way! (Since I just carried a pack with me on the plane, I borrowed Dana's warm stuff while I was out there.) That afternoon we headed to the "local" ski area about 45 mins. from their house; A Basin . The "kiddie" slope had a chair lift so I was going to conquer several things this day...skiing in CO and attempting a chair lift! The first two times I exited the chair lift, I fell (surprise!). I really didn't know that was possible to fall from the lift once your feet are on ground. Trust me, it happens though! The other times, I was successful working my way to "bunny slope pro" status! I fell a few times at the beginning, but quickly got the hang of it. I was even trying out some turns! After a few hours of skiing, we headed to a local place for a late lunch then home to watch the Carolina Panthers. After staying up late the night before, I headed to bed early; or at least CO time early!

Colorado...Day One

After hopping a plane at 6:30 in the mornin', I was on my way to Denver, CO! I arrived in the Cinn. airport with just enough time to quickly walk to the next gate. I sat down on the much larger plane and stared at the DVD players in front of me, wishing for a second I had money to spend to watch the movie. However, I decided that my money would be better spent in CO, so I settled down with my book and the window for napping. I arrived in Denver around 10:00 their time and was greeted by Dana and Trent! I hadn't seen them since a brief encounter last Christmas and a quick lunch with Dana this summer. So, we had lots to catch up on! We headed into Denver for lunch and a little bit of walking around before heading to Idaho Springs.

When we got to their house that afternoon, it was snowing! I got a tour of their house, enjoyed a tasty CO beer while catching up, then helped make food for the Tacky Christmas Party they were hosting that evening. "Eggnog with a twist", fine tasting CO beers, mighty tasty food, and good fellowship ended my first day out there. I knew this was going to be a trip to remember!

More race pictures

The Race

My stomach began turning flips Friday afternoon. So, you can imagine how I was feeling before we started out! I was in amazement at all the people; and all the fast people! The 1st mile, I had a side stitch in my right side. I never get them in my right side; I've only had them in my left side! Around mile 2 1/2, I thought I was going to throw up from the drainage in my throat from the cold I tried to catch the previous week. I put 8,000 mg of vitamin C in my body within 2-3 days! Once I was over that, it wasn't too bad.
I tried "running" through the 1st water station. Yeah, I'm not that coordinated I guess! The water stations were every 2 miles, so at all the rest of them I walked through them. This proved to be a much easier and smarter way to drink! I did hit a wall around 4 miles, 8 miles, and 10 miles.
Despite it all, I FINISHED! Which was my goal for the race. It took me 2 hours 35 minutes and 12 seconds to finish. Once I emotionally crossed the finish line, I thought that was it. I never wanted to run that long a race again and certainly not a marathon. However, now that my legs work properly and my lower back doesn't feel like I was punched; I'm thinking I can do better. I think I can beat my time...I just might be hooked on this running thing?!

The Hotel Room

Never in my life I have stayed in such a swanky place and probably will never again! Friday and Saturday nights, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island was lucky enough to have me as their guest! Mom and Dad arrived around dinner Friday night after sitting in traffic to get on the island. Once they were settled in the house, mom went to the pasta dinner with me. After the dinner was done, I showed her my high class room! She couldn't believe her daughter was staying in such a place. So, just to prove it, I had to take pictures! Mom took a picture standing in front of the flat screen TV while I sat in the garden tub. Then, she was standing in the large bathroom while I was on the four post King sized bed! Man, those were the best baths (I'm not usually a bath taker, but I was Friday and Saturday nights!) and the best sleep I have had!
After relaxing in the bath, I was actually able to sleep a little that night. I did wake up around 4:00 and tossed and turned. We were to meet in the lobby of the hotel at 7 a.m. for a group picture. These were all the members in the Western division; all 67 of us. (The Eastern division was on the other staircase taking their picture.) The Western division raised over $165,000 for the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society!!! After our picture, we walked over to the starting line! And, so it began...

Thanksgiving Fun

We met up at Kathryn's house Thursday afternoon for a wonderful lunch together. After playing outside and relaxing some, we all met back up for a campfire and late night card games. We repeated this same scenario on Friday as well. The menu for Thursday's campfire (like we needed more food!) was shrimp and veggie kabobs and smores. The menu for Friday's campfire (once again like we needed more food!) was brats or hotdogs (or both!) and smores. We sat around drinking beer, telling stories, and we listened to Uncle Dave-o play the guitar while we all tried to sing along! Kate went out Friday morning and bought a ukulele; a Caroline blue one at that! So, Friday night's entertainment included David and Kate playing while we all tried to sing along! The pictures aren't great...but the time we had was fabulous!

Pre-Thanksgiving

I arrived home Tuesday night late/almost Wednesday. Wednesday was spent hanging out, walking, and raking leaves/letting Sawyer jump in them. While Dad was at the office, the rest of us enjoyed the cool but crisp weather . Sawyer had a blast being outside running around, and Caroline enjoyed her time too with G.G.
Thursday morning, my wonderful big brother agreed to run a 5K with me. We headed out that morning to strut our stuff at the 1st ever Turkey Strut race in W-S. We didn't get any pictures while we were running, but we did get one picture of us in our "cool" shirts after the race!

12 degrees

That's right! It was 12 degrees when I met the team today; or what little there was of the team. There were 4 runners including our coach this morning. Hum, I wonder why?!!! I decided I had missed enough practices recently because of the cold weather, and it couldn't be an excuse anymore. (running around in a circle at 6:00 p.m. in 19 degree weather didn't sound fun!)
So, I set out this morning at 6:45 dressed in everything warm I could find! Looking back now that I'm warm again, it was an adventure. However, when I first set out this morning I thought it was just plain dumb! Either way, if you look at the picture it looks as if I have a bad case of dandruff on the right side of my hair. Take a closer look and you will see that my hair had ice in it...my hair had frozen from the sweat!!! I just happened to have my camera with me and took a picture before jumping in the car to warm up! I couldn't believe it! I think if I had run anymore, my eyelashes might have frozen shut. I guess when I was wiping them during the run and I thought they felt frozen, it really was ice I was wiping away!!!

12 miles...

almost! Practice was supposed to start at 7:30 Saturday morning. I knew there was a chance it would be raining. So, I got up and didn't even look at outside until I was ready to get in the car. And, oh boy was it raining! It would come in waves of heavy rain followed by light rain followed by sprinkles..repeating itself in no particular order! I just went straight to the car and drove to meet the team. I knew that if I didn't go, I would have a hard time running 12 miles by myself.
There was actually about 12 of us crazy enough to show up! It was finally decided after the hard rain was not letting up that we would meet back at 12:00 to go running. So, at 11:00, I headed back to Asheville to meet the team. Crazy huh?! Who drives 35 minutes twice in 1 day to go running?!!!
So, we started off and I ended up running with different girls (because not everyone could come back) who run much faster than me. It actually wasn't that bad! However, around mile 9 I started getting sharp pains in my left knee every time my foot hit the pavement. I kept on going, not sure if it's one of those stop before you hurt worse or push on through it. It continued to the point that at mile 10 I had to stop and try to stretch it and walk some. When we got to the meeting place where the 20 milers were going to turn around, one of the coaches said I was done for the day and to go home. No more running. Never thought I would say this, but I was a little disappointed that I couldn't finish the 12 miles planned! Wait what? Who was that talking just now?!!!
Either way, I finished a long run and it was my last big run before the race. From now, we start to taper off. So, next week we only run 8 miles, then 5 miles the following week. It's the countdown now!!!!

Charleston

Friday morning, I decided to go with Travis and Trooper down to Charleston. After coming home after work and quickly packing; we headed out. We got into town around 9:00. We stopped by some friends first before going to Andy's house (Travis' cousin). I was up after midnight with the guys staying up until 2:00ish!
Saturday morning was supposed to be a 10 mile run. I was going to run across the Cooper River, but at the last minute changed my mind. Why not run on the beach if you've come to the beach huh?! So, running on Isle of Palms is what I did! I only ran for 1 hour and 9 minutes; running around 6-7 miles (I think). Pretty good considering I ran out of water, my energy boosts didn't really work, and I forgot my I-Pod. (I don't recommend Sport Beans by Jelly Belly. I never felt the boost of energy like I have with other "sport snacks") After my run, I went back to grab the guys. It was too pretty to sit inside all day! We took Trooper to the beach for a walk, then headed for some good seafood. The afternoon and evening was spent watching football (Go Tarheels!) and grilling out.
Sunday morning, Travis and I went to Sullivan's Island with Trooper. We grabbed Mahi-Mahi tacos at Poe's Tavern, then headed for our last walk on the beach. We ended the day hanging out with George and watching more football before heading back home.
**Not sure what I'm trying to say in the picture, but it's the only one I took!**

Jill's Shower

After a crazy Halloween at school, I drove to Raleigh for the weekend. I got there late Friday night and stayed until mid afternoon on Sunday. I spent the weekend with the Lewis' and the Bryant's. We enjoyed the warm weather Saturday afternoon. I was glad I packed a short sleeve shirt at the last minute!
On Sunday, I went over to Jill's house to help give her baby shower! Holly is due the end of December, so we had to help get things ready for her arrival!!! Lisa, Heather, Elizabeth, and I took over Jill's house to get things ready. Of course Jill was there, so we put her to work too! This was also the first time I had seen Jill's new house and the first time in awhile we had all been together (maybe even over a year for some of us!). People started arriving as early as 1:30 and everyone left around 4:30ish. I think it took Jill about an hour and a half to open all her gifts!!!! She is certainly set! She'll have to change Holly every hour to get her in all the cute clothes! We had a great time together and I'm glad I could be a part of this special event! Now, we all just wait!

Fall Colors

Well, this are certainly not my best pictures, but I thought I would still share them. Holding a leash with one hand and a camera with the other doesn't work too well! I took Trooper into the Pisgah today for a short walk. Usually he can't wait to get in the water for a drink. Today he quickly stepped in, drank quickly, then stepped back out. Too cold for him! Along the walk, we also saw some ducks enjoying the water. This is the first time I have seen them on this walk, and we have gone often!

Sawyer and PaPa

A dear friend to many in Rural Hall and one of our neighbors died suddenly the beginning of October. Wes was a great man; always helping out others. Every morning, he would take a newspaper for two ladies to their front porches so they wouldn't have to walk to the end of the driveway to get it. Since his passing, my dad has taken up his "paper route". He now visits 3 houses around 7:00 each morning and continues on the goodness of Wes. One morning, Sawyer decided he wanted to join PaPa and help out! Here they are in their fleeces and pajamas on the paper route.

Trip Home

Last weekend, I took off Friday from school and headed to my parents house on Thursday. The Ohio Gribbles were coming down for a visit. I had to be there of course!!! We enjoyed spending time with family, playing , "helping" get the fire pit ready for Thanksgiving, and visiting some more! Caroline was such a great baby, as you can see in the video coming up next. Sawyer was lots of fun to play with; especially using his imagination to play doctor. He had a waiting room, a nurse, and lots of shots to give! Enjoy the pictures from proud aunt!

Team Dinner

Tuesday's track practice kicked my butt...but it was a great feeling when I finished! We had our normal 4 lap warm up, but without the drills this time. I didn't bother reminding anyone that we weren't butt kickin' or high kneeing it! Then, it was off for a 3 lap "sprint" with a one lap recovery. We did this 4 times. This means we did 5 miles total on the track. We all started at different times (when we arrived), so we would be finished to meet Jake and his mom for dinner! After practice, we had our second team dinner. Cutie pie Jake and his mom met us for dinner, so we were finally able to meet him! As one of our leaders was passing out goodies (our dri-fit practice shirts for recommitting and other goodies to those racing soon from the Fall team), Jake wanted to come sit on my lap for a better look. Isn't he a cutie pie?!!!!