Fashionista

Friday night I attended the Rachel Pally Trunk show at Gusto. Intending only to show support, enjoy a sweet treat and a drink, and mingle with family was overpowered by the beautiful necklace and green shoes that I purchased before the night was over! I wore my new shoes out of the store just like I had gotten a new pair of Zips shoes. (Apparently this was my "thing" when ever I got a new pair of Zips shoes when I was young?!) As you'll be able to see in the pictures, Grandmother decided later in the evening she wanted to try on some high heels! She and mom both are quite the shoe models! Saturday morning, mom and I met Kathryn and Tom at the mother load of rummage sales! The junior league of W-S was holding their annual sale. I walked out of there with 5 sweaters and 3 skirts for only $16; holding true to my $20 limit! That's some bargain shopping right there!
That evening, Mom and I headed downtown to join Kathryn and Tom for dinner before walking up to the fashion show. Gusto was the host of the evenings festivities. Some of the proceeds from both nights would go back to the Susan G. Komen chapter in W-S. The fashion show was actually the chapters deal and Gusto graciously offered their place and fashion tips! There were two breast cancer survivors who spoke about their journeys then joined the others to strut their stuff in the show!

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Showering of Friends and Family

Friday night, I arrived home in time to eat dinner with mom and dad at Pinebrook. Before I continue, I would just like to apologize to Pinebrook for chicken bones and cell phones; musical treats while the tea and table meet! (That's for mom and dad who are probably laughing right now!) Okay, let's continue. Saturday morning I went with mom to meet most of her brothers and sisters for breakfast. Laura and Grant were in town so Kyle, Kathryn, mom, and I meet up for a little breakfast, lots of coffee, and an abundance of chit chat! I love surprise meetings like this!Soon after the breakfast, it was time to head over to Audrey's shower.
Audrey is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Banks who is expected to arrive one year after Marty's death. Such a bittersweet moment this will be. Audrey received a kitchen table full of gifts along with a piggy bank for Banks. He certainly has a good start to his fortune! There was a dining room table filled with yummy snacks such as blueberry yogurt covered pretzels, chicken salad bites, shells filled with blue tinted "fluff" topped with a blueberry, fruit with dip, bite sized ham biscuits, and muffins. Can you tell that Audrey is having a boy and she also loves blueberries?! Mom and I helped Audrey unload the presents at her house, checked out gifts from previous showers, and saw the updates to the nursery. Banks will be set! That afternoon, I met Kathryn and Tom downtown for drinks and appetizers. It was a perfect afternoon for sitting in the sun and catching up. We later met up with Kyle and Marie for dinner. I stopped by Gusto on my way and invited the owners down for a drink. A few minutes later, Austin arrived and caught us up on the latest happenings of downtown life! What a family filled weekend! I'm looking forward to the fashion show next weekend!

Little Baking

This post is dedicated to my cousins, Mary (Maggie) and Lina, both of whom enjoy cooking, baking, and trying new recipes. I on the other hand do not get much pleasure out of cooking. When entertaining I do enjoy fixing foods. However on a daily basis cooking is not on my top list of things to do. One day I'm going to enjoy being in the kitchen...one day!
I was invited the last Sunday of my break over to my friends Anna and Blair's while they were grilling out. Blair enjoys grilling and he made a mean hamburger that evening..might tasty. I offered to bring dessert. I was craving a chocolate pie, but decided to spice it up a bit with crushed Heath bar pieces in the pie and sprinkled on top. This picture captures what I saw as I stepped back once the pie was complete. This is how we "cook" in the south:

Good Friends

Wednesday morning the Ohio Gribbles headed out for the long drive home. After a walk with mom and Pattie, I headed on my way to the Cary/Apex area. I spent the afternoon hanging out with Heather, Mark, and the boys. After work had ended for Jessica, I headed over to see her and the girls and drop off my stuff before heading over to the Hughes' house. Dinner was spent with Eddie, Jill, and Holly in between some playing time and bath time before I headed back to the Lewis' for the evening. Thursday we spent drinking coffee on the back deck and catching up while the kids played outside. That evening we went to Tyler's for dinner and a table for 10!!! After saying goodbye Friday morning, I swung back by mom and dad's to pick up the rest of my things and Pattie. She was glad to see me, but enjoyed her bonding time with GG and PaPa!!!!
I arrived home Friday afternoon to a yard full of hay! After unloading the car, I tackled the ridiculously high grass while Pattie sunbathed. Ann brought Chloe over to play with Pattie before we met Mandi out for dinner. Saturday was spent "sleeping in", pulling some weeds, heading out to run errands while Pattie was left out in the house (Pattie stayed by herself a total of 3 hours split between to different errand runnings. Yeah Pattie!), and then some planting. I also finally removed the "firepit" that Travis had built in the middle of the yard. Some of those rocks were heavy, but the whole process was quite therapeutic! Now let's just hope the grass seeds I planted will actually grow! I love Spring weather!!!

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One Last Day

Tuesday was our last full day together. We headed downtown so the rest of the family could see Austin's store, Gusto. After visiting with them, we walked down to Skippy's for lunch. Uncle Kyle met us there for a nice lunch outside. When lunch was finished, we walked back to the cars then headed to Putt Putt. Mom, Dad, and I took him to play. I played too since I can't remember the last time I had been! Kathryn stopped by for a quick hello before we all headed back outside to play. Sawyer got to fly his first kite from the Easter bunny, we did some more swinging, and playing baseball in the yard. After dinner, we walked up to the church playground for some fun before dark. It was a wonderful visit and I'm already looking forward to the next time!

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Celebrating Early

Monday was another busy day. Dana, Jammie's childhood friend, came up for a morning visit. We enjoyed some time at the park and outside time around the house. After lunch, Dad and Phillip took Sawyer to "the real golf course"! I'm not sure if Phillip or Sawyer was more excited! That afternoon, we played on the swings and grilled out for dad's birthday. His birthday is on the 14th so we celebrated early with steaks, potatoes, salad, and cake. Uncle Kyle stopped by after working at the farm for dinner. The kids enjoyed helping Papa blow out the candles, but more importantly eating his cake!

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Hippity Hop

Another beautiful day was spent enjoying the weather, family, and friends. The kids awoke to find the Easter bunny had left them baskets! Sawyer loved his toys and Caroline loved her candy! Uncle Kyle stopped by to enjoy some coffee and the festivities. After walking to and from church, we gathered for a family picture before dad left to pick up Grandma Gribble. We all gathered at Grandmother Gen's for the usual Sunday lunch before hours of playtime and "sunbathing" while chatting outside. The kids did some resting while some of us took Grandma Gribble back. After a walk with Pattie back to Gen's for dinner, we had fun playing hide n' seek in her yard.

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"Eggs"cellent Day

Saturday morning, we all headed down for golfing, breakfast, and an egg hunt. We went early and enjoyed breakfast with dad and Phillip before they headed out to golf. Since there was time before the Easter bunny would be arriving, Sawyer wanted to hit some far shots with the men on the driving range. After a few shots and keeping Caroline entertained, the Easter bunny had arrived! Caroline loved following the bunny around as he passed out chocolate. Finally, it was time for the egg hunt! The kids filled up their baskets with eggs filled with candy and money! We headed back home, unloaded the baskets, then headed over to grandmother Gen's for some playtime. Uncle Kyle stopped by for a bit of playing before heading back to the house for some lunch. The afternoon and evening was spent resting and enjoying the warm weather outside. Sawyer was quick to bed as Phillip spotted the Easter bunny hopping by!

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Easter Weekend, Day 1

Spring Break began Thursday at 3:45! After packing up the car and Pattie, we hit the road for good ol' Rural Hall. Getting into town after 7, I ran Pattie outside while we waited for the others to arrive. By 9:00, everyone was here safe and sound! We enjoyed some play time together before crashing. Friday was a busy day spent playing over at Grandmother Gen's, playing in the backyard here, going to see some chicks and ducks, and playing some more! Thankfully there are 4 more days of fun to be had!

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