April 10th...CA day two!

This picture is just a preview of what we saw on this day! It's hard to choose pictures, there were such great ones!

Laura had some work to catch up on, so mom and I enjoyed a nice leisure breakfast, and a refreshing morning walk around the neighborhood. Afterwards, we all showered and got ready for our trip to Big Sur! We headed out south, driving down Highway 1 along the coast of CA. Absolutely beautiful! I was amazed at the big cliffs and vegetation that overlooked the ocean. Laura was great about stopping along the way so we could snap some pictures. I would jump right out of the car and head out as far as I could for a closer look; while mom stayed closer to the car knees shaking! She even sounded like MeMe a few times! She did real well though, and we even got her in some of the pictures!!! We stopped at a great place for lunch where we could sit outside and enjoy the views. The restaurant set above a store, so afterwards we did some great looking! We got back in the car and headed back up Highway 1 towards Carmel. We parked and walked down to the beach. If you looked to the left, you could see Pebble Beach Golf Course, which of course excited dad when he heard! The beach was beautiful, but a bit chilly. I don't know how people where out in bathing suits in the water! Laura had visitor passes, so our next stop was Monterey Bay Aquarium. I thought it was neat that the water in all the tanks are fed directly from the ocean. After a quick tour through the place, we headed to the Ghiradelli shop for an ice cream sundae for three! Laura took us home the long way so we could see more of the coast. We drove though Santa Cruz and eventually made our way home.

I have included a few more pictures from the day. In one you can see what we considered the "True Happy Cows from California". What cow wouldn't be happy living with that view?! You can also see Bixby Bridge in one picture which Grant says is the area used in many car commercials. Enjoy the views of the pictures.

Next stop....San Fransico!

April 9th...We arrived!

Dad took Mom and I to the airport for a 7 a.m. flight out of Greensboro. We arrived in Memphis to find that first our flight had been delayed, then second to find it had been cancelled! They were able to get us onto another flight going through Chicago to San Fransico. So, we were in 4 different states in one day; not to mention all the states we flew over! By the time we arrived in San Fran, we had been traveling for 12 hours (our body time)! Laura picked us up outside the baggage claim. As we were waiting for our bags, mom spotted a celebrity! David Bromstad, host of Color Splash on HGTV, was standing near us waiting for his bags. After mom told me who he was, we pretended to be big fans! We never spoke to him of course, but he certainly saw us looking!


Laura toook us by the house (AMAZING!), then we were off to Stanford to pick up Maggie. The four of us went walking to the "dish". A pretty steep climb, but worth the views at the top! You could see all around you...including the bay area. (Not the San Fran bay though...that will come later!) It wasn't until we reached the bottom that Laura showed us the "be aware of Mountian Lions" sign! Needless to say, we made it out okay! We headed back to the house just in time to meet up with Grant and Matt. Mom and I lit a candle from the visitor's candle idea that David had sent; and enjoyed a cocktail while catching up with the family. Grant, the chef, was preparing food on the grill while Laura was hard at work in the kitchen. There was some unexpected delays in the preparation of dinner which only gave us more time for visiting! Who could complain about that right?! Plus, I think it helped us to stay up that first night there without any naps. After finishing up a late dinner, mom and I decided to head to bed around 10, which is really 1 a.m. our body time. We were pooped and ready for a pillow! Of course, we were both anticipating our first wake up in California!

Easter Weekend

After finishing up school Thursday with an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids, I rushed home to pick up Phillip, Jammie, and Sawyer from the airport. On Friday, we enjoyed a leisure breakfast followed by a walk to the playground. That afternoon, we all piled into the car to drive down to Salisbury to surprise Grandma Gribble for her 80th birthday!
Her birthday is not until the 29th, however, we all wanted to celebrate together. Since some Gribble's were down from Ohio, other Gribble's home from college, and still others home from working locations; we decided to all show up that afternoon for a "visit". It wasn't until about an hour after we all arrived that she figured out the surprise! We invited a few neighbors and enjoyed grilled chicken sandwiches with fixins and wonderful sides! It was all complete when she was able to eat a piece of birthday cake and open her presents early! We even got all the Gribble's together for a family picture; including Gus, Grandma Gribble's dog!

Saturday was filled with visiting. Kathryn, Jim, and Kyle all stopped by Saturday morning for coffee and entertainment provided by Sawyer! Afterwards, the Gribble's all went down to visit MeMe and let Sawyer share his love once again! The afternoon was filled running errands and nap taking by some. Phillip and Jammie went out to eat with friends that night which meant we got to keep Sawyer! Mom and I decided to die easter eggs with Sawyer. As this was his first time, I will let the pictures speak for themselves!!!

Sunday morning, we awoke to find the easter bunny had arrived! We enjoyed watching Sawyer look through his basket. The day was spent visiting again with people at church, everyone at Gen's for lunch, and a quick visit with the Dyer's. We did have just enough time to take off our jackets, turn on the timer, and pose for a quick photo!

Even though we were unable to see David, we were all thinking about him on his birthday!!!! So, happy birthday again Uncle Dave! Easter weekend ended as the next part of break began. Monday morning, Mom and I caught a 7 am flight to.....CALIFORNIA!!!!!

The Next Day

On Saturday, we all got together again for a Hogg Baby Shower! (Or Drizzle as it was renamed. We didn't really "shower" them with gifts since it was small, so we said that we "drizzled" them with gifts!) Everyone brought or made food, including Jessica's speciality iced cupcakes! We were all very impressed! We ate (which is what we all seem to do best when we are together!), shared stories, watched the kids play, and had Ben and Victoria open gifts! Pictures best capture the moments, so I'll let them speak for themselves! Enjoy!

Stepping into Spring!

To mark the first weekend in Spring, I took the day off and headed to Cary and Apex. I spent the weekend with the girls I first taught, and now all the new additions to their families! I have become quite the "aunt" in the past 4 years!

Heather & Mark now have three boys: Ori, Asa, and Ilo.

Jessica & William now have two girls: Eliza and Anna.

Victoria and Ben now have a baby in the belly! Victoria is due in August!

We spent Friday afternoon enjoying the warm sunshine, especially the Hogg's who had just flown in from cold Michigan! The guys played disc golf in the yard while the girls sat around and watched cutie Eliza play in the yard too!

Friday evening, we all piled into the van and headed over to the Bryant's new house for a cook-out.The kids enjoyed playing together while the adults chatted. Once again, the guys played disc golf in the yard. (Are you seeing a pattern here?!) It was easy to say goodbye that night because we all knew we could be seeing each other the next day for the baby shower!

Shower and Hiking

This past weekend, I helped give a baby shower for a girl from school. Becca taught K with me and actually came to Clear Creek School as my assistant! She was only in my room about a month until she took over for another girl that was pregnant. Becca and I have taught together for the past three years. She officially began her maternity leave this past week; however, we are all awaiting the arrival of her son, Waiver.

The nursery has a soft-toned jungle theme. So, the four girls found lots of jungle touches to add for the decorations. I have found a great enjoyment in giving showers..especially when everyone involved enjoys bargain shopping! Becca was like a little kid at Christmas opening her gifts! In the picture is Mandi (K), Alison (1st), Becca, Me (K), and Dana (1st).

Sunday afternoon, Travis and I decided to go on a hike. There was actually a dusting of snow on the ground when I went to the early service, but by 1:00, it had gotten a bit warmer. We still set out in our gloves, fleeces, and tobogons for a nice 5 mile-ish hike. We came upon a trail called Twin Falls and decided to take it. At the end were 2 skinny and extremely tall waterfalls! I have included some pictures of what we saw on the way to the Falls and once we reached the falls. We couldn't get close enough to get a good picture of the Falls themselves. So, just enjoy the beauty of the mountain nature!

February Fun!

Well, I actually have no "real" pictures (meaning I took them) to accompany this posting. However, I have found pictures to spice it up a bit!

This past weekend proved to be quite exciting! First, our friends Chris, Brandy, and Skylar came up Friday night. After staying up late catching up, it was early to rise Saturday morning. The morning was spent relaxing and waiting for me to cook a breakfast casserole...yum! We enjoyed a late lunch at a vegetarian place downtown A-ville called Laughing Seed. (also yummy!) It was after lunch that the "real fun"began!

Travis and I decided to go skiing..both for the first time! This is a smaller place to ski and they were running a special this past weekend for night skiing. We paid for skiing and rentals what most places around here charge for just skiing. So, we just couldn't pass up the deal. Plus, we have been trying to go since January! So, Travis and I packed up the borrowed gear (goggles and pants) and headed up the mountain to meet his cousin. Lucky for me that both Travis and Tyler were there. Let's just say I think I'm the first person to ever hold up the bunny slope tow....I seriously think there were 20 people, easily,waiting!

I should back up for a minute. Getting up the VERY small incline to the rope was a struggle. Either Tyler or Travis were constantly grabbing my jacket to keep me from falling backwards. One lady (in regular boots) pushed me up, let go, and I fell! Another man held on to my poles and pulled me up the rope. This is all after about 30 minutes of trying to make it up myself! Once I finally made it to the rope, I fell three times trying to grab the rope! The not-so-nice rope manager told me I should take off my skis, walk to the top, and come back when I was 'more comfortable'. Let's just say that I made it down skiing without falling, was able to stop by myself, never used the tow rope, had to take my skiis off each time I got the bottom, and walk with them up the hill! Travis was pretty much a natural even venturing to the ski lift! Overall, it was an exciting night of skiing! (I tried to take pictures but my camera froze up...brrrrrrr!)

Sunday morning, I awoke not in too much pain. (I later found the aches come 2 days after the skiing trip and can last a few days!) We met up with our friends who were now staying in A-ville for a wonderful lunch of grilled chicken and steaks! Afterwards, we all ventured downtown to hang out before going to see music. We saw Tony Rice and Peter Rowan open up for Yonder Mountain String Band. Great night of Bluegrass! (This picture was actually taken out west at one of their shows. The pictures I found from A-ville a few years ago were too far away to see.) So, overall we had a jam packed weekend filled with friends, firsts, and fun!

Raleigh, Cary, Apex

After leaving school an hour early Friday, I headed to the Raleigh area to see my friends. I arrived at Heather's house Friday to meet the girls for dinner; as well as meet the newest Sauls member, Jack. I arrived at Heather's house to see Heather, Rob, their boys Nathan and Jack; Jill, Casey and Elizabeth and their baby Grant; and Lisa and her daughter, Olivia. I felt pretty important! In the picture to the left, you see Nathan (3 1/2 year old) entertaining Olivia (6 months old). Nathan is a good big brother and is lots of fun to play with. After a dinner filled with new house plans, baby stuff, and wedding plans (yeah Jill!), I stayed with the Sauls. We got up Saturday morning and I was able to help take care of Jack while playing with Nathan at the same time! Amazing!

After breakfast, it was on to my next stop of the trip...the Lewis household! I arrived to see William, Jessica, and Eliza outside playing while Anna slept peacefully inside. After throwing discs (into the side of their house...oops!), drawing with chalk, and watching Eliza ride her scooter, it was inside for lunch and the Carolina basketball game. Jess made yummy pigs in a blanket for appetizers followed by homemade peanut butter with banana sandwiches! For those of you that don't know, Carolina won the game...easily! After the game, Jess, Eliza and I went over to see the Bryants. In addition to Ori and Asa, they welcomed another boy, Ilo in January. So, not only did I get to see the family, but I got to see the new house. However, all the memories are stuck in my head because I forgot to take my camera! After a yummy dinner together, I got to watch bathtime with the girls. Eating foam alphabet letters seemed to be the dessert of choice for the evening! I even got to read a bedtime story to Eliza! After breakfast, I went to see Aunt Laura for a rather quick visit. Hey, I'll take what I can get when someone comes home from CA!!! We caught up on the latest and even began planning my trip out there with mom in April!

As in the words of Jill: ' It was babypalooza' this weekend!

Whew...not it's time to rest!

Superbowl Weekend

Well, I won't say when I actually began this project! Instead, I'll just say that I finished the mosaic table project this weekend! Grandma Gribble had this old table, and was getting rid of it. I have always wanted to mosaic a table. So, it just couldn't have been a better match! To the left you see the before picture and obviously, the finished project is on the right. (I'm sharing this just so you know I've been up to something good!)

In addition to projects, homework, and cleaning; Travis and I managed to find some new recipes. Actually thanks to the cooking show as we were flipping through channels waiting for our Thursday night dinner to cook! I have actually never found myself watching it before, but I could see how people might get hooked! We decided to try them out for Superbowl Sunday. We cooked ribs and 'Mama's Black-eyed pea casserole' ...or at least that's what I think it's called! Either way, you can see we enjoyed the meal!

Sweet Victory!!!

Today marks the first day with a washing machine and dryer since the end of last March!
I would like to thank my friends (Dana, Trent, and Mandi), my family and Travis' family for letting me use their washing facilities these past few months!
Travis' parents arrived this morning from Georgia, and helped unload the washer and dryer. (Oh, thanks to Travis' uncle for the use of his truck) After enjoying a tasty lunch at Blue Sky Cafe (my favorite..yummy!) and an attempt to browse at Tuesday Morning, they headed back down south.
(The attempt came because Tuesday Morning is closed until the 15th for restocking.) Travis

and I headed down to Lowe's to make the three prong plug change into the needed four prong. These pictures show Travis' handy work in making the dryer work. After everything was hooked up, we did a quick trial run since they haven't been used in a year or two. Since all seemed to be working well, I started my first load of clothes. Can you see the excitement!!!

MeMe

Since MeMe celebrated her 85th birthday on Friday, I wanted to dedicate a posting all to her!
Even though our dear Pa was not with us this Christmas, we were blessed to have our MeMe join us. Uncle Kyle is sweet to let MeMe ride in his car, so with David's help they were on their way to Rural Hall! She came up Christmas day and again the day after Christmas for the gift exchange. She participated in the game, and thought about doing some stealing! These pictures are actually from her departure on the day after Christmas, but doesn't she still look cute?!

Meme's actually birthday was spent being dressed up like the queen she is, having a room full of balloons and visitors, and a lunch from Dairi-O (only the best hotdogs this side of the Mississippi!!!). We took hotdogs, fries, ice cream, and cake to the queen! Afterwards, she was ready for her nap! My MeMe is so special to me; I was lucky to share her special day.
In addition to MeMe's birthday, we will now be celebrating Tommy Brunton's birthday as well! My cousin Lina, David, and Zoe welcomed their son and brother on the 29th. So, from now on we can celebrate 2 wonderful Pettys in one day! Tommy doesn't know how lucky he is yet!

Family Christmas

Christmas was well spent with family this year. The first part was spent in Georgia with Travis' family, and then it was off to be with my family in NC. We were blessed to have the Williard's join us from CA! We spent Christmas day and day after at Kathryn and Jim's house for wonderful food and a gift exchange. Phillip, Jammie, and Sawyer surprised everyone Tuesday night coming into town a night early! So, Wednesday morning was spent pretending it was Christmas morning! Sawyer was a big help when it was time to open presents. He helped give out presents and was willing to help you open yours too! We enjoyed dancing to the Fridge DJ I gave him, listening to Christmas music, going on walks with GiGi and Mommy, and playing with Ava Ridge (a family friend). Saturday night found us all gathering at my parents house. Travis was able to make the trip as well for some might tasty lasagna prepared by mom! We enjoyed dinner, drinks, Golden Tee, and watching Sawyer! Overall, Christmas proved to be another wonderful family event!
(Just one more picture of Sawyer rocking on an old rocking horse)