Cary Visit

We got back from the beach Friday late afternoon. I spent Saturday morning running errands and then attending Crystal's baby shower. That evening, I repacked my suitcase and relaxed on the couch. Being on vacation is great, but being at home relaxing is just as enjoyable! After being gone for eight days and home for one; I left Sunday morning to visit friends in the Cary/Apex area.

We spent time together grilling out, taking walks, going to the park, swimming at the pool, and catching up on major girl talk! I was able to see Jessica and her family, Heather and her family, and Jill and her husband plus one on the way (due in December)! The only pictures I took were from the first day at the playground. One of Heather's boys was at a camp, so there are only four kids here. We realized that when they are all together, there is a kid aged 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1!!! Crazy huh?! Aren't these kids cute!

Charleston

We arrived in Charleston around lunch on Wednesday. We met his cousin, Andy, for lunch. After taking Andy back to work, we ventured to downtown Charleston. We walked around the market and headed to see the water and the bridge.

When we finished, we still had about an hour before Andy would be home. So, we headed to Sullivan's Island. We parked and took a relaxing walk on the beach. We met up with Andy, freshened up, and headed to a little harbor for happy hour/dinner. We had prime seats outside for watching all the boats coming in. People arrive at this area by boat instead of their cars like "normal" people; come inside for food and drinks; then take the boat back home. What a life huh?! There were also three dolphins swimming/diving in the water. I never could get a cool picture though. (The pictures I took are our view from our table.)

Thursday afternoon was stormy. So, we hung out at George's house. While the guys caught up, I caught up on my beauty sleep. The storm helped me sleep even better! We grilled out at his house that night and stayed with him since there was an extra room. (Andy ended up sleeping on the floor the night before!) Friday morning, we were ready to get back to our own bed and see Trooper again. Great relaxing week. Not bad for the 1st week of turning 30!

Hilton Head

Wednesday night after my birthday, we made a final decision to head to the beach. We found a "can't resist" deal on hotels.com. It was a last minute deal on a hotel. It was over half off each night, so we signed ourselves up and headed down Friday morning. I was completely done with school for the summer; so what a great way to start my break!!!

We stayed at the Comfort Inn which was on the main road, just not ocean front. We enjoyed the beach on Saturday by relaxing and taking a walk. Sunday morning, we decided renting bikes would be great. So, the next 3 mornings we started our beach time with a long bike ride. Although it's tough riding against the wind, it was worth it! Come on, we were at the beach!

We were able to ride our bikes and/or walk to eat lunch and dinner. We scoped things out on Saturday and visited the places that had 2 for 1 lunches or dinners the rest of the days. So, even though we had to eat out we were getting our monies worth! The last night, we went to Harbour Town for a nice dinner. We did walk up to the top of the lighthouse which led to some beautiful views and pictures.
At breakfast Wednesday morning we decided we weren't ready to head back home. So, we went to Charleston to visit his cousin until Friday!

Am I Really 30?!!!

My birthday weekend began Friday afternoon when several of us from school went out to enjoy some quality time together. Saturday, my sweet mom decided to come up and spend the day with me. She and I enjoyed a lunch at Blue Sky (yummy!) , went to get pedicures, walked around downtown Asheville, then met up with Travis for dinner. After breakfast on Sunday, mom went back home. How sweet to come spend time with me!

On Sunday, Travis and I found a local water hole in the Pisgah. We put on our bathing suits, sunscreen, and headed out! Once we arrived, there were 6 butterflies fluttering around...neat-o! The water was FREEZING, but felt good since the temperature was in the 90's. We had our own private beach...very relaxing!

Monday was my real birthday and the LAST day of school! SO, it was a BIG party day! My assistant and her two daughters came to school on Sunday and decorated the K-1 hallway. (The big "30" I am standing beside was signed during the day by kids and teachers.) The kids and some teachers bought in gifts to fill up a basket. It was filled with items such as gift cards to Target& Subway, chocolate, lotions, and soaps. We had pizza delivered to school for lunch and let the kids ice a homemade cupcake with sprinkles! The kids sang to me and the principal even announced my b-day that morning! After school, a teacher had an adult only pool party which was a perfect way to end the day!




To come...Travis takes me to Hilton Head for my birthday!

Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday morning, we headed down to Augusta for CC (Travis' sister) high school graduation!!!!
I haven't been to a high school graduation since mine...what memories! She was certainly excited to been done with high school! I remember that feeling too!

Sunday afternoon, we were able to keep Zion! We played inside for a little bit, then decided to take her to the park; despite the rather warm weather. Maybe it just felt that way since we were used to the cooler mountain air. Either way, she loved the slide..as you can tell from the video! What a cutie! She is waiting the arrival of a little sister in September! **Oops, no video. New camera...have to figure out what I did wrong to download. So, just enjoy the pictures!

Check out Trooper...he was even Patriotic! I bought these necklaces for Zion and she kept putting them on Trooper. He is such a good dog!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!
On Sunday, we had breakfast for everyone at our house. Mom requested croissants, crisp bacon, and strawberries. To that I added grapes, cantaloupe, and a breakfast casserole.
After breakfast and a little bit of playing, everyone was on their way to see Grandma Gribble. Once everyone left, Travis and I crashed! It was a great long weekend, but definitely full of activity!

Graduation Evening

After a cook-out back at the house, Travis' parents and sweet Uncle Kyle all left for home. Thanks again to them for making the trip up to celebrate with me!
After supper, Travis, Trooper, and I took my family to Dupont State Forest. We walked down a easy trail to see a waterfall and let Sawyer throw rocks into the water. I think he's falling in love with the mountains already!!!

The Graduate!

Here are a few pictures taken right after I became a graduate!!!!

Graduation Weekend: Friday

Mom, Dad, Phillip, and Sawyer came up Friday morning before graduation. We had a relaxing lunch at my house; enjoying the warm afternoon sun! When Sawyer and PaPa laid down for their afternoon naps, we headed for a "hike". What was supposed to be a long hike turned into an hour drive to the hike, about a 30 minute hike, and another hour long drive home! Phillip said he wanted a view, so we gave him one! We drove him up the Parkway to the Art Loeb Trail.
As you can also see from the pictures, once we made it to the top it was extremely windy! (Phillip and I aren't really being blown away, we had you fooled though right?!)
"What a biew!"

Highlands

On Sunday, May 4th; We went up to Highlands for the day to see some friends. We saw Bryon, Meredith, and Keller's new house! Afterwards, Travis, Chris, a tired Skyler, and I headed down the road for a picnic lunch. I was only able to snap a few quick pictures before my batteries died! Enjoy what I have...

Saturday Afternoon

Last Saturday was a rainy day. I worked on my final paper in the morning and we decided to go to the movies early afternoon. We saw the movie 21. We both thought it was good; but man was it still expensive to go the movies!

After getting out of the movies, the sun was trying to peek through the clouds. So, we headed downtown Asheville to walk around. We started out at Mast General Store and ended up at a store we both love. The name has left my mind right now, but it's filled with different vendors. Every booth is a little different from the first. Everything is handmade. I have purchased photographs, pottery, and a necklace there before. This time, we both walked out empty handed. Either way, I enjoy walking around in downtown. You never know what or who you might see!

Game

Take Me Out To The Ballgame...
Sunday morning, Travis and I decided to catch the afternoon game of the Asheville Tourists. We headed downtown around 1:00, to have plenty of time for parking and walking to the game which started at 2:00. After purchasing box seats..for a whopping $10.00 a piece...we settled in for a warm sunny afternoon of baseball. (We actually discussed traveling to Atlanta on Sunday, but decided to save that for another day; hopefully soon!) It was about this time they announced that due to the large amounts of rain the days before, the game had been postponed until 3:00. They actually put the Braves game up on the "big" screen, so we had the best of both worlds!!!
Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I'm thinking this could be a reoccurring event!
(The picture was taken with my camera phone...but at least it shows how close we were!)

Easter Sunday

After the party, GiGi and Sawyer dyed Easter eggs. He made a "G" egg for GiGi, S for Sawyer, P for PaPa, M for Mommy, D for Daddy, B for Bethie, and T for Travis, Trooper, and our family friend Tate (all his ideas! He can recognize these letters...isn't he smart?!). Easter morning he found a basket full of McQueen (his new fav) stuff from the Easter bunny. When Trooper came out, he stopped looking and said to him, "Hi Troop. I got candy!" After church, we had just enough time to snap a few shots. There are videos and pictures to show the fun!

Easter Egg Hunt

To get mom and dad over to Kathryn's house, she told them she was having a Kitchen Open House and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. The Kitchen Open House part was sort of a lie, but the egg hunt was actually for real. I was glad to see there would be one because that's all mom kept telling Sawyer Friday night and Saturday morning! I was afraid he might really be disappointed!!! Luckily, our family from D.C and NY were able to come down and bring along their kids too! So, Sawyer, Zoe, and Tommy were the egg finders! Once again, I'll let the videos and pictures speak for themselves.

Surprise Party!!!

On Saturday, March 22nd; We had a surprise 60th party for our parents, along with LOTS of help from Kathryn and Jim. This was the 1st surprise party I have been a part of and it was great! Although I will say I was ready for the party to happen...it's hard keeping secrets and getting your lies straight!!! I'll let the videos and pictures speak for themselves!

March into...

the woods! Last weekend, we set out for an afternoon hike. Along the way, I happened to look up just as we were passing this tree. I think it looks like a "heart" tree. You may think otherwise.
This weekend we spent mostly inside. I tried to get the flu Thursday, so Travis had to play doctor all weekend. He even woke me up when it was time for medicine! By Sunday, I was feeling much better! After working all day (on my portfolio and Travis on his business), Travis decided to burn all the "stuff" he had from fixing up our yard. Lots of excitement up here!!!!