Jammin' June

Well, the second week of June was filled with happenings!

First, it was the last week of school....hooray!

Second, it was coming up on my birthday weekend...hooray! Third, we were saying goodbye to our good friend Dana...boo hoo!

To celebrate the last day of school; Dana, Mandi, and I invited people over to the place for a cocktail hour honoring the last day of school and to say goodbye to Dana. We spent the evening sharing stories of the past year and hearing about Dana's new adventure. She and her husband left the next day (my birthday) for Colorado where she will be teaching.

So, my birthday started out with tears! After saying goodbye to Dana; Travis suggested we head down to the pool for a relaxing mid-morning/afternoon. We spent my birthday weekend eating at my favorite place: Flat Rock Grille, going to the movies, and relaxing. My kind of way to celebrate; now that I'm getting older!

Another weekend, Travis and I headed down to Iva, SC to see his dad's side of the family. After lunch, we headed to the lake. We enjoyed a relaxing couple of hours fishing and playing with Zion (Travis' neice). She is just starting to crawl, and as you can see from the picture...loved the water!!! The guys all did some fishing, and were able to catch a few. I was even able to drive the boat...just a short distance though! The first time I tried, the boat went in a complete cirle!!! Not sure what happened that time!

The rest of June has been spent either reading for class or being in class. I am currently in a week long, all day class that will end tomorrow!!! As of July 2nd, I will be finished taking summer classes, and will only have 2 more classes to go!!!

If you get a chance, click on the link and check out my web page I created this past semester. (I might have already sent this to you, so just ignore this if I have!)

This is my attempt to be as computer smart as the rest of my family!

Be sure to click on all the links and pictures...you'll never know what you might find!

http://paws.wcu.edu/bg17602/frames.html

Jill's Wedding!

It's official! Jill Fletcher has become Jill Hughes!!!!
Jill and Eddie were married yesterday in St. Mark's Chapel in downtown Raleigh. It was a very small ceremony since the church only has 11 small pews! The wedding was sweet...I don't think there was a dry eye!!! Afterwards, we went to Exploris (a museum) for the reception. It was a very cool place for a reception! There was dancing, cake, and a candy bar. That's right! You grabbed a bag, and filled it with your favorite candies. Twizzlers, tootsie rolls, M&M's, mini-candy bars, chocolate covered raisins, and ring pops!!!

Heather's oldest son was the hit of the dance floor! Nathan will be 4 in July and he was certainly cutting a rug! He was moving and shaking even during the slower songs! He and Jill got a few special dance moments on the floor together; as well as every other lady there. He will certainly charm the ladies one day!

It was a nice reunion. Lisa, Cole, and Olivia (almost one)were there. Heather's in-laws also brought her other son, Jack (6 months) to the reception. Elizabeth and Casey had their son Grant their too; however, Grant didn't last too long. He went home early with daddy. Lisa's parent's, Heather's parents, and Jill's parent's were there as well. It was nice to see them all again!

It was a beautiful day with a beautiful bride! We haven't seen Jill this happy before!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hughes!

May Happenings

Since I'm far behind, I'll just share a quick monthly update. May was filled with finishing up Grad school classes for the semester, birthdays, Mother's Day, and unexpected visitors.

I was able to go home for Mother's Day to visit my mom and see MeMe. As Laura mentioned in her blog, several of us where able to meet at Salemtowne for a quick visit Saturday morning. It was great to see everyone, especially the west coasters. Now we only have to wait until August to see them again! I gave mom a book from Shutterfly all about our CA trip. I think it might have been a hit! I know I enjoyed reading the pages over again for giving the book to her.

The first week in May, Travis called me after school and said his brother, sister-in-law, and niece were on their way to the mountains. They left Augusta that morning not sure where they were going. Their choices were Charleston or Asheville...you know which one was picked! We had dinner with them that first night at a place in downtown Hendersonville. We were able to sit outside and relax. Zion was a hit with everyone passing by! The next day, the guys went fishing; able to catch up on things. I think that's about all that was caught!!! We had dinner together at a Mexican place that we used to love. Not sure if we'll go back again though. Everyone was able to go on a hike the next day while I was at work. That night, they left and headed for the beach for the weekend! What a great surprise to have them visit!

Memorial Day weekend we spent down in Georgia. Our friends, Chris & Brandy, were moving from an apt. in Atlanta to a house in Athens. So, we went down early Saturday morning and spent all day getting everything moved. We got back late Sunday evening worn out! I'll have to take pictures next time we are down there.

Lastly, Happy Birthday to: Phillip Gribble, Becca Posner (May 9th)

Jill Hughes (May 25th)

Jammie Gribble, Dinah Watkins (May 31st)

CA...The End

Well, I just realized I never posted the last day of CA back in April! Wow, where did the time go? I seemed to have taken a short break from this blogging business. I'll try and step back again.

So, the last day in CA was spent packing and making our way to the airport. Laura took us through the Stanford campus again; dropping us off at her favorite spot. Mom and I had just enough time to take a few pictures and stick our heads into the church. It was beautiful inside... paintings everywhere. I did not take any pictures of the inside. The archways surrounding the entire quad were beautiful. My pictures do not do them justice. However, I have still included them.

After rushing back to the car, Laura got us to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flight. Flying into Memphis was a little rough with thunderstorms surrounding the area. We had a slight delay taking off again. A little medicine certainly helped calm me for the last flight to North Carolina! I enjoyed my visit out to CA, but I was glad to have landed in NC!

Thanks again to Laura and Grant for letting us take over any plans they might have had for that week! I highly recommend a stay at the luxurious Williard house!

Day 4...CA

Even though I was on the opposite coast, I still had to make it to my computer class. Lucky for me it was all online right?! That meant I had to be back at the house by 2:00. Laura very graciously agreed to drive mom and I up to Muir Woods for the morning. The great part was that we had to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to get there! I did not get any pictures of the bridge with my digital camera; instead I got two pretty good pictures with my camera phone. However, I have no idea how to get them from my camera to my computer...that's the next step right?! So, just imagine what it looks like close up!

Anyways, we set out for a quick trip to Muir Woods. None of these pictures will do any justice to the beauty of these trees. However, I have to at least include some of them. Looking up at those trees reminded me of the first time I ever stepped out of Grand Central Station in New York. I just looked up and stared in amazement at the massive buildings standing before me. The same was true for this adventure. I wanted to just stare up for days at the massive trees; however, Laura was pushing us to move on. We had a very limited time to be in the forest; and we all wanted to make the most of it. There was a "hole" in one tree (much like the one in the picture to the left) that I swear you could pitch a tent in! AMAZING!

After leaving Muir Wood, we swung by Stanford to pick up Grant (and his bike) and raced back to the house. Grant was quickly getting ready for a flight and I was quickly getting class started. Grant waved goodbye just as class was starting. It wasn't until he and Laura took off for the airport that I realized I wouldn't be seeing him until August. So, Grant...here's a long distance hug to make up for the one you missed! Laura fixed us dinner at the house again. We were joined by Maggie and Matt. Maggie explained all about her lab and what it is she really does. Surprisingly, I think I understood what she was telling me! For those of you that don't know, she's going to Stanford to get her masters/PhD in Physics! Way to go Maggie!

Laura, Mom, and I vegged out for our last night in CA.

Next stop...Stanford and Greensboro airport

April 11th: Day 3..San Fransico!

Wednesday morning Laura dropped mom and I off at the station to catch the CalTrain into San Fran. We were now on our own! It was my job to get us to San Fran and back before the last train left us! The morning was a bit dreary, but we had high hopes of some sun; which luckily we found upon arrival in the city! Not knowing exactly how far the train station was from our destination, we jumped into a taxi that delivered us to Union Square. We eventually found the ticket booth (we were searching for a much bigger stand), and waited in line for the cable car.

Our next stop was Chinatown. Lucky for us, if you miss one street, chances are the next one will take you to the same place! We walked down to the streets of Chinatown. We ventured into several stores, each of us making a few small purchases. Our stomachs were telling us it was time go, so we made our steep walk back up to catch the cable car.

It was on to Hyde Park and Fisherman's Wharf. We walked around Fisherman's Wharf until we found a restaurant that overlooked the bay. We enjoyed a nice lunch of salad and crab cakes, then headed back down to the streets. Once again we ventured into a few stores and each found a magnet and christmas ornament to remind of us our trip. You'll notice in the picture mom standing beside a sign. There were lots of people trying to get you to take their water taxi out to the bridge and Alcatrez. Mom just happened to look down and see the name of the boat: Lovely Martha. We decided the picture would be enough! I really wanted to get a closer look at the bridge, so we walked out on the Hyde Park Pier. The wind was so strong we had to push through the force to walk out farther, and I could hardly see through my hair! The view was worth the wind though! In these pictures you can see Alcatrez, the bridge, and the wind. As we walked back to the street, we also saw Ghirardelli Square..makes you want chocolate huh?!

Another site we both wanted to see was Lombard Street: the crookedest street in the world. After looking at the map, I convinced mom that it was only five blocks from Hyde Park. We were so close to not go see it. However, I had not remembered such a steep downhill ride on the cable car on our way in. So, we set off on the steepest climb I have ever been on! I have climbed many steep trails with Travis, but NEVER have I climbed something so steep. We both got a little worried when there were grooves in the sidewalks...so we couldn't fall backwards!!! We rejoiced each block we reached and celebrated even more when the light for walking was red! The quick rest was great! The walk was worth the site though! I'm glad I was just walking on that road, not driving! We made it back to the cable car, in a cab, and onto the right train to head back to Los Altos for dinner. There are still areas in the city I want to see, so I'll just have to plan another trip!

Next stop...Muir Woods and Stanfod

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!