Irene Who?

Although Columbia was not in the path of Irene, Pat and I decided to use that as and excuse to escape to the mountains.

It was beautiful weather, sunny and blue skies. It was about 80 degrees in Brevard during the day but as we traveled higher into the mountains the temperature kept dropping. As we reached Devils Courthouse the car thermometer was reading 68, so I grabbed a long sleeve shirt before we began the trail. It was sooo windy at the top but well worth it.



The view from our starting point...

The view from the top...

This is the panoramic view. It shows how windy it really was...

And this is Pats photo entry for the 'Deer Park' water advertisment...

*Please click on the picture to enlarge. It's worth it!

Family photo...

For those of you who don't know Maggie...

This is her excited face!

After a huge breakfast at the Inn on Sunday morning we packed up and were on our way to Pisgah Forest.

Pat enjoying his morning coffee on the porch swing.

We walked the trails in the Cradle of Foresty in Pisgah. It is the site of the first school of forestry. As we walked we stopped and read about the history of the land and we saw some of the original buildings that the rangers used.

Then we stopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a picnic lunch. It was a little windy but the view was amazing.



Another refreshing weekend!

Girls Weekend!

This weekend was designated as girls weekend.
Saturday afternoon was Haleys shower which was followed by her class reunion. The shower was a good way to get the day started. Beautiful setting and good food!

The afternoon turned out to be nice so Jenny and Jackie and I decided to go out to the lake. We had a plan to pick Haley up from the reunion by boat, but an unfortunate rain storm kept us at home.We didn't get to the lake house until after 4 and we were in bed around 11 but we packed those 7 hours with enough fun and laughter to make up for the last few months we have missed. I love you guys so much...remember when we were all just a short car ride apart? Ahhh, those were the days!

And Haley, now you are all showered up and ready for Jamaica! Can't wait, it is going to be FABULOUS!

Need a good laugh?

If your answer is yes, then this video will do the trick. It gets me every time...

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."

- E.E. Cummings

The Jacobs take North Dakota

We spent this weekend at the Stiers house trying to squeeze some last minute quality time in with the Jacobs before their big move to Minot, ND. Saturday was Ella Joys birthday celebration. She was so excited! Pat and I got her a 'birthday princess' tiara and a 'Miss Birthday Girl' sash. Aside from the time she spent in the pool, she was wearing that tiara!

I think she had a great birthday (minus the apple juice boxes...Jenny)! Lots of family and friends came over which made the day even more exciting. I don't come from a huge family and a 'small' gathering for the Stiers seems like a big deal to me, but it was so much fun. I spent a lot of time trying to help out whichever child seemed to need it at the moment. One my favorite parts was giving Georgia her bath! We haven't been able to spend as much time with her as I would like (for those of you who may not know, she is only 7 months old) so I enjoyed a little one-on-one time!

There was something much bigger to celebrate as well....David is done with school!!! Congratulations! I know it has been a long road for everyone and they are so excited to set up their new home. It might take us a while but, hopefully, we will make it out for a visit.

Their flight was leaving at 5:30 this morning and they had three connections to make...I hope all is going well! And I wonder if Ella Joy is still wearing her tiara? Hmmm?

We love you guys!!

3rd Annual 4th of July Celebration

Well we did it again....
A weekend full of sun, fun, food and friends!
It was mid-afternoon by the time everyone arrived on Saturday. That's the great thing about the summer, the days are long. We had enough time to enjoy the sun and do some swimming before dinner and then we were off to see the fireworks.

 

Even the dogs were decked out for the occasion...

God Bless America!!

I want to give a special thanks to Jesse and Pat
for being our boat captains for the weekend.
 

And for preparing our wonderful BBQ

(Beware: Graphic photo below)

Doesn't that look like the face of a professional?

The sunset cruises were my favorite part. Sunday was especially nice. Everyone who stopped by for the day had left and it was only close family and friends. It was a great way to wrap up a great weekend!

Thank you everyone for all of your help. Another year of great memories.

I miss everyone already!!