Mountain Madness

So Mommmy Dearest learned a valuable lesson this week that my children DO have a limit and that I found it (and puched them past it!) After the crazy week, which ended up knocking everyone down a bit with cold bug, the kids and I (Jack got a hunting weekend for our anniversary gift) trudged forward with plans to go up to Lenoir and Tweetsie one last time this season. Turns out, Granny got very sick from the bug, so Nanny and I ended up taking the kids alone up the hill. The day was gorgeous and we all had our grins and laughs along the way as the beautiful pictures show, but we ended up with two very grouchy goblins on our hands come afternoon. A nice nap in the car and a big breath later we headed to the Beach cousins' restaurant, Twigs, for a fun costume dinner with Joie and Neil. So despite the bumps in the road, it was great spending time with the "grands" and maybe next time this mom will be a little more sensitive and flexible with two worn-out outlaws!

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Halloween Parties and Such...

What a busy week it has been, but full of fall fun! Monday, Nanny and Granny arrived for a little visit to GA. After Kinsey's Gril Scout Halloween party, they got to see Kinsey's horseriding lesson as she's getting ready to take her first jump soon. We had a bit of a scare that night when Max spiked a 105.5 fever that didn't want to come down, but he was a trooper and after a trip to the doctor and some bloodwork the next day, all was deemed well. Just seems we have a child who likes high temps. Great. Anyway, Granny and Nanny were such wonderful helpers and even agreed to stay an extra day. They enjoyed lunch with Kinsey and reading to her classmates and Trunk or Treat at church. Finally, here's some footage from Max's Halloween party at school this morning. He LOVES his "Fat Mickey" costume!


Making caramel apples



Singing "Leaves are Falling"

Athens Half

I was a last-minute entry for the 1st Annual Athens Half Marathon this weekend. A beautiful day, a very challenging course and the highlight of the event was the after party and a chance to ring the Chapel bell on UGA's campus--a first for me!

Spooky Saturday

While Kinsey was at her horse camp all morning, I was out buying Halloween baking and craft supplies. Meanwhile, the boys were up to getting into their own trouble at the Builder Workshop at Lowe's then a successful trip to the fishing hole.


After everyone got home, the crafting began. While Jack and I were assembling and decorating ghost cookies and withces hats for school parties, the kids worked on their own projects.




When the sun went down, the kiddos donned their costumes and we hit the road for the Haunted Night of Lights at Lake Lanier. Spooky lights, haunted fun houses and roasting marshmallows were a few of the higlights of the night.

BFF

Pics from Kinsey's first sleepover of first grade. Pizza, homecoming game and even a special campout for Max!

Whee and Yee Haw!

After a delicious breakfast and some catching up with friends from Seattle, the cousins got to hang out at Nanny and Papadad's house and the park and after lunch the gals went for a little trail ride a the stable. What a gorgeous day!

Surprise!

Saturday, we threw a suprise 60th birthday party for my dad at his neighborhood clubhouse. We had a great turnout, delicious food and the service was wonderful! I think everyone enjoyed themselves and the night turned out great. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Some pics before the party...




The surprise..



The party...




Too much fun...

Perfect Night

If I could pick the perfect night out, this is what it would be. Hanging out with friends and their families, a cool autumn night, grilling out with great food and drinks, and roasting marshmallows and listening to someone pick the guitar by the a campfire.

Last night, we enjoyed a little Steamtown reunion and recap at Teresa's beautiful home in the woods. The evening couldn't have been more perfect. The kids had a great time and made some new friends and the adults enjoyed each other's company as well.

Life is Good!

Superman?!?

Max is really starting to do well in his dance class. I think he still loves the attention he gets from being the only boy, but every now and then I wonder. In this clip, his teacher asked them all to pick a princess (or prince.) His choice--Superman. I'm not a Superman fanatic but I don't remember ever seeing THIS move!



I love this picture, too--soo attentive!

Steamtown 2010

Look how WAY far ahead of that girl I am!


View from the starting line

Mission Complete!


Marathon #3 was this past weekend in Scranton, PA. The fall leaves were beautiful, the weather was wonderful, and the course was amazing. To top it off, I beat my personal best time by 20 minutes, SMASHING Oprah's time by 2 minutes. Take that! ;)

A huge congrats to my buddy, Bill, who had an awesome race and qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2012. Way to go!

I guess there's no way to avoid it now...the countdown to NY is on! Yikes!

Hello Fall!

It is finally starting to feel and look a little like fall around here after a brutal and LONG summer. Before packing it up for my trip to Pennsylvania, Jack and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch for opening week. We got some really great pumpkins and the kiddos are really getting into the spirit of autumn getting our decorations out and up. What an exciting time of the year!