Thanksgiving in New Bern

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving in New Bern with Brian's parents. Also in town for the festivities were Mark, Miriam, & Neils, as well as Aunt Doris, Uncle Jim, and Nathan.

Playing in the fall leaves





Aunt Doris with Rachel & Caroline
Coloring with Neils
Nathan & Hal playing Candyland with the girls
Nathan and Uncle Jim
Visiting FORT MACON in Atlantic Beach

This is a panorama picture that I made in photoshop from 4 individual photos -- it's not perfect, but it's pretty neat to get the wider view! Click on it to see it larger on your screen --

Hockey Game for Hutch & Rachel's birthdays

Brian and Rachel took Allen and Hutch to a Hurricanes Game to celebrate Hutch & Rachel's November birthdays. It was Hutch's first time at a hockey game, and he loved it! There was plenty of action to enjoy from their front row seats, and one of the referees even gave them each a game puck -- which made for great souvenirs (and happy little spectators)!

Rachel's Birthday Party at the Bowling Alley

This year, Rachel decided to have her birthday party at the bowling alley -- and fun was had by all! It was hilarious seeing that many little kids bowling -- but they did great! (with bumpers in the gutters of course!). Here are some pictures from the big event!

Uncle Robert helps Hutch & Rachel choose the right size ball

Rachel's friends Ella and Bella
Cousin Tucker

Andy Ruvo helping Amelia and Laurel with their bowling skills

Amelia Ruvo and Isabel Smith
Cousin Nelson wants to be part of the action, too!
In the party room for lunch & cake

Field Trip to Jordan Lake

On Thursday, Rachel's kindergarten class had a picnic lunch at a park at Jordan Lake, and family members were invited too! So I was able to take Caroline and Sarah with me to join in the fun. The leaves were colorful, and it was a nice, cool fall day.

The picnic area was not really near the lake, but we did find our way to the water while on a "nature hike." Below is Rachel's friend Catalina.

Rachel with her buddies Chloe and Catalina (and I'm not sure who the boy in green is)

The picnic lunch
Class photo (well, most of the class -- a few weren't interested in being in the picture!)

Brian's 15th Reunion at Davidson

We went to Davidson last Saturday to enjoy a beautiful fall day at our alma mater, and also to celebrate Brian's 15th reunion. The girls had a fun time seeing where we went to school! They are ready to join the classes of 2027, 2029, and 2032!

Our friends John & Meredith Murchison, with their 2-year-old daughter Clara. John was Brian's buddy in college, and roommate during grad school in Chapel Hill.

Running Again

Now that fall is here, with cooler mornings and less humidity, I am so happy to have begun running again! I started jogging back in September, on the days that both Rachel & Caroline are at school. Keep in mind that starting out wasn't easy -- this town is called Chapel HILL, after all; and I have to push about 50 lbs. of jogging stroller with me everywhere I go!
Thankfully, I am now officially in shape, enjoying my runs, and especially loving the colorful leaves.
Last Friday I took my camera with me (what's a few ounces when you're already lugging around so much else?) -- here are some photos from my beautiful run around Carrboro.