North Carolina, Emily's Birthday, and Thanksgiving

Good Morning from freezing cold Brevard, North Carolina!

An annual tradition, make the kids run up the hill.

Cold enough for icicles!

Connestee Falls

Kids warming their feet by our only source of heat in the log cabin.

Hot apple cider and a blanket to keep warm!

Out to dinner for Emily's birthday and the wait staff sings to her.

Happy 11th Birthday!

Dad at the "carving station" at Children's Hospital- we serve meals to the oncology floor on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving with cousins!

Casey's Last Soccer Game

Goal!

Casey about to receive her trophy when her coach named her "best all around player."

Halloween

The Hippie...

The Butterfly...

And the Nerd!

Field Trips and Camping!

Prepping for camping- making sure the tent is perfect in our own backyards! Kids are definitely entertained.

Casey's kindergarten field trip to the farm!

Camping in October, and it was warm enough to swim.

Emily practices her slack line skills at the campsite.

My mermaid, Anna, is in heaven in the water. It was a beautiful campsite!

Fashionistas and High School Football

Me: Anna, you aren't going to chicken out and not do the fashion show to benefit Hope for Autumn Foundation, are you? Anna: Mommy, as long as I'm on stage, I'm good!

Emily and friends tailgating before the Hoover High School Game last Friday night.

Football, Team Emily, and Taylor Swift

Wood-fired ribs for opening day. Roll Tide!!

Team Emily!

Emily starting the race! Over 700 participants.

Papa won his age group!

Most of Team Emily before the race.

In Nashville for Taylor Swift concert!

Enjoying downtown Franklin the night before the concert.

Inside the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Moms enjoying a cocktail before the concert.

I think they had a good weekend.

Friends and family- what life is all about!

In awe of the beauty of this hotel!

Summer's Last Hurrah

Celebrating an old friend's upcoming wedding at the beach!

Fishing in Mobile Bay.

Sunset over the bay..

We love summer!

First day of school! This was the undirected pose.

Neighborhood friends at the bus stop.

Casey getting on the bus for the first time on her way to kindergarten!

On the road again...

Fun at University of Wisconsin's Union Terrace.

Hugs for Ryan's Aunt Pat and Grandma Knerr- just turned 96!

Do it yourself face painting. Yikes.

Picnic and jet skis on Lake Mendota. Beautiful day.

Cousin Austin entertaining the kids.

Back in Birmingham- ponytails and popsicles at Steel City Pops.