Fitness Update

See my fitness blog for an update.

Gatlinburg Trip

We were in Gatlinburg, TN from Friday through Monday. We spent Saturday and Sunday at Dollywood where we rode lots of rides, saw 1 1/2 Rhonda Vincent concerts, and ate some great food. Dollywood is a great theme park with very friendly and accommodating people, beautiful landscaping, and lots for everyone (even those of us who don't like rides). The fall decorations were very festive. Fletcher loved all the rides but declared the soaking River Rampage his favorite. On Monday we rode the Sky Lift for an amazing view before heading home. It was a very enjoyable trip!

We're Off!

Tomorrow morning we are taking off, running away, skipping town for a few days. We have had a crumby week (month really) and are looking forward to a much needed trip away from home. We'll be driving to Gatlinburg, TN and staying in the "Alpine Retreat." We plan to go to Dollywood (yee-haw!) for amusement park rides, train rides, Bluegrass music including Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and BBQ. Sounds hokey but wonderfully fun. I'm hoping the weather is just like today: cool with a slight breeze. Perfect for my ideal fall outfit: jeans, cute shirt,and flats. You know I'll take lots of photos and post them upon our return.

Busy Weekend

Friday we went to visit Mom and Aaron for Mom's birthday. We took lunch and enjoyed hanging out and visiting with our family. Saturday was cleaning house and running errands and babysitting on Saturday night. Sunday was Touch-a-Truck and then to my Aunt Jolene's house for lunch and more family time with my aunt and uncle, Aunt Hilda and my Daddy. Fletcher loved Touch-a-Truck (where he sat in a jet cockpit, in the cab of a dump truck, a digger, and a garbage truck as well as climbing all over a fire truck) but I think Uncle David's toys were more fun: Fletcher got to ride on the tractor with Uncle David (notice who is steering!) and sitting on the motorcycle, four-wheeler, and jet ski. Aunt Jolene and Uncle David have invited us to camp out on their beach (they live on the lake) and we can't wait to make that happen! Fletcher will love it!

Fall Homeschool Day at Latta Plantation

Today Fletcher and I went to Latta Plantation after school for Fall Homeschool Day. Tonya and her kids met us there and we all enjoyed learning about the farm animals, watching a spinning demonstration, making crafts, and more. It was a beautiful day to be at one of our favorite places.

Great Haircut, Finally!

After 2 recent misses I have finally gotten a great haircut thanks to Abee at Hair Color Experts in Birkdale. It was a wonderful experience and I knew the minute that I sat in her chair that she knew what I wanted and how to do it. It is so important to have good hair, it effects my entire outlook. I am so happy to have found someone and I vow to never be "cheap" when it comes to my hair again!

Happy Birthday, Lannie!

Fletcher's friend Lannie celebrated her 4th Birthday with a party at the Children's Art Project in Cornelius. Fletcher, Cam, and I had a great time, enjoyed seeing lots of school friends, and helping Lannie celebrate her big day. Happy Birthday, Lannie!

Today we drove to back Carrigan Farms to say "Hi" to Danielle who was busy working, taking pictures for the next edition of Charlotte Baby and Child. Danielle is letting me borrow one of her cameras for a while which I got from her today and I am so grateful! Thanks, Danielle! While we were there I spied this lone sunflower in the middle of the pumpkin patch. Afterwards we headed to the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte for Family Fun Day. We all made collages ala Romare Bearden. We toured the museum and enjoyed the huge lawn and fountain.

Sunday School

This past Sunday morning was Sunday School Fall Open House at St. Alban's. We were glad to be back to Sunday School and church. Here's Fletcher making a name tag and contributing to the Pre-K Sunday School Class' artwork for Habitat for Humanity, and a photo he took of me modeling his finished name tag.

I LOVE Fall!

Even though it was 90 degrees today there was a hint of fall in the air. Fall is by far my favorite season! I love the cooler weather, wearing jeans, fall colors, apples, pumpkins, and all that fall means to us. All my favorite things to do happen in the fall, too and it's hard to fit it in to 1 season: apple pickin', pumpkin pickin' with the Harringtons, day trip to Altapass, Fall Homeschool Day at Latta Plantation, day trip to Tweetsie, Halloween, going to Cinnci for Thanksgiving, picnic on the Parkway, etc. I wish fall could last all year!

Apple Pickin' at Carrigan Farms

We always go to Carrigan Farms in October for pumpkin pickin', but this was our first time in their orchards. Ed, Fletcher, and I enjoyed a picnic by the pond, picking apples, seeing 3 adorable pink piglets (who we found love apples), and sitting on the tractor. I felt very fortunate sitting with my family under a huge oak tree by a pond. Very fun day! Carrigan Farms never disappoints.

It's the Little Things

Fletcher and I stopped by the Farmer's Market in Huntersville on Saturday and picked up some beautiful fresh flowers. They and he make me happy!

First Day of School

Today was Fletcher's first day of preschool for the year. He was happy to be going and went in the class without hesitation. And by all reports he had a good day (other than a minor altercation on the playground). So it seems we're off to a pretty good start. We headed over to the Sandlot after school and enjoyed each others company. I really missed Fletcher today and wasn't sure what to do with myself. I want have that problem soon since my fall schedule gets really crazy starting tomorrow. Knowing that things are going well for Fletcher at school will make the transition from summer to fall easier for all of us.

Beginner's Day

Yesterday was Beginners Day at St. Alban's Weekday Preschool. This will be Fletcher's 3rd year at St. Alban's. My big boy is in the 4-year-old class, aka The DinoFours! Our visit yesterday went very well and I was impressed with the teachers and the classroom. This year the kids will be doing more pre-school type activities which should prepare them for the big move to elementary school next year (gasp!) and should keep Fletcher engaged in learning. Today is the official first day and I'm feeling positive. Wish us luck!

New Survey: Skincare

What is your favorite/best skincare brand or product?

I used to use the Timewise system by MaryKay. Then switched to Proactive, and now use Burt's Bees. Everything works for a while then doesn't.

Comment with your responses and then I'll add the info in a list form in the Current Survey to the left.