Go G Go!

Graham (Avery's sister...and better known as Aunt G these days) successfully ran a half marathon this morning with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's “Team In Training” program. She and her friend Janie ran in memory of their friend MC who passed away in April due to complications from leukemia. While their collective goal was to raise $4,000 ($2,000 each) for the LLS, they raised $11,900 and became one of the top ten Team in Training fundraisers for the NYC Half Marathon. Aunt G, we know you and Janie made MC proud! For more information, we encourage your to visit Mary Claire Satterly Foundation at http://www.mcspirit.org/.

"Blueberries All Over the Place"

Thompson and I (mommy) headed south on the Blue Ridge Parkway this morning for an adventure. We were unsuccessful in finding a new "gem of a spot" for picking blueberries (although I noted two additional place to try the next time were up for exploring). So, we decided to stop back by one of our favorite spots - Graveyard Fields - for a picnic, dipping of our feet in the water, hiking and picking blueberries. As Thompson kept reminding me, "let's keep hiking mom, there are blueberries all over the place". And in fact, there were!

Happy 90th CMW!

We spent the weekend at Camp Merrie-Woode where were joined with hundreds of other alumnae, parents and campers to celebrate Merrie-Woode's 90th season of camping for young girls. Having spent 13 summers along the banks of Lake Fairfield underneath Old Bald, it was like going home - with all the familiar sights, sounds and smells of camp. And, of course, it was great to see so many familiar faces from summers past.

A Picture Worth 1000 Words

The picture says it all! Plus video of Thompson enjoying one of his favorite activities at Ma-mere and Pa-pere's mountain house. Stihl and Caterpillar should be proud!

Happy 4th!

We escaped to Cashiers yet again to celebrate the 4th holiday with our families. Graham (aka Aunt G) flew in from New York for several days...and it is always great to have her home. (She is training for a half-marathon in support of her friend MC that passed away in April due to complications from leukemia. Be sure to check out the link to her Team in Training page!)

We enjoyed spending time outside around the house and ventured out one day to hike to King Creek Falls with Avery's parents. Thompson walked the entire 2+ mile trip on his own - navigating the tree roots and learning how to use a walking stick.

We spent the evening of the 4th with Bobby's parents enjoying the sounds of the symphony while dining on traditional cookout fare under the mountains. Thompson participated in the children's parade and reminded us all that the fireworks were loud and we needed to "cover your ears".

From our family to yours, we trust you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. And may you remember the significance of this day and as well as our troops that continue to serve our country both here and abroad.