W turns 5 in Steeler Style

It's today when I wonder where the past five years have gone?  It is hard to believe our "little-big man" turned 5 today!  We celebrated Sunday with a gathering of four of his neighborhood friends to enjoy cake and then an afternoon of running and playing non-stop at Mountain Playlodge.  (As always, thanks to Aunt G and Uncle B for the awesome cake!)  Today, we celebrated by sharing a cookie cake with his preschool friends and then dinner at Brixx Pizza.

Bookwalter Binge

We had plans this morning to participate in the inaugural Bookwalter Binge Gran Fondo; however, the winter weather that arrived overnight altered the Binge's plans.  The snow forced Brent and Jamie Bookwalter to cancel the rides as rider safety is paramount and it couldn't be guaranteed this morning.  (Thompson had been looking forward to riding the 30-mile distance on his new road bike.)  However, the after-party still went on and we had the opportunity to meet several pro cyclists (and T got a few autographs on his TTW jersey) who came out in support of the event, which raised funds for Trips for Kids WNC, a program dedicated to getting children outdoors and on bikes that might not otherwise have the opportunity.  The pro cyclists in attendance were:
Brent Bookwalter (BMC) and Jamie Bookwalter (former Colavita)
Tejay van Garderen (BMC)
Ty Magner and Joey Rosskopf (Hincapie Sportswear DevoTeam)
George Hincapie (retired pro)
Matthew Busche (Trek)
Mary Zider (Colavita)
Ally Stacher (Specialized-lululemon) and John Murphy (United Healthcare)
Jonny Clarke (United Healthcare)

Snow-vember

Winter weather was forecasted Halloween night, and much to our surprise, we woke up to 5 inches of snow!  I've heard of "frost on the pumpkin", but never snow.  Thompson enjoyed a morning in the snow, building a snowman with our new neighbor Caleb, sledding, and playing in the park with friends.  (William went home with Annie and Poppy after trick-or-treating for a "sweepover for two nights" so he wasn't around to enjoy this snow.)