Bowlin Beige

As most of you probably know (if you've been on Facebook or read any college football news), JMU was the host for ESPN's College GameDay broadcast on October 24. It also happened to be Homecoming weekend, and we were playing in-state rival (and my former employer) University of Richmond. My DH was playing in an alumni golf tournament on Friday so we headed to the 'Burg on Thursday night to take full advantage of our visit.  A little chat with James Madison.  And a quick stop at the Kissing Rock Took a tour of the new performing arts center and had fun yelling in the tunnel. And of course, checked out the GameDay stage and set-up on the Quad... ...while Parker pouted under a tree.  My DH played in the golf tournament and forgot that we had sponsored a hole until he arrived. Meanwhile, the kids and I joined another family at the Massanutten Water Park (indoors) for some fun water slides and a lazy river and swimming hole fun. That ...

Fall is one of my favorite times of year, although it also tends to be the busiest. The days are a little cooler, the humidity goes down (which also means my hair goes down), the leaves are changing, and there are lot of fun activities to do with the kids. This year was no different - lots of fun times outdoors! This year the kids were required to CARRY their own pumpkins. Parker was a trooper and somehow managed to carry, roll, or drag his 10 lb pumpkin to the cart. He was so proud of himself!  This little beauty lost her second tooth! Enjoying SpartaFest with friends! This is our school's annual fall festival with food, rides, and games.  Melanie has been my best friend since I was three years old. We don't get to see each other that often these days since she is still in Maryland and I'm over here in Virginia. But we found a Sunday when both the hubbies were occupied and we met halfway at a farm with all the kids. They had a great time...

Last weekend we had a surprise retirement party for my father-in-law.  We had a great time keeping this a secret for the past few months. My brother-in-law, nieces and nephew joined us in North Carolina for a weekend visit with Skip and Reva. We planned a fun day with the kids and tricked Skip into thinking we had alternate plans for Saturday night. About 45 friends joined us at a local winery to surprise him. It was an awesome night! Breakfast with the whole family! Carolina and Ainsley enjoying some girl time!  Parker helped Grandaddy clean and organize his tool box.  Guests starting to arrive for the party! Even the rain couldn't keep these two from their greeting duties!  Time for the surprise!  At breakfast that morning we gave Skip a t-shirt that says "Retired - It's 5 o'clock everywhere!" Ironically he was wearing it underneath his long shirt, so he could show it off to everyone! Parker thought ...