The Seasons are a Changing

At Linville Falls.

I can't believe it's been almost two months since I've written. If life keeps going by this fast, I will be 80 before I know it.

My grandma would probably agree with that statement.  She is 88 years old today.  "When I look in the mirror, I think, 'Who is that old woman?'" she said last night.  Time has gone by so fast, it seems impossible that 88 years have passed.


Per usual, my life has been full of changes. 

Ryan and me on top of Hawks Bill.

In October, I got the chance to spend a lovely weekend in the mountains with Mom, Dad, Aunt Sarah, Grandma Bailey and Ryan.  While we were there, the neighbors had a big BBQ and we enjoyed seeing them and catching up.  The leaves were lovely and I got some absolutely beautiful photos.  I enjoyed showing my favorite hike/lookout spot (Hawksbill) to Ryan, and the weather was lovely. 

I also found out that Tiffany (whose wedding I was the maid of honor in last May) is now pregnant!  I can't believe that my best friend whom I've known since we were 9 years old is going to have a baby.  It's so strange and wonderful.  She will be due around her first anniversary, and I'm so excited to become an aunt. :)

fall leaves

We held a Halloween party at Ryan's house on Nov. 1 which was quite the success - everyone dressed up and we all had a great time.  Ryan was Maverick from Top Gun and I was the blonde instructor.  

Unfortunately, a few days later, Ryan and I broke up.  We hope to be friends again, and there are no hard feelings on either side.  I will miss his frequent presence in my life, but I know God has a plan and the "right one" just isn't here yet.

Me, Mom, Aunt Sarah at Linville Falls.

Shortly thereafter, Aunt Coleen, Megan and baby Millie came into town.  It was so wonderful seeing them and seeing how much Millie has grown in 2 months!  She is still as sweet and good as ever, but with more personality.  She is going to be one smart cookie - she just watches and observes and takes everything in.  One night, she was feeling particularly chatty and mom took a video of her "talking."  When they played it back for her, she was so funny.  She sat up straighter and her eyes got really big, and she started talking back (to herself).  It was hysterical. 

It was really lovely to have them in town that weekend, because there is nothing more distracting or joyful than a baby - and it is impossible to be sad when you see that little face. 

Baby Millie. 3 months, 1 week.

I also got the opportunity to go up to Raleigh for one night when Erika was in town and celebrated with her and her brother Aaron for their birthdays.  I always love visiting their family, and it was so good to see Erika.  I will see her and Lieselotte again over Christmas break.  

Since then I've kept myself very busy with seeing shows, going to parties, silks, Frisbee, dance and soon I'll be hosting 3 potluck dinners in a row.  The first will be with my lifegroup this Friday, then another one on Wednesday with my Frisbee group, and another on Dec. 3 (for First Friday Night Dinner). 

At a silk performance in the park.

I've also been quite busy with work, as we are soon getting a new website - and guess who is writing all the content?  That would be me. lol  Luckily, I've gotten myself an intern, so hopefully once she's fully trained, she will relieve some of the burden. 

Tonight I'm going to the "Red Hot Turkey Bash" - which is where I met my friend Jeff last year. It was so much fun last year, so I hope this year will be as enjoyable.

I'm really excited about Thanksgiving next week!  We'll be eating/celebrating with Grandma and Grandpa at the Cypress, then on Friday we'll be going up to Uncle David's mountain house where all four of his kids will be in town!  I'm SO excited to see my cousins, especially Michael.
  
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because it almost always means spending significant time with family.