We're Engaged!

Hello all, just wanted to let you know (if you don't already) that Coach and I are engaged! He proposed on the beach of the Neuse River last week, and we are extremely excited about making plans for the event. I don't have any details yet, but we are starting that process. Anyway, I will post pictures soon, but just wanted to share the good news!

North Carolina State Fair!

The NC State Fair is in town! We went with Addrian and Alison, and while there, we ate everything we could. The food is always so good at the State Fair. Its always fun to be among the diverse crowd and to see and hear all of the events around you.

The Famous Ferris Wheel.

Everyone gets love at the top of the Wheel!

The view from the top.

Alison and Addrian enjoying the ride.

Its our state's fair... and we're happy about it.

Ocracoke Island

Since October for the most part has felt like August, we decided it would be a great time to go to Ocracoke. After a very interesting Ferry ride to say the very least... we got over to our campsite and had a wonderful time relaxing and hanging out on the beach. Of course, no trip to Ocracoke would be complete without a trip to Howard's Pub and the Ocracoke Coffee Co.-- so we paid our dues. Unfortunately, Coach was unable to come with us due to a prior engagement, and so April, Meredith, Addrian, Alison, Kristen and I went-- leaving Addrian as the lone male ranger. He was a good sport. Its always so refreshing to go to Ocracoke, and I can't wait to go back.

The Village.

My new tent...away from all the sandspurs.

Taking a break from all of her running around.

At the Pub.

All smiles... they were happy with their beer selection.



The beaches of Ocracoke.

Katfo and Freddie P

So, in late September, my great friend Katherine Forehand Smith and her fabulous husband Fred came to Charlotte to surprise their sister (and sister in law) on her birthday. Amanda Niles, Alison Henry, E.A. Ritter and I went to celebrate with the family and spend some good time with our friends. It was great to see them state-side as the last time we saw each other was in London. I hope to see them again soon back in London.

Nice.

Hahahahaha.

What a good-looking bunch!

The Smith's.

A few drinks into it...

The Hog!

A couple of weekends ago, we went with Sarah and David Madison (the newlyweds) to Hog Island. This is a private island that was donated to camp, and actually used to be an entire village in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It also served as a hunting lodge well into the 20th century. But now, the lodge and island, belong to Camp Sea Gull and Seafarer-- so we run programs and trips out to the Hog during the summer. We just wanted to go for a weekend to hang out and to see if the rumors of it being haunted are true. We had a blast...David cooked the best Shrimp and Grits I have EVER had, and then we listened to music and played cards all night. Consequently, that same night Kentucky beat Louisville (which a hardcore KY fan friend of mine wanted to make sure was included since it is so important). Happy now, Mac? Anyway, we didn't see any ghosts but we were awakened in the middle of the night by the island's wild horses causing a ruckus outside our windows. Its such an amazing place.