Thanksgiving at the Farm

This year Nick and I were able to spend part of Thanksgiving day on my grandparents farm in Walburg, NC.  They purchased the land and built their house when I was young and we have so many great memories of the farm.  Over the years Papa and Grams have had cows, sheep, a donkey, chickens and a rooster among other things!  My cousins, Laurie and I loved swimming in the creek, climbing up in the hayloft in the barn, and hiking all over the 27 acres.

A few of the sheep-  over the years we have been able to hold the baby lambs in the spring-  so cool!

All four of the cousins (and hubbys) were able to make it this year which was so much fun! 

Sister and their babies-  Anna and Copeland

We were also able to celebrate Papa's 80th birthday that day! 

After lunch the guys challenged each other to what is becoming a new tradition- racing down the long driveway on scooters.  Here are their game faces-

nice game face Pat

 I actually got a few pictures of Nick and I- thanks Blair!

I love this next one-  all four cousins and our husbands! We have so much to be thankful for- I am so thankful for family and our relationships.  Love yall so much!

Neuse River Trail

One great thing about where we live in Raleigh is the new Neuse River Trail that opened up right after we moved.  Right now it's about 7 miles long, but it will eventually connect to other greenways throughout the city.  It is a beautiful, smooth trail that follows the Neuse River.  We love running there and riding our bikes.  And the best part is that it's just a few minutes from our apartment. 

Fall Weekend in the NRV

A few weeks ago, Nick and I headed back to VA for a wedding.  Nick's lifetime friend Matt got married in Roanoke, and we decided to make a long weekend out of it.  We stayed in a B&B and enjoyed exploring the mountain town.  On Saturday morning we drove to the top of Mill Mountain, which has a few trails and a great overlook.  It was a perfect fall day and a beautiful view!  The wedding was great and we are so happy for Matt and Allison! (sadly I did not take any pictures at the wedding). 

the Roanoke star on top of Mill Mountain

Saturday night after the wedding we made the drive to Blacksburg for the night.  We couldn't be in VA and not make a stop to see some great friends while we were there.  It was so nice to be back in the quaint college town and even more wonderful to catch up with friends.  Sunday on our way out of town, we stopped for a relaxing lunch at Chateau Morrisette which is a vineyard and restaurant off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it!  The food was amazing and the wine was good too.

We loved spending time with the Boleys and Whiteds who we really miss! We have to make that happen again soon!

the guys

the girls

all of us!