Wonderful Weekend With Friends

Friday: Trip to Windy Hill Apple Orchard. Disappointed and Discouraged. Called ahead to see if we needed reservations for 4 mothers and 14 children (wow...I know). "No" they said, "just let us know when you arrive". They did not tell me that they no longer do hayrides, tell the Johnny Appleseed story in character, or give out samples of fresh apple juice and a donut. We learned that upon arrival. Anderson didn't understand why we didn't ride a big green tractor. Anagrace didn't understand why a pet pig was not a good idea. The baby piggies were very cute, but I assured her that they would grow up to look like their not-so-cute mother! Picked apples, looked at the farm animals and had a picnic lunch. Although it wasn't the trip we had envisioned, it was still a fun time with friends.

Dickson and Anagrace ready to fill their bags with apples

Anderson contemplating taking a bite

Anagrace reaching high for her apple Gracie and the goat showing their best profile for the camera

Gracie and Emma, aot sure what those expressions are about?!

Obviously a heavy bag of apples! About 31/2 feet tall this Fall!
Cute baby chicks

Cuter baby pigs

Saturday: Justin and I ran the 5k Race for the Cure in downtown. We ran it with our friends from church, Mandy and Byron. (didn't take my camera to get a picture of the 4 of us, bummer) Now, I do not consider myself a runner. I did run track in high school, but the longest event I competed in was 400 meters. We finished in about 36 minutes. Justin definitely could have finished quicker, but he waited on me. It was his idea for us "to do something together". We spent the rest of the day just the two of us (The kids spent the day with their Grammie...thanks, Grammie!). We enjoyed the gorgeous fall weather by riding all over Charlotte in the Jeep. We stopped by a church Fall Festival in the Mountain Island Lake area to look at their car show, then ventured over to IKEA in Concord for lunch and shopping.

A post race photo

A photo of Justin's Jeep with the kids' jeep. (I guess you're never too old for toys)

Sunday: We went to the best church ever! If you are looking for a church in the Charlotte area, visit Elevation! We've decided to start attending the Uptown location. We have been going to the Providence location for 2 years now. Although I feel that the move to Uptown is the right choice, it didn't feel like "home" at the new location. I'm sure that will come with time. During the sermon, the guest pastor said something along the lines that God will call you to the unfamiliar to reach your true potential. UmHmm!

We ate lunch with our dear friends, the Helms after the service. It was a gorgeous fall day, so we walked a few blocks to Fuel pizza. The kids had a great time playing with the dough and hanging out on the patio. Then we were off to our other dear friends, the Massey's house to celebrate their precious baby girl's first birthday! I can't believe our littlest ones, our babies, are one!

The mommies...Amy, Dawn and MeThe mommies with all the one-year-olds...it was a difficult photo to get!Ashton hugging on Mallory...can I get a collective "Awww"Gracie and Jordyn, friends forever

The beautiful birthday baby, Jaelyn!

What a wonderful weekend with friends!