OOPS!

In an effort to clean the pool and the pool cover ~ I needed to let the pool cover dry....so, i spread it out on the grass and left it for a mere 24 hours. When I picked up said cover to fold it, this is what I found...

who knew a plastic cover on the grass in the blazing hot sun for 24 hours would do such a thing?

Actually, I think a UFO may have landed in our back yard!

At least it wasn't the front yard!

Lesson learned. You're welcome!

Lucky 13

December 7, 1996 ~ 13 years ago...Greg and I were married 13 years ago today! Hard to believe it's been that long. We've had a great 13 years ~ a few moves, a couple of kids, and just enjoying living life together ~ as much today as we did back then! I look forward to the next 13 years!

Photos courtesy of Reagan!!

Grove Park Inn

Greg and I were blessed to be able to spend 3 nights at the Grove Park Inn this week. I worked an exhibit at a conference that was held at the Inn, so Greg got to spend the nights with me. We had a great time just being a couple, but couldn't wait to see our kids after 4 days without them! Thanks again to Gigi and Bubba for holding down the fort while we were gone!

The Grove Park Inn

We stayed in the historic part of the hotelHistoric = not remodeled in 50 years!!

the bathroom

funny story ~ I had checked in, gotten to my room & 5 minutes later the power went out...and was out for almost 2 hours. This picture was taken in complete darkness.

The National Gingerbread House competition was being held while we were there. Not sure why this picture didn't completely upload, but just imagine a finished birdhouse. This was the 2009 Grand Champion Gingerbread House

This was the youth division champion

the next few shots are gingerbread houses that I thought were pretty good

Greg & I in a picture...together!

I asked a couple to take a close up, and this is what we got

I then asked if she would take a "head shot" and this is what we got. Oh well, no one takes pictures like I would do it, but at least we have a picture of us together!

The Christmas tree in the middle of the inn

Our last morning there, it began to snow

The great fireplace

Meat & Cheese

I made my annual trip to the Southern Christmas show with Beth & Debbie. We have gone together for about 4 years now. This year, peer pressure got the best of me, and I had meat and cheese for lunch. I must say, it wasn't that bad ~ I can handle it once a year! Hopefully, I will now be invited to come to the Women's show ~ hint, hint!

The Biltmore

Today, as part of our team building exercise, we were able to tour the Biltmore House. We were actually allowed to do a "behind the scenes" tour and saw parts of the house that aren't open to the general public, including going out onto the rooftop deck. Thanks again Uncle Astra!

The Biltmore House

Some of my coworkers ~ Julie, Sharon, Betsy and me

A view from one of the rooftop decks

Part of the grounds

Looking at one part of the roof from another

A view of the gardens

Rooftop view

Julie (my counterpart) and me

The rooftop monogrammed with GV

Very steep roof line

Mountain views

A private entrance to the Vanderbilt's bedroom

Business

This week, I've been in a meeting with my company ~ which happens to be about 15 minutes from Greg's office. We're staying at the Grand Bohemian hotel~very nice, just reminds me a little of the Adams Family. I'm very fortunate that Greg has been able to stay with me overnights, so he doesn't have to drive back and forth to work for these 3 days. We're even more thankful that Gigi and Bubba agreed to come over and run after Reagan and Cooper.

Here are some pictures of the room we're staying in.

The desk area

The bedroomThe bathroom

The soaking tub has shutters that open up into the bedroom

Thanks Uncle Astra for a little weekday getaway!

I Did It!

I broke down and bought a new camera. I decided to go with a Canon this time instead of a Nikon. I'm having a withdrawals from my old camera, but I'm trying to tell myself it's just because I knew the ins and outs of it and I'm having to start all over and learn everything about this one.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my 35th, yes 35th birthday. We celebrated all weekend beginning with a surprise red velvet cake (my favorite) from Greg on Friday. Mom and dad came up for my birthday weekend too!

My 1st birthday cake in 12 years ~ and I've enjoyed EACH AND EVERY calorie in it!

Everyone enjoying the cake Reagan usually only eats the icing, but red velvet must be her favorite cake too. She ate an entire piece. Cooper enjoyed juice. 2 months buddy, 2 more months. On Sunday (my actual birthday), we ate at Olive Garden after church Reagan kept saying, "this is so much fun, I'm having so much fun!" We have to get her out more often! Cooper had his 1st taste of fettuccine alfredo He even licked the plate!