Father Daughter Dinner and Dance

You might remember that last year Olivia and John attended a Father/ Daughter dance at our church around Valentines Day. Olivia was so disappointed when the church did not offer this again, so we decided to plan one ourselves and invite some close friends. The following are pictures of this fun night!

All ready to dance. Doesn't she look so old! What happened to my cute baby?! 

She looks like a mini- teenager!

New dress, purse, and shoes for the occasion. 

First, all the Fathers and Daughters met for dinner at a favorite local Mexican Restaurant. 

After dinner, the girls came back to our friends' (The Campbells!) house for a fun night of dancing. 

Punch, cupcakes and lollipops were served. 

Toby Mac, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", and "Twist and Shout" were played!

Fun was had by all. 

Sweet friends! 

Virginia Creeper Trail

 Over Labor Day we went with a group of friends to Virginia. We camped at Beartree Campground and rode down the VA Creeper trail  as a group. It was great fun. I would definitely go again! I don't really love to camp - but doing it with these friends was really awesome.

 Ethan is a strong rider and we were not worried about him on the 17 mile (downhill) trail. But, Isaac and Liv are still learning and we were concerned this was too long for them. So we rented two "tag - along" bikes. Isaac rode with John and Olivia with me. They loved it! And, it made it a lot less nerve wrecking to have them attached to us!!

About 5 minutes after I took this picture it poured down rain on us! We were all a lot colder at the beginning than we thought we would be.

 

 After several miles we all stopped and ate lunch in this little shelter. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but it was POURING down rain as we ate our pb&j's!! 

 Our three little bikers. Covered in mud. They had a great time - but were seriously filthy by the end!!

 

 After we had ridden about half way the sun came out and we stopped to swim in the (freezing) river that winds around the trail. It was refreshing!! 

 

 Most of the group. After the tents were all packed up at the campsite. So thankful for friends who invite you to do things you would never have thought of yourself!!

ShinDig

Life is better with friends. 

Missed you Kim and Amy!

A Beach Party

Last week (just five days after we moved back!) we went on an annual beach weekend with friends from church.

John and I are so thankful to be surrounded by such great friends and 4 days at the beach was just what we needed after moving and all the stress that came with it. I don't think sitting in a hot tub, reading on the sand, and watching countless movies in the media room has ever felt better or more relaxing!

Above are the pictures of the group right before dinner on Saturday night.

What Have We Been Up To?

One of the best things about living back in the mountains is that several friends from college are still here (and others love to visit!). In the last several weeks - the best thing we have done here is have these college friends over! Just like always we like to grill out and have families over... so here is the mountain edition...

Robyn and Spence (close friends from college) came up for the weekend and we had two other couples over for fun and merriment.
What you kind of see on the counter is kabobs.

Some kiddos - they insisted on eating outside - although it was pretty chilly.

Wild man Isaac with his buddies. But, oh boy does he miss best bud Asher. Still talks about him every day and every time we have people over he asks, "Asher going to come too?".

Ethan and one of his favorite silly friends... Samuel.

Ethan has done well with the changes and adjusted to life here quickly. We are thankful he has made several new friends at church and school... but he still misses his best bud Kieran.

And, what BBQ would be complete with a princess or two?
Here is Olivia (new haircut and all) with her new buddy. But, she still misses Maddie and Campbell A LOT and asks for them everyday.

What, can I say, I know what they mean I miss my friends too! Although life here has many new adventures it is still hard to say good- bye to such great friends back home.

Bye for now... it has been a long day. More on that tomorrow.

A Weekend with Friends

This weekend we were blessed to spend time with our close friends from our old life.
5 of my closest girl friends came up the mountain (and 2 of their babies) to hang out, shop, eat, and laugh. I am so thankful to have such great friends. Truly they are one of the best gifts I have received on this planet.

John took the kids down the mountain to hang out with these ladies' spouses and kids.

Ethan was also thrilled to see his best bud (pictures above). He has really missed that guy!

Thanks, to all our friends for a great and refreshing weekend.

A Time to Rejoice

Olivia and I had the opportunity to rejoice with some of our best friends on Sunday. We attended a special tea party for a new member of the Shaw family... Patricia.

Our dear friends, Nate and Kim, just returned from Good Shepherd's Fold in Uganda with their beautiful and blessed daughter, Patricia. So, the women from our small group (and their daughters) wanted to throw a party to celebrate and welcome her.

Olivia with Patricia and sweet friends Caroline and Rachel.

Olivia enjoying her punch and tea cakes.

We are so thrilled for the Shaw family! We know that God has a plan and a purpose for Patricia- we consider it a great honor to have been able to pray for her and welcome her into the family of believers here in North Carolina. So from the Hoots: Welcome, Patricia, we are excited to see what the Lord has planned for your precious life.

Want to see more of their journey click here.

Hoots' Christmas Party

For the past 10 years we have been blessed to throw an annual Christmas Party.
We are so thankful for our awesome friends, and always love to have a night we can all get together. Our party was early this year (just 8 days after thanksgiving) because of so many other commitments this month. We had the best food, the best gifts (for the White Elephant Game), and the best turnout we have ever had. Enjoy a couple pics... (if anyone else has any- I would love more- email them to me).

Our home, ready to entertain.

This year I did a couple new things... first I set up mason jar luminaries. Simple clear jars with sand a tea light. The effect was awesome on a cold night.

I also made this cake for the first time. Peppermint Red Velvet Cake. Recipe here. It was delicious. I will definitely do it again.

All but one luminary stayed lit all night!
Waiting to say Good-bye to our sweet friends.