Wine Tasting Party 2015

Every year since I was around 7 years old, my parents have hosted a wine tasting party in December. Almost 20 years in the making, this party is a great way to see people we have grown up with and celebrate the upcoming holiday. It was so nice to have the whole family together to celebrate this year (last year we had the flu). Here's to the beginning of the Christmas season. 

Graduation Day!

Day 2 of graduation was the formal graduation ceremony. Lucky for us, the PA class were the only graduating class that ceremony, which led to a very quick and personal ceremony. The cherry on top of the graduation sundae was watching Braxton win two awards. The first was Pi Alpha - the PA honor society accepting only the top 15% of the class - all of seven people! The second awards was a professionalism award chosen by the faculty. There were only 6 awards given out that day and we were so happy that Braxton got two of them. What an amazing journey this has been. Campbell University was a wonderful place for Braxton and friends to learn all about being a wonderful physician. 

 They had to stand up on a special step to "hood" him. 

 Accepting his "faux" diploma.

 We are so happy!

 Braxton and my Fam Part 2

Braxton and his Fam Part 2

My super smart and professional PA with his two awards. 

What a smart cookie I am dating! Congrats! Cheers to finding a job and our lives ahead!

Long White Coat Ceremony!

This past weekend was a busy one! Braxton graduated from PA school in two parts. The first part was on Friday and we attended the Long White Coat Ceremony. It was symbolic of the end of his time as a student in the clinic and the beginning of his time as a Physician Assistant. It was a beautiful ceremony in a gorgeous chapel. What a lovely day in December to graduate. 

 Getting his long white coat!

 It fits! Looks good on you, Braxton!

 Braxton and his dad. 

 The new PA and my Fam. 

 The new PA and his Fam. 

 Krista!!! We are so happy you are going to stay in Charlotte! 

Congrats on your residency!

 Marisa!!! Congrats on your new job as trauma PA at Wakemed! We are lucky to have you staying in the area. :)

Golf buddies. 

Cheers to the end of Day 1 celebrations!

Thanksgiving 2015

I am so grateful this Thanksgiving. I have healthy and happy parents. I have all four of my wonderful grandparents. I have a new furry sibling that is such a joy. Braxton finally made it through PA school. I have a career I enjoy. I have a healthy body that has helped me through many physical trials this year. 

Overall, I have a lot to be grateful for and enjoyed Thanksgiving with both families this year. 

 Sibling selfie!

 Nann and Pops selfie!

 Time for a feast!

T minus 8 days until Braxton's Graduation!

Happy Birthday Mitch!

A few weeks ago, my baby brother turned "23". I don't know about you, but "23" seems like a real adult age. He has a new job, responsibility, and a wonderful significant other. I think this year will be good for him. After some corn hole, we watched Jedi Returns ( Helen had never seen the end of Star Wars). Lucky pup also enjoyed his first star wars experience. Afterwards, we went to Bali Hai - Mitch's' favorite

Mongolian restaurant. Happy Birthday Mitch! (And Nann!)

Girls Weekend - Little Switzerland

This past weekend I had the pleasure of having a relaxing girl's weekend in Little Switzerland. A few of my world's collide with RHS and KKG girls having a wonderful time with wine, s'mores, hikes, pizza, and chick flicks. Time just flew by! Here's to good friends, colorful leaves, and good fun. 

 A rainy weekend high in the mountains. 

 Yumm! Mimosas and cheerios for breakfast. 

 

 We found this lovely quote on the hike. :)

 

Time to start the fire and have s'mores!

 A panoramic view

 Group picture on the porch!

Group selfie! What a great weekend with a lovely bunch of ladies!

<3

Happy Halloween!

It goes without saying that I love Halloween. I have always loved dressing up and trick or treating. This year, I got to dress up for work, and two other Halloween parties. This was a super fun but an exhausting weekend. Here's to the start of the fall holidays. 

A little bit of fun at work. :)

 Han Solo and Chewbacca Round 1

 Halloween with Campbell PA and Mark's Birthday!

 Han Solo and Chewbaccca Round 2 - Kappa Halloween!

Kappa Girls celebrate Halloween!

State Fair 2015

One tradition Braxton and I like to do is head out to the NC state fair. This year we rode less rides, but loved getting to see the K9 in flight, a goat show, and all of the photography/food contests. Again, it is possible to eat healthy and gluten free at the state fair (Thanks Neomonde and Bluebird Cupcakes!). 

Here's to a chilly day at the fair, and an even more exhausting week at the state fair working the Turkey Shoot booth with the Raleigh Jaycees.