Labor Day Weekend with the Kinsey Family

Labor Day weekend Braxton and I went on a special vacation with his family to Carolina Beach, NC. Not only did we get lucky with a Tropical Storm skidding right around the coast bringing 0% humidity, but we had nice waves and great company. We also got to spend time with Braxton's Aunt Vivian who lives in Wilmington. What a fun time soaking up the sun and eating yummy food. 

Carowinds Run and Ride

As many of your know, I have the pleasure of volunteering with a great group of young adults, the Raleigh Jaycees. Prior to all of the fall frenzy of volunteering (Turkey Shoot, Wine Festival, Turkey Baskets, Goodfellows) We decided to take a group trip organized by moi to Carowinds Run and Ride for a 5k race followed by a day of roller coasters. Overall it was a great day to see Jaycee friends, Charlotte friends, and Mitch. I also came in third in my age group. Yay!

CJ + Jon Reception - Mahwah, NJ

This past weekend I got the pleasure of celebrating the marriage of one of my best friends, Caitlin to her husband Jon,  in New Jersey with some of my closest friends and sisters. CJ (as she is most fondly known) and Jon were wed in New Zealand (where CJ is in grad school, Jon is deployed in Bahrain currently) this past January and we got the pleasure of celebrating with them and their families this past weekend. Sadly, I wish I had taken more pictures, especially of Kaitlyn and Evan's baby Ethan, but these will have to do!

 Kappa Kappa Gamma Pledge Class Fall 2007

 Kappa Girls in a "sorority squat" - a form of getting more girls in one picture. 

 Making our owls

The happy couple

Oh. And there was an ice cream truck. YUM.

And Life Gets Busy...

So, I promise I have not dropped off of the face of the earth. A month of slow work has lead to a month of non-stop work. In between all the work, my phone died, I went to a baby shower, and got to spend some time with Mitch and Helen. Next weekend we will be on our way to New Jersey for CJ's wedding (pictures to come from that one). September will come with a busy work and play schedule so stay tuned for more pics!

Also, we have been knee deep in wedding planning and have most of the main vendors down! It's amazing how much is already booked for next April. We are getting our engagement pictures done in a few weeks so stay tuned for a wedding website! 

<3 Ash

On a cold February Day 5 years ago...

On a cold day in February 5 years ago, a girl finally got up the courage to talk to a boy she met a few months before. The boy happened to remember the girl he met months before by one distinct factor, her eyes. A few dates, senior formal, and college graduation and they both figured that this relationship wasn't going anywhere. Fast forward 2.5 years for PT school, 2.5 years for PA school, add in a move to Durham and through a dash of one cute dog and that is a wonderfully quick summary of our relationship. 

To my happiness and astonishment, on June 25, 2016 we got engaged. It was a lovely dinner followed by a walk, scrapbook, and photographer. We are so excited to start this new part of our lives as a married couple. Here are a few pictures from the night: 

So....

In Summary...

Save the Date

04/22/2017

Three Little Pigs

This past weekend, I took the weekend off of racing and picked up the camera as photographer of Braxton during the Three Little Pigs Triathlon in Smithfield, NC. Of course, I was itching to race as well, but the 14 mile bike ride and 5k run did not sound appeasing to me this past month in the 80% humidity and the 95 degree heat. Well, hat's off to Braxton who won first place in his division! Now we have a piggy trophy to display. I guess we are going to have to find a way to display these medals. 

 The calm before the race!

 There go the three little pigs! Guests of honor at the triathlon. 

 Done with the swim.

 Transition to bike

 Off on the back!

 14 miles down! Now it's just the run.

 Run like the wind Bullseye!

 5K DONE! RACE DONE!

 Piggy trophies!

Oh hey! There's the winner and his piggy trophy!

100 years for Hazel!

Two weeks ago, I had the honor of celebrating Braxton's Grandmother's 100th birthday. It was quite an affair with 32 dozen cupcakes, over 200 guests in and out, and 100 pink/white balloons. We are so lucky that her health has sustained and we were able to celebrate the day with her and the rest of Braxton's family. 

 Just the beginning of the cupcake buffet...

 100 roses

 The birthday girl!

 Happy Birthday Hazel!

Just shows you, age is just a number.