Happy Birthday Braxton!

So this Thursday my Braxton boy turned 25. He is currently in the midst of finals, so of course we celebrated with cake pops, ice cream, and a Friday afternoon pool party. I am really going to miss all of the great friends I made that are in the PA-1 class and I can't wait to celebrate their last day of year 1 this Wednesday! Happy Birthday, Braxton!

 Sunny Skies Ice Cream! The best this side of Harnett/Wake County!

 Home made cake pops by our good friend Christine! They were perfect for the party on Friday, AND gluten free to boot!

Pool Pong. This girl did not partake, but I did have fun watching.

July 4th

What a nice vacation with the family! Here in "Ashley is an adult with a real job" world, we only get so many days off per year. July 4th happens to be one of those magical paid holidays and Mom and Dad just happened to be going to down to the beach to see the extended family. What a treat that Braxton, Mitch, and I got to tag along. Cheers to a screened in porch, fireworks, and good company.

Good-Bye Old House!

A few weeks ago our family took a big step towards a bigger and brighter future. My parents were so lucky to find a beautiful new house to call home. After 18 years, I now have to consciously think about where I am driving to in Durham. I remember moving into the now "old house" during a dance competition - left one house, came home to another. That house has survived 4 pets, 4 proms, a flood, 2 rogue candles, and a number of wine tasting parties. Now it's time to close that chapter and move on... Here's a pic from our last family dinner in the old house.

One Crazy Weekend

Okay! So, my life has been kind of boring and busy with work stuff. This weekend Braxton and I took advantage of the weather and ran a last-minute 10k race and the next day got lost finding the American Tobacco Trail and ended up biking 26 miles. Here's to a beautiful weekend and (hopefully) a quick work week!

 The race this weekend celebrated the union of both towns, "Fuquay" and "Varina". It was a family-friendly race that housed a 10k and 5k. We were originally signed up for the 5k, however at the last minute we switched to the 10k. This was one of the most hilly runs I have ever ran, but thankfully there were some nice people that sat out on their front porch with hoses and sprayed water on people as they ran by. I guess all of my cross-training paid off because I survived and still had some juice left. 

This Sunday, we decided we would take the tri bikes out for a spin on the American Tobacco Trail. We weren't sure where the trail head started, so we ended up on the Cary Parkway for about 6 miles before we actually found it. We rode all the way to Southpoint and treated ourselves to some Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt. It was JUST what I needed to keep going 10 more miles back to the car. All of those spin classes are actually helping with my cycling. 

Now to take some ibuprofen and relax. Here's to a new week!

Ellie and Joe 5/17/14

This past weekend I had the pleasure of celebrating the marital union of Ellie and Joe. It was a beautiful ceremony in Northern VA and there was so much love in the air. I can honestly say, never judge a book by its cover, because the friendship Ellie and I have is somewhat unique. I am so lucky to have her as a friend, and I truly believe that if people are meant to be friends, God will bring them together. The best of luck to the married couple! Thanks for having us to celebrate!

Tar Heel 10 Miler

Last weekend was the biggest race of my life (thus far): THE TAR HEEL 10 MILER. I have come a long way in 1 year with regards to my fitness goals, and I plan to stick to my guns and continue staying healthy. I can't say I will ever run an half marathon because 10 miles was plenty. However, I do want to continue running in 5k/10k races and compete in some triathlons. Right now, I am having a lot of fun with spin class at the gym, riding my new road bike, and taking ballet barre class. It's still fitness, a new kind of fitness, but I am having fun.

 BLING BLING - swag time. 

The race finished in the middle of Kennan Stadium - Tar Heel football land!

Easter and Dinner

A few weekends ago, it was a beautiful weekend to celebrate Easter and have some friends over for dinner. I have so much to be thankful for, I went to church to say a prayer for those that need a little love and encouragement. Here are some pictures from the other week! Enjoy!

What a lovely way to spend an evening with friends (and use my colorful plates)!!!