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.

Hannah and Matt - 5.21.16

Growing up, you have those friends that become like family.  I would say Hannah is one of those friends. Having gone to a small private elementary school and living down the street from one another, we were pretty good friends growing up. We were always at each others house playing with Beanie Babies or watching Wishbone. When I transferred to Riverside my sophmore year of high school, Hannah was kind enough to eat lunch with me when no one else would. I would have to say I am very grateful for her friendship. Over the years, we have grown apart, though on parallel pathways. Both of us love to travel, went away to pursue grad school (I am a DPT, she is a DVM), and have found wonderful men to share in our adventures. Needless to say, I was very honored to be invited to her wedding. I had a lovely time catching up with old neighbors and even got to see the bride for a bit on the dance floor (if you have ever been to a wedding, it is immensely difficult to see the bride or groom for any small bit of time). 

All in all, Congrats to Hannah and Matt! I wish you life long happiness and joy. You know you always have a friend in NC if you need anything. 

 Although the day was rainy, the ceremony got moved inside the lovely Rigmor House in Chapel Hill, NC. It reminded me of a little slice of heaven. 

 My handsome date. 

 Mom and Dad! 

 Ray and Fiona

 Mike and Mona

 Fieldstone Foxes through and through!

                The first dance!

 The Beautiful Bride!

And not to be too off topic...but Mom and Dad finished their fence this past weekend! Here are some pics of the fur kiddos enjoying the outdoors!

Ramblin Rose 2016

Last weekend, we had a cold day in May and it was a wonderful day for a race. This was my fourth triathlon and it was my best time yet! It was also one of the most fun triathlons I have ever done since my Raleigh Jaycee friend, Jenna, joined me for her first ever Tri. Here are some pics from the day!

Done with the swim! Onto the bike....

 

 Jenna and I transitioning onto the bike....

 Here I go! All smiles starting the bike...

 Here comes Jenna at a close follow!

 Ending the bike..breathing heavy up that last hill. 

 Yay! Starting the run..the last leg of the race!

 Here comes Jenna!

 Lap one down!

 Still smiling!

 Coming through the finish shute!

 Yay! I did it! 57 minutes and 3 seconds total!

 Here comes Jenna! She finished in 1 hr 7 minutes!

 Post -race pics! It was super cold. Sweats were a necessary to break the wind. 

 Surprise! No this is not a drill. I ended up first place in my age category. My quick transitions and top bike in my age group put me to the top! I came in 26 out of 534!

Cheers to hard work and a fun day!