NC State Fair 2011

Our good friends, The Simmons' Family, invited us to attend the NC State Fair. 

We met up at the fair last year and had so much fun, we decided to make it an annual event.  Our experience was definitely F.U.N.!!!  The rides were thrilling, the food was ridiciously extreme and the people were  interesting to say the least.  The weather was nice too.  Perfect evening for fun, family, food and friends!

Friday, October 21st, was a special day for other two reasons:  it was Steve's birthday and Taylor got her driver's license!

Baby Name

Last week, Sarah and Ryan phoned to let us know they chose a baby name!  I put the phone on speaker so Greg and Taylor could hear also.  Ryan said, "Casper Lewis."

"Ahhhhh...," said Greg.

"Casper???," said Tay

I said, "Casper Lewis.  What happened to the middle name Ryan?"   Sarah had already told me his middle name would be Ryan.

Sarah and Ryan laughed and said it wasn't Casper Lewis. The baby's name is Blake Ryan.

Who am I to judge the name of my first grandchild?  All I can say is whewwwww...

Uncle Jerry

Monday, October 10, 2011, our family said, "Until We Meet Again" to Jerry Smith.  My Uncle Jerry, Aunt Ruby's husband, died Saturday, October 8, 2011 from a massive heart attack.  We gathered around Aunt Ruby during her time of sorrow with loving hearts, warm thoughts and many prayers as she is separated temporally from Uncle Jerry.

Jerry married into our family and was immediately loved by all.  He didn't have a very big family before.  His wife of many years, Polly past away leaving Jerry and their only son, Keith alone.  (Keith is grown, married and has kids).  Joining our family must have been a bit overwhelming!  We are a BIG family!  Just let me tell you, we have grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren of all ages.  We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays as a family (since we are so big, it's difficult to get everyone in the same place at the same, but we try). 

Jerry LOVED being part of this big, happy and somewhat complex family. He always said how lucky we are to have so many people to love and reminded us often not to take each other for granted.  If I had to describe Jerry in one word, I just couldn't do it.  So I've pondered on a few descriptors I thought may be applicable.

U-Unbiased
N-Naught and Nice
C-Cultured
L-Lovable
E-Enthusiastic

J-Joyful
E-Easy
R-Retired from RJ Reynolds
R-Reliable
Y-Young at heart

Of all these, I'd have to say he was patient.

Loved by many, remembered by all.

"Until We Meet Again" Uncle Jerry....



Our Lousiana Trip

Greg, Taylor and I made the trek to Leesville, LA last week.  We drove down and flew back.  (Flying will definitely be my preferred mode of travel in the future!)  We had a wonderful time visiting with Sarah, Ryan, Tiffany and Clint.  It was great seeing where they are living and spending quality time as a family.  Gregory was able to join us for a brief stay.

I am pleased to report that the kids seem well and are happily adjusting to their new homes.  I can also say that it was very difficult to leave them.  I only cried all day yesterday after we left.  I can't wait to see them again at Christmastime!