Carolina Christmas 2010

Our Christmas Tree

This December was so far uneventful. We did get a chance to go out on the town in early December and see the Transiberian Orchestra perform in Charlotte. It was really neat with lots of pyrotechnics and different beats to well-known Christmas songs. They were definitely hard-core rockers from the 80s/early 90s with multiple electric guitars and long head-banging hair. Lots of energy. It was a lot of fun and we both really enjoyed the show.

Our Christmas was not quite as eventful as it has been in the past. We had no relatives come to visit us and no blizzard-filled trips up to visit relatives. It was actually a very relaxing Christmas. Jenn was working during the day as Christmas fell on a weekend this year, but instead of the 12 hour shifts they usually have, she only had to work an 8 hour shift. So we had a nice evening of opening gifts, eating treats, drinking hot cocoa and listening to the Transiberian Orchestra CDs. That night, a Carolina miracle happened also. It was a white Christmas!

The Carolina Smith Family

Jenn did this to the poor dog while I was at school- she knew I wouldn't allow it

WE ARE!



Jenn and her stocking

Me opening my first Christmas gift

Jenn with her healing angel

Leo was just as excited about Christmas as we were- and he didn't destroy any presents at all!



Christmas video

Halloween

Me as Clark Kent

We had a Halloween party at school and we were able to dress up, so I went as Clark Kent. It was a pretty fun day. Jenn came in for the afternoon in the class with a game and project she organized and it went very well. The kids were well behaved and LOVE having Mrs. Smith. She is much nicer than Mr. Smith.

On Halloween night the Ballards came over and kept me company as Jenn had to work. We had a great time cooking out (although it turned into a bonfire with the chicken oozing grease and catching fire) and trick-or-treating. It was little Seth's 2nd official Halloween, but first one walking around to the doors- kind of. More running around than going to the doors, but it was fun.

AKA Superman

The Ballards with little Seth the Dragon

Myrtle Beach Half Marathon Weekend

Jenn and I have been plagued with injuries the past few months. I tried to warn her that after 25 it's all down hill, but I think now she finally believes me. My back injury was up and down all summer and early fall while her heel was really hurt off and on the past couple months, too. Luckily we both were feeling pretty good race weekend, although we were not in top form. We decided to make it a leisurely run of 3 miles, 1 mile walk, 3 miles, 1 mile walk, 3 miles, 1 mile walk, and run the final mile. So there was no pressure to get a good time, just enjoy the race and the weekend at the beach. We even spoiled ourselves with a beachfront hotel room while was gorgeous.



We travelled up to Myrtle Beach right after school on Friday. We had to drop Leo off at his buddy Jasper's place, so we had a little later start than planned, but we still made it (even if Jenn DID NOT let me sleep at all on the drive there). We woke up nice and early on Saturday and headed to our free breakfast thanks to our hotel/marathon combo. Then we headed to get our race packets. On our way back, we stopped at the Broadway on the Beach and went to Ripley's Aquarium. It was really neat and I think Jenn and I both agree that our favorite fish we saw was the bowmouth guitarfish, a kind of mix between a shark and ray.

Me in front of the coral reef

Jenn in front of the shark and ray tank

The following morning we woke up bright and early (5:30 AM) so we could make it to the race beginning. Luckily we got there early enough that we didn't have much trouble parking. However, we were informed later that parking was a disaster. Lucky us I guess. The start was at the Medieval Times restaurant, and they had some of the actors there to send us off, which was unique and cool. The knights battled and the winner got to sound the airhorn to let us start. The king and queen were also there on their horses to send us off. It was a perfect day for running and the course was very flat. It's too bad we weren't in better shape or I'm sure we could have had personal records. Maybe next year. As it was, we walked for about 3 minutes after the first 3 miles before deciding we could run again. We walked from mile marker 6 to 7 and then ran the final 6 miles.

Jenn running by Broadway by the Beach

The course was one of the nicest we have run. The weather was perfect, we ran around a few malls and through the town of Myrtle Beach over the final 3 miles or so. Water was plentiful throughout the course and every mile was marked and had a clock to show the time. They had a few bands along the way, too. We were taking our leisurely time, so I was able to snap a few photos along the way for the first time during a race.

Me during the final miles

The finish was well put-together. There was a real nice band playing songs like "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" and "Brown Eyed Girl". Also some beers and wheat thins which I enjoyed. The only downside to the race were the shuttles back to the start line. We waited about 45 minutes to get in a shuttle to travel the 5 miles or so back to the start. They needed a lot more shuttles if they were going to have a point-to-point race. But this was just the first time they had this mini-marathon, so maybe next year will be better :).

Jenn and I at the finish (time 2:22:14)

Enjoying the post-race


Jenn with her massive medal

Columbus Day weekend 2010

Our friends were taking a trip over the Columbus Day weekend, so we doggysat Jasper, Leo's buddy. Of course, this made Leo very jealous.

As I had Columbus Day off school, Jenn and I finally had a full day to spend together. She arranged a trip to the Latta Plantation to do a little hiking, have a picnic and ride some horses. I finally overcame my fear of horses thanks to "Little Charlie" who was actually pretty large. It was a lot of fun taking the little walk for about an hour around the trails on the horses. Jenn and my rumps were both a bit sore the next day though.

Hiking through Latta Plantation

Me and "Little Charlie"

Jenn and I after our trail ride

Cookout surprise

We had a few friends over for a cookout/get-together over the weekend. As Brandy and Trevor were getting on their motorcycle to leave, they were scared half to death. We saw Brandy run across the street from the window and thought it odd, so we walked outside to see what was going on. Apparently there was a snake hanging out on our driveway. Worse still- it was a copperhead. I had to run down to get a shovel and hoe to kill it while Daniel pinned it with an extra edging stone. As you can see from the photos, we took care of it. Its body kept wriggling and squirming after sliced up, and I was tempted to pull a Bear Grylls, but thought that maybe poisonous snakes could still kill me if ingested. So we buried it instead.

Pittsburgh Trip 2- Into the City

The tourists in the city

As it took us over 7 hours to drive up to Pittsburgh for the wedding and no longer have family in the area, Jenn and I decided to make a mini vacation of it and went into the city on Sunday. As usual, the Pirates are horrible so we were able to walk up and buy tickets at the window for the day's game. Then Jenn and I walked down the river walk and saw a bunch of WWII vehicles on display, apparently for the weekend. The Jeeps and armored vehicles were really neat to see but definitely the coolest vehicle was the gigantic transport ship that was in the river. It was actually there at Normandy in WWII. As you can see from the picture, the ship itself was absolutely huge. They were letting anyone go on the vessel and tour it, but the line was over twice as long as the ship and was not moving very quickly so unfortunately we had to pass.

WWII Jeep


The ship from WWII

View of the guns on one end


Jenn and I with the ship and city in the background

After we did a mini tour of the city, we met up with Vernon and also friends Drew and Brie. We went to the Ribfest which Drew and Brie have been attending the last few years. It was delicious. All different ribs and bar-b-que groups were there and all displaying their trophies and awards. It was hard to choose which to buy from, so Jenn and I bought from two places and shared. Jenn bought a rib/chicken combo and I bought a "hillbilly heaven"- a big piece of cornbread with baked beans, pulled pork, and bar-b-que sauce covering it all. I may be a hillbilly because it did taste like heaven.

One of the Bar-B-Que stands displaying awards

Ribfest

Brie, Drew, and Vernon eating our ribs and bar-b-que

After Ribfest, Jenn, Vernon, and I went to see the Bucco game. As usual, the buccos lost. We were figuring it out, and discovered that not a single child has been alive to see a winning season. NOT A SINGLE CHILD. Only adults, and many of them don't remember the last winning season. Awesome job, Pittsburgh.

Jenn at "America's best sports venue" PNC Park

After the game, we parted ways with Vernon and Jenn and I took a trip up the incline to Mt. Washington. It was a gorgeous day so the views were extra scenic. We even stopped to get a little ice cream while enjoying the view.

Enjoying the city of bridges

Pittsburgh, PA

Me and my wife on Mt. Washington

Jenn on the incline

Unfortunately, we had to return to the real world again. Luckily my back is feeling a bit better and Jenn's heel is improving, so we can start running again so hopefully we will be able to complete the Myrtle Beach half marathon at the end of October. Jenn's weekender job starts in a couple weeks, so we're looking forward to every evening together and my days off together. I am also looking forward to her spending time volunteering in my class weekly. Not only will she be giving me a lot of help with the kids, but she can then participate in the teacher discussions of kids that inevitably happens during get-togethers.

Pittsburgh Trip 1- Jim and Bridget's Wedding

Jim and Wife Bridget

Another crew member bites the dust. This time it was James Vollmer, although he has had his ball-and-chain longer than any of the rest of us. After a long 8 or 9 years, Jim and Bridget finally got married on September 4, 2010. As far as the wedding ceremony itself, I would just like to say that I am thrilled that neither Jenn nor I are Catholic. Their ceremony was a traditional Catholic ceremony. Lots of songs that didn't really make sense to me, lots of up and down, a good deal of sing-song chants by the priest, and a sermon that I was not impressed with. An hour and fifteen minutes later, they were pronounced husband and wife. I hope I am not upsetting any Catholics who may someday read this, because if you are reading this, I probably love you. It was just a much different ceremony than the previous wedding we attended that lasted maybe 10 minutes.

At the wedding Jenn and I were escorted to our seats by Danny, Joe, Dan, and Jeffery and we were very pleasantly surprised to be seated next to none other than Vern-dizzle Webb III. He could finally make a wedding and flew in from his station in Washington to see everyone. We learned he was just recently made Captain in the Army and has been seeing a nice girl from Minnesota, so he is doing really well. Sarah was also there and caught us up on the wedding plans of her and Dan H. It was great seeing everyone.

Then of course there was the open bar. Due to this addition, there was A LOT of dancing. Lots of white people (and Vernon) who cannot dance. It was absolutely fantastic! Jenn and I both had a blast dancing and singing along to the songs and goofing off with the crew. We are already looking forward the the next wedding which should be taking place next summer :)

Vern, Sarah, and Jenn at our table

Vern and me hanging out


Beginning of picture time


Fun picture

Penn State and Pitt... good friends?

DON'T TAKE THE PICTURE YET!!!

Every present-Ashley, Rob, Me, Joe, Jenn, Vern, Dan H., Jeff, Kelcie, Dan V., Sarah

Stacy and Jenn on the dance floor

Me and the captain

Garter Toss (already in the air)-Note the excitement of the men

Great dancing at the reception

Golfing and Camping

My parents gave Jenn and I another set of golf clubs this summer while they were downsizing so Jenn now has her own. The final week before school we finally had the chance to try them out. Jenn had golfed once before in her life and I had only golfed once in the past couple years. So we were prepared to take an entire day for 9 holes. As it turns out, we weren't too far off. It took us 2 1/2-3 hours for our 9 holes. And we didn't have to wait for anyone in front of us or anyone to play through. We definitely got our money's worth. I would also like to point out that I won, as Jenn neglected to keep track of her strokes after the first 3 holes.

Jenn swinging away

Playing on the open course- beautiful day

Me hitting toward a bunch of wild turkeys

After the first week of school Jenn and I finally had a weekend where we could go camping and it didn't call for storms. So I went up to Lake Norman State Park right after school and reserved a few spots. The first night, friends and newlyweds Trevor and Brandy Grant (along with dog Jasper) joined us the first night. It was a lot of fun setting up their tent in the dark, sitting around the fire, and making s'mores. The next day we went for a short walk and played some cards until friends Mavis and Will joined us. Unfortunately Brandy and Trevor had to leave then as they had barely had any time at home in the past couple months with the wedding and honeymoon just ending. But Mavis, Will, Jenn, Leo, and I went on a nice hike around Lake Norman and enjoyed another relaxing night by the campfire. Note for next time though- buy a new air mattress (our air mattress leaks and the ground is not very comfortable).

Leo, Jenn, and I at the beginning of our hike

A beach during the hike around Lake Norman