Five Brown Kids

I met Courtney in Utah for a fall hiking adventure.  (It was supposed to be a weekend that Cheryl was planning but she had to back out because she just started grad school!) We did two hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon, met Courtney's family at Cafe Rio for lunch, enjoyed a family dinner one night with Matt's family and hit up a comedy show with Trisha and Paul.  Everyone knows me by now and it's so much fun to hang out.  Donut Falls Trail Lake Blanche Cafe Rio with Courtney's sister, mom and nieces and nephews.   Dustin Nickerson was super funny. Already bought tickets to see him when he comes to Raleigh. 

  Tyrone took Georgia and Blythe to the State Fair.  They had a fabulous time of course.  Another treasure to add to our collection. ( Last Year )

Blythe and I were supposed to meet friends in NYC for a fall break adventure but it was canceled when one of the moms got an injury and couldn't walk the city all day.  We hung out, tried to squeeze in a few fun activities and she spent a few days at Hannah's house.  Always a fav! Spent one morning working hard grooming horses Plowing through the Warrior Cats series.. sometimes 100 pages a night.  Shopping with Dad and then annual pumpkin patch visit Fall break adventures with Hannah and her mom Pink Lady apples at the Farmer's Market.  My absolute fav! I early voted for a fabulous mixed-race brown woman for president!  How about that?!?!

 Happy 18th Birthday Scotia!  She went out for a fancy dinner with friends.  Spent the day at the State Fair with swim friends.  Wore the special birthday cap at swim practice.  So much joy watching this tiny baby turn into a strong, smart, capable and kind woman. 

Sara and Carleen took me out for a birthday dinner downtown.  It's a new restaurant and blew us away. Stunning city views, unbelievable sun set and delicious food!  New favorite. What a life! 

Matt, Andrew and Riley drove home and then Courtney hopped in the car and drove back for a Brown Family Birthday Weekend. She spoiled us all.  So lucky to have her in our lives.  My girls love her.  Second mom for sure. Walk to the dam with Carleen. Plus a hike through the woods with Blythe. We were moving the whole week.  Sara, Courtney, Tyrone and the girls went out for dinner when I had a date/concert at DPAC. Courtney hung up some molding in my bedroom. I helped with the caulking, she did everything else.  We ate dinner down at the dam. Paddled with the dog. Rosie did great sitting in the boat.  Out for dinner with friends and then went to a new to us winery with live music.  Comedian met us there and my friends questioned him relentlessly.  Their interest and engagement felt absolutely magical - not just vetting a boyfriend but sharing information to help him love me better.  Comedian handled it all with grace and humor.  Such a sup...