A Year End Note- 2014

Happy Holidays to all of our family and friends!!
It is hard to believe another year has gone by so quickly. Isabelle has continued to grow into a fun loving little girl. She has a blast where ever she goes and is quick to make friends. This became very obvious and wonderful with all the traveling we've done this year (I'm starting to think I should put mileage in these notes). We started the year with my sister Ann getting married, so there were many trips back and forth to Virginia for showers, parties, dresses and of course her bachelorette party. It was such a great time for my sister and I to spend time together! We also had our annual Hike For Matt at McAfee Knob, VA-- Izzy was a great hiker and will surely excel by next year. We flew down to Louisiana in May for our friend Liz's wedding. It was Izzy's first plane ride and she LOVED it, from the airport to landing. Izzy was of course the flower girl in both of these weddings and we now consider her a professional.

The summer was a busy time as well. When we were home we got a chance to enjoy the Three River's Art Festival with my dad, celebrating his and Travis' June birthdays, and we of course participated in the Annual Congenital Heart Walk. Our team is growing every year and it fills our heart to see everyone come out and support the cause. Travis' sister who lives in Seattle flew out to the East Coast with her five kids and spent time at our house. Naturally, we went to Sorgel's to pick blueberries and play. Everyone had a blast and we brought home about 5 pounds of blueberries -- though Izzy easily ate a pound straight off the bushes. On a sad note, I lost my granddad in July after he had been struggling with health issues for many years. It was a tough time; we were very close and I had spent almost all of my childhood with him, but it was a good time for family to come together and remember his legacy. From there, we decided to do something he loved and we went to the beach. Topsail Island has become our family's favorite place to go and this year was just as nice as years before, except Izzy now has a full understanding of the beach and ocean... and it's love at first sight. Above is a picture of her waving goodbye to the ocean after she started to cry as we were leaving. So, as any good parents would do, we took her back down and she was able to wave goodbye and blow a kiss.

The fall started to slow down a little for us. Izzy started school this year in a 2-year old class. She has gained so much from being there and loves going with a passion. She and I have made lots of friends and it's been a great experience so far. You can't beat when your child gets out of the car to walk in to school and is screaming.... SCHOOL TODAY!! Speaking of her being two, she celebrated her birthday in September with friends and family-- and of course, it was an Olivia (the pig) themed party. The remainder of the fall included the normal fall festivities: pumpkin patches, cider, and Halloween. It also included our best friend Beth's wedding in Charleston, WV. It was a great time to see lots of friends we haven't seen in a long time. Of course, Izzy was a flower girl too.

As for Travis this year, he was proud to announce that he was promoted to Geologist III. He's been loving the projects he's working on this year and is really excited about the implications his research might have. In his spare time, he has been practicing his slackline skills and pushing boundaries, as you see in the picture of him above, 35' in the air.

As for myself, I have decided to be a runner and ran my first 10k this fall. I'm also coaching Girls On The Run and LOVE it! It has been such a joy working and spending time with this awesome 3rd-5th graders and the coaches. I'm also still working as an executive recruiter and am thankful for having this gig. Being at home with Izzy and making my own schedule has been a perfect fit.

Lastly, all the animals are doing great. Kole-dog is 11 this year and is still acting like a puppy for a few minutes a day ;) Dixie,(5) is still her crazy, sweet self. Both Rags (8) and Phillip Morris (3) are doing their share around the house and keeping the wild rodents away.

We hope you're 2014 was filled with happiness and hope 2015 is everything you want it to be!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
Travis, Emily, Isabelle, and the paws