A Kiser Kids Thanksgiving

It's a rare happening these days, but all Kiser "kids" (and families) were present and accounted for this Thanksgiving season!  All the little cousins had a great time playing together, and it was fun to catch up on each other's adventures, play games, and listen to the reminiscing of childhood memories. And apparently, we really like striped shirts. Haha! 

Mountain Getaway

As a post-deployment treat to ourselves, Aaron and I took our first ever weekend getaway trip without the kids.  We stayed in Blowing Rock, NC at The Inn at Ragged Gardens and it was just lovely!  Blowing Rock is a charming, quaint little mountain town and this time of year it was just bursting with Fall color.  

We could walk to shops, restaurants, and the local park, and enjoyed a beautiful waterfall hiking trail nearby.  The innkeeper was so gracious, and upgraded our room to the Master Suite when she realized Aaron had just returned home.

   We're so grateful just the two of us got to spend time some much needed time together.  A huge thank you to Mimi and GrandBrad for entertaining the kids and making it possible!

Welcome Home, Blitz!

The anticipation, joy, excitement of this moment was really like nothing else.  Welcoming your husband home from war is such a flood of emotions, but most of all I remember feeling overwhelmingly thankful.

Thankful that we not only endured this time of hardship, but emerged strengthened in our faith.

Thankful for the family and friends that stood beside us, and supported us with their love and presence.

Thankful our children can call their Daddy a hero.

Thankful that in my most overwhelmed and fragile moments, the Lord was my strength and shield.

Thankful for the patriotism of fellow Americans who recognize what others sacrifice.

Thankful for the blessings of these precious children who make every day a joy.

Thankful for the heroes stationed around the world that bravely defend and protect us.

Thankful for the joy of anticipation that can only be experienced after a time of separation.

Thankful for all those that rejoice alongside us.

Thankful to have him safely back on home soil.

Thankful that besides the month of March, mustaches are only grown when our loved ones are away.

Thankful that children can remember how much they love...

and are loved.

Thankful that face to face communication cannot be interrupted by weak internet signals or busy phone lines.

Thankful for moments where we smile with our eyes.

And thankful to have our family made whole again.

Cornhuskin'

I've been wanting to take the kids to Cornhuskin' for a while now, and this year things finally worked out for us to go!  Every time I step back onto the Meredith College campus it feels like I'm coming home.  So many wonderful memories there!

 We arrived in time for the Front Drive Parade.  The kids loved the boats, firetrucks, balloons and candy.  And I loved the sight of an MC tradition going strong... with everyone just as enthusiastic as ever!

 Got to hear a bit of the Big Sis/Little Sis serenade.

 Loved this sign in the Cate Center.

 I was able to meet up with several classmates and their kids.  It was great to see Shannon, Emily, Jamie, and Dianna from the class of '04, and it made my day to run into our class adviser, Heidi!

Not long after the parade, we settled into our spot on Alumnae Hill to watch with our special "light sources."

 It started to get pretty chilly as the sun went down, but the kids were bundled up enough that it didn't seem to matter.

 I was thrilled to watch Hillary, a girl I used to babysit during college perform with our great-great-great Lil Sis class of 2014.  They were so amazing with their Harry Potter-inspired theme, and ended up winning the competition!  It's pretty difficult to beat the Seniors, so it was a proud night for all Evens everywhere.

This was really the only picture I got of the class events, and really none of them do it justice.  As we used to say in college to the incoming freshmen, "You just have to experience it!"  I'm counting down the days until next year!