Horseback Riding at Latta Equestrian Center

Harry and I wanted to do something outdoors today and we decided to go on a trail ride at the Equestrian Center at Latta Plantation (located in Huntersville, NC). Harry had been horseback riding before; however, despite growing up with a horse, I had never been. Sad, I know, but Hasan was never broken.

Harry with his horse, Fudge.


Meeting my horse, Star.


Harry, saddled up and ready to go.


On the trail!


My view of the trail ride.


Harry on Fudge and me on Star.
Fudge was being a little difficult at the time this picture was taken.

After a lovely trail ride Harry and I encountered an interesting sight right next to our car. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer was arresting 2 men in the parking lot. We can only guess that the arrest was drug related, based on the appearance of the 2 men. It sure was an eventful ending to a great day.

Perp #1 in the back of the police car.


Perp #2 awaiting his turn to be put in the car (he is already hand-cuffed).

Look Into My Eyes...

get your wallet, send money for treats!

Biltmore Trip 2008

Today the entire 5th grade at LCE took a field trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. This was actually my second trip to the Biltmore Estate, and although it was a great trip, it did not compare to my first visit to Biltmore (on June 8, 2002 Harry and I got engaged at the Biltmore Estate).

Heather (the math and science teacher I am partnered with), Bobbie (our AP) and me


The million dollar shot (of a billion dollar home)


The LCE Class of 2008

BBQ at the Homestead

Today Harry and I hosted a BBQ at the house. Some good friends came over to celebrate the long weekend, as well as Marshall's birthday.

Harry and me

Marshall and his daughter, Julie


Joanne


Julie, looking as cute as ever!


Allie, daughter Julie, and Shannon


The whole Cesena family


Harry, in his "I love the Lord of the Rings" pose


Volleyball team Joanne, Harry, and Shannon demonstrate bump, set, spike


Allie, Marshall, and I pose for a more artistic Volleyball team picture


Our "special" friend Joanne loves to dance


More dancing


Even more dancing


Harry, Volleyball Superstar!


The whole gang after a long evening.

Happy Memorial Day!

An Encounter with the Time Bandit Captains

Today, Harry and I traveled to Books-A-Million in Concord to meet Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, captains of "Time Bandit" on Discovery's "Deadliest Catch" and authors.

Waiting in line to meet the Hillstrands with our copy of "Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World's Deadliest Jobs"


Harry, me, Captain Jonathan (left) and Captain Andy (right)


"To Harry -n- Meredith, Chip Ice or Die! Capt Andy"
"Live, Love, Shut up AND Fish! Capt Jonathan"

Images from the All Star Race

Yesterday Harry and I, as well as a group of friends, some new and some old, made our way over to Lowes Motor Speedway for the 2008 All Star Race. We had a great time! We camped in one of the Speedway's campgrounds and made our way home this morning, burned and tired. Enjoy pictures from the race.

Harry at the camp site

Joanne rocks the air guitar


Joanne, me, Erin, and Jackie


Brad and Amanda


Harry and me


Shannon and me


Chair malfunction featuring Brad



Joanne in one of my favorite pictures ever!


Harry and I waiting for the race to start


The start of the pre-qualifier


We're Racing!


The introduction of the All Star drivers


Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!
(The head basketball coaching staff from Davidson College started the race.)


The first lap to warm the tires


Racin'!
If you look closely you can see the cars right in front of us.
We won really good seats.


Hitting pit road

After 100 laps of racing, plus the caution laps, Casey Kahne was the winner of the All Star race and one million dollars. Pretty good since he didn't even qualify for the race but was voted in as a fan favorite.

I will have to admit, I was always the first to bash NASCAR; however, the race was a TON of fun. It is really amazing to see how fast the cars go. Plus, the noise and the excitement make the event a full sensory experience. I will definitely be going to another NASCAR race in the future.

Clay and Karen, we did get to see some minor crashes in the pre-qualifier but nothing in the main event. One car got the wheel stuck in an out-turned position after a crash, causing quite a few sparks as it made its way back to pit road. Your crash may have been a bit more exciting.

Harry Took the Checkered Flag!

This evening Harry and I went out with a group to celebrate our friend, Shannon's, birthday. While we were waiting for a table, we were given the opportunity to "race" (playing a video game) to win NASCAR All Star tickets for tomorrow. Harry played, along with some other friends in our party as well as other restaurant patrons, and Harry won!! Amanda, another friend of ours (and sister of Joanne) came in second and also won race tickets! Looks like I'll be enjoying my first ever NASCAR race tomorrow.

New Neighbors

They hatched last Friday.
Now they are living in their nest on top of a column on the front porch.
Joey and Phoebe LOVE them!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Taking a page from Karen and Clay's book we wanted to post some "mom" pictures.
Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Harry and Mom

Meredith, Mom, Martha, and Dad

The kind of kids only a mom could love!