Views of the Desert

Thursday, Harry and I took our last trip of the summer when we flew to visit my sister and her family in Arizona. We flew into Phoenix and drove the 3 hours to Yuma Proving Ground. We found the desert beautiful, albeit hot, and took many photos to document our travels.

The view from the rest stop outside of Phoenix.

Don't wander too far!



The sand dunes on the way to San Diego (this is where Star Wars was filmed).

Over the mountains to San Diego.



Harry and I with our niece, Madison.


The mountains just outside of Yuma Proving Ground.

The Iraq Training Village near the drop zone on YPG. Here the army trains dogs to sniff for bombs before sending them to Iraq.

The desert between YPG and Quartzite, AZ.

One of many dried river beds.


The desert just before we hit civilization in Phoenix.

Surprise!

On Sunday Harry and I were part of an elaborate, top secret plan to throw our SIL, Karen, a baby shower in Raleigh. To add a twist to the mission, Clay and Karen spent the weekend visiting us so Karen's family could decorate their home.

Karen, Clay, and Karen's mom discussing baby Weston's growth.

Karen and her sister Megan discussing the candy bar contents of this diaper.
On a side note, I was able to identify all 8 melted candy bars with 100% accuracy (but I expected nothing less of myself when candy is involved).

Karen displaying the very cute, fully loaded "short trip" diaper bag.

Karen's mom displaying the chair my mom gave the baby.
This chair ended a long-time debate in the Huffman household. Karen wanted the baby's nickname to be West, Clay wanted to call the baby Wes. In a very sneaky maneuver, Clay told my mom to have the chair embroidered with "Wes" at which point Karen conceded and agreed to the nickname Wes. Well played, Clay... well played.

Harry and I were, appropriately, in charge of bringing the cake, so we opted to bring cupcakes. They were delicious!

It was a great shower and Karen and Clay got a lot of items that will help them welcome and take care of Wes when he makes his apperance this fall.

Charlotte Criterium

On Saturday, after a visit to Ikea, Clay, Karen, Harry and I traveled downtown for dinner and to watch the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium. The criterium consisted of a 50 mile bicycle race in downtown Charlotte.

The race was made up of 42 laps (each about 1.2 miles).

The pelaton as they passed us.

Harry was very excited that Aldo Ino Ilesic of Team Type 1 came in second place. Team Type 1 is a professional cycling team originally started by Type 1 diabetics and is now sponsored by many diabetic supply companies and has many diabetic riders.

Views from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Bele Chere Festival

Harry and I headed to Asheville, NC for the Bele Chere Festival this past Saturday to hear the Old 97s perform. We enjoyed the concert, the art displays, and the unique people we encountered while cruising Bele Chere.

The view of downtown Asheville and the festival crowd.

The Old 97s!

Harry and I braving the crowds in the 3rd row (yes, it was very loud in the 3rd row).

The concert continued as the sun went down.

The massive crowds behind us.

29 Years...

Where does the time go?

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday America!

Harry and I celebrated the 4th in Wilmington with my parents. We spent a good part of the day relaxing and watching the Tour de France. After our cook-out, we headed downtown to watch the fireworks.

The view of the battleship from across the river. The fireworks are shot off right next to the battleship.

Ohhh, ahhh!

Lucy, too tired to celebrate after a day of partying.

Old Habits Die Hard

For the second week in a row, Harry and I are in the Wilmington area. We went to the beach on Oak Island again this trip and are enjoying ourselves immensely. I think I can get used to this life!

Wordless Wednesday

Concert on the Green

Each Sunday evening during the summer, the Town of Davidson hosts a concert on the green. This week Harry and I walked the 2 miles to the green to enjoy the "Band of Oz".

What a lovely summer evening.

Day Trip to Bald Head Island

On Wednesday, after surviving the flood waters in Southport, our group took the ferry to Bald Head Island for a day trip.

Shannon, Joanne, and Laura riding in the back of Harry's truck to the ferry (southern style!).

Here comes our ferry... the "Ranger".

Harry and I on the ferry.

All the ladies, enjoying the ride.
Jessica, Laura, Shannon, me, and Joanne

After about a 20 minute ferry ride we made it!

Once we arrived we ate lunch at Eb and Flo's Steam Bar... it was delicious!

After lunch, we were off to explore the island on golf carts (no cars are allowed on the island).

Harry in the driver's seat... Siggy and Jessica are riding behind us.

"Old Baldy" the lighthouse on the island.

Harry and I on one of the public beaches.

My favorite house on the island... Siggy and Laura were taking a picture in front of this house when the owners, who were just moving in, invited them in for a tour. They said it was as beautiful inside as it was outside.

Another beautiful public beach.

Returning to the carts so we can catch the ferry home.

The ride home on the ferry.