Thanksgiving 2007

Gary and I had a great Thanksgiving week with the Dyksterhouse side of the family in Charlotte. The whole family was there, which hasn't happened in longer than any of us can remember. We can't believe how old our nieces and nephew are getting and are really enjoying spending time with them. Gary got to play golf and basketball with our nephew, Jacob, and I had lots of fun coloring, having tea parties, and playing hair dresser with our nieces. Sorry I don't have pictures of my lovely hairdos. You'll just have to use your imagination. :-) I do have pictures of Gary and Chris with the older kids (poor Ainsley was sick that day), and of Emma dancing with her Uncle Gary. We really cherish our time with the whole family and were glad to have a few uninterrupted days with everybody.

On Friday, we drove from Charlotte to Nashville to cheer on the Deacs as they played Vanderbilt. Since my dad is a Vandy grad, we have a great family rivalry and all went to the game together. There was a great showing of Wake fans, but it was hard to tell which team everyone was pulling for since our colors are both black and gold. The Deacs pulled through to a 31-17 victory. Even though he was very sad about the loss, Dad was a very good sport. He even got up to dance during half time (I couldn't resist putting this picture in. Can you see me laughing at him in the background?)

November Vacation

Last week, Gary and I got to experience something that was new for us. For the first time in about 5 years, we got to go on vacation during basketball season (well, actually, part of our vacation was to watch KSU play Auburn, so I don't know if this one counts :-) ). We started with a few days at the beach in St. Simons. It was very quiet and relaxing there. This is our favorite place in the world and we always love it when we get to go for a few days.

On Saturday night, we went to Atlanta to spend some time with friends and family. It was so encouraging to go to church on Sunday morning and see both old friends and new faces. The church is growing very quickly and it is so exciting to see all that God is doing with that body. For those of you who were out of town, we are so sad that we missed you, but hope to see you the next time that we're in Atlanta.

On Monday morning, Gary went to play golf with three of his friends, and I got to spend the morning with my friend Shannon and my godson, Carter. I have never posted a video, but had to try to get this one up. Carter's vocabulary is growing and he has finally learned how to say "Kathryn". I haven't been able to figure out how to rotate the picture, so you may have to turn your head to see it. I also had to include this picture of my mother-in-law. We did some shopping for some parties that we were hosting, and she found this in the store. I just had to post it!! :-)

We really enjoyed our time at Gary's parents' house. It is so nice to have them in Atlanta because they are not that far away from Mississippi at all. We'll actually be seeing them again this week for Thanksgiving. It almost feels like we see as much of them now as we did when we actually lived in the same town.

We ended our vacation with a trip to Auburn to the Kennesaw vs Auburn basketball game. Although we did not win the game, the guys played very well. And it was so great to see our "Kennesaw family" again. Here I am pictured with coach's wives Lisa Smith and Jeanne Ingle. Being back at a game made Gary and I both realize how much we miss being so involved in basketball, but we are also really enjoying all of the time that we are able to spend together now.

October

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in such a long time. I'll try to catch everyone up on all that has happened over the past month. During the first week in October, I (Kathryn) got to go and spend a few days with my nieces in Knoxville. My sister-in-law, Catherine, was out of town for a few days, so I got some great one-on-two time with the girls. It was such a precious time for me to get to know a little more of their personalities. At the end of my visit, I had a new appreciation for mothers of young children, but I had a great time and really didn't want to leave.

In the second week, Gary and I got to attend a dinner hosted by the Boy Scouts honoring my dad's family. We got to see alot of friends and family from across the state. It is always such a blessing to be able to reflect on the lives of grandparents while they are still living, and this was a great occasion for that. Former Mississippi Governor William Winter was the keynote speaker. Gary and I really enjoyed it and appreciate those of you who traveled to be there.

Perhaps the most exciting thing that has happened in our family in the month of October was the last day of harvest!! Gary has been hard at work over the past few months and we are grateful for a reprieve. As we were in the final few weeks of harvest, I realized that colleges were entering their first days of basketball practice, and I became very thankful that Gary was finishing up his busy season rather than just getting started. The farmers were pleased with this years' crops and are now preparing the fields to plant wheat. Here is a picture of the two of us in a cotton field that is right across from Gary's office.

Last Friday, Gary and I got to go to Pillow Academy for a Pep-Rally paying tribute to all of the senior football players, cheerleaders, and dancers. To my sister Susanne's great embarrassment, my parents donned a tutu and coach's uniform to take center stage and dance to the tunes of High School Musical. After many hours spent perfecting the dance and getting their outfits together, they did a great job and succeeded at both humiliating and honoring Susanne. Copies of the blackmail video will be available for purchase.

To our friends in Atlanta, Gary and I will be coming to town in a few weekends, so we hope to catch up with you all soon.