Von Kekel Holiday Party

This evening was the holiday party for Kristi's company Von Kekel. Kristi began working at Von Kekel as a Store Director the last week of September. She has met the challenge of re-entering the workforce with her typical fortitude and integrity. I am very proud of her and was not surprised when she received the award "Best Find of the Year". The award was presented to one employee who was viewed as the best new hire over the course of the year.

Christmas Tree

We have picked out a real tree for Christmas over the past decade. It has become a tradition where I take Nora and Hanna with me and we try find what Kristi has described to us as the ideal tree. This year Kristi and Sam came with us and helped pick out the perfect tree.

2007 Thanksgiving

This year was our second Thanksgiving since moving to Raleigh and although no one was able to visit us from back home, we did have a pleasant holiday. We decided to co-celebrate the holiday with two of our neighbors. We ended up having three families together under one roof which included eight children ages 1 to 10 with six adults. Each family contributed a few of their specialty dishes to accompany two turkeys. We really enjoyed the company of our new friends and the kids had a blast.

Boone, North Carolina

We drove to Boone, NC to spend a couple of days adventuring in the mountains. We spent most of our time at Grandfather Mountain where we walked across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, visited the Wildlife Habitats and had lunch.

The Next World's Strongest Man

Today at Nora's soccer game, Sam grabbed Nora's bag and drug it up and down the road. Each time we brought him back to watch the game, he would drag the bag right back to the road and take off. It reminded me of the sled drag event in the World's Strongest Man competition. Sam was very focused and determined to pull that bag to the end of the road.

Summer Soccer

Nora's soccer team was in "development" mode all season. Last week they played very well and Nora kicked a goal to tie the game at the end. That was her first goal this year and it was a spectacular one. She kicked it in the air above everyone's head and hit the top of the goal and it bounced in. She kicked it so hard it actually lifted the goal frame off the ground.

Today, was their last game and they won 3 to 1. It was their only win but a great way to end the season. Nora also scored a goal today that was just as impressive as last week. She kicked the ball in from the side line and it went over everyone's head and caught the corner of the goal.

Riding Lessons

Nora finished her ridding lessons today. She has improved a lot and really enjoys her time on the farm. She will begin group lessons in the Spring.