Friday-Sunday, October 12-14

We arrived at Lake James in early afternoon on Friday - absolutely gorgeous day with deep blue skies and 66 degrees.     We got Flo settled in and gave her a good scrubbing - oh my.....she was so dirty after all the rain, mud, gravel, we've been in recently at campgrounds.   The family started trickling in.....Michael had been in Chicago, Drew came home from Iowa City, Ryan from DC, Philip from FL and us from VA.     Great to be back here and hang out with the clan,    Philip gave several of us a ride on his new pontoon and Annette brought a ravioli/lasagna casserole and garlic toast + we added various kinds of wings for a great dinner followed by apple/caramel/walnut pie.

Sun setting over Lake James

Saturday was another spectacular day......guys did outside jobs, I made the strawberry/pretzel salad and deviled eggs.    Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents) came in the afternoon - visiting, boat ride on Michael's pontoon and then picnic-style supper of chicken, burgers and hot dogs with all the sides.      Played 6-handed euchre with Drew, Judy and I beating Brooke, Annette and Bob.    Fun day topped off with oreo cookie cake.    Said good bye to Philip who was off to FL and work.

Blair's imagination is off the charts and she wanted to perform a "dance competition challenge recital" (her words) for everyone tonight and we were to each video her!!! 

I gave the girls pumpkin necklaces that light up and Luke a ring that lit up 

Pretty pink flowers outside Brooke's kitchen window

The Campbell's went to Notre Dame today and cheered the Irish onto victory!

Liam and Connor

Sunday was a rainy, chilly morning.....Ryan, Mark and I went to 9:00 Mass at St. Charles Borromeo in Morganton and a quick stop at Starbucks.    Rest of the crew went to 11:00 Mass at Our Lady of the Angels in Marion.

The Newton crew left for home around 4 - said our good byes to Drew who is flying back to Iowa tonight.

Our little entertainer with her guitar, Easter hat and basket?

Grandma and Blair made pumpkin and ghost cookies this afternoon (actually "baked" them!)

Annette had Mark, Ryan and I over for dinner tonight and then euchre with Mark and I winning

2 of 3.  Raining now...

Curly locks