Buddy Walk

We enjoyed another Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome this Fall. I think this was our 10th annual one. This year, the event was held at Triad Park in Colfax, NC. Above, you'll see Adam (our best buddy) along with me (Jen) and his parents.

Adam, Tatum, Roger, and our Lydia

Zachary and my Ross are pals who attend the same inclusive public school.

Myrtle Beach Non-Marathon

For several years running, we have traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C. in February with friends. The guys run the half marathon. One year, another wife and I ran the half marathon. Mostly, though, we just cheer. This year, it snowed 2 inches the night before the race and the event was called off. JT and his buddy who had flown down from Rhode Island were quite disappointed. Neither of us had ever seen snow on a beach. It was fabulous!

The Breakers Resort

Enjoying our traditional lunch at Fuddruckers with: Kim, Bruce, Erik, J.T., Jon, Roger, Julie, and Jen.

Early Christmas and New Year's in Greensboro

We celebrated our first McCain family Christmas away from Charleston. It was great to have everyone here for a family-filled weekend visit!

The east coast had a record-breaking snowfall and so we headed out to go sledding in the middle of Brassfield Oaks Dr.

We spent New Year's Eve at home with dear friends and family.

A memory: At the last decade end, we also celebrated with the Churches. They had a bash in their home and we put 4-month-old Ross down to bed in a pack-n-play in their closet while we rang in the new century.

My 40th Birthday

My cake was amaretto-flavored, from Maxie B's in Greensboro.

J.T. and I realized that we met 20 years ago this month. It's half-time and I feel so fortunate to have him!

In our living room with sweet friends Marcello and Ellen

Jen and Julie pulled things together. Thank you!

Holiday Prep

We watched "Elf" for the first time

We love having Austin over on Tuesdays- which he calls "Russell Day". It usually falls on their "Garbage Day" and both events are thrilling for the boys!

Russell's best little 3-year-old buddies are Dominic McKinley and Austin Joyce. Austin is already 4 but it looks like they'll be in the same entering grade at the local elementary school in 2 years. Fun! Austin's Dad, Glenn, is one of JT's co-workers. Russell is all about friends (like Lydia, especially). When I asked if he wanted to begin his school career, he said "Yes." I asked him "why?". He thought for a moment and then said, "because there are more friends over there than there are here" (we were at home alone).

When Austin was over for a play date this week, Russell heard that I had offered to give Austin a clean shirt (he had dripped some chocolate milk on his). Russell really wanted for Austin to change his shirt so he said in his most parental voice, "Austin Thomas... you need a clean shirt!" Apparently, "Thomas" is a universal word that means BUSINESS! A few days later, he tried to get my attention by stating emphatically: "Mommy McCain Thomas!" He has also been known to gain my attention by tapping my arm, saying "Hello... is there anyone in there?" and turning around my swivel desk chair.

Tatum was a nice last-minute addition to our tree-shopping crew!

Fall Leaves and Fun 2009

Pretty leaves near our local elementary school

We had hail damage to our roof and this photo shows our happy replacement day.

Our good friends from school at our church

Ross and Lydia's new piano teacher :)

We are Buddy Walk regulars (go Adam!) and this year we got to sit in a fun sports car, too!