Ella Kate Engelen's Baptism

Thanksgiving Weekend at Wrightsville Beach Wilmington NC

Ben swam in 58 degree water!!!!

Anna and Johnny watching Ben run into the ocean.

Ella

Ella in her "Santa's Helper" outfit.

Learning to play the djembe with Uncle Johnny

Thanksgiving

What a wonderfully busy weekend. We started out celebrating Thanksgiving Day with Johnny's side of family, visiting both the Schultz and the Brinkworth side. We woke up at 4:35 am on Friday morning to catch an early flight to Wilmington, NC and had Thanksgiving with the Wahl side of the family. Dad and Bob picked us up from the airport...it was beautiful, sunny, and high 50s on the coast. We had a great Thanksgiving meal (third one for me and Johnny) and then a game of ultimate football followed by a bonfire to close out the night. Saturday, we hung out, played with Ella, went to Wrightsville Beach, played with Ella some more, watched Ben run into the ocean (62 degrees)....needless to say he didn't stay in long, took a nice walk, and then Ella was baptized. She was so good, never cried, and was just as cute as ever. After the baptism, we went to one of Megan and Bob's favorite restaurant, Boca Bay, and then toured Airlie Gardens. It was all lit up and a-glow....a perfect start to the holiday season. I wish I had some pictures to post!! I will get them up as soon as Renee sends some to me:) We finished with a 12 hour car ride home today....sooooo worth it though. Wished you lived closer Megan and Bob!! Thanks for a great weekend.

Our Annual Fall Trip to the Red River Gorge

We sat by the fire all night, and watched and listened to the changing of the woods as the sun went down. Slowly, the pink sky transitioned into a black, star-lit night. The moon even woke Johnny up because it was so bright.

Looking out over Koomer Ridge with our morning coffee.

A beautiful 6 mile hike to the top of Natural Bridge by way of Hood's Branch Trail.

It was so windy at the top, and 75 degrees!! What a warm start to November.

Halloween

We had a nice Halloween, even though we didn't get as many trick-or-treaters as expected. Renee and Mike had great costumes. Here are some pics.