We're Number One!

I came home from work yesterday and to my surprise the neighbors had left a surprise in our yard. Low and behold, Craig and I have been dubbed the "Most Improved Yard." How funny is this!?! So here's the story behind the sign... Ever since Craig bought the house we've noticed a number of yards in the neighborhood being honored as the "Ridgefields Garden Club's Yard of the Month" or the "Beautification Award Winner." Meanwhile Craig and I were working VERY hard to fix up the outside of our home... replacing the front door, putting up new shutters, trimming back the monstrous bushes, and planting new shrubs/flowers. We wondered what the requirements were for being honored in the way that many of our neighbors had been.

So, a couple weeks ago our neighbors Ann and Taylor had this lovely yellow sign made to be placed in the yard of our neighbors David and Becky. I passed a comment to Taylor wondering what a person has to do to get a sign in their yard. Little did I know that we would be the next nominees!

So now we seem to have a new little neighborhood tradition. I guess Craig and I now have to wait for someone new to move in and put in some work to pass along the honor.

Saturday Night Game Night!

Yesterday Craig and I hosted a USC/UT game night dinner. We were joined by Daniel and Danielle... two of our favorite people in Tennessee! We started the evening off by hanging out around the fire bowl (our new favorite thing to do) and preparing dinner on the grill.

Then it was time for the big game. The game was certainly filled with its ups and its downs... for both teams.
In the end, Tennessee managed to pull off the win (thanks to pure luck)... much to Daniel's pleasure!
Eventhough the gamecocks didn't win it was still a great night and we all had a great time!

Fall is in the Air!

Fall is definitely in the air up here. The leaves are beginning to change and the air is getting cool and crisp. Craig and I decided to ring in the season by spending an evening on the back patio alongside our new fire bowl (thanks again Jared, Melanie, and parents!). We really enjoyed the time together warming our toes!
I have a feeling we are going to get a lot of use out of this gift! Now all we need is some real patio furniture to go along with it.

Into The Wild...

Friday night Craig and I went to see Into The Wild... a movie based on the real life of a young man named Chris McCandless, a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp. The story follows Chris as he graduates from Emory University, abandons all of his possessions, and sets out on a journey of discovery. He hitch hikes across the country and even into Mexico before reaching his goal of Alaska. The landscapes were absolutely beautiful. The movie was amazing, tragic, and exciting all at the same time! All in all, I give the movie an overwhelming two thumbs up!

At Long Last!

FINALLY... After much discussion, negotiation, and internet research we have finally decided on a name for our newest family member! Personally I am a fan of pets having a first and last name... something that shows a little personality. Well, Craig's personality really liked the idea of the frog being a doctor. So we agreed on the title, but what about the names?!? That's where the internet came in. Craig found an online story about "The Frog Who Didn't Have a Name". After reading the story I decided that my frog's last name definitely had to be Hoppers! Now, on to his first name. Craig and I threw several names around and finally settled on Walter or Wally for short. So, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce to all to Dr. Wally Hoppers! Isn't he fabulous!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my 25th birthday, so my parents decided to come to town to join the celebration. Saturday, my dad, Craig, and I spent the day on the golf course. We later met back up with my Mom and went out for dinner at Cocula... the best Mexican restaurant in town!
Sunday we spent the day hanging out at the house with my parents. After my parents left, Craig and I went out and picked up my birthday present... a new frog! This time I picked out a frog that was a little older. I still haven't decided on a name for him. Anyone have any suggestions?

Apple Festival

This past weekend Craig's mom came to visit with us. We decided to spend Saturday in Erwin at the 30th annual Unicoi County Apple Festival. We met up with our friends Daniel and Danielle and spent the day taking in all of the sights. As usual, the festival featured crafts, regional foods, entertainment, and of course locally grown apples! It was a beautiful day and we seemed to all have a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures.

Of course no festival would be complete without old ladies clogging?!?

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