Life Changing

Sometimes - all the time - it is so good to get outside of yourself ... outside of your comfort zone... outside of your head... away from your worries... by serving others.  

For the past few years, I have been so proud to be part of Rohr Rockstars - serving on the board, but also being a cheerleader for new programming and new ideas;  I am along for the ride, and the ride is fast, exciting, and life changing.  

With a new programming model in place, Rohr Rockstars partnered with Grier's Gallery to create the Artists in Residence {AiR}program; a monthly art education program that gets at the heart of what is important in life ::  finding a passion and sharing it with the world.  The first AiR artists had their work showcased at an art gallery in Uptown Charlotte - and a rocking reception/gallery opening.  To be sure that we could be part of this amazing event, we initiated a family date night.  Our time together - and the inaugural Grier's Gallery installation celebration - was a great success.  My heart is  so full!

 We'll pretend that Anderson was as amazed as I was!

Uncle Ryan's Backyard

Checking out the baseball game {and rescue vehicles?}

with Uncle Ryan during the Charlotte Knights' home opener.

{Love this for so many reasons!}

Flag Football in the Panthers' House

Watching Uncle Ryan's flag football game 

on the Panthers' practice field 

Never too little for football!

 A super serious Panthers' fan

 ATB love in the Panthers' stadium

Happy kid!

Knights Uptown

Courtesy of ATB and Uncle Ryan,

from 11 stories up, 

we were able to be part of Charlotte history

and witness the first Charlotte Knights game 

played in the new BB&T stadium uptown.

{Tickets were sold out months before!}

From our perch we got to hear the national anthem,

and collective Queen city cheers, 

and we got to see the first pitch thrown out

as well as see the Knights hit the first home run in their new home. 

Trainspotting

 Not much is more exciting than hearing and seeing the Charlotte Lynx train!

ATB is Married

 

Aunt Tessa Bug is married! 

We were so happy to be part of Tessa and Ryan's special day. 

We can't wait to watch their marriage be blessed and see how they will be a blessing to others. 

{Pictures snagged from #taylortiestheknot}

 

Dear Ryan,

When we were first introduced to you, I could see that you were Tessa's "happily ever after."  Then you introduced us to the music of Simplified, adorable Baby Gap apparel, and dangerous Baby Guinnesses, and you made skulls commonplace and not at all creepy … and our lives have never been the same! Now your life with our Tessa Bug will never be the same as you begin your journey together for the rest of forever.

 

We have shared laughs, cocktails, peanut butter pretzels, and fancy meals … now we will share less glamorous things like family holidays, and believe it or not, even more fun things like {eventual} future "tiger cub" cousins and friends.  

 

Within the first few months of meeting you, during a monumental change in my life, you encouraged me to let loose, laugh, and live life to its fullest.  During this monumental change in your life, I encourage you to lead, in a Godly way, love, in a wholehearted and selfless way, and live, in a purposeful way.

 

We are blessed to now have an Uncle Ryan in the family, and while we can't promise that our boys will be Cubs fans … nor can we allow them to be Bears fans, for sure Alekzander and Anderson will love watching a Knights baseball game from the 11th story Taylor Skybox, and they will always enjoy cheering for the Panthers and "Big Rex" with their Uncle Ryan.

 

Welcome to the family.  Happy Wedding Day … and Happy Forever.

Parade Watching & Playing

Alekzander found a lucky rainbow under our reflections!

Off to the parade with McKensy & Barrett

Best seats ever!

Our buddy {Barrett} watching intently

 Checking out B's picture ... of the race cars or the princesses!

  

 "Yook, Yook! An ambulance!"

 A is for Alekzander

 Visiting with some green people

 Heading back home on the train

Green Day - Uptown

Excited about the parade on "Green Day" ...

 ... and over it!

 Lucky to be loved by these two boys!

Shoe Shine, Sir?

City Reflections

Singing Bears II

 

 Singing Bears at Founders Hall

Totally into the bears... for about 5 minutes... 

but with 50 minutes left on the parking meter, 

Mommy & Daddy won the battle of wills.

Seriously, we will all enjoy this pre-Christmas family outing whether we like it or not!

Take 3  ... aka "Take what you can get" 

with a grumpy 3 year old {having major snack envy!}