Ashlyn's Bday

Our oldest met us in Greenville to celebrate her 22nd birthday.  Eric bought her a spicy margarita, but she wouldn't even try it.  Mom and Dad had to help finish it.

When she came home for the weekend, we had presents and her favorite dessert ready!

Then we drew straws to see who the guinea would be as her test dummy.  Eric won this round.  She put pressure points on his back, then poked and prodded until she could feel each part of his spine.  

Luke, your friend in the background, Mr. Creepy, wanted to say hi.

Octoberfest

Greenville had its own little version of an Octoberfest, and it was cute.  Of course, the little one didn't want to go, but Eric & I were excited to head downtown and sample a small part of our German heritage.  

Eric enjoyed the beer and curry wurst.

Even the little one tried a few bites!

My personal favorite was the beer cheese and pretzel!

Prost!

And a cute selfie of the two of us.  :)

The band was really good, and even played Sweet Caroline with a German accent.

An instant photo booth at the festival...

USC Bday

With our son away at college, we couldn't resist making the drive to see him on his special day.  Dean (owner of Kolache Factory) sent him a special gift as well - a Polish Hot, his favorite!

His birthday meal was at the dorm cafeteria.  Our little one had never eaten in this one and was wanting to try it.

Next was the big football game against Texas A&M.  Although we lost, it was a close one 26-23.  Great game!

On Sunday morning, we all crowd into the tiny student chapel at St. Thomas More.  We didn't realize it, but that particular Mass was very special.  The Bishop of Charleston was presiding as they officially welcomed in a first degree relic of St. John Paul II.  This relic will permanently be placed at this student chapel.  The former pope visited the USC campus back in 1987 and addressed the students on the Horseshoe. 

After Mass, we ate lunch at Moe's (had a coupon).  It was beautiful outside, so we hung out on their patio for an hour while Eric helped Luke get caught up on his calculus homework.

 And of all days, it was also National Dessert Day!!  So, we went out for ice cream after that.

After hugs and birthday kisses, we headed back to Greenville.  Two days later, I had a training class in Columbia, so I had to stop by one more time to deliver a few presents and a red velvet cupcake.  My sweet baby boy is #19!  

Running Club

Although our children are not part of the USC running club, the students there still like to make a stop over at our house when they have a meet at SWU (Southern Wesleyan Univ).  It's just 20 minutes away, and it gives the runners a nice opportunity to road trip for pretty cheap.

First, lots of snacks...enough for evening and breakfast the next morning.

Then, lots of bedding everywhere.  We had 7 girls and 8 boys in addition to our own family.

Eric enjoyed talking with everyone.