Winter Track Season Polar Bear Race!!!

Being in North Carolina - they have "winter track" from November through February. Devin's thrilled! He's been running cross country and track since the 6th grade - now that he's in high school - he's pretty good. But - this is taking track to a whole new level!

Devin only ran the 500 meter run - yes you read that correctly - winter track adds 100 meters to every race for some odd reason! Considering he'd been sick for the last week with a bronchitis virus and he only had 1 day of practice this week AND he's never ran in weather like this - he did good. Beat out 6 other kids and ran it in 1 minute 24 seconds.

Now - Mike and I - we sat on concrete bleachers for 2 1/2 hours watching the races and froze our butts off!!! About 40 degree weather!!! It's 2 hours later and I think we STILL have icicles on our bottoms!!!

Sorry - no pics! We forgot to take the cameras!! We'll get them next week we promise!

I Did It!!!!!!

For all those who doubted that I could fix a Thanksgiving Dinner on my own - guess what you were wrong! Mike had to work all day and I worked in the kitchen all day - with the help of Kayleigh! We made turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, corn, bread, and had it all ready when Mike got home. We used Mike's Great Grandma Lyons china to celebrae our first Thanksgiving Dinner at home.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We've been so busy around here we haven't had a chance to update the blog! Sorry!!

Mike had his shoulder surgery November 2nd and it went well. He had tears in he labrum and he rotator cuff. He's recovering well and even has full range. He's excited that he finally progressed to therapy with 2 pound weights this week!! He's my Superman!!

I started my new job at the first of the month now. I am now managing the rehab department of a retirement center that has hundreds of residents in a rental community of independent living clear to those needing extensive care. We stay super busy - which is a nice change!! The best part is that it's only a 10 minute drive from home!!

Devin started winter track last week and is looking forward to his first race. Sounds like he'll be in sprint races again this year. That's what he's good at! The toughest part for him is balancing his time. He's at practice till 5:30, home at 6:00, tries to eat quickly, gets a shower, and doesn't get to start homework until after 7:30 usually. So - he's exhausted!!

Kayleigh made the All County Honors Concert Band this year!! We were so proud of her. The concert was last Saturday and the kids had ONE DAY to practice and learn their music. Kayleigh and I had fun shopping for a black dress for the occasion. She looked absolutely gorgeous! The concert was held at Reynolds Auditorium and all the kids did a great job. The picture below is her before we left for the concert.

Chase is still our ball of energy! Having Andy around (the new dog) has been a wonderful blessing to Chase. Chase has trouble with social interaction and gets funny when it comes to sitting by us, hugging us, etc. It's nice to see him loving up to a pet the way he does with Andy. They are definitely best friends!

Paige is loving pre-school and finally starting to show some interest in learning something! She turned 5 two weeks ago and had a birthday party here at home with her friends Carissa, Genesis, and Cassie. They made jewelry that the girls could take home, played outside, had cake, ice-cream, and presents. I was Paige's first true birthday party and she really enjoyed the attention!!

That's really it for now! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Blessed Holiday Season!!

The Lyons Family

(by the way - there are rarely pics of Devin because he won't let us take any of him!!!)


Kayleigh the night of her concert.



Paige he morning of her birthday party before church.

Happy Halloween!!

Paige and Chase couldn't get out the door quick enough to start trick or treating! We went with our neighbors and they introduced us to many people in the neighborhood. Finally feeling like we belong here!

Paige was Cinderella this year, complete with the crown. Chase went as the Ninja again this year choosing not to buy a new costume. Kayleigh went too, more to help out, but she landed some good candy! Of course, when we got home, Daddy claimed he got a 25% cut on all candy. The kids won and he got A piece!

Below are a few pics of the kids. Devin didn't go with us - so we don't have any of him.

Left to Right: Paige, Carissa, Daniel, Chase (Carissa and Daniel are our neighbors)



Paige and Carissa in their Cinderella dresses.



Kayleigh on the left and her friend Anna on the right. Kayleigh made her own costume this year.