Christmas Card 2011

Happy Holidays Everyone!

thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Raleigh this year was a blast. Grandma Jean and Papa Ed came to visit from Baton Rouge, and we all spent the whole week playing around town. At the NC Museum of Art, we took in some classic Rembrandts and Mags commented on the "sad lady" in the "big painting". Raleigh's Pullen Park reopened after two years of renovation just in time for Thanksgiving, so we all got to play on the new playground and ride the vintage carousel. On Thanksgiving Day, KK and Papa Wally came down as well and we had a delicious fried turkey with all the fixin's.

yard bowling

we took advantage of the beautiful weather today to try a new game. Maggie had a blast, thanks KK and Papa for the yard bowling set which has been in our shed for over a year and may start getting some use!

Wonder Woman saves Halloween

Halloween was a bit of a washout this year, literally. The rain started coming down as soon as it got dark. Maggie wasn't deterred though, and donned her Wonder Woman costume to brave the weather for some candy. We only made it to a few close-by houses under the cover of an umbrella, but it was still a lot of fun. Later the rain stopped and Mags was thrilled by the all the trick-or-treaters coming to her house.

Maggie's 3rd Birthday Bash

Maggie's 3rd Birthday Bash was a success! Lots of friends came to Maggie's "birthday house" to celebrate with jungle playground fun, Cooper's BBQ, and an unintentionally enormous Dora + Diego cake. Fun was had, and no children, animals, or adults were harmed. Maggie tore through her birthday loot later in the evening and passed out muttering "i'm still birthday girl, i'm still birthday girl".

Sadie Findley 1998-2011

A better friend, companion and soulmate we could not have asked for. Sadie found us in 2003 and was given a second chance at happiness. We hope she found it because we cannot imagine our lives without her. She's been there through the good and not so good, and she never wavered in her love and devotion. There is a hollowness in our hearts right now but we know she is in a better place where she can run and swim to her heart's delight.

We love you always - Dad, Mom, Magpie & your fellowship of cats.

Myrtle Beach

The second annual East Coast Fin beach trip was a success. We headed to Myrtle Beach this year with KK and Papa Killough and stayed at their awesome Sheraton Resort timeshare. In addition to being just blocks from a beautiful beach, it had a kickin' water-playland of slides, sprays, pools, lazy river, etc. Perfect for cooling off after enjoying the beach.

Mags loved the water (both beach and pools), Julia celebrated her 29th birthday again, and we all had some good food and good times.

I Have An Appetite

I have an appetite, for Noodles! (and meatballs!)

"Henside the Beltline Tour de Coop" + other great weekend fun

What a crazy full weekend. We toured swanky chicken coops, went to b'day parties and blew a lot of bubbles in the backyard. Thanks, again, "KK" for coming up to Raleighwood so we could make it all happen.

Tickle Time

Maggie met her cousin Isaac for the first time on our recent trip to California. It didn't take them long to find an activity they both enjoy.... tickling!

Coast to Coast

Thanks West Coast Findleys for the great trip! We enjoyed chillin' with family in Los Angeles and San Diego, and got to see the awesome San Diego Wild Animal Park. Maggie had a great time playing with her cousins and we only wish it could happen more often. Love y'all and hope to see everyone again soon.

More Easter...

More Easter pics. We had a great weekend, including an egg hunt at our house (see prior post), lots of treats from friends and family, and lots of fun time outside.

Easter Egg Hunt

Last year we braved the massive downtown Raleigh Easter Egg Hunt, where Maggie got only one egg, and only that one due to the kindness of strangers. This year we decided to put our yard to good use and hold our own event. The first annual East Coast Findley Easter Egg Hunt was a success, although the weather could have been better. It rained all day on Friday, and just barely dried out enough by egg hunting time on Saturday morning. It was a small crew of Maggie's girlfriends, but everyone seemed to have a good time. Kids snacked on Easter Egg treats and juice boxes while parents kicked back a few mimosas. Thanks to those friends who made it, and too bad for those who couldn't, you missed a good time.

Chicken Fun Time!

Maggie had a blast feeding and chasing the chickens during brunch at our friends Greg and Lorraine's house today. Chicken say cluck!

Maggie vs. Sadie

1...2...3...she's out!!!!

Sadie is such a good big sister. She takes much abuse from her younger sibling and still will guard her within an inch of her life.

hokey pokey at the library book sale

We all headed down to the Wake County library book sale today. Along with a ton of great books, Maggie's favorite band Sandbox was there to rock it for the kids. Maggie thoroughly enjoyed busting some moves with Earl the Library Squirrel.

New Sweater from KK

Thanks for the new sweater and hat KK! Handmade and fits just right! I showed it off during breakfast at Cameron Village and then a stroll around the NC Fairgrounds. It was super windy but my sweater and hat kept me nice and warm.

Diggin' in the dirt

Weather warmed up and dried up a bit today, so we took advantage and got dirty between the Carolina basketball and the Superbowl games.

Sunday morning

visit from kk

welcome neko!

latest edition to the family... welcome Neko Findley! yea, i know she's hanging in the sandbox but she has only been home a couple of hours and is still hanging in her "safe place". Neko is from the SPCA and is about 4 mnths old. Her daddy picked her out and Mom & Mags are super happy with the choice!