An Inspiring Ride

All my life I’ve looked up to my dad in countless ways, but this weekend he surpassed my highest expectations! Saturday, my 59 year old father rode his bicycle 107 miles in a fundraiser to support multiple sclerosis. Nine months ago one of his Harley friends, Barry, shared with my dad that he was planning on riding in the MS fundraiser event in September. Another Harley friend, Nya, had been diagnosed with MS prior to this. My dad, always up for a challenge and chance to perform a kind act for another, decided to join Barry in this endeavor. After nine months of training and countless Saturdays riding together, the day finally arrived…and with it brought lots of rain and a gas shortage.

The event started at Winthrop so Chap and I were able to host the amazing racers Friday night! We had a great evening hanging out, eating spaghetti, and hoping the rain would go away! Saturday we were headed to the WU coliseum by 5:45 a.m. and by about 7 a.m. event was finally underway! It was really touching to see everyone there in effort to support the same cause.

As you can probably see, the rain was still hanging around…but thankfully only lasted a little bit and Chap was able to hunt some gas for my car so we could make it to Greenville to see the big finish!!

Here we are Saturday, 6 a.m. waiting for the race to begin.

Thanks to the weather I wasn't able to get a great shot of all the bikers that participated in the event.

About nine hours later, Dad and Barry finally pedaled up the home stretch into downtown Greenville in front of the new baseball stadium. We were sooooo excited and proud!!

Here they come, still smiling!!

Yes, we made banners...we love cheese =)

This last picture is very special, this is Nya, the amazing woman and reason for my dad and Barry to do this event. I really enjoyed hanging out with her on Saturday, she has such a great spirit and optimism about her that really made me think about about how I handle the simple challenges in my daily life. Thank you Dad, Barry, and Nya for insipiring me!!

Birthday's Kick B.A.S.S

I know it seems like I am always posting about birthdays and babies...but we have a lot of both around here so you get to hear about it!

Chap has been working very hard the last two weeks to finish his dad's corn hole/nugget game. He made a set for my parents, and now this set for his dad...and I can't decide which one I like best?? Anyway, it was a team effort to get the fish painted on the boards Saturday night...Justin, Chap, and Matt worked on the fish while Mike made the chicken (an equally important job in my opinion). I had to take a picture because this yumminess was the highlight of my Saturday =)

So Sunday we traveled to Hartsville to celebrate Mary Cline, Larry, Roger, and Chap's birthday (we knocked four out in one day...this should make for less b-day posts ;) This was also exciting because it was the twins' first trip to Cookie and Poppy's! The aunts (me and Keesha) did our best to play nice...good thing there's two of them, otherwise things might have gotten ugly.

Larry loved the game boards. While I'm not sure an entire game was actually played, I do know that they made for a special background for our special family =) Who's getting old?? Not these kids....

Monkeys see, Monkeys do!

This is Rollings scootin' around the driveway yelling, "I love you Heder...but you will have to move now so I don't run over you!"

I wasn't able to take pictures of Larry, Krissee, and Chap shooting the watermelons with the new gun...I was way to busy playing with the babies. Holidays and celebrations have always been so wonderful at the Rollings', and then adding the sweet Daybies has made things even greater!! Love you all, happy birthday Larry, Chap, Mary Cline and Roger =)

My Modest Father

I just got the coolest e-mail from my dad who recently did some catching up on my blog. =) If you've ever met my dad then you know he's pretty fantastic! He's got a wonderful and addictive personality, super outgoing and friendly, loves to give ya the 'thumbs up', hardest working man I know, and very athletic (next weekend he is doing a charity event that involves him riding his bicycle...NOT the Harley, 100 miles from Rock Hill to Greenville...WOW, I get tired just making the drive!) It's hard to get him to share all the wonderful things he does, so we have to do this for him (unless it's beating our butts in poker or horse, he's pretty good at bragging when it comes to that!)

Anyway, after reading about 'catfish cove' he sent this picture. I thought I'd share a little for my modest father...he caught this striper last month at Lake Hartwell!! WOW! Watch out Larry and Chap...I think Big Norm might be ready for a fish-off soon!

I love you dad! Good thing you had some evidence...I might not have believed this one! See, don't you think it's time for a boat?? =)

The Weekend

We had a GREAT weekend! After 'spa day' with the ladies Saturday morning, everyone came back to our house for some tailgating fun and to watch the games. Amber brought Carter to visit Rock Hill for his first time!! It was so neat having them both here! I understand how much effort and work go into packing a baby, a baby's overnight stuff, and a mommy's stuff...so I truly truly appreciate Amber for making the trip!

Amber's birthday was actually over a month ago, but this is the first chance we've all had to celebrate!

I loved having the girls together this weekend. I will forever be grateful for the friendships we've created. I know that no matter where we go or what adventures we have, these girls will always be there for me! Love ya'll! We miss you Amber!

Randomness due to the disappearing chord...

I am REALLY great at losing the USB chord that lets me upload my pics to my computer. It's not frustrating AT ALL....needless to say, after several weeks I finally gave up and ordered a new one...so now you have lots of random pictures =)

This is our most recent trip to the lake...lots of fun, fishing, and food!! It doesn't get much better than that!? Thank you Todd & Tammy Tam Tam! This is Mimi, a very good friend of mine who is also a fourth grade teacher AND an expecting mommy!! (Hmmm...wonder why we're friends??) =)

Yea, Catfish Cove wasn't as successful this time.

We had a fantastic shrimp boil on the boat, yummy! Thanks guys =)

Football season is FINALLY here!! Even though we both had lots of homework, Chap made some yummy ribs to celebrate! Yes, I shared...a little.

School is back in full force and I am pretty in love with my class! I was concerned with the number of girls I had, but they have been very helpful and caring (so far at least...) This is just one of my many cheerleaders , Ripley =)

Chap knew he had lots of ladies to impress this year, so he sent the class flowers on the first day of school. Thanks Mr. Chap!! =)

So, that's been our life the last couple weeks: lake trips, school, school, and football! Hope my blog is current now (Daniel).

Here's a picture of sweet Carter I didn't get to share because of the disappearing chord. Carter and his mommy are coming to visit us this weekend and I can't WAIT!