Nashville so far

Yesterday we did some Christmas shopping, had lunch with Nana, and mom got a delicious looking apple cobbler.

Last night we went to the Stites for food, fun, and games- and lots of laughter! We love our Nashville friends!

Outing to Lexington

Yesterday Doug and I met Daniel, Kate, Leslie, and Brendan at the Childress Bistro in Lexington. It was a beautiful day, good food, and lots of laughter. I'm so thankful for my extended Branch fam!

Thanksgiving Lupper

Lupper= meal between lunch and supper.

Colorful fall table

Bountiful Buffet

Lupper time!

turkey carcass= neighborhood dog's dream

back for seconds!

Fall colors

A couple weeks ago we went to Stone Mountain and hiked the Cherokee trail. The fall colors were beautiful!

Happy

We couldn't be happier for this guy!

Dennis and Sherie (who made her wedding dress, by the way!) married on November 5th.  After 37 years of friendship, God brought them back together at just the right time.  The ceremony was very sweet and we were so glad to be able to be there.  It was fun to see old Brooks friends as well as our CBC family!

Ho Ho Ho

Started decorating this morning since we head to NC tomorrow!

Shower for Anna

Last weekend I helped host a shower for Anna at Lana's house. She'll walk down the aisle two weeks from today!

Sarah's wedding weekend

A few weeks ago we spent the weekend in North Carolina for my friend Sarah's wedding.  The weekend started with a bridesmaids luncheon at the Old Salem Tavern, then the rehearsal dinner at the Winmock barn, and of course the beautiful wedding with the beautiful bride.  Congrats Sarah!

Bday dinner

Babette's Café was Doug's surprise for my birthday this year. Due to several conflicts, we were a few weeks late in celebrating, but Babette's was worth the wait! Delicious!

Weekend in Nashville

This past weekend we made a speedy visit to Nashville. It was rushed, but we still managed to see both of the grandmothers, parents, and a few friends.

Saturday afternoon I went for a walk with dear friends Elizabeth, Anna Rose, and Jessi.

We came back to a very happy Andrew needing some reading:

I keep telling Elizabeth he can't possibly get cuter!

après France

A bit of info from the past month and a half...

On July 14, we returned from France.

On July 16, we went to NC for 6th week at CBC.

A week after camp, I went back to school from preplanning.

Yesterday finished my 3rd week of school... 3 down, only 15 to go until Christmas break :)

Doug started class at Mercer this past week.

He starts a practicum Monday at a high school in Lawrenceville.

We miss France (and the Hendrixes) like crazy.

Suisse

A few shots from our trip to Lauterbrunnen with Arlin and Pamela...

Burgundy

For our anniversary, Doug planned a trip to Bourgogne. We went to Beaune, where we saw the famous Hôtel Dieu hospital. We also saw wine barrel manufacturers working, visited the small village of Brançion, the once powerful abbey of Cluny, and drove through lots of vinyards!

Slow Tuesday

Today was a pretty relaxing day... I didn't even leave Meyzieu!

Doug and I went for a long walk this morning around a park in Meyzieu that was a WWII German fort. We made lunch for Arlin and Pamela and two men (members of the Christian Church in Lyon) that are re-doing their kitchen. We were able to use some of the bounty from the Hendrix garden!

We spent some time outside and then Doug went to church with Arlin while I stayed home with Pamela and helped clean up and get supper ready.

Hugues, nine year old from church came home with them to spend the night. Now Doug and Hugues are playing soccer... no words being exchanged, but it looks like they are having fun.

First few days in Lyon

First few days back in Lyon...

We arrived in Paris late Saturday morning, took an early afternoon train to Lyon, and made it to the Hendrix house by 5. The weather is beautiful! Saturday we had a light dinner and managed to stay up until 10 before going to sleep! Sunday we went to church, then drove north of Lyon to a farm-to-table restaurant for lunch with the Hendrixes. We walked along the Saone at an artisan market in Trévoux, then came back to Meyzieu. We relaxed at the Hendrix house, had a very light supper, then watched The Ultimate Gift. Today Doug and I went into Lyon, had kebab for lunch, visited a silk workshop,

had a snack at a WWII Resistance hang out,
and of course, walked along the Rhone!