Family

The Risser Family

Autumn and Jeremy were recently married and our family is continuing to grow!! We had a wonderful time celebrating this occasion with family!!

OBX

We had the opportunity to spend several days at the Outer Banks at the end of October. Bryan's boss has an ocean front beach house which was a perfect getaway for a few days. We left after school on Wednesday and came back on Sunday. My parents joined us on Friday and we had a wonderful time. We did not get to the beach this summer and the last time we were at the beach the wind blew the sand so much in the girls face that they spent more time at the pool. Kaleigh loved the sand and putting her feet in the water, however Cassidy did not feel the same way. Cassidy and Abby enjoyed the playing in the sand and knocking down all the sand castles Daddy and Pop-pop made.

Several days were beautiful!!

We visited a pier that was recently rebuilt, although at this point it was freezing. The girls had on their heavy coats.

We also went to the Wright Brothers Memorial and walked around.

Kaleigh and Pop-pop

Abby's First Birthday!

This past week Abby turned one which we celebrated on Sunday. The weather was beautiful so we spent most of the time outside.

Getting a taste of her cake!Sitting with Aunt Autumn and Jeremy

Abby amongst all the gifts

Getting help from Kaleigh and Cassidy on breaking in the new toys!!

Our little girl is growing up!!

Kaleigh's First Day of Pre-school

Kaleigh is beyond excited and has been looking forward to this day for the past month!! Today is Kaleigh's first day of pre-school. The Rec. Department has a program that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-12 at the Bergton Community Center. Since they follow the county's schedule I will never be able to take her or pick her up so.........I decided to take a half day this morning so that I could take her the first day. There are eight boys and girls in her class. She knows another little girl because we are friends with her family. Kaleigh is very excited to be "in school". Last night we put a collage together of pictures of our family so that if Kaleigh misses us or is thinking about us while she is over there she can look at the pictures. She also drew a picture for her teacher, Mrs. Crystal. She had no trouble saying good-bye to me today and had a huge smile on her face!!I can't wait to hear all about her day!!

Giving me thumbs up!!Playing at one of the centers!

Kaleigh and Mommy

Cornhole Boards

Bryan decided to tackle making his own cornhole boards and finished them up this week. He bought the things he needed from Lowe's, got the bags from the Shenandoah Farmer's Market, and ordered a decal off the internet. He worked on them several hours over a three day period and they are ready to be used for a cookout we are having tomorrow. They turned out great and he did an awesome job on them!!

Trout Pond

Yesterday we took the girls to Trout Pond in West Virginia. We'd never been there before, but once we were there we wondered why we hadn't gone with it being so close to our house. It's only about 30 minutes away. There's a day use fee for adults but the kids are free. There's a large lake with white sand. They also have a playground, hiking trails, a picnic area, and camp sites. Jimmy and Misty joined us, and we had a wonderful time.

While the food was on the grill, the kids enjoyed swinging and playing.

Kaleigh and Cody

We are looking forward to more trips to Trout Pond.

Smith Mountain Lake

We just got back from a fun and relaxing weekend at Smith Mountain Lake with some friends. This was the first time we'd ever been to Smith Mountain Lake and had a wonderful time. The girls loved being in the water and the weather was perfect. Yesterday night they put off fireworks that were amazing. It seemed to last forever. We stayed up way too late and didn't get enough sleep, but it was well worth it!! :)

Abby is such a happy child. Always smiling!!She didn't want to get out!!Jimmy, Misty and their boys in the water.The girls getting a feel for the water. They weren't so eager at first to go too far in. Enjoying the lake!

Thanks Stuart, Sarah and Baby Hunter for inviting us!! :)

Down Home on the Farm

Today I took Kaleigh and Cassidy to Down Home on the Farm. This week they have a butterfly exhibit that I thought the girls would enjoy so we ventured out to take a look.

They have other activities for the kids to do. One being a wooden train. I think we spent the most time playing on the train.

They gave cow train rides.

(several cow cars like this one linked together, pulled by a four-wheeler). They also have cow swings that are adorable. Cassidy did NOT want to get off!!

Feeling the waterThe girls enjoyed looking at the butterflies, but were not at all interested in letting one sit on their hand.

Just a little fishin

Kaygen (our niece) is back speding several days with Bryan's parents. Kaleigh is loving her time with Kaygen and staying with Mamaw and Pap. Yesterday evening after supper they called to say they were taking the girls fishing at their pond, so we went down to join them.

Kaleigh was all about fishing on Bryan's pole until they caught one and she took off the other way!!

Kaleigh's fish.....she did quite well. She started off 3 for 3. Cassidy with her catch.

Kaygen with her fish.

Pap's Girls

It was a beautiful evening out fishin!!

Happy Birthday Cassidy!!

On Friday, June 3, Cassidy turned two. We celebrated today with our family.

Ice cream cake is a must for birthday's in the Harper house.

Anticipation...............

I think Kaleigh announced what each of Cassidy's gifts were before Cassidy knew what it was.Little Miss AbbyHer pride and joy. A new bike!!

Happy Birthday, Cassidy!!

Abby

Easter

We had a nice Easter with our families!

I was hoping to get a nice picture of our family or of the girls, but they only like to take pictures on their own terms. Without a doubt someone wouldn't want to sit still or when one was looking another one wasn't.

Happy Easter!!

Friends

We all enjoy spending time with friends!!

Aidan, Cody, Kaleigh, Cassidy, Abby and Baby Wimer! :)