Smidgey's First Flight and Golden Linings

Jeb gave Baby Smidge the cup that he used
when he was a baby, engraved with his name in
sterling silver and lined with gold.

On the weekend of September 18-21, Jim and I were lucky enough to sneak in one last pre-baby trip to Abingdon, Virginia. Not only did we get to climb the beautiful cliffs of Hidden Valley, but we had four days with friends who poured love over this baby the whole time. Jeb has been a very special person in our lives ever since he yelled at Jim, told him to get a job and buy a stick clip, a memory he doesn't seem to have :-). In addition to having spectacular company, we had lovely weather and even better climbing. While my abs have officially quit being a part of my rock climbing experience, I still top roped climbs from 5.7-5.9. My chiropractor here in Ithaca recommended that be my last rock climbing trip until after baby, but we'll see how I feel. Seeing my toes is becoming a bit of an issue :-).




As an unexpected bonus, Andria is temporarily living in Abingdon and we got to spend time with her. We now have lots of favored reading from her and Kire. It is such special time to get to be together with our wonderful Virginia friends who are family.  Though we are settling into New York more and more every day, there is something about those Virginia mountains that wrap around every where you look and always make me feel at home.