Y Guides Spring 2016 Outing at Camp Seafarer

Paul and Clara joined the other dads and daughters of their Y Guides Troop ("The Flaming Eagles") for their Spring 2016 Outing to Camp Seafarer.  The summer camp in Arapahoe, NC, has everything that a 7-year-old naturally loves:  swimming, biking, archery, canoeing, hiking, a 40-foot-high zip line (into the lake, no less!), S'mores over the campfire, and bunk beds.  It's unclear who had more fun, Paul or Clara, since both loved every minute of the weekend!  Clara is already talking about next year's Spring Outing!

Arts Together Spring Picnic 2016

The annual Arts Together Spring Picnic was held at the N.C. Museum of Art on a beautiful spring day.  Clara joined Hattie for the festivities, which included kite making, face painting, bubbles, scavenger hunts, and delicious food.  Hattie loved playing with her Arts Together friends and teachers, especially Ms. Sherri (Hattie's Moons teacher), Ms. Renee (Art teacher), Ms. Nan (Drama/Music teacher), Ms. Karen (Dance teacher), Ms. Rebecca (Drama/Music teacher), and Ms. Brenda (Director).  The Dryden girls have been involved with Arts Together since Clara started in the Planets class almost 4 years ago, so those teachers feel like family!  It is truly such a special place.  

 Testing out the new kites!

 Bubbles!

Ms. Renee

Ms. Karen & Ms. Renee

Soccer Clinic with UNC Women's Team

CASL (Capital Area Soccer League) hosted the UNC Women's Soccer team for a clinic offered to 7-10-year-old girls.  Clara jumped at the chance to learn from the best women's college players in the country, and they did not disappoint!  While the girls played during the 2-hour clinic, UNC head coach Anson Dorrance spoke with the parents.  Afterwards, the girls were able to get autographs from the players and LOTS of photographs were taken.  But the best part of the evening, by far, was at the very end.  Since we stayed so long afterwards and Clara was one of the last girls to leave, the UNC team offered to take a team photo with Clara, even lifting her for a victory lap at the end!  WOW!!  What an incredible and unforgettable experience.  Needless to say, Clara is now a die hard UNC Women's Soccer fan!!

 Hamming it up with Hanna

 

Introducing the UNC Women's Team

 Learning from the best!

 Hanna (a CASL alum) & Clara

 UNC Head Coach Anson Dorrance

Clara & Maddy

N.C. State Farm Animal Day 2016

Kate and Hattie joined several of Hattie's friends for a field trip to N.C. State University's "Farm Animal Days," where the kids were able to hold baby chicks, practice milking cows, tour the farms, ride on the tractors, and (best of all) sample ice cream from the campus creamery.  Delicious!  

Hattie Poses in Front of a 2,000 lb. "Daddy Cow" 

Hattie, Lucy, and Emilia 

"Milking" the Cows

On The Scale!

Watching the Turkeys 

 Enjoying Ice Cream with Friends

Saying Hello to the Horses

Cooper River Bridge Run 2016

The 2016 Cooper River Bridge Run was a success!  Paul and Kate made their annual trek across the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston along with nearly 40,000 other runners.  Kate's 2015 race time placed her in the Competitive category this year, so she was able to start at the same time as the Elite and Seeded runners.  She ran her personal best for the 10K, crossing the finish line at 41 minutes, 48 seconds.  She placed 7th overall in her age group, and she was the 32nd overall female runner (22nd overall female American).  Whew!  Paul admits that his goal was originally to beat Kate, but he was pleased simply to finish the race under 50 minutes.  Better luck next year, Babe! 

Post-Race Celebration:  Paul & Kate with Katie & George Miars