The Bouncing Ball's On The Road Again Thanksgiving Week November 2025 Sneads Ferry, North Carolina

Gratitude, giggles, and very full bellies marked our second Thanksgiving escape to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, as the Bouncing Balls rolled back into town to “give thanks” with our coastal crew at Fulcher’s Landing.

“I am grateful for allowing my Sneads Ferry family to continue the tradition of ‘Giving Thanks’ for family and friends.” – Susan

Rolling back to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina

The Ball siblings—minus one (we’re looking at you, Edonn!) aimed Uncle Kevin’s “car house” south again for Thanksgiving, bound for Sneads Ferry to catch up with Joan Baxley, Christina Asbury, her husband, Ashley, and their son, the little big man himself, Lincoln, now 16 years old. Fulcher’s Landing RV Park once again became home base, tucked along the New River in this easygoing fishing town just north of Wilmington, North Carolina.

This year, we leveled up: our 2022 Thor Magnitude BT36 now has a sidekick, a 2015 Chevy Spark in tow, which meant quick zips to stores and family hangouts without booking rides from Uber. The tradeoff was a slightly spicier back‑in at the campground, but the freedom to roam without calling Uber made it more than worth a few extra “Left! No, your other left!” moments.

Bumps in the road, love in the details

The plan said “leave on Sunday, November 23rd,” but the Bouncing Balls never do anything without a little plot twist. Kevin hit some digestive turbulence before departure, and the “caring and love” portion of the trip kicked in immediately as everyone rallied around getting him back on track.

While Kevin was recovering, Susan got handed a delicious mission: cook up a potluck pot of collard greens with smoked turkey necks, slow‑cooked and seasoned with a ridiculous amount of love. By the time Kevin made it to Winston‑Salem, copilot Susan and Chingy, the 21‑year‑old chihuahua mascot who still runs the show, climbed aboard our RV headed east on I‑40, hearts full and appetites ready.

Family stopovers and old traditions

Of course, no Bouncing Ball's Thanksgiving road trip is complete without a family pit stop. The Ball's stopped in Durham, North Carolina, where the RV, proudly known to the kids as “Uncle Kevin’s car house” turned into a rolling reunion hall.

We got to hug our grand‑nieces and nephew Joy, Ella, and Winston, visit with our sister Edonn, catch up with our niece Lauren and her husband Donovan, and spend time with his parents Sheila and Harold Livingston. Having everyone together under one roof for the first time since our last big Family Thanksgiving in 2019 felt like hitting the pause button on life and soaking in all the good stuff at once.

Landing in Fulcher’s RV Park: blessings in the dark

By the time we rolled into Fulcher’s Landing, the sun had called it quits, and backing into our site felt like trying to park a cruise ship in a dark alley. Susan is steadily learning to be the eyes Kevin can’t see, calling distances and angles while both of them do the backup dance and hope nothing goes “crunch.”

Just when it looked like we were starring in our own RV blooper reel, a few full‑time residents appeared out of the darkness like campground superheroes, flashlights and hand signals at the ready. With their help, we slipped into the site without a scratch, and right then it was clear: we weren’t just visitors anymore, we were officially part of the Fulcher’s Landing family.

Friendsgiving, Tar Heel style

From that moment on, the vibe was simple: LOVE and GOOD times with a healthy side of “Do we really have room for more food?” Thanksgiving Day with Joan, at Christina and Ashley’s house, was a Tar Heel feast from start to finish, with a seriously local twist.

Christina and Ashley kicked off the morning with a duck hunt and then casually turned their harvest into stuffed duck breast appetizers like it was no big deal. Every dish on the table had that homemade magic, right down to the cranberry sauce, blending North Carolina comfort with family tradition and just enough chaos to feel like home.

Potluck dinner, oysters, and the Sous Chefs, Kevin and Susan

The days that followed were basically a food marathon disguised as socializing. First came the inaugural Fulcher’s Landing Thanksgiving potluck, where campers and residents circled up with dishes, stories, and plenty of “You have to try this!” moments. Between bites of grilled deer meat, fried turkey, and more sides than a buffet, invitations for “same time, next year?” started flying fast.

Then it was time for the Oyster bake and Scallop feast, where Kevin and Susan got promoted to sous chef under the command of executive chef Joan Baxley at her home. There was shucking, seasoning, laughing, and probably a little too much taste‑testing!

From Susan - A cactus, a community, and quiet gratitude

My heart if full knowing that I am now part of a remote community filled with good North Carolinians that are big on “Fellowship,” and for that I am extremely grateful to my brother and my newfound family in Sneed’s Ferry. On a more personal note, I have been given a White Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus to continue to grow from the original plant of our host, Christina Asbury's late mother. She is now home with me, planted with love, and I will nurture her to grow and flourish. To my pilot and brother Kevin, words can not express how grateful and fortunate I am to have you as my “Bro” you continue to make me feel that I am the luckiest sister to have a brother like you. I'm looking forward to our next adventure!

The Bouncing Ball's Edonn center, Susan and Kevin

Our 2022 Thor Magnitude BT36 with the 2015 Chevy Spark in tow

Sous Chef Kevin and Susan shucking oysters with direction from the executive chef, Joan Baxley, in her home, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, Thanksgiving 2025

Oysters bake to perfection with pan-seared scallops - Thank you Joan!

Thanksgiving In Sneads Ferry NC

The Ball siblings' Thanksgiving trip to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, was a heartwarming journey filled with sibling bonding during an RV adventure, a remarkable feast hosted by the Asbury family, and the unmatched hospitality of their dear friend Joan Baxley, creating lasting memories of gratitude, love, and togetherness.

Susan and Kevin's RV Adventure

The journey from Winston-Salem to Sneads Ferry marked a milestone for the Ball siblings, as it was their first round trip with Susan riding shotgun alongside her brother Kevin. The RV adventure added an extra layer of excitement to their Thanksgiving plans. Kevin, initially apprehensive about transporting his "precious cargo" - his youngest sibling Susan - soon found his worries melting away as the trip unfolded. The drive was filled with laughter, nostalgic conversations about childhood memories, and playful debates over Kevin's questionable taste in road trip music. This sibling bonding experience set the perfect tone for the warm family gathering that awaited them in Sneads Ferry.

Thanksgiving Feast Highlights

The Thanksgiving feast at the Asbury household was a culinary masterpiece that left the Ball family in awe. Christina Asbury, along with her husband Ashley and son Lincoln, proved to be exceptional hosts, serving up a spread that was nothing short of outstanding. The menu featured a perfectly seasoned turkey, mouthwatering collard greens, buttery yams, and creamy mac-n-cheese. The dessert selection was equally impressive, with apple pie, pumpkin pie, and a unique cranberry pie that became an instant favorite. Each dish showcased Christina's remarkable cooking skills, rivaling her already impressive fishing abilities. The meal was a testament to the warmth and love that permeated the gathering, creating an unforgettable holiday experience for all.

The spread was a Thanksgiving dream come true:

Turkey - Juicy and perfectly seasoned.

Collard Greens - Cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning.

Yams - Sweet and buttery—just how I like them!

Mac-n-Cheese - Creamy and cheesy; I could have eaten it all day.

Apple Pie - A classic that never disappoints.

Pumpkin Pie - For those who like a little spice in their life.

Cranberry Pie - A delightful twist that left everyone raving!

Each bite was a testament to Christina’s cooking skills, which continue to amaze me every time I visit. Not only do they excel at fishing (seriously, you should see their catches!), but their culinary prowess is equally impressive.

Joan Baxley's Warm Hospitality

Joan's warm hospitality shone brightly during the Thanksgiving celebration, exemplifying the true spirit of the holiday. Her welcoming nature and genuine care created an atmosphere of comfort and belonging for the Ball family. Joan's niece Christina Asbury, along with her husband Ashley and son Lincoln, proved to be exceptional hosts, ensuring that every detail was perfect for their visitors

The family's ability to make their guests feel at home in Sneads Ferry was particularly noteworthy, transforming a simple holiday gathering into a cherished memory for all involved.

Reflections on Gratitude

The Ball family's Thanksgiving escapade in Sneads Ferry was like a sitcom episode come to life, complete with an RV adventure that could rival National Lampoon's Vacation. As Kevin and Susan embarked on their maiden voyage, one could almost hear the theme from "Jaws" playing in Kevin's head - after all, transporting his baby sister was scarier than any shark!

The feast at the Asbury's was a gastronomic rollercoaster. Christina's turkey was so moist, it practically swam to the table, while her mac-n-cheese was cheesier than Kevin's road trip playlist (new country). The collard greens were so good, even the kids forgot to complain about eating vegetables. And let's not forget the pie trifecta - apple, pumpkin, and cranberry - a dessert spread that had everyone loosening their belts and contemplating whether elastic waistbands were the true heroes of Thanksgiving.

Joan Baxley's hospitality was warmer than a freshly microwaved leftover, making the Balls feel so at home they nearly forgot to leave. The Asbury clan's generosity was off the charts - rumor has it they even shared their secret fishing spots!

As they waddled back to their RV, stuffed fuller than the turkey they'd devoured, the Balls realized that sometimes the best family therapy is a road trip, a ridiculous amount of food, and friends who don't judge you for going back for thirds. They left with hearts full of gratitude, stomachs on the verge of bursting, and a newfound appreciation for the stretchiness of sweatpants. Who knew that the true essence of Thanksgiving was hidden in the elastic waistband all along!

Following the Bouncing Balls: A Journey from Winston-Salem to Snead Ferry

The open road beckoned as my sister Susan and I embarked on a delightful adventure from Winston-Salem to Snead Ferry. This trip marked our first journey together, and it proved to be an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, football, and a touch of RV camping excitement.

The Drive

As we set out from Susan's home in Winston-Salem, the drive was pleasantly smooth. Susan, a former Fort Lauderdale resident, took on the role of co-pilot with gusto. She commandeered the XM radio, tuning in to football games to keep us entertained during our journey.

Football Fever

While Susan may not be a die-hard Carolina Panthers fan, we found ourselves engrossed in the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers game. Fresh off the Chiefs' first loss of the season to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, we hoped for another upset. The Panthers put up a valiant fight, but ultimately fell short with a heartbreaking 30-27 loss, sealed by a Chiefs' field goal in the final seconds.

Road Trip Dynamics

As we pulled out of Susan's driveway in Winston-Salem, we encountered our first (and thankfully, only) hiccup of the trip. Susan, in her excitement, accidentally spilled her coffee in the passenger seat. But like a true road warrior, she quickly recovered, and we were on our way, it felt as though we'd been road trip partners for years. Susan's attentiveness was remarkable – she kept me well-supplied with snacks, and water and even cleaned my glasses as the sun set.

Campground Adventures

Arriving at the campground after dark presented its own set of challenges. Locating our spot, 18A, became a bit of a treasure hunt with the office closed and minimal lighting.

Technology to the Rescue

After two unsuccessful passes, we turned to technology. I had downloaded a map, and Susan followed suit on her iPhone. With her guidance, we finally located 18A on our third attempt – a feat I'm not sure I would have accomplished alone chances are I would still be driving in circles without Susan!

Teamwork in the Dark

Parking the RV in the unlit campsite was tricky, with a ditch lurking on the driver's side. Susan's assistance with the flashlight was invaluable, allowing me to back in safely without any mishaps.

Setting Up Camp

The real fun began with setting up camp. Connecting the 50AMP power, and public water, and tackling the less-than-glamorous task of emptying the black water tank all had to be done in the dark. Susan's support was unwavering, ensuring I had proper lighting and didn't stumble into the ditch.

A Sister's Bond

This trip marked the beginning of a new chapter in our sibling relationship. Susan's presence transformed what could have been a solitary journey into a shared adventure. Her willingness to help, her good humor, and her adaptability in unfamiliar situations made her the perfect travel companion. As we settled into our campsite, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this precious cargo – my youngest sister – and the memories we were creating together. This trip was more than just a drive from Winston-Salem to Snead Ferry; it was the start of what I hope will be many more adventures to come. Thank you Susan Ball!