Thanksgiving Weekend

I kicked the weekend off a little early and met my "squad" for Mexican and margaritas Tuesday night.  I feel like the whole month of November was a chaotic blur.  Our routines were so off between my surgery, not being able to work out, and Barrett being sick.  The chaos was getting to me and I needed a night away.  Brittany sent a text to the group and everyone replied within seconds with praise hands and I knew it was going to be a fun night.  We had a good night and closed the place down.  I'm so thankful for these girls and their friendship.  We have done a lot of laughing over the years and I hope we're still needing margaritas before holidays when we're 50!

The kids and I worked Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Thursday morning we got up and watched the parade.  Barrett and Patrick weren't all that excited but AveryAnn and I enjoyed it!

She was mesmerized. 

After the parade we headed to my Grandmother's for lunch.  It was such a nice day, after we ate we sat outside and watched the kids play.  I love this picture of Barrett and my Grandmother.

She has this little pond in her yard and the kids loved playing in it.  I'm shocked AveryAnn didn't end up in it.

Family picture attempt.

Love these people so much!

My sister and I decided to match in our leopard sweaters.  So I threw AveryAnn's leopard dress on to complete the trio.

AveryAnn was excited to see her cousins at Patrick's parents house.  They are mostly older and Barrett and AveryAnn both just love them.

She was very interested in Aunt Allison's video of Ashlyn cheering.

These two look so big here.

Friday was our annual kickball game.  We had to change locations this year since my brother moved.  We all met at our house and had chili and then went over to the ballpark to play. 

The boys mostly just played in the dirt. 

Saturday morning Brittany and I ran some errands together which turned into lunch at Taco Mama.  When I saw the sangarita on the menu I knew I had to try one, even if it was only 11:00 am.  It was gameday.

The kids and I headed to Matt and Jennifer's house to watch the Iron Bowl.  Patrick was supposed to go with us but he decided he didn't want to be the only Auburn fan.  Turns out we were pretty glad he stayed home.  We had a good time despite the game not going our way.   

AveryAnn loved all the attention.  They were the only kids there and did so good. 

Now we're in full on Christmas mode.  We've got our tree up and are trying to soak in the holiday season!  It's such a special time of year, especially with kids.  Barrett is al into this year and it's so much fun!

Labor Day Weekend: So long Summer

We've had a wonderful long weekend at home! 

Thursday night Barrett went to workout with me.  He now insists he has to go every time I go and while I love using that as my time away, I also love having my own little cheerleader there.  When it's not crowded the teacher lets him "workout" with us.  It's really sweet.

Friday morning started with donuts in our college colors.

Then we had a little adventure to check out the wedding venue for some of our dear friends.  It was a beautiful place so I tried to take advantage and snap some cute pictures of the kids. 

Here they are wearing the same outfit.  Patrick told me not to show anyone this but it's too cute not to share.

Friday afternoon Crystal sent out a group text asking if anyone wanted to go see Sam Hunt in Birmingham.  I'd already planned for the kids to spend the night with my parents and Patrick had to be at work early Saturday morning so he didn't want to do anything so I went.  We had so much fun!  Brittany ended up getting a ticket from another friend and we met up for a bit.  I wasn't a huge Sam Hunt fan but he put on an amazing show (for free!). 

I did learn I'm too old for general admission tickets.  I almost lost my cool several times when people kept pushing through to "get to their friends" in the front.  Finally, I just didn't move and told them they should have gotten there when their friends did if they wanted to stand with them.  And I made a poor choice of footwear and my feet were killing me. but other than that we had a great time!

There was a huge crowd and it was a gorgeous night for an outdoor show!

Saturday morning, Brittany and I met at the GUTS trail for a little hike.  We did 3 miles to start the day and it was so nice.  I'm really enjoying getting out and sweating.  My goal is 4 days a week right now and so far so good!

Saturday night the kids and I went to Matt and Jennifer's new house to watch football!  Their new house is beautiful and the kids tried their best to destroy it.  This is the only picture I got of them together.

He said he couldn't take a picture because he needed to relax.

I squeezed her into this outftit from last year because it was way too big on her and she only wore it once.  It was tight but she was just so cute I couldn't stand it.

Selfie with my girl!

Last year in the same outfits.

Sunday morning I got up and went to Mass.  Barrett was whiney and AveryAnn was coughing and had a nasty runny nose so Patrick stayed home with them and I went alone.  Which is super weird when you're used to wrangling two kids.  After lunch the kids took naps and I went to HIIT.  Later the Moore's came over and the kids played. 

Monday morning we all slept late and enjoyed some snuggles. 

After naptime we loaded up and went to the park. 

We haven't been since AveryAnn started walking and it was fun.  Barrett was so excited for his dad to watch him go down all the slides and AveryAnn just wanted to play on the steps.  Then of course the ice cream man showed up and luckily Daddy had some cash.

AveryAnn wore most of hers but they sure were cute. 

After the park we made a family trip to Lowes.  Patrick got some screen so he could make me this cute frame to hold my earrings.  We did baths and then it was time for bed!  We're ready for Fall!  The weather this weekend was such a tease. 

Christmas at the Falls

Saturday night we wanted to venture out for a little family fun.  Alabama was playing for the SEC Championship and I felt like a traitor not watching the game but there are only 3 weekends before Christmas and we already have plans for the next two weekends so I knew Saturday night was our only free night for some family fun (mainly because Patrick is on second shift).  We went back and forth about what we wanted to do and finally decided on Christmas at the Falls at Nocculula Falls in Gasden.  It was a little over an hours drive for us but I think it was worth it.  I loved that it was $5 for a ticket in and that included everything except cookies and hot chocolate.   Before we left Patrick asked me if he would need a jacket.  I told him no.  I was wrong.  It was cold. I love that Barrett is waving in this picture.  The falls are behind us, you can't see them though.

I just love Christmas lights.  There is something so magical about a million twinkling lights.  You can't help but smile while you're walking through them.  

I love these boys.

The covered bridge was playing music and the lights danced to the music.  I loved watching the lights reflect on the pond. 

I love flamingos!

Every time we walked by one of these things Barrett would say "WOW",  It was the cutest thing ever and made the long trip worth it! 

The best picture I got of the Falls.  

Pointing at the water. 

Loved the nativity. They were playing the Christmas story and you could sit and watch the lights go along with the story.

They also had a petting zoo and you could visit with Santa.  We didn't wait in line to see Santa but Barrett loved the petting zoo. 

The last thing we did was ride the train.  It was the perfect ending to the night.   I enjoyed getting to spend time with my little family.  I've always loved Christmas lights, but getting to experience them through your kids is so special too.