Pre-Thanksgiving

Today we were in Athens for part of our Thanksgiving trip. We were able to spend the day with Ryan’s parents and our nephews – Anderson, Cason & Jaxson. We took the boys to the park for a few hours and had a chance to meet up with one of my good friends Brandi and her boys Brooks and Brady.  It was a beautiful day and the kids were able to run around and play to their hearts content.

We ended the day with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Athens – Rafferty’s. Ryan’s sister, Roslyn, and her boyfriend met us there and it was a great time being together.

No wait, we ended the day making Gingerbread houses! That was fun!

We got a new picture of all the cousins together today at the park. I think it turned out pretty cute. 

Picking numbers for their Gingerbread Houses

She really wanted the #3 house - she picked #2

He wanted to smash his house when he was done...he did!

Veterans Day

Today Avery’s American Heritage Girls troop participated in the local Veterans Day Parade. This was Avery’s first parade to be involved in and she was excited! The girls also sang the National Anthem at the Veterans Service following the parade. The troop practiced really hard to learn the National Anthem. A lot of the girls in our group (the Pathfinders 5 & 6 year olds) did not know any of it when we started practicing and in just a few short meetings we were singing it all. It was really fun to watch them learn it. We also read the history behind the song and all the girls could tell us who wrote the song – Frances Scott Key and all about the battle that was fought at Fort McHenry while he wrote it. One of the great things about American Heritage Girls is that we are teaching the girls to  honor their country and teaching them about the history of America.  I am really enjoying being involved in AHG. It’s a great thing for Avery and I to do together and I am loving getting to know all 16 girls in our Pathfinder group – they are so cute! Here are some pictures from the parade – Riley Kate got to tag along and was the only little one to ride along on the float. Daddy drove his truck and we borrowed a trailer from Taylor to pull some of the girls in too.  A great day! Thank you to our Veterans who faithfully serve and protect us – we are forever grateful!

Donuts for breakfast

Ryan's truck decorated

It was COLD and WINDY

The trailer full of girls

Ready to sing the National Anthem

Shutterfly Rocks

I had a Shutterfly House Party tonight and let me just tell you that Shutterfly is one of the best companies I have ever order photo gifts from - they have incredible deals, excellent costumer service and great quality products. Here is one of the Christmas Cards I made tonight. Check them out!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.