We are Thankful!

In the spirit of "better late than never..."

We had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving!  Lucy had a program at school - she was an Indian.  Kay joined us for Lu's program and the Thanksgiving feast afterwards...complete with a turkey breast made by me (that had to be put in the oven at 4:30am...note to self: volunteer to preheat stuffing when it is Eli's turn for the feast!) 

The Thanksgiving celebration continued in Texas where we got to see Amy and Avery for the first time since August - it was a joyous reunion!  Avery took one look at Lucy in her cowgirl boots and had to try them on for herself...she had her own pair by the end of the trip!  Mom and Dad fed and entertained us Texas-style...it was a fun week!  We tried to capture one photo where all three kids look happy (because they were, we promise!), but that was impossible.  A funnier picture might be our antics BEHIND the camera!  Dad, Amy and I ran in a 5K race on Thanksgiving morning...it was great to stretch our legs before enjoying Mom's good cooking!  The weather was mild so we spent a lot of time giving wagon-rides and being outside.

And, thankfully, the timing worked out great for me to meet my long-time friend Stacy's first child...Christian was born on October 28th.  Stacy and I have known each other since first-grade and it was wonderful to see her dreams of becoming a mom come true!  

 

Hello there Nathan King Wyatt!

Our sweet nephew/cousin was born one month ago today...Nathan King Wyatt!  Chris and I went to Charlotte at the end of December to meet him and it was so much fun to cuddle with him and catch up with his wonderful parents, Lauren and Andy! 

We like to joke that Nathan "didn't get the memo" that it's best to be born ASAP once your mom is at the hospital, but with all that hair and cuteness, who can be mad?   He is such a blessing and we're thrilled he's here!  "Yay!" for growing families, lots of cousin-fun to look forward to, and a whole bunch of love to go around! 

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow...

Happy Birthday Dear Eli...

Eli looked at Chris and me last night and asked "was I a beautiful baby?" We laughed and said "yes!"  Eli brings so much joy and energy to our lives!  

It makes me smile to see pictures when he is scowling...he isn't always flashy with his smile, but once you earn his affection it is so genuine and wonderful!  I don't want to forget the feeling of his hands wrapped around my thighs when he walks up to give me impromptu hugs, or his excitement when he used the potty at a restaurant earlier this week and entertained EVERYONE in the restaurant with his dance - he was so, so proud of himself!  

At his school, children celebrating their birthdays can bring either cookies or mini-cupcakes to celebrate with their classmates...Eli chose mini-cupcakes and was very specific on the flavors: chocolate cake with white icing and sprinkles!  

Lucy made a special breakfast for him this morning and he asked for Black Bean Soup and cornbread for his Birthday Dinner!  He told me earlier this week "you're a good dinner-maker."  

We had an early birthday celebration with Mom and Dad over Christmas!  We told Eli to sit on the couch and close his eyes so they could bring his present out - he was thrilled with the Mater wagon!  The celebration continues later this month with a trip to the Chattanooga Aquarium with Fred, Kay and Kelly!  

The latest books he's checked out from the library are about firefighters and football players.  I think his favorite word right now is "silly!"  He continues to love dinosaurs, being outside, wearing his football helmet, being "helpful", and playing with Lucy.  Such an awesome boy!   

Here is one-month old Eli...

Pictures from the past year...

Celebrating with Nana and Gramps...

BirthDAY Fun...including SNOW this afternoon...