Thanksgiving in Longview

We surprised Mama & Papa with a Thanksgiving dinner in Longview.  Mama was recovering from back surgery and we knew she would not be fixing a big turkey dinner, so we did.  All the kids and grandkids were able to make it and we had a wonderful time.  

Tanner turns 2!

I just can't believe Tanner is already 2.  Lindsay planned a really fun birthday party for him and I think it was a huge success.  The kids seemed to have a great time and the parents enjoyed the food.  They chose a "camping" theme and set up several tents for the kids to play in.  Chris chopped up some wood for seats and Lindsay went to work on the menu.  To be honest, I think she was driven by some cute favors she wanted to give out, S'mores!  They had camping food - hot dogs, chips, trail mix that each chose what they wanted to add to theirs (and several 2 year olds would sometimes just choose one item and eat it straight out of the container!).  As the evening got darker, the kids all got flashlights and had a ball.

Happy Birthday, Tanner!

OMG!

OMG, I can't believe how long it's been since I last blogged.  For the very few of you that follow this (Leigh), I am going to try and catch up.  Hold on cause it might be a bumpy ride!!

Fall Trip to the Arboretum

Lindsay, Tanner, Amanda and Lilly made a trip to the Arboretum with me this fall.  There aren't many times that will happen with everyone's busy schedule but it was really fun.  As usual, it was beautiful with all of the pumpkins and fall flowers. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much I enjoyed being with them to take them!

Fall Trip to Rockport, Mass.

My sweet mom and I made a trip up to Rockport, Mass. mid September for some play and reading time.  We met up at DFW and flew into Boston, then got to the train station and traveled by train to Rockport seeing some great sights along the way.  It was a wonderful adventure and so many folks were so helpful along the way.  We stayed at the Emerson Inn by the Sea and it was so lovely.  We did some hiking along the sea shore, shopped in town, ate a little bit of everything and started laughing on the plane.  I love spending time with my mom and am so thankful for these extra special times.

"Cute as a Button" baby shower for Amanda

I know this not following in chroneological order, but I wanted to get this in.  Lindsay, Julianne, Karen and Megan hosted the cutest or "Cute as a Button" shower for Amanda immediately following our return from Africa.  There were all 4 grandmothers, both moms, her sister and all sister-in-laws, Aunts and cousins from everywhere.  It was a very special day.  

Lindsay made the invitations using a stamp for the design, printed them and then applied several different textured fabrics before applying the buttons.  We found several great ideas on other's blogs and even used some of the recipes available.  Megan had a gift that was opened throughout the time Amanda was opening her gifts.  She stacked several smaller boxes within each other and each time you opened a gift, there was a question.  Whoever answered it unwrapped the next box.  It was very cute and really helped Amanda feel more comfortable.