One Ringy, Dingy

Luke has gotten into posing for pictures a little more lately which is a nice change from his normal cheesy grin.  The kids were in good moods when we got home from school today.  Mondays can be rough on all of us so today was nice.

A Tradition with Friends

Our little group, minus Katherine

"Farmhouse in the Fork"

There was a pond on the farm to enjoy in the warmer months

The barn was beautiful lit up at night

Almost every year since Paul and I started dating we have done a weekend away with our good friends.   As the years go by the weekends away get more important for all of us.  This year it was extremely difficulty for us all to get away for two nights.  Rather than canceling our annual trip we decided getting away from reality for one night was better than not at all!  Paul lucked up on this great farmhouse in Leiper's Fork.  It was booked Thursday night and Saturday night so the owners gave us a good deal for one night.

The house exceeded our expectations.  Even though Leiper's Fork is not that far away - about an hour drive for each of us it seemed like worlds away.  The house had recently been renovated with all the latest amenities, but still had an old school charm about it.  Rico grilled some amazing steaks for supper and we kept it simple with salad and potatoes.  The owners thought of everything and had a basket with all the s'mores ingredients ready for us.  There was an awesome outdoor fireplace with an eating area that we enjoyed late into the night.  We all enjoyed a good nights sleep and headed into the little town for breakfast at Puckett's Grocery.  The breakfast was great - no fuss here, we had biscuits and gravy served in paper plates.  We all did a little window shopping before we parted ways.  Even though we were only together a little over 12 hours it was well worth it and much needed!  It was so great catching up with the girls.  They truly are dear friends!

Paul and I took advantage of Mom having the kids for a little while and did some Christmas shopping in Franklin.  I hit my favorite shops on and off the square and found a few little stocking stuffers.  The kids had a great time with Mom and didn't want to leave when we got there to pick them up!

First Trip to the Theatre

Andrew helping Luke make his kite

Katherine needed some help, too!

The finished project!

 

All smiles after the show!

Mom got us all tickets to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Nashville Children's Theatre. I wasn't sure how Katherine would do, but we decided to try it.  It finally turned off cold today so we could break out the Winter coats!  The kids did wonderful and really enjoyed the show!  It was a great production.  There were activities for the kids to do before the show.  It held their attention for the majority of the play.  Only, toward the end did Katherine begin to get antsy.  We all said our good-byes after the show.  Andrew and Mandi are heading back to Florida tomorrow.  They will be back for Christmas though!  We enjoyed their time at home and can't wait to see them again.

Paul opted not to go to the play with us and instead stayed at home.  The kids and I met him in Gallatin for our Troutt Thanksgiving.  Paula and Bill went to MD Anderson in Houston the beginning of the week and did not get back until Wednesday night.  So, we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving with them today.  Paula has not had success with the chemo she has been on so they are seeking other opinions to see what the next step is.  They were pleased with MD Anderson and were very impressed with the physicians and facilities.  They also have met with physicians at Sara Cannon here and were blown away with what they have to offer.  We are praying diligently that God gives them wisdom as they make these next big decisions.

We enjoyed our evening with everyone.  I can't believe I did not take any pictures.  Kitty was able to join us, but Memaw wasn't able to.  Claudia was sick with a stomach bug so she was not with us either.  We missed them but had fun together and were able to decide on our Christmas plans and draw names for gift giving.  It was a very long, but rewarding day!

A Day With Daddy

I had to work today so Paul got a day with the kids.  They went to Gallatin to visit with BopNene for awhile and spent the rest of the day at home.  Paul snapped this shot of the kids.  They will hate me for this one day.   We are slowly working on K's potty training.  I must admit I am lacking motivation in that department right now -- too much else going on.  So, it is hit or miss.  But, after the first of the year we need to hit it hard and get her trained.  It makes me feel bad that Luke was already fully potty trained by her age.  I think I am just more tired this time around!

Mom, Andrew and Mandi came over for supper tonight.  We also previewed the pics from last night.  Looks like we'll have some to choose from for the Christmas card.

We're With the Crazies...

The hotel is at its best this time of year

Such a little man

We knew we wanted to do our Christmas card pictures while Andrew and Mandi were home.  After we talked it over we realized the best night to go to Opryland Hotel was tonight.  Since the mall was closed we thought it wouldn't be too crowded -- wrong!  The hotel was packed!  It wasn't long before the kids were getting cranky.  Katherine enjoyed a quick nap on the way to the airport this morning, but Luke didn't sleep a week or even rest for that matter.  I am pretty sure we all got some pictures that will work for our cards. The last place we stopped probably would have been our best option, but the kids were d.o.n.e by that point and the adults weren't too far behind!  I am glad we went to the hotel and can check that off our Christmas to-do list.

A Day of Thanks

Paul smoked the turkey again this year -- it was the best one yet!

Nanny read to both Katherine and Luke

Katherine inspected Nanny's "boo-boo"

Tossing the ole' pigskin around

Love this girl!

They really all did throw and catch the ball!

Oh what a fun a construction site is!

Andrew was teaching Luke fractions, what?!

So glad Aunt Sheila was able to make the trip!

Trying to come up with gift options for our name drawing

Thanksgiving was absolutely beautiful here -- sunny and close to 70!  Katherine and I went to pick up Andrew and Mandi from the airport this morning.  They decided to fly home this time.  We all met at Mom's for lunch.  The food was all wonderful!  Paul did an excellent job with the turkey -- I am pretty sure it is my favorite to date.  Everyone else brought sides.  We enjoyed a leisurely lunch then headed outside to burn off some of those calories!  We attempted to throw the football around. We were quite a sight to see!  Mom's community has lots of entertainment options, like touring the houses under construction.  The kids got a kick out of going through the homes and climbing on the dirt piles.

Dessert was next on the agenda followed by drawing names for our Christmas gift exchange.  We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. It was so nice to have a day to be with family and enjoy some down time.  We were so glad Aunt Sheila was able to make it.  She broke her ankle on Halloween and had to have surgery.   It was nice for us all to be together.  Katherine made Nanny's day by running straight into her arms when they got there.  I think she melted a few hearts (again)....

A Time With Friends

I have today and tomorrow off.  I took the kids to school with hopes of getting lots of stuff done.  Paul scheduled the ServPro guys to come and clean our carpets.  They have become quite embarrassing.  This is kind of our last ditch effort before we have to take the plunge and get new carpet.  We know that is going to be quite costly and would like to put it off as long as possible.  Also, with two kids it makes sense to wait until they are a little older and not so prone to spills. Since I was sequestered to only the hardwood floor areas I was able to get a lot done in the kitchen and living room!

They were finished late morning.  Laura is in town for the holiday and Virginia had the day off.  The girls picked up Chef's for lunch and came to the house to eat.  It was great to see each other and catch up with everything going on.  We talked jobs, families, holidays and decorating.  It's always fun to hang out.  We also started talking about what we might like to do for our Christmas this year.

I had just enough time to do a few errands before I picked the kids up.  Luke is feeling much better and went   to school Monday.  He has started to get a few little bumps on his face.  There have been a couple of confirmed cases of Fifth's disease in his class.  It sounds way worse than it is. It is just a virus that is very common in young children, especially child care centers.  It starts with cold like symptoms and ends with a rash that is usually on the face and upper body, but can be anywhere.  A child is not contagious once the rash develops.  The teacher told me to keep an eye on him over the holiday.  I am just glad he is feeling better!

Two Little Monkeys!

Practicing her putting

It really is monkey-see, monkey-do with these two.  Whatever one of them is doing the other one wants to join right in. It really doesn't matter what it is.  Katherine could pick up a toy that Luke hasn't played with in months and he will decided he wants it right now!  Tonight, they decided they needed to take off their shirts and roll around on the bed.  We are also slowly continuing our Christmas decorating.  Katherine entertained herself while we brought boxes up from the shop.

Sickness and a Weenie Roast

The kids helped gather wood for the fire pit

Yesterday was Luke's Thanksgiving meal at school.  Paul and I weren't able to go, but Mom was.  I was so glad someone was able to go eat with him.  When I picked him up from school the teacher said he had started not feeling good and complained of a sore throat.  He has what appears to be a canker sore in his mouth.  Paul and his dad are both prone to canker sores and I read if a parent is susceptible to them then a child is 90% more likely to have them.  By the time we were on our way home Luke was pitiful, he was crying and saying his head hurt.  He definitely had a temp so I gave him some Ibuprofen when we got home and we just laid low.

I had to work today so Paul kept the kids.  Luke was still pitiful when he woke up so we decided he needed to go to the doctor.  Paul took Katherine by Mom's before they went.  Turns out it is just a virus.  They did a strep test, checked his lungs, belly and ears.  Not really much we can do except keep him comfortable.  By late afternoon he had perked up considerably.  We recently bought a fire pit but have not used it yet.  So, Paul and the kids decided tonight was the night.  I did not get home until after 5.  Paul and Katherine were outside with the fire and Luke was resting in bed watching a movie.  Mom ended up coming over and we grilled hot dogs and made s'mores!  Luke ate great and seemed to be feeling better.  Here's hoping he will wake up well tomorrow!

Decking The Halls

Luke, of course, was enthralled in Legos

Showing off her ornament from last year

With Thanksgiving a week away, you know we have already started some Christmas decorating around here!  Both of the kids trees are up and we started on the tree in the bonus room tonight.  Katherine was really into getting all the ornaments out and "helping" hang them on the tree.  Luke was more interested in his Legos tonight, but normally is right in there with us when it comes to decorating.

My boys

I found this shirt on Amazon and thought I would get it for part of Paul's birthday in December. He loves the Christmas Vacation movie so I knew he would get a kick out of this.  When it came in today I couldn't wait to give it to him!  I just called it an early birthday present!

Too much fun, too few pictures

Cuddled up with Pop watching TV

Paul and Luke rode the sky lift

The weekend was more than relaxing.  We did very little and loved every minute of it.  We took turns cooking meals in.  We went in to Gatlinburg for a little while yesterday.  Luke and Paul rode the sky lift.  Luke loved it!  Luke also loved getting in the hot tub.  Jon and Kristen cooked a yummy supper for us and we watched a lot of football.  Paul, Bill and the kids turned in early so the rest of us stayed up late playing games.  Katherine started getting a runny nose and ran a little low-grade temp last night.  We gave her some Motrin and put her to bed early.  She woke up feeling and acting fine this morning.  Even though it was a very quick trip it was fun and well worth it!

Last Minute Get-a-way

We had been talking about getting away with the Troutts this fall for a few weeks, but weren't sure if it was going to work out or not.  When we realized that this weekend would work Jon got busy booking us a cabin. Paul took a half day off work and picked up the kids.  They picked me up from work around 2 and we were on our way!  Traffic was pretty rough which is typical. We stopped in Maryville to eat supper before going the rest of the way.  The kids were great.  They watched a couple of shows and enjoyed looking out the windows.  We are ready for a little R&R.

Cheese, please!

Katherine wanted to do some posing tonight before bedtime. She says "cheese me, Mommy"!

All Good Things...

must come to an end.  Today was Luke's last soccer game.  He played a really good game.  It was by far the most aggressive he had ever played.  His team ended the season undefeated.  There was a little recognition ceremony where each player got a medal. The soccer club had rented a bounce house and another game for an end of the year celebration.  Luke had fun playing.  Pop, Nene and Nonna all came to see his last game.  We hope Luke will want to play in the Spring.  We think he needs to give it one more season to see if he likes it or not.

Trick Or Treat, Trick Or Treat

Ready for candy!

The kids had a great time trick-or-treating in the neighborhood.  We are always the first ones out and about. This year was no exception.  Katherine really got in to it more than I thought she would.  She liked going door-to-door.  She was disappointed when no one was home.  It was very cold here so Mom, Katherine and I headed back to our house after several houses.  Paul and Luke continued on and went to all the houses in our neighborhood.  He came home with a bag of loot!  Mom stayed and ate supper with us.  Both kids got so excited every time the doorbell rang and would fight over who could give the candy out.  We actually did not have near as many kids this year and have lots of candy left over.  Not sure what to do with all of it...