We had a fantastic November. One Friday night we went to Camp Notalotawoods (say that 3 times fast) at church and although we were 15 minutes late, when we pulled in, there were only 3 cars in the parking lot. :( It took some serious convincing to get Jimmy out of the car but once we went in and realized we were one of 2 full families there, all the middle school helpers and us had a ball. Ever done a selfie scavenger hunt through a 10,000 square foot church at night? No, me either. We had random things we had to find all throughout the church and take a selfie in front of each one with our team. I was sweating and laughing SO hard. So much for "no running" in church.
After some relays, that involved dress up clothes (my kiddos favorite) Trace decided to wear the morph suit for the remainder of the evening. Guess what's going on his Christmas list...
Keatyn volunteered to be our wrapped princess. I saw in her eyes about half way through she wished she hadn't, but she held perfectly still and was such a trooper.
The next day, Millie and Sean came with the kids from Alabama.
Our plan was to meet at our house, eat some pizza and then head up
Lookout Mtn. to see the Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City. We
loaded into 2 cars and away we went. Sadly, when we pulled in, the entire tri state area was there and the line was ridiculous. It was FREEZING and windy so we decided to call it a night. I was so disappointed, but maybe next year.
All the kiddos spent the night at Sisty's and had so much fun together. We love our cousins!!
Trace finding out he had school the next day and wouldn't be able to spend the night for the second night in a row. :(
So SK was pretty bummed about missing the lights the night before so we decided to load up again and go to the East Ridge drive through lights (because it was still frigid outside). I had the bright idea to stop at Superfly first and let them all jump, but my bright idea tanked when we pulled in and they were closed. 0 for 2. :( We need to elect a new cruise director. After a few tears and tuffles, we made it to the light show and it was beautiful. Then all was right with the world again when we stopped and got everyone a donut. Nelson came home to spend the night with us since Trace had to go to school the next day.
Before we left for home, a little whip and nae nae was in order.
These two. Love.
The next morning, we watched Trace's sweet Christmas program at school. It was the Grandparents Day program but the parents got to come watch rehearsal. Love my sweet boy!
The next day, was Keatyn's little Turkey song and dance before they were out for Thanksgiving break. We hit the road right after to head to Destin. This is quickly becoming my favorite family tradition!
We left in jackets and Uggs and arrived to sunny and 75. I realized about noon on day 1 that I had packed entirely wrong for this trip. Not 1 pair of shorts, and only 1 short sleeve shirt. Who would have thought it in late November?
Dinner the first night on the porch at Tommy Bahamas...
The trees were beautiful and the kids loved running through the courtyard while we ate.
Love these amazing people so much! Andy and Kadi had just gotten into town so they skipped dinner that night.
The next day was Thanksgiving. We forgo the traditional turkey in favor of crab legs. I know, I know...
Keatyn decided to take over photography duties for awhile...
After that huge lunch, we took the dogs to Jolee Island and let them run. Oh, this made my heart happy. Love these pooches!! They loved the water and the sand. We ended up going back everyday we were there.
The next day, we hit the beach for a while. It was much warmer this year than last, although my big toe would disagree after its brief dip in the water.
We had a few burials...
That snorkel is attached to my child. Jimmy kept talking to him through it to make sure he was able to breath. Sigh.
He's insane...
We headed to the Wharf that night for dinner at Acme.
Apparently we can't take a family photo without "peace" fingers.
Uncle Andy got her to try her first raw oyster. Not a fan.
She much prefered Sisty's chargrilled ones soaked in butter.
Timber did so well and loved hanging with the family. Not having a fenced in backyard went better than I expected. He escaped a few times out onto the golf course, but always came back.
Crab hunting...
The last night, Santa arrived at the Wharf. It was so much fun and the fireworks went MUCH better than last year. :) We were ready this time!!
The kids ice skated again this year, and Keatyn actually lasted longer than 5 seconds.
And of course, there was rope course climbing and bouncy jumping. The wharf isn't a cheap place. ;)
The next day, we loaded up and came home. It was the perfect Thanksgiving!
We are truly blessed!
