I'm back!

This may be a brief come back, but I'm still here!

We have had a VERY busy month! The month of November was filled with two trips to North Carolina. The first trip was for Christie and Brandon's wedding on November 21st. We headed up on Friday and made it just in time to get ready and head to the rehearsal dinner. We were all very happy to see Chad's family! Of course, Payton was most excited about seeing Calyn and Carson (he can't tell me this, but I am judging based on his excitement level when we pulled in the drive and spotted them!!). The wedding was beautiful....however, I have learned that I will NEVER take my adorable little one to a wedding again! We were luckily that the church was large enough to hide his squirming, talking, fussing and eventual need to walk out of the church with him! When Chandra, Calyn and Carson walked into the church at the start of the ceremony he thought it would be appropriate to stand, wave and say "Hey!" Lessons learned!!

After the wedding, Chad's family headed south to Disney for the week of Thanksgiving. We spent Saturday night at my parents house, visited with my Papaw Joe for a little, and headed home on Sunday.

Our suitcases stayed packed. Dirty clothes were washed and repacked. Christmas decorations were pulled out of the closets. Monday I interviewed for a new job as the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Nurse Coordinator at MUSC. Tuesday I found out I got the job. Wednesday we worked. After work, we headed out in search of the perfect Christmas tree for the year....and settled on a fake, pre-lit frasier fur from Lowes. Not exactly what I was raised with, but a good choice for the year! After buying the tree, we grabbed dinner and headed home. Once Payton was asleep we put the tree up....not the 10 minute assembly time the box claimed! We finally headed to bed around 1:00 in the morning. We woke up early, loaded the car....as full as we could...and headed to Sherrills Ford to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We were able to see my Aunt Linda and Uncle Bill, my cousin Kim and my Grandpa Joe on Thanksgiving. It was great to have a relaxed holiday meal with them and let Payton spend a little extra time with all of them. He was very happy to play football with Uncle Bill and show him how to tackle. Payton drops to the floor and then states "I tackle me!"

He enjoyed building with stacking cups at the table after everyone had finished their Thanksgiving meal. Payton didn't eat too much turkey and dressing - he had too many people giving him chips and chex mix prior to the holiday meal.

He read bedtime stories with Aunt Linda and with Grandpa.

Friday was filled with shopping with my Aunt Moe......lots of deals were found! It is a bit of a tradition with us. When I'm home, I always try to go with her on the biggest shopping day of the year! Although I was exhausted, we made it to dinner with Harold and Cherie on Friday night.

Saturday was another fun-filled busy day! We started at Wil's birthday party. Wil is my cousin Jeremy's little boy. He turned 3 this year. We headed home to meet my Uncle Alfred, cousin Cole and my dad for lunch at Butcher Boys...can't make a trip home without getting that grease in somehow! My dad's side of the family had our Thanksgiving gathering on Saturday night.

Payton, Moses, Rachel, Noah and Connor (Wil and Maddie weren't here yet)

They sat at the bar and had snacks for about 30 minutes!

Connor, Payton, Wil

This year was pretty special. It was great to see all of the kids playing together...chaotic, but fun!! There are now 7 kids - from 7 down to 9 months - all very active and energetic! Payton seemed to take a special interest in Connor - the oldest of the great-grandchildren.

Connor was great with Payton and played with him most of the night. Christmas will be interesting with all of the kids running around my Mom's fragile decorations!

Payton meets Maddie

Payton, Connor, Wil, Aunt Moe, Maddie

Many of you may remember that my cousin Leslie lost her husband, Steve, earlier this year. My family pulled together and surprised her with a gift-card tree which I'm sure will help make the holiday season a little brighter for the 3 of them. It is truly better to give than to receive! I have seen that so many times over the past few weeks!

Sunday once again arrived too quickly. We loaded up and headed home. The holiday season was in full swing....and we haven't had one break since it started!!